AHOSKIE – Carl Askew’s wish to make a difference in his hometown came true earlier this week.

Following Tuesday’s closed session of the Ahoskie Town Council, Askew was selected to fill Larry Vann’s unexpired term on the governing board. Vann, in the middle of a four-year term, tragically lost his life Oct. 6 during a motorcycle accident in Gates County.

A shade over month later (Nov. 8), Askew lost his bid to unseat veteran Ahoskie Town Councilman O.S. “Buck” Suiter Jr. In that municipal race for Suiter’s at-large seat on the Council, Askew was defeated by a mere 45 votes.

Along the trail of his campaign as well as judging from the wave of support he received on Election Day, Askew felt that a message was sent that he could help make a difference in Ahoskie.

“I think I earned some respect during my campaign,” Askew said. “I was able to prove myself as a trustworthy person that can help this town. Now I’m excited to be chosen.”

Askew, a political newcomer, will serve out Vann’s remaining two years on the Town Council.

However, Askew is not new to municipal government. For the past six years he has served Ahoskie’s citizens as a member of the town’s Planning Board and Board of Adjustments.

“Although we, as Planning Board members, have been out of the spotlight as far as town growth is concerned, we have been actively involved in helping to pave the way for future growth here in Ahoskie,” Askew said, citing ongoing projects such as wastewater treatment expansion and annexation.

He continued, “I’m all for positive growth here in town. The wastewater expansion and annexation projects are the two big issues right now, but we also need to take a look at expanding recreational activities for our young people as well as providing our citizens with the best police protection possible.”

A native of Ahoskie, Askew is the son of the late George and Jean Hoggard Askew. He is the oldest of their eight children.

Askew, a 1968 graduate of R.L. Vann High School, is retired after nearly 35 years working as a Media Assistant with Hertford County Public Schools.

He is currently employed part-time at Belks of Ahoskie.

Askew and his wife, the former Patricia Turner of Pendleton, are the parents of a daughter, Carla.

Askew is active in his church, Calvary Baptist of Ahoskie. There he serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees as well as chairs the Church Finance Committee. He is a member of the Calvary Senior Choir and Male Chorus.

Prior to being sworn in during the next Ahoskie Town Council meeting, scheduled for Dec. 13, Askew will resign his current position on the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment. According to Town Manager Tony Hammond, that vacant position will be filled by Maurice Vann.