In order for a unit of local government to operate as a good and just government, it must have the trust of the citizens it serves. What would you say your role would be as a member of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners? Supporting the school system with current and future capital projects will always be challenging when allocating tax dollars for such long-term investments. 6. With the U.S. 221 expansion project nearing completion, more money is expected to come into Ashe via tourism and natural growth. We will maintain a local government that is effective, efficient, responsible and accountable. Increase funding for Career Center opportunities at the high school level. accounts, the history behind an article. I was honored to represent our county in Raleigh for 8 years in the state House of Representatives. I have the tested training, skills and experience to do exactly that. Beth Sorrell: My personal vision is to grow the outdoor economy by partnering with other organizations and investing in more outdoor recreation like greenways, bike paths, public access points on the New River and a public swimming pool. County Commissioner John Schoonmaker is 69. Share with Us. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. Jerry Powers: With opportunity comes responsibilities, education, police protection, regulation that fosters a better community while not putting undue restrictions on those who are trying to build a better Ashe County. After graduation, I enlisted in and served 27 years in the United States Marine Corps from 10/28/1985 until my retirement on 10/31/2012. I encourage anyone with a question to reach out to me through email or by phone. I also believe we need a Strategic Plan and I will work with all the stakeholders to create that plan. As with this challenge, a tried-and-true method of defining this problem starts with collaborating with community stakeholders to identify the issues that contribute to the lack of affordable housing, arriving at conclusions which define a path to correct the problem, and then initiating a plan of action. Lets use our scenery, fishing, canoeing and hiking to create opportunities for smaller, community owned businesses. Bring in good paying jobs and put people to work to be able to afford and build a home of their own and the housing problem can be solved. Secondly, we must have no child in our school system that goes without food other than what they receive in the school setting. Businesses have had to adjust and some have had to shut down. Now I am hearing from folks that I speak with that we may see if we have not already, yet another .04 cents on the dollar for the middle school to the tune of over $60,000,000 that will fall on the backs of our taxpayers. There was a problem saving your notification. 124 W. Elm St. Graham, North Carolina 27253. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. It would be tough to say on this without reviewing the budget, but I feel that there are needs in helping with the Veterans programs and the childrens programs. Right now the waiting lists for our few childcare centers are years long. Businesses are hurting due to being closed or operating on a part-time basis. John Allen is 68. That is a very good time for anyone interested to come and see exactly what is done to set up the yearly budget. William Sands: I was part of the Board of Commissioners that planned the 2020-21 budget. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. I want to continue to work well with the school board. Usually referred to by the military as an After Action report, we would then compare it to the presumptions the commissioners made as they planned this years County Budget.There appears to be a lot of uncertainty as we go forward and there is some speculation that COVID-19 may be with us for a long time. Continued development of Ashe County as a year-round tourist destination with the businesses and jobs tourism brings.The effects of ongoing climate change to our agricultural business in the County and planning for The New Normal if and when COVID-19 settles down a little. We also need to work with the school board to provide quality afterschool care and summertime programs that keep our children engaged, stimulated and active. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. I know of one bus driver that works at Walmart after he delivers the students to school. 7. Ashe County has about 26,000 citizens according to the latest census. I have ideas for how to work with our community college and companies to prepare our workforce for 21st century work. We want to protect our community, and keep us safe, while at the same time welcoming the economic prosperity that will come with increased visitation and folks moving here. Tax money should be spent wisely and should benefit the majority of our residents. WebSee your ballot, research candidates and referendums, and vote informed Democratic Elections Commissioner Edward McDonough, left, and Republican Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield, right, speak to poll workers in 2020. 2. I am a Mazter Mason and a member of a variety of veteran organizations to include the Military Officers of America and Vietnam Veterans of America. 4. I now live in Grassy Creek with my wife Maggie and our five children; Henry, Libby Jean, Sarah Lane, Beau and Will. We can start by giving tax relief to people impacted by the pandemic, as well as public servants, like teachers, law enforcement and firefighters. or anything. When looking at the cost would it be fully on the county or be partially funded by other means? My name is Chuck Olive and Im a sitting member of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners at this time. Beth Sorrell: This pandemic has put a spotlight on the wide range of struggles that too many people in Ashe County have been living with for too long. Keep it Clean. Groups of yelling Indians, all from different tribes speaking their own native languages at one time is truly a case of dissenting views. I dont even mention apartments because I could not even find any for rent. The lack of broadband and cell phone coverage in significant portions of Ashe. AsheAshe County Board of Commissioners 1.1. But we should continue to be very wise and careful with our spending. And those citizens need places to live and housing is a big issue here. I would also uses high technology to improve business processes and other areas where I have quite a bit of experience and could contribute. We could certainly crush the current 4.2% unemployment rate that our county currently has. UT professor Mark Harmon, former county commissioner and congressional candidate, is 66. 