Of the four seats up for election on the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors, only one will see competition in the Nov. 7 election.

Prospect District Supervisor Calvin L. Gray will be opposed by Prospect resident J. David Emert, according to the Prince Edward County Voter Registrar’s Office.

The remaining three seats up for election that will appear on the ballot include Buffalo District Supervisor Bob “C.R.” Timmons Jr., Farmville 701 District Supervisor Jim Wilck and Leigh District Supervisor Jerry Townsend. Townsend is running as a Democrat, while the remaining candidates will appear on the ballot as independents.

Gray said among his goals for his next term on the board, if re-elected, is to continue to make sure the board is fiscally responsible and that supervisors don’t raise taxes unless absolutely necessary.

He said he also wants to see the board continue to look at ways they can build the economy.

“Certainly that has always been a concern of mine to make sure that we can work toward bringing stronger businesses in our community where we can have a

little more diversity or a little more growth in salary and financial opportunity for our citizens,” Gray said.

He said it’s important to keep pushing for economic growth so young people in the county don’t have to leave Prince Edward to look for a job with a decent-paying wage.

Gray also said he’d also continue to work with the division superintendent, school board and supervisors to ensure the county continues to have strong schools.

Emert said he decided to run to give representation to working people.

“I was born and raised right here in this county,” he said. “I just want to take care of the people that are still here working,” Emert said.

Emert says he wants to be accessible for constituents.

“That’s kind of what we’re looking at is someone that is truly accessible and someone who will go to the board and stand up for it,” Emert said.

Emert has had a business in the county for more than 30 years, he farms for a living and also runs a small trucking company. He’s served as president of the Prince Edward County Farm Bureau for the past 10 years and has served on its board for more than 20 years.

Emert spent five years in the U.S. Army.

Gray obtained his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University in social work. He has a master’s degree from Longwood University in school administration leadership and a doctorate in theology from Triune University.

He worked for Prince Edward County Public Schools where he worked with at-risk students, was an assistant football coach, head football coach, assistant principal and principal at the high school, an administrative assistant to the superintendent and — when a principal left on military tour — served as principal at the middle school.

Prospective candidates had to file four forms, including a certificate of candidate qualifications, the declaration of candidacy, a statement of economic interest and a petition of at least 125 qualified voters.

Gray first ran for the board in 2013.