PENDER COUNTY — A familiar face returned to the Pender County Board of Commissioners after a nomination from the Pender Republican Party.
Former Pender County Commissioner Dr. Jimmy Tate was reappointed to his previous position on Monday, April 7. Tate was nominated by the Pender County GOP to fill the vacancy created by Ken Smith’s resignation in February, due to relocation for his new congregation. Tate will serve the remainder of Smith’s term from 2025 until 2028
Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Pender) sent a letter to the Pender GOP Executive Committee endorsing Tate for the vacancy. Jackson called Tate a “dedicated” and tireless advocate who works toward bettering the community and building strong relationships.
“I have often seen Jimmy in the General Assembly, advocating for others throughout the district,” Jackson wrote in the letter. “He is not afraid of a challenge and understands the needs of educators, our schools, colleges, and our farmers, which are one of North Carolina’s top revenue sources.”
Joined by members of his family, Tate, who used his mother’s Bible, was sworn in by State Rep. Carson Smith.
“Let me say this afternoon, first, thank God for the opportunity to serve you all again, who is the head of my life and without Him, I could not be here today,” Tate addressed the gallery, which included his church congregation as well. “I want to also thank all of you for being here today to support me … It really makes me feel humbled to see all of you here.”
Tate teaches political science at UNC, lecturing on rural leadership development. He serves as board president and CEO for the Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to become advocates for economic, political, and social progress within their community.
Tate first served as a member of the Pender County Board of County Commissioners from 2008 to 2015. He left the board in 2015 after accepting a position to serve as vice president of college advancement and human resources at James Sprunt Community College. It required him to live in Duplin County.
Tate was elected to the board a second time in December of 2022 but resigned only 30 days into his term after allegations of discriminatory treatment. He claimed a nameless board member made prejudiced comments toward him about his race. In addition, Tate endured harassment from political opponents during his campaign.
Tate issued this resignation statement in January of 2022:
“The mission of the County Commissioners is critical to our County’s future, and I believe the work of the Commission deserves the full attention of any board member. In addition, the extreme hate by members of my primary opponent’s team, including others which remain nameless at this time has caused me to divert my attention away from County business. If I want what’s best for my County, I should resign, so someone else can give it undivided attention. I am no longer able to participate at the appropriate level given the conditions of hate.”
Port City Daily reached out to Tate for comment on his appointment but did not hear back by press.
Former representative and commissioner Carolyn Justice also was in attendance, whom Tate called “one of his biggest supporters.” Justice served in the General Assembly from 2003 to 2013 and was minority whip from 2006 until her retirement.
“As a former commissioner myself, I was here when we built this room and moved into this building and it brings back fond memories to me,” Justice said at Tate’s swearing-in. “It also brings back tough memories. This is not an easy job. I hope citizens will always remember this is not easy. I’m honored to know all of you and glad that you’re serving our county.”
The first order of business for Tate and the rest of the board was to select a new vice chair as the role was previously held by Smith. Tate spoke first, turning down any consideration for the position having just rejoined the board. He instead motioned to nominate Commissioner Brent Springer, to which the rest of the board approved in a unanimous vote.
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