Baker, Hummer, Walton file for Elizabeth City council elections

Two incumbent councilors and a former councilman earlier today became the first to file for open seats in this fall’s municipal elections.

First Ward Councilwoman Jean Baker filed for a fifth two-year term while 2nd Ward Councilwoman Anita Hummer filed for a fourth two-year term. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walton filed for one of the two open seats in the 4th Ward.

Walton and Baker were at the Pasquotank Board of Elections Office when it opened at 8 a.m., elections officials said. Hummer filed a few hours later.

Baker, who is currently the council’s mayor pro tem, recently told The Daily Advance she wanted to “continue the good work that’s going on in the city right now.”

Walton, on the other hand, is calling for change in city government. He recently told The Daily Advance he thought the ouster of the Hugh Cale Opportunities Industrialization Center from the Community Resource Center at 524 S. Road Street in March without a new operator to take over was an example of what had gone wrong in city government.

Walton, who served on City Council from 2003 to 2007, was defeated in his re-election bid by current 4th Ward Councilwoman Volanda Watts following a runoff election. Watts said she has not decided yet on a second term.

Click here to read more candidates' responses to other questions, plus other local elections stories.