Two contenders set sights on better jobs, services for N.C. 5th House District

In the election for the state's 5th House District, there are still echoes of the late Rep. Howard J. Hunter Jr.

Hunter was re-elected in 2006 to his 10th term in office. But he died at his home two months later from a chronic illness. He was 60.

Annie Ward Mobley, a retired chief court counselor from Ahoskie, was appointed to replace Hunter in the 5th House District - Bertie, Gates, Hertford and Perquimans counties.

She served out his term and wants to continue on with her work in the state House.

However, Mobley faces a challenge from the Rev. Robert Richardson, pastor of Hunter's former church, First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro.

Both Democratic candidates live in Ahoskie and noted several of the same issues that they hope to address as state representatives, such as economic development, a commitment to youth development and improved services.

On his election Web site, Richardson described his career background, which includes service in the U.S. Army and working as an account executive managing individual s' investment portfolios, before he earned a master of arts degree in theology.

Now, in addition to serving as a pastor, he works as a chaplain for University Health Systems Hospice Care in Ahoskie.

He also is a certified housing development finance professional and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development certified housing counselor of the Association of Housing Counselors, according to his Web site.

He also said on his Web site that he wants to expand job opportunities, fight crime, gangs and drugs, address health disparity issues, strengthen public schools, expand infrastructure and empower communities.

His Web site did not indicate how he would accomplish those goals.

There was no response to calls to his home and offices or to a letter requesting more information.

Mobley, in a candidate information sheet, said that she could offer voters an aggressive approach for services, continued care and commitment to youth and senior citizens, work toward better education in the district and efforts to bring better roads and more jobs to the district and eastern North Carolina.

During her term in the state House, Mobley was appointed to serve on the committees on Aging, Appropriations, Children, Youth and Families, Financial Institutions and Judiciary.

She also serves as one of three vice chairs on the committees of Juvenile Justice and Agribusiness and Agricultural Economy.

Calls to her house Friday for additional information about how she would accomplish her goals were not returned.

The winner of Tuesday's Democratic primary will go unchallenged in November's general election.

Lauren King, (252) 338-2413, lauren.king@pilotonline.com