I encourage anyone with a question to reach out to me through email or by phone. 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. I am a graduate of the Leadership for a Democratic Society Course at the Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Va. 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. 6. 1. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! I am human like anyone else, and welcome questions from the public on their concerns for our county business conducted on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. I also see a need for more apprenticeship opportunities with our high school and local businesses to provide more options for our young people who want to live and work in the county. accounts, the history behind an article. 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. If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? 5. Jerry Powers: All monies that come into Ashe Countys coffers should be used to provide essential services and to reduce the tax burden on our citizens. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. Deaett R. Roten(D)Ashe County Sheriff 1.1. And, to achieve producing a well-rounded individual upon graduation, is the recruitment and retention of the most qualified instructors AND staff when producing our future members of society. We have to be the face of the county to make sure our needs are considered. Dec. 15: Brian Pittman is 56. What qualifications make yo And I dont have all the answers, so we should always seek input from others to come up with good ideas to consider. As a commissioner, I would seek out every avenue that could be found, to ensure this problem could be addressed. 3. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. 1. I enjoyed the country life growing up in Ashe County and after my service, I returned home in 2015. 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. Posey Congleton is 74. We won't share it with anyone else. 3. I assure you, my wife, Dianne, keeps me up-to-date with education in Ashe County. My children have gone to school here in Ashe for many years it means a lot me. 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. Be Truthful. 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. Threats of harming another I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. Many citizens are unemployed. One-stop, in-person early voting begins on April 28 and ends on May 14. I always will make to time to discuss any concerns someone may have. The other five Republican challengers are Mike Eldreth, Wes Greene, Mark Massey, Paula Perry and Terry Wagoner. I can take constructive criticism but will not accept disrespect or hatefulness. I have had a small law office here in Ashe County for many years. Were already working in that direction. Failure to change puts us farther behind. 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. Victor Ashe. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Russell Killen: As stated, I am not running with an agenda. 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. 2. 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. I think the biggest challenge is how to keep employees in Ashe County Schools. If it is something that needs to be corrected or clarified, I would certainly do that. 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). He makes more an hour starting there than after nine years of driving our children to school. 7. 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. This notice contains a list of all of the ballot measures and federal, State, and local offices this county expects, as of this date, to be on the ballot on the date of the election. 1. The substandard or lack of affordable housing across the age and income spectrums. From 1997-2007, I worked for Computer Sciences Corporation when it was one of the Big Three computer corporations in America. High-paying jobs for our citizens is the only answer. Grading and utility construction are scheduled to begin any day. Ashe County has seen firsthand what happens when our elected officials dont practice transparency, which is why its so important for both parties to be represented on the county commission. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. Right now the waiting lists for our few childcare centers are years long. If it is good for the people of Ashe County, it is good for me. 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. We all need to be more aware of what is creeping into the educational programs that they want taught to our children. This will certainly be something I will push for if elected as Commissioner for Ashe County. 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. In the meantime, the county government needs to seek opportunities through grants and other incentives, aimed at starter homes, lower rent apartments, and rent-to-buy options. I was born and raised in Lansing, North Carolina by Kenneth and the late Stella Massey. I spent three years in East Africa and saw the importance of good public health and community-based solutions. First, I would consider what potential this project would have to benefit the county. The new apartments that are planned to be built at the old Lowes Foods is a step in the right direction. I studied anthropology and sustainable agriculture, which led me to serve in the Peace Corps in East Africa. While I have heard many people in Ashe County talk of their desire not to have to change, the fact of the matter is that change is inevitable. If it contains any language other than that, I am certainly not on board with it. Secondly, we must have no child in our school system that goes without food other than what they receive in the school setting. Having survived 49 of those meetings makes me believe I wont have many problems to face. I have a good, working relationship with the school board and am committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our youth. 3. 7. For seven years I served in the capacity of occupational safety and health manager with additional duties of structural fire coordinator, facility inspector, and safety instructor for the Park Service. 2. Its our job that our citizens get the fair share of the opportunities available through the state budget and available statewide programs. In 1991, after graduation from The Federal Executive Institute, I was appointed to the senior executive Service (The top 2000 government civilians, all reporting to political appointees, normally Department heads). I feel that my dealing with the public for over 40 years and being a lifelong resident of the county helps me to qualify for this position. racist or sexually-oriented language. 4. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. I will try to understand all sides of the issue and learn as much as possible to make a decision that is best for the future of Ashe County. 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.) These are just some of the issues Id like to address. 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 I came to Ashe County in 1994 when I was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Be Truthful. If you were able to increase funding for county programs, departments or projects, what would be your top priorities? Invalid password or account does not exist. 