Happy Birthday, Hood Richardson! | Eastern North Carolina Now
From the staff at the Beaufort Observer
Happy Birthday, Hood Richardson!
FROM THE STAFF AT THE BEAUFORT OBSERVER
Hood Richardson was born on April 16, 1940, in Monroe, North Carolina—and he’s still going strong.
For over 22 years, Hood has faithfully served as a Beaufort County Commissioner. He is married to his wonderful wife, Shirley, and has become known for his outspoken, direct approach to issues and beliefs. During his most recent campaign, he shared some of his core values:
“I believe in the right to life and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution based on the Founding Fathers' original intent. I support drug testing for all individuals receiving welfare of any kind. I believe in the right to bear arms. I am a conservative Republican. I support smaller government, lower taxes, and less regulation. I am a Christian. I believe in securing the U.S. border, and in using fingerprinting and computer registration to control the visa system. I believe legal immigration should be the only path to citizenship.”
Hood deserves recognition for the countless hours he has devoted to representing the citizens of Beaufort County. Few people realize how meticulously he reviews reports for commissioner meetings, or the time he’s spent travelling - sometimes all the way to Washington, D.C. - to attend meetings and advocate for our community.
His regular contributions to the Beaufort Observer have provided residents with a behind-the-scenes look at local government—offering valuable transparency and insight. This work requires time, effort, and commitment, all done without pay.
Hood has also been a key force behind the Beaufort County Conservative Club, which has supported the current Curriculum Committee and helped promote conservative candidates locally and across the state. The group champions strict constitutional principles and government that is for the people—not just the political party.
When it comes to tackling issues and controversy, Hood’s style is similar to that of Donald Trump—head-on. Some of his friends jokingly say, we should send him to charm school, but truthfully, that just wouldn’t be Hood.
From all of us at the Beaufort Observer, Happy Birthday, Hood. Here's to many more years of being exactly who you are.
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John Steed said:
( April 14th, 2025 @ 8:29 pm )
"Here's the Truth" must not have heard Henry Hinton a few days ago on his radio show discussing the outrageous costs of meals at convention hotels in Washington, DC. Those numbers Hood had to pay in DC were in line or even a little less than what Henry encountered at a radio convention in DC. That is likely all too common at convention hotels in big cities generally. One could get a much better breakfast buffet at Golden Corral in Greenville for a lot less money, but that does you no good when you are at a convention in Washington, DC or some other big city.
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Velma and I still share the memories of coming back from Knott's Island on the flooded roads with Hood. In order to find safer roads, we had to detour into Virginia, then turn back south for home. At Elizabeth City we stopped overnight, because the roads were washed out between there and Beaufort County. What an adventure. That's just one of many.
Many people know how tenacious Hood is in politics. Fewer know how generous he is with his time and resources. Happy Birthday Hood. Charles and Velma Hickman |
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Happy Birthday Hood.
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Happy Birthday Hood. It’s always interesting to me that people think because you vote to lower taxes, you are automatically a good steward. Going all the way to Washington DC on the taxpayers dime is such an accomplishment. Kudos. It’s also quite interesting that the employees are held to a strict per dime that doesn’t even cover meals while ALL commissioners eat high on the hog. Them $40 breakfasts and $50 dinners on the taxpayers dime isn’t being a good steward. It’s giving “do as I say, not as I do”. It’s amazing what a public information request reveals.
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Hood Richardson has always been a stalwart friend of the taxpayers on the county commission and a steadfast foe of waste and fraud in government. We need more like him (and less like spendthrifts Ed Booth, Frankie Waters, Randy Walker, and Jerry Langley).
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As Beaufort County's other long "term" serving Conservative county commissioner, I am most happy count Hodd Richardson as not only my friend, but an inspiration as he is Beaufort County's hardest working county commissioner, and that includes myself, as I never allow hubris to get the better of me.
My hope for Hood, and us all here in Beaufort County, is that the venerable Commissioner shall enjoy a long and healthy life, and that we, Conservatives, keep Hood Richardson serving our best interests on the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners. |
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Great piece Buzz. May I add a hearty "Amen" to what you wrote...and added: Another thing about Hood that I have come to learn over the last few years working with him on the Beaufort Observer is this: He is the most principled government official I have ever known personally. I have seen him work through political issues and the distinguishing characteristics that come through are honor and integrity. I can honestly say I have never known him to be dishonest in word or deed...and I think that says alot about a political figure who has been "tested by fire." Finally, a word to those who are tempted to misunderstand Hood's "personality," I've found it instructive of him when I saw how he performed when he chaired the interim Hospital Board. He was a totally different persona than he has been as a minority member of the BOC. He is truly a "leader for all seasons." Hood's brilliance and commitment to honesty has served Beaufort County well and I am proud to call him "friend."
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We traditionally think of, or define, a politician as someone who will say anything or do anything to get elected or gain power. On the other hand, a statesman is someone who represents the people and does everything within their power for the common good. To be called a statesman is a sign of high respect for that person’s integrity. James Freeman Clarke said, “A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.” The citizens of Beaufort County are fortunate to have a true statesman, Hood Richardson, representing them. Happy birthday Hood! Thank you for everything you do, and continue to do, to make Beaufort County the truly remarkable place we are fortunate to call home!
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