ashe county commissioner candidates ashe county commissioner candidates

The other five Republican challengers are Mike Eldreth, Wes Greene, Mark Massey, Paula Perry and Terry Wagoner. 5. Russell Killen: First of all, we need to have some kind of study as to what impact 221 is going to have to the county. I think to do that we need more hotel space. Be Proactive. Having survived 49 of those meetings makes me believe I wont have many problems to face. racist or sexually-oriented language. sanitation, school). Lets help Ashe County High School and Wilkes Community College strengthen work-ready training where our residents can find full time jobs that let them come closer to paying the cost of living. or anything. Education is not a line item in a school board budget- its the only item. 3. I always will make to time to discuss any concerns someone may have. When looking at the cost would it be fully on the county or be partially funded by other means? The primary duty of County Commissioners is approving a budget that spends your tax dollars wisely with a focus on helping our citizens fulfill their basic needs of affordable housing, food, and healthcare, in addition to education and recreation. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. My children have gone to school here in Ashe for many years it means a lot me. Ive always sought opinions on decisions and Im not afraid to ask when I may not understand something or have all the available information. I currently serve on the board of the Ashe County Home Builders Association. I believe that candidates are elected by the people, for the people and to conduct the peoples business at the will of the people. Have you tried to hire a plumber or electrician lately? Beth Sorrell: I grew up in Asheville, went to Appalachian State, discovered my love of working and volunteering in the community, so I joined the Peace Corps. I dont believe we will see normal as we knew it before. I am a member of Bald Mountain Baptist Church. We need to continue to develop all the potential of Ashe Early College. Teachers and school staff are working on the front lines with the young people who are going to lead this country in the future, and they should get the support and respect that they deserve. We need to give incentives to our schools to train and certify our youth in a career field before graduating high school. The Ashe Post & Times fielded eight questions to each of the commissioner candidates via email, whose responses are as follows: Jonathan Jordan: My name is Jonathan Jordan. We must replace the will of the people to rely on the government for their primary source of income. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. Our citizens deserve better than that. We are in the process of building a new middle school and expanding Wilkes Community College. Deaett R. Roten(D)Ashe County Sheriff 1.1. That is a very good time for anyone interested to come and see exactly what is done to set up the yearly budget. All our contact information is available on the county website. 7. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! 3. Increase funding for Career Center opportunities at the high school level. Were working with Wilkes Community College to tailor training to suit a potential employer. Russell Killen: As stated, I am not running with an agenda. We won't share it with anyone else. Be Nice. Without a doubt, the construction of the new middle school is the biggest challenge facing Ashe County Schools at the moment. I do think it would be wise to investigate some economic development projects that promise to promote the general welfare, if we have additional discretionary funds to do so. While everything increases in price through inflation Housing prices and availability needs some additional study and help. I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government. 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. North Carolina has mandated several programs but has not given the money to carry out those programs, let alone this new scale. ASHE COUNTY Eight Ashe County Commissioner candidates that are hoping to be elected to one of three seats in November answered questions on a wide County Commissioner John Schoonmaker is 69. Additionally, the government spent hundreds of hours ensuring we senior managers and Directors were able to stay in control and manage conflict. 1. I would also uses high technology to improve business processes and other areas where I have quite a bit of experience and could contribute. There was an error processing your request. An example is the new Agriculture Center that construction will begin on this year. 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 have been a North Carolina licensed auctioneer since 1987 and the owner and President of Mountain Auction Company Inc. 8. Where do you think that money should go?Jonathan Jordan: The first thing to keep in mind is how much of our citizens money we can return to them while making sure we responsibly fund local government. Food insecurity, lack of decent, affordable housing, lack of healthcare and the struggle to make ends meet is far too common. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism As of 2021 the median household income was $43,962 and per capita income was $25,282. I have a good, working relationship with the school board and am committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our youth. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. In your view, what is the boards role as a whole?Jonathan Jordan: Ashe County commissioners are our elected board of directors for our county government. We are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Jerry Powers: I would hope to be a voice of reason, as I hope I was perceived in my prior term, with no interest in dictating Ashe Countys future. I will also work to grow existing partnerships with the community college and local businesses to create more apprenticeship and training programs, focusing on local agriculture and innovative economic opportunities. We should fight against unfunded mandates whenever possible. I make myself available by phone or in person to meet with folks who have concerns and I have found that a friendly handshake and listening ear can quell almost any disagreement. I would encourage individuals to look at the employment field that is available as a career and not just as a job. 6. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. We should utilize our rich natural and cultural resources to invigorate the community and insprire healthy and sustainable improvements in the lives of the people of Ashe County. The wait is long because of the lack of skilled labor in these areas. The commissioners role is to see that the county runs smoothly and to help bring and keep industry and businesses in the county. We are a tourist destination and we need to help make the citizens of Ashe proud of the place in which we live. If elected, what are you hoping the Ashe County Board of Commissioners will achieve by the end of your term? Create a password that only you will remember. 