The website and live streaming of the commissioner meetings are an important way to review what is happening. Veterans and senior citizens are a group often overlooked. 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. 2. or to help those who are truly deserving. 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. Ashe County Commissioner The other five Republican challengers are Mike Eldreth, Wes Greene, Mark Massey, Paula Perry and Terry Wagoner. I coached and taught in Ashe County public schools for 35 years before retiring in 2010. 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. 4. Tennessee House Republicans pile on unforced error after unforced 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. Better health care for significant portions of county residents and providing help for individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies. But most importantly, lending support to ensure we are producing a quality, well-educated student upon graduation is first on any strategic plan. After attending Northwest Ashe High School, I earned a BS in Education from Appalachian State University. Candidates ASHE COUNTY Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Ashe County Board of Commissioners one incumbent and five challengers. We need more affordable housing before we can begin to entice new job opportunities to help our residents and young adults stay in Ashe County. Ensuring access to education and training, which will lead to good paying jobs. Invalid password or account does not exist. The addition of townhomes and condominiums in town would be the best short-term solution. I am a member of Welcome Baptist Church in Crumpler, North Carolina. William Sands: I was part of the Board of Commissioners that planned the 2020-21 budget. Another huge attribute is fiber optic service to our county. Were also looking at doing the same type of program for EMS in the fall of 2023. B. Phil Howell(R)New Riv UOCAVA Election Notice - nmcdn.io 7. We all need to be more aware of what is creeping into the educational programs that they want taught to our children. 2. 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. 5. May 2:Restaurant owner Randy Burleson is 57. I think each project should be researched completely looking at whether the return to Ashe County residents is worth the amount of money we would need to invest in the project. Whether it was intelligence operations in some far flung part of the world, analysis of the five core infrastructural areas of the Egyptian government for the U.S. Embassy: Cairo, or building the River Flood Forecasting System in Central America for NOAA. County Commissioners When I manage other peoples money there is no such thing as fraud, waste or abuse. Personally, I would begin a Change Management Plan because whatever the new normal is or will be, change is inevitable and with analysis of those plans the commissioners should get a good idea of how and in what areas they need to or can help the county rebound. 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. It must be dealt with much more conservatively that how it was thrust upon us. Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. I assure you, my wife, Dianne, keeps me up-to-date with education in Ashe County. 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? The real estate market is a tough nut to crack. Russell Killen: With the COVID-19 pandemic we as a community have seem to adjust to our new norm. 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 is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, 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. Food insecurity, lack of decent, affordable housing, lack of healthcare and the struggle to make ends meet is far too common. 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. Once the trust is lost, it could become years before trust is reestablished. How would you address the lack of affordable housing in Ashe County that both current and potential Ashe County residents are dealing with? I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government. Not all of my decisions were always popular but were always in the best interest and well-intended with positive outcomes for the taxpayer. We are in the process of building a new middle school and expanding Wilkes Community College. More people always involves needing all of the above. We need to be capable of listening to our constituents with compassion and open minds, even when we dont agree. What is the biggest challenge facing Ashe County Schools and how will you work with the school board to address it? 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. Ashe County has about 26,000 citizens according to the latest census. Of course, everyone thinks their project is the best one. We can create jobs and generate revenue while creating recreational opportunities that will draw people here for the beauty and make everyone healthier. Steady employment and an opportunity to have a job to earn a decent living can set any person on the path to success. 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. 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. 8. 1. 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. 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. William Sands: As commissioner, in spending the taxpayers money, I have always tried to make wise decisions and justify spending with information I have at that time. 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. We are a tourist destination and we need to help make the citizens of Ashe proud of the place in which we live. How do you know where you are going without a road map? Having a well-trained workforce is the first, and most important, step towards attracting new industry to our county. I currently serve on the board of the Ashe County Home Builders Association. 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. Beth Sorrell: I will strive to listen to all perspectives and dissenting viewpoints and work with everyone to find common ground or a healthy compromise, when necessary. sanitation, school). 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. Supporting the school system with current and future capital projects will always be challenging when allocating tax dollars for such long-term investments. I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. accounts, the history behind an article. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. Voter Registration Data 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. 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. Development in a wide variety of technologies across abroad spectrum of industries would be the goal. 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 is the greatest place to live and raise a family. I want very much to meet the needs of our people. Discover More 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. In my past, serving as a Untied States Marine for 27 years, I have always been held to account by my peers. I realize that I will not please everyone. Invalid password or account does not exist. person will not be tolerated. 6. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. One top priority would be more affordable day care. 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. We won't share it with anyone else. 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 had a small law office here in Ashe County for many years. I came home and earned an MA in Public Health Education. 7. Primary election 2023 voters guide: Candidates for supervisor, 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. There will be times that difficult decisions have to be made and there will be times that people will disagree on these decisions. I am proud to have been unanimously elected by my fellow commissioners as chairman for each of the last 4 years. 