This past month I had the pleasure of interviewing Belville Mayor Mr. Chuck Bost. I have never met someone so dedicated to not only their area, but also the people living in it. Bost is an altruistic, kind-hearted man who truly cares about you and your family. Now that election season is coming up for Belville, there comes a time for action. And with action comes a need for information. So, why Bost?

Bost first moved to Belville 28 years ago after his military service. He worked in law enforcement as a detective; specifically, he was, for a time, a domestic violence investigator. He places significant  importance on active parenting, and more so on the importance of these children themselves. After all, they are our future. He served two terms as a Belville council man, taking a break in between to play a more active role in his children’s lives. Now, his oldest child is graduating as a  chemistry major from UNCW, and his youngest earned a ROTC scholarship. Bost is incredibly proud of them–and continues the support of his children even now that they are growing older and leaving the nest. Kids need support. Bost is willing to give it.

“I like to say that I’m in politics–but I’m not a politician,” Bost said. He does things not to get re-elected, but to make a genuine difference.  So, let’s dig into just who Bost is.

In which branch of the military did you serve, how long did you serve, and in what capacity did you serve? 

Bost served in the United States Airforce as police security for around eight and a half years. He was deployed in multiple areas, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Cuba. This opportunity, he said, forced him to “grow up.” In the Airforce, a crucial time in his growth, Bost learned leadership, maturity, responsibility, loyalty, and the importance of hard work. Bost emphasized that these things are what made him the man people  see today. Of course, the Belville mayor holds a deep-seated respect for both veterans and law enforcement–both roles whose difficulties he has known first hand.. The military shaped Bost. And, he, in turn, deeply desires to shape the world—to make it better, to make Belville better. And I believe he can.

When were you elected as a Belville commissioner, and how did you utilize your time to improve your community?

Bost has served two terms as a commissioner, first in 2009 to 2013, then again recently in 2019 to the present. When Bost began serving his community, the downtown area of Belville was incredibly underdeveloped. It still is. However, Bost is pouring both time and effort into improving downtown Belville. He has also pushed for the preservation of Belville’s remaining “greenspace” (a term for plant life and parks.) Parks, which had previously been underdeveloped, were improved under Bost’s care. Bost believes firmly that those in politics should not only say things, but also do them. 

How does your past military service impact your leadership and political career?

Have you ever heard of the Green Ramp Disaster (1994)? The disaster refers to a collision of United States Airforce planes, a tragedy in which many servicemen lost their lives. Bost served as a desk sergeant. During this time, Bost learned to do the hard things. Additionally, the transition from a military to civilian policing gave him confidence; add these two experiences together, and you have someone both willing and capable of making hard choices. “You have to be delicate,” he said. “I learned a long time ago to leave things better than how I found them.” And this is something Bost has always strived to do–in both the small and big things, he has remained faithful. He strives to always have an altruistic purpose, to always do things for the benefit of others.

If re-elected, what are your plans for your term as mayor?

If re-elected, Bost plans to continue the plans he laid out with the late Mayor Allen while commissioner. He wishes to continue preserving greenspace, developing the downtown area, and, most importantly, maintain the serenity of Belville– to keep that small town charm. He emphasized to me that Belville and Leland should not combine but stay separate. Why, though? They have separate goals. Belleville intends to stay small, a community of about two thousand. Bost wants controlled growth.He wants Belleville to stay a place where people can come and relax. But what about taxes? Well, Bost intends to keep taxes low. Taxes, while important for revenue, must be handled responsibly. Bost stressed the importance of this simple policy. 

Bost, in my opinion, has done a wonderful job taking over for the late Mayor Allen. And, if given the chance, he will continue to do amazing things as mayor in the near future. He is an incredibly kind, compassionate, and intelligent man; family and community focused, he cares deeply for Belville. And, by extension, he cares for you.