7. A good job is a main reason for success for everyone. 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. We need to be capable of listening to our constituents with compassion and open minds, even when we dont agree. 6. We also, through the efforts of Skyline telephone, have one of the best internet networks in the nation. 6. Ensuring access to education and training, which will lead to good paying jobs. 6. I was an active duty Army Intelligence Officer from February 1967 until August 1973. It has been my job, as Commissioner, to take an objective look at each project and determine those that will serve the most citizens and be financially sustainable into the future. Our non-certified employees, custodians, bus drivers, office staff, and assistants have not had a raise since 2008. We want to establish a community center for people on the west side of the county. The children are the future of the county and not just the responsibility of the school system. Ashe County, North Carolina, held elections for local offices in 2022. Click the links below to learn more: Click here to use Ballotpedia's sample ballot to find every election that Ballotpedia has on file for your address. = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. 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. How will we be able to measure the outcome, is it attainable, is it relevant and can it be completed in a timely manner? It should therefore be used for things beneficial to the public at large, or for things that individuals cannot do for themselves (roads, other infrastructure, economic development programs to improve our overall economy, etc.) Again, elected officials work for the people, to serve at the will of the people and that is certainly what I intend to do as one of your five County Commissioners, if elected. I enjoy helping people and have a genuine belief that Ashe County is the best place on earth, which is what led me to this job in the beginning! In June 2022, Republican Troy Councilwoman Kimberly Ashe-McPherson pleaded guilty to a felony charge after admitting that she also fraudulently submitted absentee ballots in elections held in 2021. Next, what would be involved to see this project to completion? WebWes Greene For Ashe County Commissioner Let's Work Together For Ashe County Republican Candidate For County Commissioner I believe in the people of Ashe County Russell Killen: We as commissioners should look at using taxpayers money as if it was our own and make common sense decisions based on what the needs of the county and its offices are. My contact information is available on the county website and I am always open to receive a call, text or email from you! Lets help provide the resources to help our schools explore careers that fit todays economy and not the idea that everyone has to have a four-year degree. There was an error processing your request. During this time I spent two years in Vietnam (1968-1969 and 1972-1973), two years with Chung Kai Shek in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China and six months in Thailand. Email: steve.carter@alamance-nc.com Phone: 336-214-7606. 4. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. 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. 1. 2. But, housing costs have raised 17.7% in Ashe over the last year. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. I am applying for the job of Ashe County commissioner based on my record of service and achievement to the citizens of our great county. Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 1 (4-year term) Douglas A. Johnson. 1. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. I think we need to concentrate our efforts to address housing in the city limits of our three municipalities. We would need to evaluate all the pros and cons of the proposal, for it would need to be in the best interest of the county. accounts, the history behind an article. As long as you make the best decisions and you can go to sleep at night feeling you did your best for the county, that is all that can be expected from anyone. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. This has put an unexpected strain on our public services. Were already working in that direction. I have been a licensed insurance agent since 1980 and enjoyed working with people and getting to know them and serving them. Former Sheriff J. J. Jones is 63. I am proud to have been unanimously elected by my fellow commissioners as chairman for each of the last 4 years. I was enjoying retirement when the opportunity to fill a vacant seat on the board came up in the fall of 2020. Then, it would be good to find out from all that present this project, what the long-range effect might have on the county as a whole. Having served in office for over four years now, I am well aware of the criticism that comes with this role. If elected as your commissioner, the person or persons presenting their project will have to be well prepared. person will not be tolerated. Pam W. Barlow(R)Ashe County Register of Deeds 1.1. Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. We have two sons, Kelly Joe who graduated from Ashe Central, and Jared who graduated from Northwest. When any project is presented to the Board for consideration my first questions will be how will it improve Ashe County and what will the tax burden be both now and into the future. In the past we have allocated and paid taxpayer monies for projects that never seen the first pencil struck to paper or the first shovel in the ground. Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. I appreciate his leadership. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, 5. Its our job that our citizens get the fair share of the opportunities available through the state budget and available statewide programs. Our children need a career choice beginning in their freshman year and continuing through graduation. Look at requirements for lot size for building, what restrictions are on the manufactured homes, multi-family (duplex) homes, and apartment buildings. The affordable housing problem is not an easy task. My education, experience in management and as commissioner supplies me with knowledge in operating county government. People often get frustrated when they dont have correct information and base their opinions on rumors. Affordable housing and child care facilities rank among the highest of concerns from discussions I have had with citizens that would warrant a close review of what type of funding in which department would be needed to address those topics. Many Ashe problems that I described are the same that I faced across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. Ive been driven to serve my community since I was in college at Appalachian State in the 1990s where I began volunteering to