Derek Burress, a first-term Greene County Commissioner running to retain his seat, is dedicated to addressing the needs of his constituents while navigating the complexities of local government. Burress has roots in Snow Hill and Shine, North Carolina, and draws on his diverse experiences, including his education from local institutions, his role as a certified firefighter, and nine years of coaching various sports. His opponent for the Greene County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat is Berry Anderson.

"My understanding of real estate is crucial as we work to rebrand the industrial complex in Walstonburg and acquire land for a second industrial park, aiming to revitalize these properties and return them to the tax base," Burress said, highlighting his background in food manufacturing and distribution. This experience has honed his logistical skills, which he applies in his current role as a commissioner.

Burress was inspired to run for office due to three critical issues facing Greene County: the lack of broadband internet, the need for improved paramedic coverage, and delays in flood relief. Initially, broadband was viewed as a non-essential service, but the pandemic changed that perspective. "One of the first actions we took after I was elected was to send a letter of support for a local internet company to secure a grant for expanding services in the county," he stated, illustrating his commitment to expanding connectivity.

Flood relief efforts encountered delays due to waiting for additional funding, which Burress worked to expedite. He also prioritized enhancing paramedic services, including advocating for higher pay and the establishment of a tuition reimbursement program to attract new staff. "We improved EMT pay and introduced a tuition reimbursement program to attract and retain staff, enabling us to elevate our service to the paramedic level and establish new stations, significantly reducing response times," he explained.

Burress brings valuable leadership lessons from his previous experience managing a large food distribution warehouse during an economic downturn. Faced with challenges in sales, logistics, and employee morale, he implemented strategic changes that led to increased efficiency. "Managing the warehouse was very similar to being a commissioner, where I sometimes watch others make mistakes. You have to let people figure things out and do their jobs," he remarked.

His leadership approach emphasizes transparency and accountability. Burress regularly communicates with the county manager and shares all correspondence with fellow commissioners. "I believe that an informed citizenry is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, and I've worked tirelessly to ensure that every resident has access to the information they need to understand and participate in our local government processes," he stated. Efforts to enhance accessibility include live streaming county meetings and improving the county’s digital presence.

Faith and personal values guide Burress in his decision-making process. "There have been times when I've walked into a meeting with a firm stance on an issue, only to have my heart changed through prayer," he shared, underscoring the role of spiritual reflection in his governance.

Burress emphasizes the importance of serving the community beyond partisan politics. "In our close-knit county, the labels of Republican or Democrat often fade away when we face real, everyday issues," he noted, stressing the shared goals of all residents. His governance focuses on collective interests, such as clean drinking water, reliable emergency services, and job opportunities.

Balancing immediate needs with long-term planning is essential for Burress. He proposes a multi-faceted approach to address infrastructure and emergency services while investing in future growth. "The real challenge lies in striking the right balance between addressing immediate needs and investing in our future," he said. This approach includes community engagement, prudent budgeting, and leveraging technology.

To enhance community engagement, Burress organizes informal events like "Breakfast with the Commissioner" and "Fishing with the Commissioner," fostering direct interaction with residents. "Even when the board censured me, we didn’t try to hide it — we shared it openly with the public," he remarked, demonstrating his commitment to transparency.

As Burress looks to the future, he remains focused on improving employee compensation and securing grants for infrastructure enhancements. "Addressing employee pay is crucial to retaining our talented workforce and ensuring our county operations run smoothly," he said. This is particularly important as the county works to reverse population decline by creating economic opportunities and affordable housing.

Burress acknowledges when he makes mistakes while emphasizing the importance of learning from them. "I’m not a paper pusher; I am a decision-maker, and I can’t make informed decisions by just listening to others tell me how to vote," he stated, reinforcing his proactive approach to governance.

Burress urges citizens to consider the shared values that unite Greene County. "Consider the real, tangible improvements we've made in Greene County and the work that still lies ahead. Think about the shared values and goals that bind us together as a community," he asserted, underscoring his commitment to collaborative progress.

North Carolina will hold its general election on Nov. 5th with in-person early voting beginning on October 17th. Neuse News will live stream the 2024 Election Results on Facebook starting at 7:15 pm.