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. 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. It is not the school systems job. I have a good, working relationship with the school board and am committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our youth. Create a password that only you will remember. John Allen is 68. 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 dont believe we will see normal as we knew it before. Russell Killen: With the COVID-19 pandemic we as a community have seem to adjust to our new norm. 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. I served as chairman or co-chairman of numerous committees while in the State House and still have a strong relationship with my former colleagues in state government, who continue to remain in the majority at the legislature. I think we can see economic growth and improve employment opportunities without losing the very things that make Ashe a great place to live. I would hope to strengthen our relationship with state government and continue to obtain our fair share of state tax revenues. Working and coaching for 35 years often came with criticism so I know not everyone is going to be happy with every decision made. Let me help you make improvements in Ashe County. 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. Russell Killen: I would like to be one of Ashe Countys commissioners as to have a voice in what is happening within the county. 3. There was an error processing your request. Except for a few areas, all county activities are a matter of public record. Be Nice. That is an absolute waste of taxpayer dollars as well as misappropriations of public funds with no one being held to account. And of course, part of that job is to provide things our citizens cannot do for themselves, such as roads and law enforcement, among others. We need to train our workforce in skilled labor jobs such as masonry, plumbing, and electricity. sanitation, school). 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. Commissioner candidates share their thoughts on numerous topics ahead of 2022 election season. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 3. My education, experience in management and as commissioner supplies me with knowledge in operating county government. We can learn from neighboring counties about innovative ways to grow our outdoor economy without sacrificing our quality of life. 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. You have permission to edit this article. The public is welcome to contact any of the commissioners in regard to the actions that might take place. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. 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. I was honored to represent our county in Raleigh for 8 years in the state House of Representatives. 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. 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. There was an error processing your request. Transparency and accountability are necessary for building trust and for creating a safe environment for everyone to express their opinions and exercise their rights. 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. 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. 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. Weve secured grants to prepare the new business park on Ray Taylor Road. Local government has very little, if any, impact on the price of homes. I spent a couple of hours riding around Jefferson and West Jefferson and realized that this was an excellent place to raise a family. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Chuck Olive(R)Ashe County Clerk of Superior Court 1.1. Otherwise, I have failed those who may have elected me to the office of Commissioner. There was a problem saving your notification. or anything. Jonathan Jordan: Should I be elected to serve on the Ashe County Board of Commissioners, it would be my hope to end that term as a good steward with the county continuing to remain on a sound financial footing, with strong financial reserves, a low tax rate for our citizens, and continued economic opportunity and progress. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. Any department responsible for delivering these services and are lacking in any respect that is below par should be given first consideration for any increase in budget allocations, if needed, and not due to poor performance, lack of personnel due to unfilled positions or equipment needs. Were looking at making a park along the river similar to the Creeper Trail Park in Lansing. As a United States Marine, you can surely bet that my feet as well as my fellow Marines feet were always held to the fire and to account for our mistakes, shortcomings as well as our successes. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. Candidates for Ashe County Board of Commissioners answer questions ahead of election, Compiled By Bailey Little Education is not a line item in a school board budget- its the only item. 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. My children have gone to school here in Ashe for many years it means a lot me. If you were able to increase funding for county programs, departments or projects, what would be your top priorities? We are in the process of building a new middle school and expanding Wilkes Community College. Our county government should continue in making every effort to see this happen. Second, if the proposal is feasible, how can we find the funds to implement the proposal? 5. 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. In delivering services, I would want to review the county functions that assure the basic needs of the citizens are being met such as food, water, warmth, and rest as well as safety and security. 3. If elected, what are you hoping the Ashe County Board of Commissioners will achieve by the end of your term?Jonathan Jordan: Should I be elected to serve on the Ashe County Board of Commissioners, it would be my hope to end that term as a good steward with the county continuing to remain on a sound financial footing, with strong financial reserves, a low tax rate for our citizens, and continued economic opportunity and progress. We understood then and are still aware of the unknown future with COVID-19. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government. We must change this for our people to thrive in this housing market. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. I think we need to concentrate our efforts to address housing in the city limits of our three municipalities. It happened when I was a student here and it can happen now. I may have helped you or your family purchase or sell a house or property. We won't share it with anyone else. Jerry Powers: Allowing those who have ideas and personal funding to enhance our county, while assuring that citizens are not adversely affected by such activity. Some of the best carpenters, mechanics, welders and plumbers to name a few careers, came from my peers in our school system from my days in the Ashe County School System. We need to continue to develop all the potential of Ashe Early College. Why do you want to be an Ashe CountyCommissioner? Look at requirements for lot size for building, what restrictions are on the manufactured homes, multi-family (duplex) homes, and apartment buildings. