ashe county commissioner candidates

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 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. Its become a normal part of my life and Im ready to put that practice to use as a county commissioner. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. 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. 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 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 also founded the Mighty Mite Basketball League where we stressed fundamentals and helped establish the Wee Wolves at Mountain View. 2. Second, if the proposal is feasible, how can we find the funds to implement the proposal? I encourage anyone with a question to reach out to me through email or by phone. Not all of my decisions were always popular but were always in the best interest and well-intended with positive outcomes for the taxpayer. My contact information is available on the county website and I am always open to receive a call, text or email from you! Why do you want to be an Ashe CountyCommissioner? 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. Candidates (choose 1): Daniel McCaffery . 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. County governments biggest role in the project is to provide funding, which we have already committed to. I want to work with our fine sheriff to keep our citizens safe. Sugar coating a problem is only kicking the can further down the road knowing it will have to be dealt with eventually. We must continue to be progressive while providing services to our citizens without increasing taxes. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. We should all be in this together. Let our high schools train and qualify our students/future employees in the school setting so that when they graduate, they can go to work here in our hometown rather than having to leave family and loved ones to find work somewhere else. 2. 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. Russell Killen: I would like to be one of Ashe Countys commissioners as to have a voice in what is happening within the 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. I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. The industrial park is a step in the right direction, but we need to look at how we can use our resources to entice more business and revenue. 8. 3. Be Proactive. 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. Many citizens are unemployed. 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. 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 is not the school systems job. You dont have to guess; you know from my record that when I promise something, I keep that promise. As Commissioner, I will work to make Ashe County an even better place for everyone to live. My name is Mike Eldreth and i am a lifelong resident of Ashe County and am married to Dianne Eldreth, who is a member of the Ashe County Board of Education. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. 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. Mike Eldreth(R) 1.3. 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. I think we should recruit quality corporate citizens that enhance the property tax base and offer meaningful employment opportunities. That is an absolute waste of taxpayer dollars as well as misappropriations of public funds with no one being held to account. That is definitely one of the most complex problems facing Ashe County and the nation as a whole. We need an updated recreational facility that would include an Olympic-size pool and a new soccer facility and would encourage recreational activities that are life long. 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. Let me help you make improvements in Ashe County. 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 While traveling back and forth from our capital, I earned a strong conservative record for my support of the ideals articulated in the U.S. Constitution: limited and transparent government, individual rights, personal responsibility and a healthy culture. My name is Mark Anthony Massey. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. Once the trust is lost, it could become years before trust is reestablished. 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. 5. In 1987, I returned to the U.S., was assigned to the Armys Intelligence and Security Command, was promoted to GS-15 (The Senior grade for government Civilian employees) and became the Director of the Armys Plans, Programs, and Low Intensity Conflict Divisions. 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. 8. or anything. Because of leaning more toward tourism in recent decades, we have failed the industry that existed before. 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. 1. Realizing some of our problems are shared to a varying degree by the other rural areas of the U.S., not being able to eradicate all or a significant portion of these problems in 20 years or more seems indicative of the need to try some different approaches. I came up here in January of 1994 to go skiing near Boone and I saw the sign at US 421 and NC 16 for Jefferson so I took a detour and came up this way. It happened when I was a student here and it can happen now. As of 2021 the median household income was $43,962 and per capita income was $25,282. How will we be able to measure the outcome, is it attainable, is it relevant and can it be completed in a timely manner? 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. Threats of harming another Former Sheriff J. J. Jones is 63. 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. Four years ago I was proud to raise my hand in support of the Wilkes Community College expansion project. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. Pray for me as I strive to help we the people flourish and grow in the time ahead. Success! 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. Don't Threaten. I still have strong contacts in Raleigh, which is an important way I can call in help or resources when we need them. 1. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. Secondly, we must have no child in our school system that goes without food other than what they receive in the school setting. I left CSC to pursue Small Business Development and have owned several businesses one of which I still own today. I think we need to concentrate our efforts to address housing in the city limits of our three municipalities. Having served in office for over four years now, I am well aware of the criticism that comes with this role. 