Terence Priester

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Terence Priester

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Personal

Birthplace

Philadelphia, Pa.

Religion

Christian

Contact

Campaign website

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Terence Priester ran for election to the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor in North Carolina. He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Priester completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

While the office is nonpartisan, Priester is a member of the Democratic Party.

Biography

Terence Priester was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He studied at Shaw University and the University of Phoenix. Priester’s career experience includes working as an area outreach coordinator. As of February 2021, he served as an associate supervisor for the Durham County Soil & Water Conservation District and as the regional director for the African American Caucus-North Carolina Democratic Party, North Central Region.

Elections

2020

See also: Municipal elections in Durham County, North Carolina (2020)

General election

General election for Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor

Anjali Boyd defeated Jillian Riley, Terence Priester, Jan Cromartie, and Patrick Poer in the general election for Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Anjali Boyd (Nonpartisan)	45.5	68,001
		Jillian Riley (Nonpartisan)	23.7	35,415
		Terence Priester (Nonpartisan)	12.8	19,088
	Submit photo	Jan Cromartie (Nonpartisan)	9.5	14,110
	Submit photo	Patrick Poer (Nonpartisan)	7.5	11,195
		Other/Write-in votes	1.0	1,483

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 149,292
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Terence Priester completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Priester's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Terence Priester is a native of Philadelphia, PA, but grew up in Halifax County, NC. He has been in Durham for over 9 years. He received a BS in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master pf Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Terence has also completed graduate studies in Divinity at Rhema Bible Training College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a mental health professional and community leader, he developed a passion for government affairs and public engagement. He worked to ensure that members of the public, particularly marginalized communities, were informed and included as community projects developed. Priester spent his time and effforts, dedicated to dismantling homelessness, and various mental health concerns around the Triangle. In 2017, Terence launched Embracing Word Church, a non-denominational Worship center where he serves as Senior Pastor. He serves as Community Outreach Coordinator for the United Covenant Churches of Christ under the leadership of his father, Bishop Priester, Overseer Dr. Byron Battle Sr. and Bishop-Prelate Eric Garnes. He is the North Carolina Program Implementation Assessment Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and numerous other organizations. Terence lives in Durham with his wife, Shakeema, and their three children, Zion, Brianna, and Arriyl.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am the best candidate for this office because my heart is with Durham. I have the skills and abilities necessary to not only recognize and address challenges and opportunities l, but to find solutions to ensure Durham has what it needs to succeed!
• Preserving our environment could never be more urgent! Durham is rapidly growing and development is at an all time high. Durham is the 6th most populous county in NC. Further, the City of Durham is the 4th largest in the NC, and the 74th largest in the country. Therefore, we must work that much harder to maintain clean soil and water resources.
• As your Soil and Water District Supervisor, I will be working with local farmers and Gardeners to educate and inform landowners about available funding opportunities and resources, promote local land ownership and offer beginner farming training and incentives, help Farmer Markets with offering Farm to Home deliveries, working with local farmers and restaurants to offer healthy and delicious foods in local schools, encouraging local restaurants and businesses to use local suppliers by expanding Farm to Table opportunities, working with a city to offer appliance upgrade assistance to Durham County homeowners to preserve and conserve water resources, fighting for a better Farm Bill, fighting to expand SNAP program, offer safe play zones, etc.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about Health, Environmental, Education, Social and Economic policy to name a few.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

In North Carolina and nationwide, we have Soil and Water Conservation Districts that are lead by a board of Supervisors supported by professional and technical staff. These Board ls provide leadership in making local conservation decisions. These Conservation Districts partner with the USDA and the State of North Carolina to deliver programs to land owners and the community.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I have always looked up to grandparents. They fought and sacrificed to afford me with opportunities that I am privileged with to this day. Politically, I have looked up to the late- US Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland District 7. Not only that, but he was my Sigma Brother! He was close with my family and he told me that no matter what career I decide to pursue... Be the Best!!! He was a God-fearing man and he always put the American People first! He demonstrated what true greatness looks like and I aim to live up to the same principles, ethics, and standards!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy"
by the late-Congressman Elijah Cummings and James Dale.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important characteristics and principles for an elected official are transparency, accountability, ethics and integrity, professionalism, leadership, courtesy, and respect for others.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a Master of Public Administration. I've studied public policy planning, management and implementation, program evaluation, public budgeting and finance, law and public administration, organizational development, human capital development, public communications and how to leverage technology in the public sector. Through my experience working in government and serving on various committees, I have the knowledge and understanding of the parameters and restrictions placed on State and Federal funding that the Soil and Water Conservation Board relies upon in order for it to fund its programs and operations. I am prepared to work with multiple stakeholders and elected officials to ensure the District has the funding resources its needs.

I am the best candidate for this office because my heart is with Durham. I have the skills and abilities necessary to not only recognize and address challenges and opportunities, but to find solutions to ensure Durham has what it needs to succeed. Preserving our environment could never be more urgent! Durham is rapidly growing and development is at an all time high. According to the US Office of Management and Budget, Durham County has a population of 321,488 citizens. It has grown by 20.14% between 2010 and 2019, making the District the 6th most populous county in North Carolina. The City of Durham is the 4th largest metropolitan area in the State, and the 74th largest in the country. Therefore, we must work that much harder to maintain clean soil and water resources.

"Let's make Durham Better Together!"

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

First and foremost, I believe the core responsibilities of someone elected to this office is to serve the public good and represent the interests of all citizens of the jurisdiction they represent. To put the people first! Further, the elected official must be a team player to establish a shared vision for the future, to develop goals and plans that make that future possible, and work with their colleagues and constituents to enact the local policies, procedures, laws that will ultimately lead to accomplishment.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave an inheritance for my children's children and a positive footprint on our country, that way I will "never" be forgotten!

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The most significant historical event that happened in my lifetime was the won election of our 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. I was 21 years old and was employed with the NC Department of Public Safety at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Worked for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible, because it is everything you need to live a life that is pleasing and honorable in the eyes of God.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I'd be the Black Panther- T'Challa. As the character quotes, "What happens now determines what happens to the rest of the world!"

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Wake Up Everybody- Teddy Pendergrass -*Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the struggles in my life has been racial injustice and inequality. My goal is to assist our country with overcoming the many challenges the affect the American people. President JFK said it best, "It's not what your country can do for you, but rather, what you can do for your country!"

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

They provide effective locally delivered education and training programs to students, teachers and adults. They deliver the NC Agriculture Cost Share Program. The Districts provide natural resource information to local governments for planning and projects. They deliver federal Farm Bill conservation programs involving water quality practices, farmland protection, wetlands restoration, and wildlife habitat enhancement. They assist communities in soil erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, floodplain management and flood control, water use efficiency, stream restoration and open space management. They respond to natural disasters by helping local landowners and state and local governments with clean up efforts and restoration. They also respond to local interest in conservation easements, environmental education centers and parks.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it can be beneficial in some instances. However, I also believe that it can be beneficial for holders of this office to promote and embrace diversity. I do feel it is of importance that holders of this office have certain skills and knowledge.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I believe that it is beneficial for holders of this office to have the necessary skills and knowledge of public policy, planning, implementation and evaluation, administration, engagement as well as having an and understanding of the parameters and restrictions placed on State and Federal funding that the Conservation District relies upon to continue its programs and operations.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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