Bill Trueblood says he gained valuable training, experience and insights during his first two terms as a Pasquotank commissioner. He believes he can continuing putting that learning to good use in a third term.

"I have got eight years invested in on-the-job training in Pasquotank County," Trueblood said. "I feel I have a lot to offer."

Justin Falls/Daily Advance (ENLARGE)

Bill Trueblood is running in Pasquotank County Commissioners' race.

But first he has to get by Clyde Weeks, a political newcomer, in the Democratic primary on May 6. Weeks, a retired Ford plant worker, has challenged Trueblood for his Southern Outside seat on the board. The Southern Outside district is made up of Salem, Nixonton and Mt. Hermon townships.

Trueblood, first elected in 2001, is a past chairman of the Board of Commissioners. He helped guide the county through its recent property revaluation process, and has supported the county's new district jail and reverse-osmosis water plant, both of which are under construction.

"Water is a commodity that is becoming more valuable each day," Trueblood said of the new water plant, which is expected to meet the county's water needs for the next 20-plus years.

Trueblood is also chairman of the county's Stormwater Management Committee, which is setting guidelines to address drainage problems.

"I would like to continue on that project," he said.

During the start of his first term in 2001, county revenues were fairly steady and predictable. Then the housing and commercial markets exploded, sparking numerous development projects.

Development forced the commissioners to deal with planning and drainage issues, but it also helped boost county revenues, enabling the county to build a new library and public safety building while keeping taxes down, Trueblood said.

With the recent economic downturn, however, revenues from the county's sales and land transfer taxes have begun to drop.

Last year, Trueblood supported a 2-cent property tax increase and a $13 increase in annual solid waste disposal fees to balance the budget.

Earlier this year, Trueblood also helped support the sale of a 10.5-acre tract in Nags Head for $7.25 million. Proceeds are expected to be set aside as a cushion to help pay for future projects and lessen the need for new property tax increases, Trueblood said.

Married with two grown sons and two grandchildren, the 65-year-old Weeksville native and Army veteran is a lifelong resident of Pasquotank County. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after a 34-year career.

"(I'm) retired with the required time necessary to maintain a commissioner's busy schedule working for all the residents of Pasquotank County," Trueblood said.

A former bird hunter, Trueblood said he enjoys getting outdoors whenever he can.

"Outdoors is my hobby," he said.