Currituck

Currituck Democrats Prepare for May 4 Primary Election

Currituck, NC - Two incumbent Currituck County Commissioners must first navigate a challenge in the May 4 Democratic Primary before they can square off against Republican opponents in the November general election.

Democrat Commissioner Barry C. Nelms, of Poplar Branch faces challenger David M. Palmer, Sr. of Barco for the Currituck County District 3 seat. Nelms won election to the Poplar Branch Township seat in the November 2006 election, defeating Republican Commissioner Paul O’Neal of Waterlily, by a narrow margin. Prior to his election in 2006, Nelms served a single four year term on the Currituck Board of Commissioners during the early 1980’s.

Palmer, who owns an auto repair business in Chesapeake, brings experience in serving on the County Land Use Plan Committee, the County Committee on Incorporation / Unification, the Economic Development Advisory Board and the County Tourism Advisory Boards. Palmer has also been an active member in the Currituck Chamber of Commerce, serving as the group’s Vice Chairman and Chairman.

Veteran Incumbent Gene Gregory, of Shawboro, will face two challengers in the May Democratic Primary. Both Dan McCarthy of Moyock, and Michael Cherry of Carova Beach, have filed as candidates for the At-Large Commissioner’s Seat held by Gregory. Gregory won election to the seat in 1986, in a three way race, defeating Republican challenger Paul Martin, of Bells Island and Greg Wirth of Currituck. Prior to his election in 1986, Gregory had held the Crawford Township seat on the Board of Commissioner from the early 1990’s through the 2004 general election. Gregory was defeated in that election by Republican Owen Etheridge of Shawboro.

McCarthy, who is employed with the NC Forestry Service, challenged Gregory in the 2006 Democratic Primary for the At Large Seat.

Cherry, defeated longtime Commissioner Ernie Bowden in the 2008 Democratic Primary for the Board of Commissioners District 1 representing Gibbs Woods, Knotts Island, Carova Beach and Whalehead Beach. Cherry was defeated in the 2008 general election by Republican challenger and political newcomer, O. Vance Aydlett of Knotts Island. Cherry has served on the County Storm Water Board and the Whalehead Trust Board.

The last day to register to vote or change your party affiliation for the May 4th Primary Election is Friday, April 9. In the primary, only registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters may cast ballots. The Republican seats have no primary challengers until the November General Election. For more information on voter registration and the May Primary elections, contact The Currituck County Board of Elections at (252) 232-2525.

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