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CARTERET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 01

The 7-member Board sets the policy for the county, determining the strategic vision for the county, appoints a county manager, attorney and others to serve the county, adopts ordinances, including zoning, and establishes an annual budget, which includes setting the tax rate and calling bond referendums. One commissioner is elected from each district, with the exception of District 3 (Morehead City), which elects two members to the Board of Commissioners.Commissioners are elected in partisan elections to staggered four-year terms. Candidates are elected by specific district during the Primary election (March) but are elected at-large countywide in the November General election. All commissioners must reside within the boundaries of the district they represent.

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  • Candidate picture

    Steven Overby
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    David Quinn
    (REP)

Biographical Information

What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)

What is the most important issue the County Commission will have to address in the next two years? (Max. 750 characters)

What is the most effective role the County Commission can play in improving the local schools? What policies or funding will you suggest when elected? (Max. 750 characters)

What policies will you propose to improve the economy of your county? (Max. 750 characters)

What policies would you propose to improve the quantity and quality of social services in your county? (Max. 750 characters)

Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)

Position/philosophy statement I believe in the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, fiscal discipline, and service to others. Government should be judged by outcomes, not promises—measured by whether it truly improves the lives of the people it serves.
Campaign Mailing Address 342 NORRIS LANDING RD
PELETIER, NC 28584
Current Occupation Owner of April Fresh Cleaning Service
Age (optional) 36
Campaign Phone 9105546924
Campaign Email Soverby224@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://electstevenoverby.com
I am a lifelong resident of District 1 in Carteret County and the son of a retired law enforcement officer, which instilled in me a strong respect for public service, accountability, and community safety. Growing up in District 1 has given me a deep understanding of our district’s history, values, and the challenges our community faces.

I am also a small business owner and a youth basketball coach in Carteret County—roles that keep me closely connected to local families, workers, and young people. Through business ownership, I understand firsthand how government decisions affect jobs, taxes, and economic opportunity. As a coach, I see the importance of safe communities, strong schools, and quality recreation spaces for our children.
Schools: White Oak Elementary is overcrowded, and we have no long-term plan to address growth across our schools. We need a new school in District 1 and strategic planning for the future.

Infrastructure: The proposed DOT transportation plan could transform our area, but it remains unfunded. We must advocate to fund these projects to promote economic sustainability.

Recreation: Western Park thrives, but with new construction and development planned, we must invest in more spaces for our children to play sports and congregate.

Public Safety: We must give our first responders the resources to do their jobs efficiently. We should also work with the Sheriff to establish a sub-station in District 1 to maintain and reduce response times.

The County Commission approves funding for our school system. It's imperative we work in collaboration with the school board to meet the needs of teachers and students. I would love for the state of North Carolina to give local governments flexibility in spending occupancy tax dollars to ensure the teachers supplement is competitive with neighboring schools systems. We need proactive long-term strategic planning to address the growth in our schools, not just wait until there's a problem to address it.

A multi-million dollar school bond was passed by voters in 2020 which included a multi-purpose gym at White Oak Elementary. I will fight to see this project come into fruition.
County Commissioners have used state-mandated revaluations to incrementally raise property taxes. For residents on fixed incomes, it's unreasonable to tax unrealized value. As Commissioner, I will always oppose property tax increases and support giving local governments greater flexibility with occupancy tax revenue.

Carteret Community College has a focus on workforce development, but we need economic development to provide our locals with the opportunity to be able to afford to work in Carteret County and live comfortably.
There's many programs within health and human services that are state mandated but the state does not help fund those services. As a Commissioner I would push for collaboration with our state delegation to provide maximum services without continuing to burden local taxpayers.
I will be a consistent, conservative voice who puts people before politics. I bring real-world experience as a small business owner, a coach, and a lifelong resident who understands both the opportunities and pressures facing District 1. I will fight for sustainable growth, responsible spending, and policies that protect families, strengthen our community, and respect taxpayers—guided by faith, accountability, and a commitment to results.

Above all, I understand that if elected, I work for you. I want to be your voice, and the only way I can succeed is by engaging with the people I serve—listening, then taking action.

I would be humbled to have your support. If you have any questions you can reach me at 910-554-6924
Position/philosophy statement Common Sense Conservative. Rooted in the Past. Focused on the Future.
Campaign Mailing Address 387 LIVE OAK RD
NEWPORT, NC 28570
Current Occupation Small business owner (Cyclone Well Drilling and Promise Land Market) and Carteret Community College Instructor
Age (optional) 50
Campaign Phone 2527231131
Campaign Email boguesound@hotmail.com
As a small business owner, I bring real-world experience to the board. I have signed the front of a paycheck as well as endorsed the back of one. I understand budgets, the discipline required to balance them, and the reality that every dollar spent belongs to the taxpayer. When I make decisions about county finances, I never forget that those dollars came from your pocket—and I take that responsibility seriously. For more than 25 years, I have served as a history instructor at Carteret Community College, helping educate the next generation about the liberties and freedoms guaranteed by living in our Constitutional Republic.
Carteret County is experiencing unprecedented growth, and with that growth come serious challenges. We need experienced, steady leadership to support our Board of Education, invest wisely in infrastructure, and meet our citizens’ needs—without raising taxes. I am committed to doing just that.
My wife and I raised our two sons right here in Carteret County, and we are grateful for the strong public schools that helped prepare them for the future. Supporting quality education—without burdening taxpayers—is essential to maintaining the strength of our community. One initiative that I have been focused upon is purchasing land to build a new school to take the burden of overcrowding off of White Oak Elementary in Cape Carteret and raising the county supplement for our public school teachers.
As always, keeping taxes low and more money in the pockets of taxpayers and business owners is my policy. With more money to invest, our local businesses will continue to grow, employ more citizens, and contribute to our local economy.
I will continue to support initiatives within our county Health Department like the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT). Since overseeing its creation PORT has resulted in a 77% reduction in overdose deaths in our county. Steady, experienced leadership at the local level results in benefits for our community.
It has been an honor to serve as your District 1 County Commissioner. Over the past four years, I have worked every day to strengthen the place we call home—protecting our coastal heritage, encouraging responsible economic growth, and ensuring Carteret County remains a place where families thrive, businesses succeed, and traditions endure. I will continue to support local law enforcement, first responders, and veterans without apology. I am a lifelong Republican and, more importantly, a lifelong Conservative Republican. Conservative principles of fiscal responsibility, limited government, and personal accountability have guided my life and my service, and they will continue to guide every decision I make on behalf of our citizens. My name is David Quinn and I respectfully ask for your continued trust and support so that I can keep working for the people of Carteret County.