1. I believe in being fiscally responsible, while protecting our taxpayers by carefully evaluating budget requests that are consistent with the level of service which the taxpayers are willing to pay. I think I should respect all ideas and input on issues, do my research, and make decisions based on what is best for the majority of our people. We as commissioners need to be willing to try and help any way we can to help the citizens of Ashe County to adjust and succeed. I left CSC to pursue Small Business Development and have owned several businesses one of which I still own today. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. I am a member of the Ashe County Farmers Market and have served on the Board of Directors. As Commissioner, I will work to make Ashe County an even better place for everyone to live. The taxpayer dollars are being spent, so be up front with the people who elect you to an office. Has this project been proposed in other locations and what was its success? sanitation, school). Increase funding for Career Center opportunities at the high school level. Continued problems with drug and alcohol abuse in portions of Ashe County. I believe in recruiting the businesses that are right for Ashe County and want to be in Ashe County. We attend Jefferson United Methodist Church. 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. As a Commissioner I would bring up for a vote, incentives for businesses who move here and employ the good people of Ashe County. We have to be the face of the county to make sure our needs are considered. We must replace the will of the people to rely on the government for their primary source of income. We'd love to hear eyewitness I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of the State of NewYork, Albany, September, 1980. County governments biggest role in the project is to provide funding, which we have already committed to. 6. First, I would consider what potential this project would have to benefit the county. 8. I studied anthropology and sustainable agriculture, which led me to serve in the Peace Corps in East Africa. Downtown Bellefonte pedestrian If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. 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. Error! Don't Threaten. That is dead on arrival with me. I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. The things that are being implemented now such as the US 221 construction were begun years ago. We need to give incentives to builders in the local population to build homes that the average person can afford. I also do this with my personal spending. I may have helped you, or friends or family, in a sticky court situation. The Ashe Post & Times asked each Ashe County Commissioner candidate to provide a short bio along with responses to a series of questions for publication. 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. 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. We have had some amazing folks that really care about our kids working in Ashe County and need to keep them working. I would just hope that the ones who dont agree would do so respectfully. Once a streamlined process is in place to educate and inform the public, initiate a builder and developers summit to recruit projects for affordable housing. Being an elected official often comes with criticism from the general public. 5. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism I think drawing new industry to Ashe County is going to be difficult at best without some major incentives; its hard for us to compete with transportation and population advantages below the mountain. I think we are better when we work together in a civil manner. I have learned and experienced this from management training, managing people, 20 years working with Ashe County Sheriffs Office as a detective and 10 years as county commissioner. Along with that comes differences of opinion. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, As a result of the pandemic, the people that were only visiting for a few weeks a year now have the option of working from home and are staying here longer. During my 37-year career in the fire service, I was fortunate to have served in the capacity of fire chief in two municipalities and in my hometown volunteer fire department. We'd love to hear eyewitness Threats of harming another Tax money should be spent wisely and should benefit the majority of our residents. 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 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. I have always been involved in community affairs as a volunteer; starting as a firefighter in college, then rescue squads, civic organizations and have spent over 20 years volunteering with the Ashe County Sheriffs Office (most of those years as a full-time detective). Government is for the people and by the people and everyone deserves to know what their elected officials are up to and how they are spending our tax dollars. 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.) 1. I think the people of Ashe County should know how their tax money is being spent. I love our county and have a passion for working with others to help keep taxes down and to make it an affordable place to raise a family. Having served in office for over four years now, I am well aware of the criticism that comes with this role. Mike Eldreth(R) 1.3. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Jim Cain: As a longtime planner, one thing I would think we need to do is a total analysis, to the maximum extent possible to see how the county has done during the pandemic, in a variety of functional areas. I have been working hard to make Ashe County an even better place to live, work and raise our families; and I hope to continue with that same work ethic for the next four years. I have ideas for how to work with our community college and companies to prepare our workforce for 21st century work. Items such as the budget, meeting agendas and salaries are all available to any citizen that wants to see them. accounts, the history behind an article. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. My name is Terry D. Wagoner and I would like to represent you as county commissioner. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism I am a member of Bald Mountain Baptist Church. John Allen is 68. I would like to help keep Ashe County as the best place to live and raise children. 4. 4. UT professor Mark Harmon, former county commissioner and congressional candidate, is 66. 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. 1. Our non-certified employees, custodians, bus drivers, office staff, and assistants have not had a raise since 2008. We need to reach out to any company that shows interest in putting their company in Ashe County. 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. I have worked public jobs from self-employment to retail and held management positions since I was 15 years old. In Ashe, as in most I think we need to concentrate our efforts to address housing in the city limits of our three municipalities. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. Democrat Beth Sorrell will not face any additional primary challengers. 4. In January, former Rensselaer County Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield pleaded guilty to unlawfully using the names and dates of birth of voters to fraudulently I am a combat veteran of the Iraq War, serving three combat tours and achieving the highest rank for the enlisted force of Marines as a Sergeant Major/E9. 3. 2. I believe that I have the skills, experience, and willingness to listen and work together with my fellow citizens in protecting and advancing Ashe County as an incredible place to live, work and play. The public is welcome to contact any of the commissioners in regard to the actions that might take place. After that, I went to graduate school for public health and spent some time in Ethiopia doing community health education. How will we be able to measure the outcome, is it attainable, is it relevant and can it be completed in a timely manner? 5. Service delivery is not only an important function of county responsibilities but is one that taxpayers should expect a level that is second to none. Better health care for significant portions of county residents and providing help for individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies. With our aging population and rapidly growing 911 call volume, it is of the utmost importance that we have adequate EMS personnel and equipment to respond. Use the 'Report' link on My education, experience in management and as commissioner supplies me with knowledge in operating county government. I feel that I can contribute in a positive way if elected to serve the citizens of Ashe County. But it doesnt matter how ready the site is without a sustainable workforce to staff a new business. If elected, what actions will you take or would like to see being taken to help the county rebound from the effects of the pandemic?Jonathan Jordan: The Ashe County Board of Commissioners should always take a conservative, cautious approach to budgeting. 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. That also involved making policy decisions that caused change. Ashe County has a unique set of attributes that brings many tourists to our county to the amazing amount of over $80 million dollars in the last year. Extra money should be used to attract other businesses into the county along with assisting the law enforcement, schools and waste management etc. Russell Killen: We here in the county have homelessness and also need more affordable housing, along with making sure that all citizens have access to food. While everything increases in price through inflation Housing prices and availability needs some additional study and help. I am not running with a political agenda. Be Proactive. Candidates for Ashe County Board of Commissioners answer questions ahead of election, Compiled By Bailey Little Additionally, there are many houses in the county that are either abandoned or being used for short-term vacation rentals. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Why will it be for the betterment of Ashe County and how will it positively affect the citizens without a tax burden on the citizens? We have too many that go without that we could help if we as a county get involved. Recently we installed new video and sound equipment for broadcasting meetings. If it is good for the people of Ashe County, it is good for me. 3. My contact information is available on the county website and I am always open to receive a call, text or email from you! I would check to see what programs might be available to help the potential builders, owners of buildings that can be converted into apartment rentals, and what the funding requires. I am invested in our community and am prepared to go to work again for all our Ashe County citizens. 3. WebVoter registration status (e.g., active, removed) and reason for status; voter demographics, party affiliation, and address; voter county, precinct, and district information (e.g., NC Senate and House, judicial); when applicable, county commissioner and additional local districts (e.g. Good salaries take some of the sting out of a rising mortgage or rent payments. Jason T. Schofield, the Republican Rensselaer County Board of Elections commissioner, leaves James T. Foley U.S. 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 It must be dealt with much more conservatively that how it was thrust upon us. I have been a licensed insurance agent since 1980 and enjoyed working with people and getting to know them and serving them. Were already working in that direction. Changes often mean opportunities. 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 housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. I get it, sometimes we need to raise taxes, but we need to spend money wisely, efficiently, and be accountable for the monies we allocate and hold accountable those who take our taxpayer dollars for work to be started and completed. Our schools, hospital and all businesses must work toward returning back to normal. I have been a North Carolina licensed auctioneer since 1987 and the owner and President of Mountain Auction Company Inc. A project proposal always comes with a lot of promises, fancy wording and should be for the betterment of the community. You have permission to edit this article. Not only do these assets contribute to the quality of life in the county, they lead to healthier people and reduced chronic health problems. May 2: Restaurant owner Randy Burleson is 57. William Sands: The main issue we face at this time is COVID-19 and its results. Once the trust is lost, it could become years before trust is reestablished. General election for Ashe County Board of Commissioners (3 seats) Beth Sorrell, Mike Eldreth, Todd A. McNeill, and Chuck Olive ran in the general election for Ashe Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. My name is Mark Anthony Massey. As an elected official, it is important to remember that almost all frustration and complaints are coming from a place of genuine concern for our community, and as your commissioner it is my job to LISTEN and take action. 3. As many of the residents of Ashe know, I have assisted through my auctions free of charge to help many people in need because of health and or accident situations in which I have done with pride and no regrets. Success! (See Attachment). 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 You have permission to edit this article. Economic development includes any initiatives that improve infrastructure, enhance our education system, better our public safety, improve parks, and foster ways that incentivize and attract new businesses and jobs. I spent a couple of hours riding around Jefferson and West Jefferson and realized that this was an excellent place to raise a family. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. I will strive to understand where the criticism is coming from and use it constructively in my work serving the people of Ashe County. 