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. 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. 2. 3. 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. This would also serve to create more jobs and support a healthier community. 4. That is dead on arrival with me. 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. The county has the industrial park and has purchased more land to have site-ready locations for economic development. A higher than average number of residents living below the poverty level. As Commissioner, I will work to make Ashe County an even better place for everyone to live. I served as Adjunct Professor, History of the War in Vietnam for University College, University of Maryland, European Campus, 1982-1987 MS Equivalent in National Strategic Policy from the National War College, Fort McNair, DC. Threats of harming another 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. I put in my transfer in October of that year and have been here ever since. Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. We should also continue to invest in our local healthcare, as I believe one critical service and need our rural area has is to keep a local healthcare provider. 8. 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. Ballotpedia provides William Sands: I was part of the Board of Commissioners that planned the 2020-21 budget. As a result there is unforeseen pressure on the housing market that I dont think anybody could have predicted. This has put an unexpected strain on our public services. Visiting and recruiting potential clients, showcasing our new industrial business park and boasting how Ashe County is a special place to live, work, and play will produce dividends that increase our tax base and create new jobs. I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. For natural growth and a base problem for the county is affordable Housing. Email: steve.carter@alamance-nc.com Phone: 336-214-7606. Steady employment and an opportunity to have a job to earn a decent living can set any person on the path to success. 2. UT professor Mark Harmon, former county commissioner and congressional candidate, is 66. I want to support all our county departments to ensure quality services are being delivered to all citizens of Ashe County and they have the tools to do so. I think we are better when we work together in a civil manner. I look forward to laying the groundwork for projects to come though my membership of the board. Nothing is impossible and everything is possible. Another huge attribute is fiber optic service to our county. I was honored to represent our county in Raleigh for 8 years in the state House of Representatives. I want very much to meet the needs of our people. 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. Commissioner candidates share their thoughts on numerous topics ahead of 2022 election season. 4. Pam W. Barlow(R)Ashe County Register of Deeds 1.1. First I worked as a senior consultant in their Federal Consulting Center, doing Business Process Reengineering for a variety of Defense Department agencies and then I was asked to become the New Business Developed for the Department of Interior and Agriculture, managing approximately $480 million a year. 4. Don't knowingly lie about anyone We have two sons, Kelly Joe who graduated from Ashe Central, and Jared who graduated from Northwest. We could certainly crush the current 4.2% unemployment rate that our county currently has. 6. Look at requirements for lot size for building, what restrictions are on the manufactured homes, multi-family (duplex) homes, and apartment buildings. People often get frustrated when they dont have correct information and base their opinions on rumors. 7. An example is the new Agriculture Center that construction will begin on this year. 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. 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? Ashe County needs a vision an overarching plan developed with input from all stakeholders that would guide future projects. When I manage other peoples money there is no such thing as fraud, waste or abuse. Thats not to say that we couldnt leave room for innovative ideas, but we still need to know what projects are important to ensure we continue to keep Ashe County the best little corner of North Carolina.. This would apply to all new or existing projects and would help entice new construction, both commercial and residential, single and multi-family dwellings. As we all know our children are our future, these programs must receive any help we can give. Having to make a choice between multiple worthy projects is one of the hardest parts of being a Commissioner. William Sands: I have been commissioner for 10 years and served two years as Chairman. Use the 'Report' link on Transparency and accountability are necessary for building trust and for creating a safe environment for everyone to express their opinions and exercise their rights. The school board represents the communitys voice in public education and sets the standard for achievement in the school district. 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. By Nathan Ham ACSO apprehends suspect with over 25 felony warrants, Multiple injuries reported after deck collapses in West Jefferson, Jimmy & Jeans Family Arcade and Entertainment hosts ribbon cutting, Christmas In July announces entertainment lineup. We need a program that makes parents responsible for the development of their children. I want to work with our school board to insure a strong budget, but also help make sure we spend money on the right things. 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. I have served in the role of commissioner since January 2018. 3. Being an elected official often comes with criticism from the general public. Choose wisely! Next, what would be involved to see this project to completion? This kind of thing would cause mistrust in the office as well as damage the county. Share with Us. 1. I think we need to concentrate our efforts to address housing in the city limits of our three municipalities. Although I love traveling and living among other cultures, Ive always been drawn back to my roots in the Appalachian Mountains. 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. Beth Sorrell: After working and volunteering in many places and differing capacities Ive learned how to work with people from all walks of life and more importantly, how to listen. I would ask for a cost benefit analysis and I would seek community input and listen to perspectives from those who would be affected by the project before deciding whether to support it. I realize that I will not please everyone. WebAshe County is a county in North Carolina. Jim Cain: Starting with the 40-plus acres recently purchased by the Ashe County Government upon which to start a new Industrial Park, I would like to see built and developed a High Technology Teaching and Service Center with several key businesses tied into ASU, Wilkes Community College, Ashe High School and supported by one or more large contractors like Lowes and Vannoy Construction, where we could truly start training of our local working population in technical, 21st Century skills with higher wages and more job opportunities.
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