help others while also learning valuable skills. In the 2021 calendar year, there were almost 29,000 calls for service including fire, EMS and law enforcement. We also need to consider the long-term impact and try to make informed decisions that will improve the quality of life for more people. County governments biggest role in the project is to provide funding, which we have already committed to. I would like to help keep Ashe County as the best place to live and raise children. Once the trust is lost, it could become years before trust is reestablished. Secondly, we must have no child in our school system that goes without food other than what they receive in the school setting. If not, he or she is going to have a hard time convincing me to support that project. I have been proud to support our industrial park and community college expansion projects so that our workforce is well positioned to attract new and growing businesses. I believe that our biggest potential is in our outdoor economy. We need to teach our children what will help them to be able to compete with any school, whether in the USA or any other country. 3. Beth Sorrell: The BOC does more than just decide how to spend the countys money, however this is the most important job and it is crucial to have community input on how our tax dollars are used. We have been obligated to a debt that we can not yet measure. Something like an apprenticeship program that accumulates documented hours of training and work toward a journeyman status or thereabouts. I was honored to serve as Ashe County Commissioner in the past and would be honored to serve again. One priority would be to increase funding for our environmental services to protect the resources we have, enforce those protections and educate the community on how to take care of our land and water. WebCounty of ASHE 2022 PRIMARY Election Date: 03/08/2022 This is an official notice of an election to be conducted in Ashe County on 03/08/2022. 2. WebAshe County is a county in North Carolina. Primarily, we need to train our youth for the workforce. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 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. Were looking at making a park along the river similar to the Creeper Trail Park in Lansing. In January, former Rensselaer County Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield pleaded guilty to unlawfully using the names and dates of birth of voters to fraudulently Having to make a choice between multiple worthy projects is one of the hardest parts of being a Commissioner. I believe in being fiscally conservative, accountability, integrity and being forthright to the taxpayer. Education and law enforcement have been two areas that I have voted to support with added funds during my term in office. A project proposal always comes with a lot of promises, fancy wording and should be for the betterment of the community. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. We have three children, one grandchild, and eight ninths of another grandchild on the way. I dont even mention apartments because I could not even find any for rent. 7. There will be times that difficult decisions have to be made and there will be times that people will disagree on these decisions. I will strive to understand where the criticism is coming from and use it constructively in my work serving the people of Ashe County. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. Lets make sure that our broadband and other technical resources provide opportunities for residents to work at home with companies based in large cities. Through my work with Ashe County Habitat for Humanity, Ive witnessed the great need for safer, affordable housing and the challenges that come with providing that, but I know that we can do better. Why do you think transparency and accountability are important for a local government to be successful? Why do you want to be an Ashe CountyCommissioner? Who else would know Ashe County and its people better than someone born and raised here? I am glad to present this record as my credentials for why I want your support to serve on the team of county commissioners who direct our local government. I am very deliberate to not get in the weeds on social media, opting instead for face-to-face interactions that form relationships and affect real change. I was honored to represent our county in Raleigh for 8 years in the state House of Representatives. Tax money should be spent wisely and should benefit the majority of our residents. I think we should recruit quality corporate citizens that enhance the property tax base and offer meaningful employment opportunities. Another huge attribute is fiber optic service to our county. Jerry Powers: All monies used in government have only recently been some taxpayers money, some donated to a good cause and most taken without the blessing of the contributor. Housing has become a major problem here in Ashe County. If it is good for the people of Ashe County, it is good for me. ASHE COUNTY Eight Ashe County Commissioner candidates that are hoping to be elected to one of three seats in November answered questions on a wide variety of topics that included government accountability, affordable housing and economic challenges that many county residents have to deal with each day. Following the example of other county governments, I would see an Organizational Vision as follows: Ashe County will be the best local government service provider in the mountain counties of North Carolina. Jim Cain: I dont like to brag but while I worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, I was, as one of my duties, the Chief Financial Officer for the BIA, managing all aspects of Finance for a $3.5 Billion a year budget for 623 tribes with requirements decided at seven regional budget meetings a year. We must invest in our land to protect it for future generations and to grow our outdoor economy. Don't knowingly lie about anyone I know our county, our people and their needs. Its become a normal part of my life and Im ready to put that practice to use as a county commissioner. Ive seen the spectrum of how people live here, from broken-down trailers to million-dollar cabins and I believe I have some perspectives that others may not have. Occasionally the county can take on projects funded by the state, if the county can commit to funding those programs in the future when state (and possibly federal) funds will inevitably dry up. The board of county commissioners directs these matters to bring a fair and prosperous environment where all our citizens who work and apply themselves can succeed, and contribute to our overall economy. There is still much uncertainty in our future. I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. I have always welcomed a healthy and civil discussion of any decision I have made or been part of, and have accepted that sometimes philosophies in reaching decisions are just different.