Incumbent Republican Larry Yarborough filed for a second four-year term just after 2 p.m. at the Person County Board of Elections.

The filing period for state and county elective offices opened last week and will continue until noon on Friday, Feb. 29.

Last week, five persons filed for the three available seats on the five-seat board of county commissioners. They were incumbent Democrat Jimmy Clayton, along with four other Democrats, who included former commissioner Sam Winstead, Mike Barrett, former chairman of the county’s Democratic party and political newcomers David Brooks and Ray Jeffers.

Yarborough, 45, wrote in a prepared release that he was seeking re-election “because I have been convinced that the taxpayers need me.

“I am now experienced and know how the system works,” Yarborough added. “Unfortunately, I have been unable to slow the growth of our county government. Taxes have increased by seven and a half cents in the last three years and the county management has said that we need 12 percent growth in county spending this coming year. This government growth will require at least five more cents of tax rate.”

Yarborough said that during his first term as commissioner he has supported public safety and economic development and would continue to do so if re-elected.

He also wrote that he would weigh all options before making any decisions regarding the Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill.

“I can assure the people of Person County that I have listened to all of the evidence for and against the landfill,” Yarborough said. “I have made slow and deliberate decisions and I do not support rushing into anything. We must be diligent and manage this landfill with the health and safety of people as the utmost concern.”

State Rep. W.A. (Winkie) Wilkins, D-Person, made his intentions of seeking a third consecutive two-year term in the North Carolina House of Representatives official with his filing last week. Wilkins serves District 55, which includes all of Person County and the northern portion of Durham County.

Also last week, Mandy Garrett filed in an attempt to gain a fifth straight four-year term as the county’s Register of Deeds.