7. The commissioners role is to see that the county runs smoothly and to help bring and keep industry and businesses in the county. Its our job as commissioners to make sure we have a seat at the table when the legislature is deciding on the budget. I believe the best way for county government to tackle this challenge is to be attractive to new and expanding employers that pay good wages. that is degrading to another person. These are just some of the issues Id like to address. We'd love to hear eyewitness Housing has become a major problem here in Ashe County. Imagine bringing other companies here to open manufacturing plants so that we can be proud of making products on American soil rather than on the soil of our enemy nations. As we all know our children are our future, these programs must receive any help we can give. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. Up for election are the following six candidates: Republican Jonathan Jordan, Republican Jerry D. Powers, incumbent Republican William Sands, Democrat James D. Cain Jr., Democrat Beth Sorrell and Democrat Russell M. Killen. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 1. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! Candidates for Ashe County Board of Commissioners answer questions ahead of election, Compiled By Bailey Little Ive seen too many unregulated construction and deforestation sites causing severe erosion and land degradation, which in turn, damages our rivers and leads to serious negative environmental and economic impacts. Possibly some more family style restaurants, and obviously some additional tourist happenings whatever that might be. If elected by the Ashe County voters, I plan to continue my record of Promises Made, Promises Kept, in local government as I did in the State House. We can learn from neighboring counties about innovative ways to grow our outdoor economy without sacrificing our quality of life. Uneven distribution of healthcare to County residents. Transparency is a basic component of a local government and allows for the citizens to know about the activities, decisions, conducting public business, and allocation of taxpayers dollars. Russell Killen: I am 59 years old and have been married to Diane Roland Killen for 35 years and we have two daughters and two grandkids. Don't knowingly lie about anyone How would you address the lack of affordable housing in Ashe County that both current and potential Ashe County residents are dealing with? Although I love traveling and living among other cultures, Ive always been drawn back to my roots in the Appalachian Mountains. I had a coworker from Wilkes County that had gotten promoted and sent to the eastern part of the state that told me about Ashe County. Candidates (choose 1): Daniel McCaffery . 5. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Our children need a career choice beginning in their freshman year and continuing through graduation. Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. A: 1. Veterans and senior citizens are a group often overlooked. So far, our county if doing well financially federal and state money have assisted us in dealing with COVID-19 and our county tax revenue has increased at a faster rate than previous years. WebAshe County Clerk of Superior Court Republican Party Pam W. Barlow (336) 219-1400 Website Ashe County Commissioner Republican Party Charles Perry "Chuck" Olive (336) 846-5501 Email: administration@ashecountygov.com Website Republican Party Jerry D. Powers (336) 846-5501 Email: administration@ashecountygov.com Website Republican Party I also believe with criticism comes the opportunity to improve upon myself. My name is Mark Anthony Massey. Threats of harming another Not to mention years as an attorney and counselor at law, working to resolve various disputes, complete real estate closings, handle family estate matters, and represent accused persons as a court-appointed lawyer. I was an active duty Army Intelligence Officer from February 1967 until August 1973. Our employees, including teachers, often have to take second jobs to make it. I also am a conservative Constitutionalist. Once a project is approved, I will need to see the whole plan, blueprints, and monies expected up front before any money is approved. Invalid password or account does not exist. We may need to increase resources to law enforcement. Beth Sorrell: Again, we have to listen to the people which means we need to find better ways to engage the community in that decision-making. 1. 3. I previously served on the boards of directors of the Ashe County Free Medical Clinic, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, and the Ashe County Pregnancy Care Center. As a candidate for commissioner of Ashe County, I feel that the lack of industry and higher paying jobs in Ashe County is our first problem. We need to be capable of listening to our constituents with compassion and open minds, even when we dont agree. I was born and raised in Lansing, North Carolina by Kenneth and the late Stella Massey. I want to be a county commissioner because I have the experience working with people to do some real good for the people of Ashe County. I am one who will always ask the hard question and be up front with those who want to do business in and with Ashe County. County Commission candidate Christine Cruz is 54. 