A longtime Belville commissioner is stepping down from his post and leaving town to further his professional career.
David Long has served in several different roles in the town of Belville over the last 19 years. Now, an opportunity in his professional career means his run is coming to an end.
Here’s what you need to know about Long’s time with the town and what his future holds.
Years of service
While Long will end his service with the town from the board of commissioners, his nearly two-decade career with the town didn’t start there.
Long’s service began in 2004 when he became a member of the town’s ABC board. Long, a Mount Airy native, served in that role until 2005, at which time he was appointed to the town’s board of commissioners.
Following a resignation, Long served as mayor from 2006 to 2007, and has sat on the board of commissioners since. He also served as the town’s mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2019.
At its August meeting, the board of commissioners adopted a resolution thanking Long for his years of service to the town.
“We are honored to recognize, reward and celebrate the exemplary conduct, valuable contributions, selfless service and unyielding commitment of Commissioner David Long over the last 19 years,” the resolution reads, in part. “We applaud you for your diligence, commitment and devotion to the town of Belville and ask our citizens to join in showing their appreciation and support.”
Mayor Mike Allen also presented Long with a key to the town.
Repeated requests by the StarNews for comment were not answered by Long as of Wednesday.
Pursuing a new career opportunity
During the August meeting of the Belville board of commissioners, Long said he is stepping down from the role because he and his family are leaving the Belville area.
Long, who has worked with Novant Health for the past 22 years, recently transitioned to a leadership role with ECU Health in Kenansville. There, he serves as the administrator of operations.
Filling the seat
Long’s current term is not set to expire until December 2025, but it is unclear how the town will go about filling the board’s impending vacancy.
According to Belville Town Clerk Sharon Niemann, Long is set to continue in his role through October.
Niemann said the town’s board of commissioners may appoint a replacement at the time of the vacancy, or wait until the upcoming election – which is set for the first week of November, immediately following Long’s departure.
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Allen is running unopposed for his mayoral seat. Three candidates have filed to run for the original two opening seats on the board, not counting Long’s soon-to-be-vacant spot.
Current commissioners Charles Bost and Morgan Mehler have filed for re-election. Joe Cranford, the current chairman of the town’s parks and recreation board, is also vying for one of the two opening seats.
Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on X/Twitter @jameybcross.
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