Johnson out, Woodard in for Dare County seat

A day after Dare County Commissioner Mike Johnson announced that he would not run for re-election, another Republican filed papers Monday to make a bid for the District 2 seat.

Kill Devil Hills Commissioner Bob Woodard said Monday he had been contemplating running for a couple of months but waited to see what his fellow commissioner, Paul Buske, also a Republican, was planning to do.

“As a courtesy to Paul, I didn’t want to do anything until he was definitely out,” Woodard said.

Buske was considering a bid, but recently sent out an e-mail saying he had decided not to run. Woodard said he double checked with Buske on Monday.

In a letter addressed to Dare County citizens, Johnson, a Republican, said he felt he was called to spend more time with his family and on personal interests.

During his two terms, Johnson became an advocate for commercial fishermen and served on several boards to represent their interests.

But he also endured criticism about expense accounting and a bear hunt conducted for youth on county land.

“Being your servant has been a humbling and rewarding experience,” he wrote. “Though I do not know everything, I have learned a tremendous amount. The main things that I have learned is Dare in an awesome County and you are wonderful people. I believe that God called me to the Dare County Commission Board and now I am certain that he is calling me back to my family and personal interests.”

Woodard, known for studying the details of town budgeting, said he would bring the same attention to fiscal matters as a county commissioner.

“I think I have a lot to offer the county from that side,” he said.

Bob Muller, the former mayor of Nags Head, has filed as a Democratic candidate for the District 2 seat, which includes Nags Head, Colington and Kill Devil Hills.

The primaries are May 8.

District 2 is also represented by Democrat Max Dutton. His seat is not up for election this cycle.