By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
James C. “Jim” Greene, who says he’s deeply committed to the progress and growth of Rowan County, has announced his Republican candidacy for county commissioner.
“Rowan County has been very good to me,” said Greene, who co-founded Greene Insurance Agency Inc. in 1977 with his father, Roy. “Its citizens have allowed me to build a successful business, raise my family and enjoy the benefits of an outstanding community.”
Greene Insurance is in its 32nd year of business.
A resident of Cleveland, Greene has been a board member of the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission since 2008. He said in a press release the EDC work has enlightened him to the county’s needs to attract jobs and expand businesses.
Expanding Rowan County’s tax base and job opportunities would be one of his primary goals, Greene said.
Greene added that he knows Rowan County and, with his strong business background, has an “overall perspective” that will be beneficial to the Board of Commissioners.
Greene has been a member of the Salisbury Civitan Club since 1978 and has served the club as both president and director. He has chaired many of the club’s projects and committees, including the Civitan Spaghetti Feast. In 2006, he received the Club Honor Key, the highest honor given to a member. He also was honored as a Senior Civitan for his 25 years of service to the club.
Greene is a graduate of West Rowan High and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Catawba College. He taught at Landis Elementary before starting the insurance agency.
He and his wife, Karen, have three children and six grandchildren, all living in Rowan County.
He belongs to Enon Baptist Church, where he teaches Sunday School, serves on the personnel committee and is involved in several outreach programs.
Greene is the second person to formally announce his candidacy for next May’s Republican Primary. Incumbent Commissioner Jon Barber said this summer he would run for re-election to another four-year term.
The five-member Board of Commissioners will have three seats up for election in 2010. Those seats are currently held by Barber, Tina Hall and Chad Mitchell, all of whom are Republicans.