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. I would also increase funding to support local agriculture and sustainable farming initiatives. or to help those who are truly deserving. This would also serve to create more jobs and support a healthier community. 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 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. One-stop, in-person early voting begins on April 28 and ends on May 14. I also believe we need a Strategic Plan and I will work with all the stakeholders to create that plan. Except for a few areas, all county activities are a matter of public record. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Ashe County has about 26,000 citizens according to the latest census. The median cost of a house is $329K for a three-bedroom house with rent over $1,000 a month. First, and foremost I am a Christian in word and deed. Accordingly, I would always be a willing team member, following the lead of other commissioners as long as progress of our actions and efforts are helping improve the life of Ashe County residents. 7. We as a board cant control market forces but if we can help have the infrastructure in place to make building for a developer more enticing. Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. Upon completion we will have shovel ready sites to offer new or expanding businesses. Jim Cain: I would love to see Ashe County become a tourist destination of choice and not just the place to come buy a Christmas tree each year. As a county commissioner, what role the county plays in the process should be addressed to streamline any plan review, permitting, inspections, and/or obtaining certificates of occupancy. WebElected Officials Hardin County Election Commission Elected Officials Hardin County, TN Elected Officials Misc. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. I would try to be understanding if they are in disagreement and would like for them to be clear with me what they do not like about the action that was or will be taken. I may have helped you or your family draw up your wills or business contracts. Primarily, we need to train our youth for the workforce. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. I am married to Glenda Miller Wagoner. The real estate market is a tough nut to crack. I was honored to represent our county in Raleigh for 8 years in the state House of Representatives. Be Proactive. 124 W. Elm St. Graham, North Carolina 27253. This will certainly be something I will push for if elected as Commissioner for Ashe County. 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. I finished my career here and retired in 2014. I intend to exploit that and fix that as a commissioner. I served eight years in Raleigh representing our area in the State House, where I was a strong advocate for all our citizens. But we should continue to be very wise and careful with our spending. 3 of 11 4 of 11. Another huge attribute is fiber optic service to our county. County government needs to get the basic job done for its local citizens with the most efficient use of resources provided by its citizens. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. I am proud to have been unanimously elected by my fellow commissioners as chairman for each of the last 4 years. 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. 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. Our youth in the high schools need to have an opportunity to learn a trade just as we did when I was in school. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. I attended Nathans Creek and Mountain View Elementary schools then Ashe Central and Ashe County High where I was a member of the first graduating class. 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. 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. Be Truthful. The substandard or lack of affordable housing across the age and income spectrums. Were looking at making a park along the river similar to the Creeper Trail Park in Lansing. During that time I spent two more years in Vietnam (1973-1975), two more years in Bangkok, Thailand, a year in German language school and then 10 consecutive years in Germany. 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 and protecting what we have while looking to improve where we need improvement. Party: Dem Education: Bellefonte Area High School, U.S. Army Signal School, course work job related at Penn State University Email: Djohnson@bellefontepa.gov Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them? We have dedicated, experienced employees and also volunteers who provide over 1,000 hours in serving our county each day. 6. 4. My wife Shannon is from Todd and we have three children and four grandchildren between us who all live here in the county. I would seek to understand the environmental, cultural and economic impacts of the project in the short term as well as the long term. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. I know of one bus driver that works at Walmart after he delivers the students to school. 1. People often get frustrated when they dont have correct information and base their opinions on rumors. I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. All commissioners can be contacted by emailing administration@ashecountygov.com Jerry D. Powers New electee Republican Farmer who 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. All our contact information is available on the county website. From 1997-2007, I worked for Computer Sciences Corporation when it was one of the Big Three computer corporations in America. I have been fortunate to manage to grow my business through all this and also hire more people to work. There should be no hidden agendas in any government body. Our citizens and communities certainly deserve better than that. Ive always sought opinions on decisions and Im not afraid to ask when I may not understand something or have all the available information. We should work in keeping morale high. WebSteven J. Carter. I was an active duty Army Intelligence Officer from February 1967 until August 1973. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, cum Laude, from University College, University of Maryland, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany: September, 1982. In being a commissioner, you are presented with many requests which you would need to review and sort out, but just because something cannot be funded at the time does not mean that it isnt important. We have to balance the growth with good land-use policies that will protect the beautiful natural resources we love, including the fragile mountaintop environments and the New River. I am running for Commissioner because I think it is my civic duty to give back to the community that has been so good to me. bailey.little@ashepostandtimes.com. Jonathan Jordan: The Ashe County Board of Commissioners should always take a conservative, cautious approach to budgeting. I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government.