ROCKINGHAM — The race for the Richmond County Board of Commissioners got a little more interesting Monday with a fourth Democrat and a Republican filing on the final day for the 2016 election cycle.

With an hour left to go, Donnie Richardson walked into the Board of Elections office to make his third bid for county commissioner as a GOP candidate.

Former commissioner Peggy Covington filed her candidacy as a Democrat earlier in the day. Both Covington and Richardson also ran in 2014.

Last week, the office was mostly silent, with Commissioner John Garner being the candidate to file. Commissioner Jimmy Capps filed the week before.

Tavares Bostic, founder of the group Brothers Leaning on Another Creating Kings to link young African-American men and boys with local mentors, was the first challenger in the race for the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, filing on Dec. 1.

The seats on the Richmond County Board of Commissioners up for re-election are currently held by Chairman Kenneth Robinette, Vice Chairman Garner and Capps.

Robinette has also expressed his intent to run again, but because he switched his voter registration to unaffiliated, he will have to petition and obtain the signatures of 4 percent of the county’s registered voters as of Jan. 1. The petition will have to be certified and the $101 filing fee paid by June 24.

Richmond County Board of Education Chairman Wiley Mabe and school board members Ronald Tillman and Jerry Ethridge all filed the first week and are running unopposed, as is Linda Douglas for register of deeds.

In the courts, judges Michael Stone, Lisa Thacker and Amanda “Amy” Wilson have all filed to retain their robes in the 16A judicial district. Stone faces a challenge from Raeford family law attorney Angela J. Carter.

Reps. Ken Goodman, D-Richmond, and Garland Pierce, D-Scotland, are running unopposed for their seats in the N.C. House.

Republican state Sen. Tom McInnis looked to be in the clear until just before noon on Monday when veteran Anson County teacher and Democratic Party leader Dannie Montgomery filed a challenge bid.

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.

Covington
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_peggycovington_cmyk.jpgCovington

William R. Toler | Daily Journal Donnie Richardson files his third bid for the Richmond County Board of Commissioners at the Richmond County Board of Elections on Monday.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_donnierichardson_sign.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal Donnie Richardson files his third bid for the Richmond County Board of Commissioners at the Richmond County Board of Elections on Monday.

By William R. Toler

[email protected]