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Why do you think transparency and accountability are important for a local government to be successful? That is definitely one of the most complex problems facing Ashe County and the nation as a whole. I am a member of the Ashe County Farmers Market and have served on the Board of Directors. person will not be tolerated. Also, I support bringing more jobs to our area, but we have to have the citizens to fill those jobs, who have the skills and experience that can be accomplished through workforce training programs with our community college. As commissioner, I will look at successful programs in other rural counties with similar demographics and learn how to adapt those ideas to serve our county. My name is Terry D. Wagoner and I would like to represent you as county commissioner. One top priority would be more affordable day care. 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. We need more companies like GE and United Chemi-Con to locate here in our area. We could possibly look at helping build some more apartment buildings to alleviate some of the hardship so many people are having. I know that the budget meetings that take place in June are open to the public. Be Nice. Downtown Bellefonte pedestrian I believe that our biggest potential is in our outdoor economy. 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? 5. 7. WebSteven J. Carter. Error! I would just hope that the ones who dont agree would do so respectfully. Next, what would be involved to see this project to completion? Without a doubt, the construction of the new middle school is the biggest challenge facing Ashe County Schools at the moment. This would also serve to create more jobs and support a healthier community. As of 2021 the median household income was $43,962 and per capita income was $25,282. 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. 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. Every community deserves attention and support from county government. I currently serve on the board of the Ashe County Home Builders Association. 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. There is still much uncertainty in our future. 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. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. 7. Who else would know Ashe County and its people better than someone born and raised here? Since retiring, I have become a member of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, a graduate of Ashe Leadership, I participate on the Members Advisory Council for Blue Ridge Energy, and a member of the Ashe County Rotary Club. Many Ashe problems that I described are the same that I faced across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. My question is, How does someone working part-time afford housing even if it were available? This doesnt include food, utilities or medical care (that is not included with a part-time job). Active Recently we installed new video and sound equipment for broadcasting meetings. GE, AEV, United Chemi-con and Leviton are the heavy hitters as far as employment goes here in Ashe. 8. Use the 'Report' link on County Commissioner John Schoonmaker is 69. The county has the industrial park and has purchased more land to have site-ready locations for economic development. Ive also been talking to Ashe Memorial administration to establish a clinic on site like the one in Fleetwood that will give medical access to people on that side of the county instead of traveling all the way to Jefferson or West Jefferson. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. I am and have been the president of the Ashe County Youth Soccer league for the past 31 years. I assure you, my wife, Dianne, keeps me up-to-date with education in Ashe County. 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. B. Phil Howell(R)New Riv 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. After attending Northwest Ashe High School, I earned a BS in Education from Appalachian State University. I have been fortunate to manage to grow my business through all this and also hire more people to work. Jim Cain: I was born on July 4, 1946, in Oakland, Calif., and grew up in and graduated from High School in Medford, Oregon. 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. The Bible says count the cost before you begin. How would you handle that? or anything. 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. 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 We all need to be more aware of what is creeping into the educational programs that they want taught to our children. We can create jobs and generate revenue while creating recreational opportunities that will draw people here for the beauty and make everyone healthier. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. We want to establish a community center for people on the west side of the county. 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. That is a very good time for anyone interested to come and see exactly what is done to set up the yearly budget. Have you tried to hire a plumber or electrician lately? Ive also learned about the many programs and grants available to communities like ours that we can utilize to develop more affordable housing options for our residents. If it is something that needs to be corrected or clarified, I would certainly do that. 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. One-stop, in-person early voting begins on April 28 and ends on May 14. We will actively seek to establish partnerships between government, private sector, nonprofit organizations and the faith community to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to ensure our county is resilient and able to address and solve the problems of various communities in our county. 4. 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. Ashe County is the greatest place to live and raise a family. 2. Vote for ONE. The affordable housing problem is not an easy task. May 2:Restaurant owner Randy Burleson is 57. Party: Dem County: Philadelphia Occupation: Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court Education: Temple Since there is no countywide water and sewer system in place, outside of town well continue to be a one acre with well and septic tank place. Because of leaning more toward tourism in recent decades, we have failed the industry that existed before. I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. 6. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. Surrounding school systems have higher pay and bigger bonuses. 4. 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. There should be no hidden agendas in any government body. Russell Killen: My role, as any of the commissioners should be, is to serve the citizens of Ashe County as a whole and not for my benefit. 7. 7. 8. We could certainly crush the current 4.2% unemployment rate that our county currently has. Jerry Powers: Popularity should never get in the way of doing what is right. Primarily, we need to train our youth for the workforce. Ballotpedia provides My approach is that you can never have too much information on a given topic. 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. We will maintain a local government that is effective, efficient, responsible and accountable. 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. Our children need a career choice beginning in their freshman year and continuing through graduation. 2. I just hope that at the end of my term I can proudly say I served the citizens of Ashe County to the best of my ability and go to sleep at night knowing I did my best. 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. 6. I am a 2016 graduate of Columbia Southern University at Orange Beach, Alabama receiving a Bachelors/Science Degree in Business Administration and Management.

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