Our employees, including teachers, often have to take second jobs to make it. I intend to exploit that and fix that as a commissioner. How would you address the lack of affordable housing in Ashe County that both current and potential Ashe County residents are dealing with? Not everyone can go to college and not everyone can qualify or make it in the Military. Ive seen the spectrum of how people live here, from broken-down trailers to million-dollar cabins and I believe I have some perspectives that others may not have. 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. I served as a county commissioner here 26 to 30 years ago and as my life is hopefully going to slow down some, I think with experience as a past commissioner and my knowledge of the unique characteristics of Ashe County, I can still be of service to my county. 5. 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. How do you know where you are going without a road map? What would you say your role would be as a member of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners? The website and live streaming of the commissioner meetings are an important way to review what is happening. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. 1. The primary duty of County Commissioners is approving a budget that spends your tax dollars wisely with a focus on helping our citizens fulfill their basic needs of affordable housing, food, and healthcare, in addition to education and recreation. If someone has any questions, they can come to the meeting and state their concern or contact the administration department. Pam W. Barlow(R)Ashe County Register of Deeds 1.1. Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. Russell Killen: I am 59 years old and have been married to Diane Roland Killen for 35 years and we have two daughters and two grandkids. I want very much to meet the needs of our people. 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? I would also uses high technology to improve business processes and other areas where I have quite a bit of experience and could contribute. The planning execution and follow up were always the same, ensuring valid expenditures to reliable vendors, proper receipting and total visibility. I have a good, working relationship with the school board and am committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our youth. Better health care for significant portions of county residents and providing help for individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies. I think the biggest challenge is how to keep employees in Ashe County Schools. We won't share it with anyone else. 1. Primarily, we need to train our youth for the workforce. Ashe County is a victim of its success in encouraging tourism as this has caused real estate and housing to rise beyond most young peoples income. Candidates for Ashe County Board of Commissioners answer questions ahead of election, Compiled By Bailey Little I am a member of the Ashe County Farmers Market and have served on the Board of Directors. I put my name in for consideration and was appointed. As of 2021 the median household income was $43,962 and per capita income was $25,282. High-paying jobs for our citizens is the only answer. The affordable housing problem is not an easy task. I enjoyed the country life growing up in Ashe County and after my service, I returned home in 2015. Unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of technical jobs in the county. My children have gone to school here in Ashe for many years it means a lot me. Don't Threaten. 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. Our biggest challenge is to keep the federal government from teaching our children garbage like CRT. While everything increases in price through inflation Housing prices and availability needs some additional study and help. Leslie A. Wallace, an assistant for constituent relations for Rensselaer County, and her attorney, Joel Abelove, leave federal after she was arraigned In January, former Rensselaer County Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield pleaded guilty to unlawfully using the names and dates of birth of voters to fraudulently Uneven distribution of healthcare to County residents. 3. 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. Along with that comes differences of opinion. Invalid password or account does not exist. Now is the time to find ways to help those people who are struggling. 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. 8. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. One top priority would be more affordable day care. In the 2021 calendar year, there were almost 29,000 calls for service including fire, EMS and law enforcement. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of the State of NewYork, Albany, September, 1980. Through my work with Ashe County Habitat for Humanity, Ive witnessed the urgent and enormous need for decent, affordable housing in Ashe County. 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Russell Killen: I would like to be one of Ashe Countys commissioners as to have a voice in what is happening within the county. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. When looking at the cost would it be fully on the county or be partially funded by other means? 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. Use the 'Report' link on 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. There was an error processing your request. That is dead on arrival with me. I may have helped you or your family purchase or sell a house or property. 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. (See Attachment). person will not be tolerated. Democrat Beth Sorrell will not face any additional primary challengers. Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 1 (4-year term) Douglas A. Johnson. We want to establish a community center for people on the west side of the county. Jerry Powers: Most of my lifes usefulness has been spent as a farmer, growing conifer transplants, strawberry transplants and vegetables, which my wife is quite good at selling(if I leave her alone). 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. 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. Ashe County, right now, has 626 part-time jobs available. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Recording meetings is one way that the residents who cannot attend meetings can keep up with discussions, issues, and decisions. 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. Education is not a line item in a school board budget- its the only item. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Be Nice. Democratic Elections Commissioner Edward McDonough, left, and Republican Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield, right, speak to poll workers in 2020. 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. It is also imperative that we maintain our very low tax rate so that citizens can keep their hard earned money for the rest of lifes necessities. Were already working in that direction. We have too many that go without that we could help if we as a county get involved. 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. 7. Candidates (choose 1): Daniel McCaffery . I always will make to time to discuss any concerns someone may have. Development in a wide variety of technologies across abroad spectrum of industries would be the goal. Our citizens and communities certainly deserve better than that. 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. 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. We won't share it with anyone else. 2. 