3 of 11 4 of 11. Citizens will come to us with a concern or need and we as commissioners should be here to address those needs and concerns. I may have helped you or your family purchase or sell a house or property. I will work with the school board in any way that I can to help stop the challenges that the administration and teachers are facing that are not beneficial to the students. 3. Jim Cain: As I have done for quite a few years, I would lead or actively participate in discussions, planning opportunities and areas such as Change Management. In Ashe, as in most 8. I can take constructive criticism but will not accept disrespect or hatefulness. Ashe County needs a vision an overarching plan developed with input from all stakeholders that would guide future projects. It is their will that put you there, so why not be up front and give the good with the bad when they ask you a question. In other words, you do not hand someone $1.6 million and say go draw up blueprints for the Middle School and then receive nothing in return. Surrounding school systems have higher pay and bigger bonuses. Education is not a line item in a school board budget- its the only item. I think there are things we can do to incentivize property owners to provide long-term rather than short rentals and come up with ways to rehab and use abandoned houses. With climate change here now, we need to do a county or regional agricultural assessment to better prepare our farmers to continue our largest income producer for the county. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. We must continue to be progressive while providing services to our citizens without increasing taxes. I believe that our biggest potential is in our outdoor economy. In the time that I have served on the Board of Commissioners we have made great efforts to be accessible and open to everyone in Ashe County. As of 2021 the median household income was $43,962 and per capita income was $25,282. I enjoyed the country life growing up in Ashe County and after my service, I returned home in 2015. or anything. We have also expanded our industrial park in Beaver Creek. WebCANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST ALAMANCE BOARD OF ELECTIONS CRITERIA: Election: 11/08/2022, Show Contest w/o Candidate: N, County: ALL COUNTIES, Data Source: FULL COUNTY VIEW ALAMANCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CARTER, STEVEN JEFFERY Steve Carter 12/06/20212779 S CHURCH ST SUITE 331 REP In September 1997, I retired from government service after 33 years. I served as a county commissioner here 26 to 30 years ago and as my life is hopefully going to slow down some, I think with experience as a past commissioner and my knowledge of the unique characteristics of Ashe County, I can still be of service to my county. 4. I am running to hopefully be an asset in helping with the decisions involving the citizens of Ashe County as a whole, not just a few. The continuing need to develop more small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ashe County. I believe the county is in a good financial position and it will only improve in the coming years as people are drawn to the friendly, healthy, laid-back lifestyle that we enjoy. We often will use our contacts with the state legislature or organizations like the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners or the High Country Council of Government to see if the proposal is already being implemented somewhere else in the state and what they might have used to make a proposal a reality. We must invest in our land to protect it for future generations and to grow our outdoor economy. Recently we installed new video and sound equipment for broadcasting meetings. Our goal as commissioners should be a common one: do whatever is necessary to help improve life in Ashe County for each and every citizen. Nothing is free and everything should be earned. Being an elected official often comes with criticism from the general public. And finally, thank you to the Ashe County Post and Times for allowing me this opportunity to let my voice be heard on the things that matter to me and my family. Discover More 7. Another huge attribute is fiber optic service to our county. Our citizens deserve better than that. We are working with the Ashe Early College and Wilkes Community College to provide fire training beginning this fall so we can continue to have a personnel pool to staff our volunteer fire departments. An incoming freshmen could certainly have a plan and a tool to use for employment after graduating in four years. I left CSC to pursue Small Business Development and have owned several businesses one of which I still own today. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. After high school I attended Wilkes Community College and Appalachian State University graduating with a degree in Public Relations. The Commissioners, the Board of Education, and all other agencies of Ashe need to work together for the good of all Ashe County students. Whether it was intelligence operations in some far flung part of the world, analysis of the five core infrastructural areas of the Egyptian government for the U.S. Embassy: Cairo, or building the River Flood Forecasting System in Central America for NOAA. Why do you want to be an Ashe CountyCommissioner? They should listen to the people and work hard to create a better place for everyone to make a living and reach their fullest potential. The job of a county commissioner can be thankless work how do you feel about keeping a level head, handling dissenting views and managing/ resolving conflict?Jonathan Jordan: Well, in matter of fact, that is exactly what I spent eight years doing in Raleigh. I am a 2016 graduate of Columbia Southern University at Orange Beach, Alabama receiving a Bachelors/Science Degree in Business Administration and Management. Having served in office for over four years now, I am well aware of the criticism that comes with this role.

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