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. To borrow a good friends phrase, right is never wrong and wrong is never right. We must be able to live with our decisions, regardless of what others want us to do. 8. 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. 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. But we should continue to be very wise and careful with our spending. We will through land use planning, strategic capital investments and change management plans ensure a good and improving quality of life in our communities. For most of my adult life I have been in Senior Management; Senior Leadership, and Special Management positions. Those businesses could get a tax break for bringing their business to Ashe County for the few years and, in turn, our citizens could thrive on a good paying job and make a home for the family they want to have and build on. My office is located in Jefferson, just around the corner from the courthouse. Jim Cain: I was born on July 4, 1946, in Oakland, Calif., and grew up in and graduated from High School in Medford, Oregon. My name is Terry D. Wagoner and I would like to represent you as county commissioner. Party: Dem County: Philadelphia Occupation: Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court Education: Temple 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. 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.) 2. 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. I am a native of Ashe County and a 1985 graduate of Ashe Central High School. Ensuring access to education and training, which will lead to good paying jobs. I want very much to meet the needs of our people. All our contact information is available on the county website. 3. 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. Has this project been proposed in other locations and what was its success? Criticism comes with the job and I understood that when I started. 8. 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? I now live in Grassy Creek with my wife Maggie and our five children; Henry, Libby Jean, Sarah Lane, Beau and Will. Its the responsibility of the Board of Commissioners to fund the local portion of the Ashe County School system to ensure the taxpayers get the most for their tax dollars in order for the Board of Education to achieve performance standards. We could possibly look at helping build some more apartment buildings to alleviate some of the hardship so many people are having. accounts, the history behind an article. Our job is to work with the town boards to ensure the infrastructure is in place to attract future construction and growth. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. 4. Nothing is impossible and everything is possible. 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. Use the 'Report' link on First, I would consider what potential this project would have to benefit the county. We need an outreach program that can assist these families, NOT give them a free pass. I was born and raised in Lansing, North Carolina by Kenneth and the late Stella Massey. I have had a small law office here in Ashe County for many years. All commissioners can be contacted by emailing administration@ashecountygov.com Jerry D. Powers New electee Republican Farmer who Election Day will be May 17. I grew up in the Crumpler community of Ashe County. I was enjoying retirement when the opportunity to fill a vacant seat on the board came up in the fall of 2020. 6. I am invested in our community and am prepared to go to work again for all our Ashe County citizens. 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. We understood then and are still aware of the unknown future with COVID-19. By Nathan Ham The bidding approach that allows the highest bidder to raise the price of property over the asking price is adding to the problem. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Transparency and accountability are necessary for building trust and for creating a safe environment for everyone to express their opinions and exercise their rights. 4. 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. Because we lack the curriculum or the ability to teach, train, and certify students in our high school for work after schooling, we have failed that generation and generations to come. 3. During those 44 years of public service, I sought out numerous opportunities to be engaged in community activities where I thought I could make an impact in developing collaborative efforts to accomplish goals that would have a positive impact on local communities. The things that are being implemented now such as the US 221 construction were begun years ago. I obtained a BS degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama and retired as Manager of Energy Control with Duke Power Company. First, and foremost I am a Christian in word and deed. bailey.little@ashepostandtimes.com. 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. 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. Error! 3. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. There was a problem saving your notification. Unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of technical jobs in the county. 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. I am a graduate of the Leadership for a Democratic Society Course at the Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Va. An example is the new Agriculture Center that construction will begin on this year. WebCounty: Appling Atkinson Bacon Baker Baldwin Banks Barrow Bartow Ben Hill Berrien Bibb Bleckley Brantley Brooks Bryan Bulloch Burke Butts Calhoun Camden Candler Carroll Catoosa Charlton Chatham Chattahoochee Chattooga Cherokee Clarke Clay Clayton Clinch Cobb Coffee Colquitt Columbia Cook Coweta Crawford Crisp Dade Dawson Decatur DeKalb But most importantly, lending support to ensure we are producing a quality, well-educated student upon graduation is first on any strategic plan. Our children need a career choice beginning in their freshman year and continuing through graduation. 7. I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. 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. The substandard or lack of affordable housing across the age and income spectrums. Be Truthful. The school board represents the communitys voice in public education and sets the standard for achievement in the school district. Email: steve.carter@alamance-nc.com Phone: 336-214-7606. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! 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. We can create jobs and generate revenue while creating recreational opportunities that will draw people here for the beauty and make everyone healthier.

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