FIRST ON 3: Commissioner resigns amid questions over new job

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Commissioner Jimmy Tate announced his resignation at a commission meeting Tuesday. This comes after he accepted a job with James Sprunt Community College in December.

The job description for Tate’s position as Vice President of College Advancement says the person in the job must live in Duplin County. Tate spoke to WWAY about the questions on this new job affecting his residency in Pender County. He said in March the position with James Sprunt gives him eight months to move to Duplin County.

At the meeting this afternoon he announced the resignation will be effective immediately. He said the decision was not an easy one.

“I have never cried over a decision as much I have about this one,” Tate said, “and I will admit that tonight, even as I was sitting here tonight and thinking about how proud my mom was when I became a county commissioner and to see how proud I’ve tried to serve the county and the citizens east to west. I have received calls from people east to west asking me to remain on the board.”

Tate added the decision was best for the position and now his successor can devote all of his or her time to the board.