About

Robert A. (Bob) Gaddis has been a Lenoir county resident since 1976.The grandson of the late George Tebo, Sr., and Ruby Ezzell McArthur, of Graingers Station, Bob moved here from Florida to rear his family. Recalling fond childhood experiences, Bob chose Lenoir County for its quality of life, suitable climate and central east coast geographic location. 

Gaddis has seen the county face challenges that have resulted in loss of jobs and population for the past 34 years. Out-migration from Kinston to the county has left the county seat struggling in the face of a decreased tax base. The county has also experienced a net population loss as residents have moved to other areas.

The serious problems currently besetting the US economy have been magnified in Lenoir County. With the scaling-back of Dupont's operations and the changes in the tobacco industry, Lenoir County has suffered a severe blow to its employment base and productivity. While Lenoir County is anchoring its hopes on the new Spirit Aviation and Sanderson Farms projects, there is a continuing need to create an atmosphere for small business growth and support. To this end, Lenoir County and Kinston must work to provide better educational opportunites, streamlined government, and improved infrastructure. In order to attract new residents, we must cast a vision and attitude of success and prosperity. A unified theme for the county and city should reflect the area's heritage, its resources and its possibilities. Additional cultural venues, including recreational, arts, sports should be encouraged to attract interest in the area. 

The county tax base must be preserved through the encouragement of home ownership and preservation of agricultural land. Responsible growth and environmental stewardship are essential to maintain the quality of life. Business and employment opportunities must be fostered to keep the younger generations economically-engaged and residing in the county. 

Lenoir County was once an important commercial center, the hub of Eastern North Carolina. Failing to plan for contingencies, the traditional socio-economic model practiced over the past half-century has left Lenoir County in a precarious condition. Difficult times call for new leadership dedicated to finding solutions from the inside-out and bottom-up. 

Robert Gaddis wants to work to make Lenoir County a thriving, prosperous community once again, grounded in the past, but striving toward the future, ensuring a better place to live for generations to come.