The Dare County Republican Party has chosen Walter “Wally” Overman of Skyco to replace the late Richard Johnson on the Board of Commissioners.
According to a media release from the party, Overman was chosen at a meeting on Sunday, Sept. 22.
The release called Overman, “a strong conservative with an impressive resume highlighting a lengthy senior business management career.”
“He successfully demonstrated his ability to work effectively to accomplish meaningful goals without compromising the fiscal responsibility tax-paying citizens expect from our representatives,” according to the release.
On Monday morning Overman and Dare County Republican Chairman Browny Douglas delivered the written selection announcement to the Board of Commissioners’ office.
The official swearing in ceremony will be at the board meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.
Overman is somewhat of a political unknown who has apparently not sought for any other offices in Dare County.
According to his good friend, George Banks of Hatteras village, Overman is originally from Rocky Mount, N.C., and is a graduate of North Carolina State University textiles program.
Banks said that Overman was active in the textile industry all of his life and traveled extensively troubleshooting and problem-solving for the industry. He is now retired.
“He has the time to do this,” said Banks, who also called Overman a “good conservative.”
Overman and his wife, Ruth, Banks said, live in an old Civil-War era house that has been beautifully renovated on the sound in Skyco. Ruth Overman owns a shop in Manteo, he said.
“He loves Hatteras and he loves Ocracoke Island,” Banks said. “And he loves to fish, both on the beach and by boat.”
Banks said Overman is well aware of the issues facing Hatteras Island, including replacing the Bonner Bridge and access to the seashore beaches.
First District Commissioner Richard Johnson was the longest serving member of the Dare board when he died late last month.
