LUMBERTON — The races for the town boards in Red Springs and Maxton got more crowded on Tuesday, and Fairmont voters were presented a choice in their mayoral election.

In Red Springs, Murray McKeithan filed for re-election to the Board of Commissioners and Neal Lea’Kes filed as a challenger.

“My goal is to keep continuing the progress made over the last few years,” said McKeithan, who was first elected to the board in 2009. “The two most important things, I think, is that we have come a long way in improving our town finances and in the recreational opportunities we have for our young people.”

McKeithan, 70, is a native of Red Springs. He retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after working for the company 37 years. He also served in the National Guard for 27 years.

McKeithan is a 33rd-degree Mason and involved with several Masonic organizations, including Shining Star Lodge No. 80 of Red Springs, Red Spring Gleaners No. 382, and Carpenter Consistory No. 164 of Maxton.

McKeithan is a member of Rhyne Memorial United Methodist Church in Red Springs, where he serves as chairman of the Administrative Council and is a member of the all-male and senior choirs.

He has served as a member of the Robeson County Board of Health for nine years and has been a youth baseball coach for 31 years.

A native of Red Springs, Lea’Kes, 66, recently retired after almost 19 years with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, where he worked as a program director. Previously he served for 22 years in the U.S. Army, and was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

Lea’Kes attends Mt. Zion United Methodist Church near Maxton, where he serves as finance chairperson.

He is a member and holds leadership roles with several Masonic organizations, including Shining Star Lodge No. 80 of Red Springs, Red Spring Gleaners No. 382, and Carpenter Consistory No. 164 of Maxton, Knights of Pythagoras and Ouda Temple No. 147. Lea’Kes is also a member of the Oasis of Maxton Shriners club.

Other candidates to file for the three available seats on the board are DeAndre “Kane” Gillispie, James Tew, Latora Ferguson and Elma Marie Patterson.

Also on Tuesday, Donna Locklear filed for the Maxton Board of Commissioners.

The 44-year-old Maxton native works as a barber.

“That is my hometown and I decided to run to try and improve things, make it a better place to live and bring in jobs to the area,” said Locklear, who is running for office for the first time. “I work in the town and see a lot of people, that has made me want to know more, to use my time and give back to Maxton.”

Locklear serves on the town’s Beautification Board and is a member of The Rock Church of God in Red Springs.

In Fairmont, Bobby “Charles” Townsend filed for re-election as the town’s mayor. He is being challenged by Charles Kemp, a town commissioner who previously served as Fairmont’s mayor.

Townsend did not provide information to The Robesonian.

Five other candidates filed for offices on Tuesday but did not provide The Robesonian information.

Donna Stubbs filed for re-election to the Marietta Town Council.

In Rennert, Velenda Morgan filed for re-election to the Board of Commissioners, and Elizabeth Locklear filed for re-election as mayor.

In Pembroke, Allen Dial, a former councilman, and Joseph White filed as challengers for Town Council.

Murray McKeithan
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_McKeithan201771814435803.jpgMurray McKeithan

Donna Locklear
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_DonnaLocklear.jpgDonna Locklear

Neal Lea’Kes
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Lea-Kes.jpgNeal Lea’Kes