Pitt County candidates discuss platform goals with voters ahead of upcoming election

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Pitt County held a candidate’s forum for individuals running for seats in various towns and cities across the county.

The event was held at the Drew Steele Center.

Mayoral, council and commissioner candidates running for seats in Greenville, Winterville, Bethel, Ayden and Farmville addressed their platforms and goals for the upcoming election, answering questions and concerns from the public.

“I wanted to hear what the candidates have to say,” Greenville resident Mark Parker said. “Because their platform is important about the direction of where Greenville is going to go.”

The NPHC says 18 candidates were confirmed for the forum with one backing out and two who didn’t show up.

“With this election and any other election, the NPHC of Pitt County is very committed to making sure that our constituents, our fellow citizens are informed, and so the importance of this forum is to make sure that we provide a safe space for constituents to come in and listen to what their potential elected officials have to say,” Norma Warren, the event organizer said.

Residents say, the forum gave them a better idea of who they plan to vote for in this year’s election, but they say they wish candidates gave more.

“Homelessness, job development, but also a more holistic approach for the community,” Parker said. “A lot of the answers were good answers, but I wanted to hear more.”

Warren says she encourages residents to get out to vote as soon as early voting and polls open.

“Vote, as my pin says, get out and vote,” she said. “Early voting starts on October 16th and if you’re not registered to vote, get registered to vote.”

According to the Pitt County Board of Elections, the voter registration deadline is Oct. 10, early voting in person begins on Oct. 16, and Election Day is on Nov. 4.

For more information on candidates, voter deadlines and registration, you can visit their website here.