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State Rep. Nelson Cole started out the primary season as an uncontested incumbent but now faces a challenger in the November general election.

Dr. Bert Jones, a Rockingham County dentist and a former county commissioner, garnered enough signatures in May to be placed on the ballot as an independent candidate for House District 65. Cole, a Democrat, has occupied the seat since 1992.

State law requires that unaffiliated candidates submit signatures totaling at least 4 percent of a district’s registered voters.

The Rockingham County Board of Elections certified Jones as a candidate May 1 after he collected more than 1,700 signatures and paid the filing fee, said Tina Cardwell, the board’s deputy director.

Cardwell said the board will add Jones’ name to its candidate list after a second primary election for two unrelated congressional races occurs later this month.

Cole did not sound worried when asked if he felt concerned about Jones’ candidacy. He noted that his fellow lawmakers recently selected him as one of the most effective legislators in the state.

“I don’t know that you can ever assume your seat is safe,” Cole said. “I think I’ve been responsive to the citizens of the county and the state.”

Jones, 48, said he is running because of his opposition to what he considers a high tax burden on the state level.

“North Carolina’s 'borrow, tax and spend’ government is crushing our economy,” Jones stated in an e-mail to the News & Record. “The state treasurer has warned that we cannot continue to amass more debt.

“Another huge issue is that all state legislative and congressional districts will be redistricted next year. The current district lines are grossly unfair and are largely drawn to benefit incumbents and Democrats. It is time for our representatives to reflect the will of the people.”

The former Republican wrote that he decided to become an independent before deciding to run for office and that he did not expect his political affiliation to affect his odds of defeating Cole, who represents a district with a slight majority of registered Democrats.

“Frankly, I will not support either party’s agenda if they stand for bigger government, higher taxes and more debt,” Jones wrote. “I believe the Republicans will likely gain the majority in the legislature this year, and I hope that they will stand for less government and less debt. I will support them if they do.”

Jones served as a county commissioner from 2004 to 2008 and deliberately served one term. During that time, he voted against tax increases but approved the construction of a new courthouse and jail.

He says on his campaign website that he supports reducing gasoline taxes and removing the state limit on charter schools, and he opposes forced annexations, increased government control of health care.

Jones has served on several boards, including the Free Clinic of Rockingham County, the county board of health and the Rockingham Council for Bible Education.

Contact Morgan Josey Glover at 627-4881, Ext. 119, or morgan.josey@news-record.com