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| John Bell (left) fields a question from WITN-TV moments after announcing his run for the NC House. Bell is the Manager of Sales & Business Development for NC Community FCU. |
Describing his short career in politics as "the guy in the back of the room", John Bell of NC Community FCU took a bold step into the spotlight Tuesday, announcing his candidacy for the NC House of Representatives. Bell, who is the Manager of Sales and Business Development at the credit union, will compete in the 10th District Republican primary in May.
In remarks made at the Kinston-Lenoir County Visitor's Center, Bell cited three major goals in his campaign: bringing jobs to eastern NC by investing in infrastructure, reducing wasteful spending in education while investing in the Community College system, and working across party lines to strengthen eastern NC's voice in Raleigh.
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| Representative Efton Sager (left) and NCCFCU President/CEO Mark Lesnau exchange greetings at Bell's announcement event. |
Bell cited his experience at the credit union as a key qualification for the District 10 seat. "I know what it's like to help people start small businesses, and I've worked with military members and the challenges they face," Bell said of his tenure at the credit union.
"He's an outstanding individual," said NCCFCU President/CEO Mark Lesnau. "He has the fire to do whatever he sets his sights on doing, and he will do well for the counties he represents, as well as NC."
Bell's political career began in 2008 when he was asked to manage the campaign of Efton Sager, who at one time served as a volunteer at NCCFCU. Sager won his election to the NC House representing the 11th District. Although Bell has been active in Republican Party politics in the years since, this is his first run for elected office.