David Hunter Diamont

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Name: David Hunter Diamont

Age: 66

Profession: School Teacher/Coach at East Surry High School

Political History: Served 20 years in North Carolina House of Representatives. Chaired House Appropriations Committee for six years.

Why are you seeking this office?

I feel like I was trained for 20 years to represent Surry County. I feel like I’m in the end of my career and want to use some of the things I’ve learned over the years to continue to serve, and feel like being a county commissioner is the appropriate place.

How do you feel you can help residents of Surry County if you are elected?

First of all, representing the county you have to listen to the citizens, and I mean all citizens. Surry Country is in a transition period, in the past our main jobs have been textiles, small farms and furniture.

That’s changed.

We have to learn to work together not only in the county, but in all levels of government to promote our citizens, attract jobs, maintain a strong infrastructure and create jobs. I’ve worked in the school systems in both Mount Airy and Surry County my entire career.

Those experiences I’ve gained will help me serve in the role of county commissioner.

Is there one issue you feel isn’t being addressed or you would like to specifically focus on if elected?

Not in particular, obviously during the campaign I’ve heard a lot from people who have passion for their animals, maybe the county government can be a little more user-friendly.

I think having served in the appropriations process at the state level, I should have some ability to understand how the county budget works, and until the federal government learns how to balance their budget, they’ll continue to pass things down to the state and the state will pass them down to the county. We’re going to have to decide how to provide services and pay for them.

What would you like to say to the voters of Surry County?

I hope every person who is eligible votes.

As a civics teacher, I hope they spend time learning about the candidates and the issues and cast a vote they feel comfortable with. They know the people running, the issues and how it applies to them. In this day and time, that’s tough because everyone has a spin.

I feel like I was trained for 20 years to represent Surry County. I feel like I’m in the end of my career and want to use some of the things I’ve learned over the years to continue to serve, and feel like being a county commissioner is the appropriate place.