Moore County native Nick Picerno announced in January that he will be running for North Carolina House District 78 in the upcoming 2022 election. On Feb. 9, Picerno announced he is no longer running for the N.C. House race but instead is running for Moore County Board of Commissioners.
“In life, things change, that’s a given,” said Picerno in a press release. “In the past couple of weeks since announcing my intention to run for NC House District 78, several events have taken place that significantly affects that decision.
“First, the confusion about voting maps and districts in N.C. have caused chaos and confusion even to those of us seeking to serve. N.C. House District 78 may or may not even exist in its current form after this issue is settled. It also causes conservative candidates, like myself, to pause from asking people to contribute to a campaign that may not even happen.
“Second, the announcement of the candidacy of Pastor Neal Jackson for N.C. House 78, and my desire not to oppose him in the race.
“Third, my long-time friend Louis Gregory has decided to retire from the Moore County Board of Commissioners effective February 16. Three others on the board have announced they will not seek re-election.
“These events have prompted me to submit my name to the Moore County Republican Executive Committee as a candidate in District II to replace Mr. Gregory on the board of commissioners.”
Picerno served on the Moore County Board of Commissioners from 2008 to 2016 and spent five of those years as chairman of the board. He is a well-known fiscal conservative who is known for his ability to work with numbers. Picerno said he isn’t afraid to take tough challenges head-on and question every cent that goes into spending. Picerno currently holds a seat on the North Carolina Lottery Commission and has brought his knack for numbers to the board.
After graduating from Union Pines High School, Nick went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Teaching high school science for one year was his next adventure, though his real passion was found in computer programming. He formed the very successful Southern Software Inc. in 1988. The thriving company serves multiple cities, towns and counties throughout North Carolina and surrounding states.
With the support of his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Jan, Nick said he is ready to serve the people of Moore County with honesty, hard work and loyalty. Guided by his faith and business experience, he said the people will be well taken care of with him on the board.
Courtesy photo of Nick Picerno/Contributed.