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. Deaett R. Roten(D)Ashe County Sheriff 1.1. If you were able to increase funding for county programs, departments or projects, what would be your top priorities? I have gained a reputation as a person who asks a lot of questions in an effort to solve problems and I am a business Process Reengineer and a Change Manager. 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. 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. If someone has any questions, they can come to the meeting and state their concern or contact the administration department. ABOUT US | Ashe County, NC | Ashe County Democratic 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. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. There was an error processing your request. Additionally, the government spent hundreds of hours ensuring we senior managers and Directors were able to stay in control and manage conflict. I am invested in our community and am prepared to go to work again for all our Ashe County citizens. During my career, I was often tasked with defining community problems and their root cause. Any and all decisions should be public knowledge to show that we are working for everyone to be glad they live here in beautiful Ashe County. 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 fine sheriff to keep our citizens safe. 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. Being an elected official often comes with criticism from the general public. Having survived 49 of those meetings makes me believe I wont have many problems to face. 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. 2022 PRIMARY Election Date: 03/08 Seeking out those businesses go beyond just waiting for them to come to us. Who else would know Ashe County and its people better than someone born and raised here? We won't share it with anyone else. John Allen is 68. Dawn Ford is 77. County Commissioner John Schoonmaker is 69. The affordable housing problem is not an easy task. Be Truthful. Increase funding for Career Center opportunities at the high school level. These are just some of the issues Id like to address. We will maintain a local government that is effective, efficient, responsible and accountable. 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. Elected Officials City of Adamsville City of Crump Town of Saltillo City of Savannah City of Milledgeville hardin.commission@tn.gov MON, TUE, THUR, FRI - 8:00AM - 4:00PM WED- 8:00AM-12PM CLOSED 12:00PM - 1:00PM FOR LUNCH I believe in recruiting the businesses that are right for Ashe County and want to be in Ashe County. 8. I feel that I can contribute in a positive way if elected to serve the citizens of Ashe County. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. I think we are better when we work together in a civil manner. Candidates for Ashe County Board of Commissioners answer 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. The first thing I would consider is how many people will the proposal benefit? If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? 5. 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. In the time that I have served on the Board of Commissioners we have made great efforts to be accessible and open to everyone in Ashe County. I feel that a project manager must come to the table with all Is dotted and Ts crossed. Making information quick and easy to find will go a long way to maintain trust and confidence in local government. I was enjoying retirement when the opportunity to fill a vacant seat on the board came up in the fall of 2020. We understood then and are still aware of the unknown future with COVID-19. 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. Why do you want to be an Ashe CountyCommissioner? I also founded the Mighty Mite Basketball League where we stressed fundamentals and helped establish the Wee Wolves at Mountain View. Ashe Medics serves our county well and they deserve our support. 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. We should continue to invest wisely in our local educational system, prioritizing programs that directly help our students learn and succeed in the classroom. We have two sons, Kelly Joe who graduated from Ashe Central, and Jared who graduated from Northwest. I am not one for spending taxpayer dollars on something that never becomes reality. Throughout my career, I have served in various capacities of leadership in local and state positions. We live on the Boggs Rd. I understand the great trust the public puts in me as a commissioner to do the most good for as many people as possible. I was appointed to the BROC Board (Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission) when I was an Ashe County Commissioner (2016-2020). Beth Sorrell: I think this will bring great opportunities and also challenges. Be Proactive. 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. Chuck Olive(R)Ashe County Clerk of Superior Court 1.1. I put my name in for consideration and was appointed. 6. In September 1997, I retired from government service after 33 years. 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. The lack of broadband and cell phone coverage in significant portions of Ashe. I served eight years in Raleigh representing our area in the State House, where I was a strong advocate for all our citizens. 1. I would just hope that the ones who dont agree would do so respectfully. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. Many citizens are unemployed. In Ashe, as in most I am a Mazter Mason and a member of a variety of veteran organizations to include the Military Officers of America and Vietnam Veterans of America. These are: 1. (See Attachment) With the U.S. 221 expansion project nearing completion, more money is expected to come into Ashe via tourism and natural growth. 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. 3 of 11 4 of 11. 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. One-stop, in-person early voting begins on April 28 and ends on May 14. We could possibly look at helping build some more apartment buildings to alleviate some of the hardship so many people are having. 8. We have dedicated, experienced employees and also volunteers who provide over 1,000 hours in serving our county each day. Threats of harming another 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 will not budge on wasting taxpayer dollars on projects that are never completed, or that do not benefit Ashe County and its people. The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. I believe in being fiscally conservative, accountability, integrity and being forthright to the taxpayer. We need to reach out to any company that shows interest in putting their company in Ashe County. Share with Us. Jerry Powers: Popularity should never get in the way of doing what is right. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! 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. I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. A project proposal always comes with a lot of promises, fancy wording and should be for the betterment of the community. Also, I back the blue and all law enforcement. Our county government should continue in making every effort to see this happen. I was the owner of Guardian Insurance Agency, which I started in 1996 and sold in 2021 when I retired. Our role as a board, should be to work together in solving issues and improving the quality of life for our citizens, without increasing taxes. Local government has very little, if any, impact on the price of homes. I came to Ashe County in 1994 when I was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. 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.) Candidates (choose 1): Daniel McCaffery . I currently serve as the secretary on the board for Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes. County
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