Freeman files for school board seat

Mar. 2—LUMBERTON — Only one person filed Monday locally for the 2022 statewide primary and rescheduled municipal election and two others filed on previous occasions.

The two-week filing period for the May 17 primary election began on Dec. 6 before it was suspended. The filing period will end Friday. The general election is Nov. 8.

District Court Judge 16B Seat 2

MaryJane Richardson

Richardson filed on Dec. 6 for Seat 2 of Robeson County's District Court.

Born and raised in Lumberton, Richardson is the daughter of the Honorable Herbert L. Richardson Sr., a retired District Court judge of Robeson County, and Patricia Richardson, a public school teacher. Richardson has obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master's degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University, and a Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law.

After obtaining her law license, she began her legal career as an assistant District Attorney in Hoke County in 2016. Since 2017, Richardson has served as an assistant district attorney in Robeson County, where she handles cases ranging from murders to traffic tickets. In addition to her case load, Richardson was instrumental in the creation of the DWI Treatment Court and Adult Drug Treatment Court programs and continues working with those courts.

"Justice and fairness are at the heart of our judicial system and were written into our Constitution at the creation of our country," Richardson wrote in a statement submitted to The Robesonian. "My understanding of justice and fairness comes from what my parents have taught me and from my faith in God. Justice and fairness require that the law be applied to everyone, no matter their position, and that it be applied in a way that will change the people involved and the community. I plan to take what I've learned throughout my life and use it to serve Robeson County and make it a better place for everyone."

Richardson said she believes public service isn't confined to the walls of the courthouse. She volunteers her time as a member of the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists, Southeastern Health Foundation, Fayetteville's Junior League, Lumberton Junior Service League, the Executive Council of the North Carolina Bar Association's Administrative Law Section, and the chair of the Audio/Visual Committee at her church New Beginning Church of Lumberton.

N.C. State Senate District 24

Danny Earl Britt Jr.

Danny Britt previously filed for reelection to his seat on the state Senate.

"I am honored to have served 3 terms and look forward to continuing to serve the people of my district, which still includes Robeson, but also now includes Hoke and Scotland County. I have continued to advance in leadership and will continue the same advancement to the benefit of my district. Being the chairman of multiple committees gives me the unique opportunity to continue to work aggressively for the people of my district," he said in a statement.

"These leadership opportunities give the people of my district a seat at the table and a magnified voice more so than they would have with a new candidate who may be seeking this office. If the people chose to send me back to Raleigh I will continue to work for our communities as my role in leadership advances. Please continue to pray for me and my family as we begin this new campaign," Britt said.

Currently, Sen. Britt serves as chairman of the Judiciary, Transportation, Appropriations for Justice and Public Safety, Judicial Oversight and the special select committee for Flood Mitigation and Resiliency. Sen. Britt is also a member of the following committees: Insurance and Commerce, Health Care, Finance, and the Senate Government Oversight Committee.

Brian Freeman

Brian Freeman filed Tuesday for the District 6 seat on the Board of Education for the Public Schools of Robeson County.

Freeman is a lifelong resident of Red Springs. He earned a Masters degree from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and is an administrator with Cumberland County Schools, according to biographical information submitted to The Robesonian.

He has served a four-year term on the Red Springs Town Council and a four year term on the Robeson County Board of Education as an At-Large member. He has held elected local, state and national offices with the North Carolina Association of Educators and the National Education Association.

Freeman is running for District 6 because there are no current practicing educators on the board that understand what students, parents and teachers are dealing with in our school system on a daily basis.

"I believe that for the last 32 years District 6 schools have been overlooked and neglected. The overwhelming proof is the student test scores, dilapidated school buildings and overcrowded classrooms. District 6 deserves a elected leader that cares about our progress and is accessible to parents. I am a vocal advocate for positive change and believe our students deserve better," Freeman wrote in a statement submitted to The Robesonian.