Rivers: Ordinary folks can make extraordinary impacts

Published 10:26 am Friday, February 16, 2024

Following is a profile on one of the nine candidates seeking the Republican nomination for three seats on the Davie County Board of Commissioners.

The Candidate

Name

Douglas Rivers

Age

46

Address

Mocksville

Family

Wife, Lisa; stepson, Bailey McCook

Education

Davie High School graduate; Advanced Detention Officer certificates from NC Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission; NC Firefighter I and II certificates; NC Firefighter Instructor Level 1 certificate; emergency medical responder.

Occupation

Detention Officer, Davie County Sheriff’s Office, duties include transportation, commissary, safety officer

In The Community

• Jericho Church of Christ

• Volunteer firefighter

Why did you decide to seek public office?

Rivers: I am running for County Commissioner to serve the residents and business owners of Davie County. I believe I can bring new perspectives to the County of Davie through experience, passion, and making Davie County a priority.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the county, and how do you intend to address those challenges?

Rivers: One of the biggest challenges we face in Davie County is the growth of our industries and residential areas. One of the questions we need to ask ourselves, “Is Davie County’s infrastructure ready for growth, and how will this affect our public and emergency services?”

To address the growth challenges of Davie County I believe we need to speak with the Department heads of these services to see what their needs might be moving forward with the rapid growth and development of our county. We should have a plan in place that should benefit the Business owners and residents of Davie County in preparing for the growth that will be coming.

Is the county doing enough to manage industrial and residential growth?

Rivers: I don’t believe the county is doing enough to manage the growth of Davie County. On a daily basis Davie County EMS is overrun with calls in which they must call in other county agencies to assist with these calls. Davie County does have a mutual aid agreement with the surrounding counties to give and receive help. I believe we need more resources in the county to aid in the growth of the county to assist with Emergency services to be able to help with the citizens of our county. I also believe that all emergency services need more resources and training to help with the growth of our county.

Other Issues

Rivers: My name is Douglas Rivers, I have been a resident of Davie County for 46 years. To this day, I continue to serve as a volunteer firefighter and as a full-time detention officer in Davie County. This is a reminder that ordinary individuals can make an extra ordinary impact when they devote themselves within their county. I believe every individual deserves protection and a chance at redemption.

I am running for County Commissioner to build the platform for Davie County to help foster a strong sense of community and a support among its residents; by bringing together individuals and resources I will strive to create a more prosperous community for everyone.

I am the best choice for County Commissioner because I possess the right combination of skills, experiences, passion, and I can contribute positively to the County of Davie. I know this will be a journey on helping Davie County build experiences and growth; I will stay committed to the purpose, embrace opportunities and can adapt to challenges. I have a genuine desire to make a difference within “My County,” Davie County.