Michael Chastain: Candidate for Lenoir County Commissioner, District 5
Republican Michael Chastain hopes to be the next Lenoir County Commissioner representing District 5 (Contentnea, K5, K6, and K7). He retired from the US Postal Service in 2018 with 33 years of service. He worked the graveyard shift, which allowed him to work a part-time job with the Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Department where he taught gymnastics. Chastain still does some work at Fairfield Recreation Center and with substitute teaching. Serving is in his blood.
“Both of my parents were ordained ministers, and as such, instilled in me a servant’s heart,” said Chastain. Because he worked for the post office, he was unable to hold public office. Federal law permits federal employees from running for any partisan seat. After he retired, Chastain spent his time taking care of his elderly parents until his father passed away and his mother moved to Florida.
“I felt as though God was leading me to run for this office through a small series of events,” said Chastain.
If elected to the Lenoir County Commissioner District 5 seat, Chastain vows that the people of that district will never have to wonder who their commissioner is. He plans to always be in the forefront of everything going on in the district, if not in the entire county.
He also assures the voters that, “I will not vote to raise taxes.” Lenoir County has one of the highest tax rates in the state and he would like to rectify that if elected. Chastain also stated that the tax base is stagnant with less than 1% growth.
“We need to move this dial,” said Chastain. In addition to growing the tax base and keeping taxes at or below where they currently stand, Chastain hopes to see a dedicated Resource Officer in every school in the county and would also like to address the food insecurity he saw in his substitute teaching days.
“I believe my opponent is a good man that has done his best for the county,” said Chastain. “However, now is the time for my management experience from my days with the Postal Service and my experience working with youth to move this county forward.”
Chastain will face off against Roland Best, the Democrat incumbent for District 5 of the Lenoir County Commissioners. Early voting has already started and Election day is on November 8, 2022.
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