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. But we should continue to be very wise and careful with our spending. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. All our contact information is available on the county website. Ashe County has about 26,000 citizens according to the latest census. Ashe Medics serves our county well and they deserve our support. I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. 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. He makes more an hour starting there than after nine years of driving our children to school. Nothing is impossible and everything is possible. I enjoy helping people and have a genuine belief that Ashe County is the best place on earth, which is what led me to this job in the beginning! This would also serve to create more jobs and support a healthier community. While I know we need to make sure that Ashe County provides opportunities for growth, we need to keep the values of family and a community working together to help each other. Russell Killen: With the COVID-19 pandemic we as a community have seem to adjust to our new norm. 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. 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. I think it is very important. 3. 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. The school system has a new pay scale that would help this, but it has to be funded by the county. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. 5. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. I have had a small law office here in Ashe County for many years. Were also looking at doing the same type of program for EMS in the fall of 2023. I put in my transfer in October of that year and have been here ever since. 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. Taxpayer funding in local communities is also personal for me since it is my money too that is being expended. 6. 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. Making information quick and easy to find will go a long way to maintain trust and confidence in local government. Surrounding school systems have higher pay and bigger bonuses. Don't Threaten. I think there are things we can do to incentivize property owners to provide long-term rather than short rentals and come up with ways to rehab and use abandoned houses. 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. If it contains any language other than that, I am certainly not on board with it. The Ashe Post & Times fielded eight questions to each of the commissioner candidates via email, whose responses are as follows: Jonathan Jordan: My name is Jonathan Jordan. But, housing costs have raised 17.7% in Ashe over the last year. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, cum Laude, from University College, University of Maryland, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany: September, 1982. 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. 6. The hourly wage and monthly income for a home in Ashe County these days is most unattainable by the average citizen in Ashe. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. I know that the budget meetings that take place in June are open to the public. Being an elected official often comes with criticism from the general public. May 2: Restaurant owner Randy Burleson is 57. This will certainly be something I will push for if elected as Commissioner for Ashe County. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. Steady employment and an opportunity to have a job to earn a decent living can set any person on the path to success. 5. bailey.little@ashepostandtimes.com. 4. Food insecurity, lack of decent, affordable housing, lack of healthcare and the struggle to make ends meet is far too common. 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. There should be no hidden agendas in any government body. 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). 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. I dont believe we will see normal as we knew it before. Also, I back the blue and all law enforcement. 2. Lets use our scenery, fishing, canoeing and hiking to create opportunities for smaller, community owned businesses. Lets make sure that our broadband and other technical resources provide opportunities for residents to work at home with companies based in large cities. 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. Veterans and senior citizens are a group often overlooked. It had already led to the guilty pleas of former Troy Councilwoman Kimberly Ashe-McPherson and Jason T. Schofield, the countys former Republican elections commissioner. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Our biggest problem for Ashe County Schools is that the Ashe County taxpayer has been on the hook in the past for $1.6 million dollars for blueprints for the middle school that never came to fruition. 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 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. My name is Mark Anthony Massey. How will we be able to measure the outcome, is it attainable, is it relevant and can it be completed in a timely manner? In 2000, I moved to Ashe County and fell in love with the people and the place. Beth Sorrell: This pandemic has put a spotlight on the wide range of struggles that too many people in Ashe County have been living with for too long. 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. North Carolina has mandated several programs but has not given the money to carry out those programs, let alone this new scale. Im driven to find solutions and solve problems so that everyone can have a better quality of life here. Secondly, we must have no child in our school system that goes without food other than what they receive in the school setting. Possibly some more family style restaurants, and obviously some additional tourist happenings whatever that might be. We can learn from neighboring counties about innovative ways to grow our outdoor economy without sacrificing our quality of life. Habitat for Humanity may be a source for home buyers and a program that the county government can converse with. We have been obligated to a debt that we can not yet measure. I came to Ashe County in 1994 when I was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. 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. Create a password that only you will remember. We are always being presented with opportunities to fund a wide variety of great programs and ideas. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. I have been a licensed insurance agent since 1980 and enjoyed working with people and getting to know them and serving them. I would hope to strengthen our relationship with state government and continue to obtain our fair share of state tax revenues. This has put an unexpected strain on our public services. 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. 6. 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. 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. Be Nice. William Sands: I have been commissioner for 10 years and served two years as Chairman. Has this project been proposed in other locations and what was its success? The new buildings are now complete and full of students! I was appointed to the BROC Board (Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission) when I was an Ashe County Commissioner (2016-2020). In having the economic growth, there would be more employment opportunities for careers. Seeking out those businesses go beyond just waiting for them to come to us. 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 we have provided for law enforcement and courts, waste disposal, good roads and infrastructure, appropriate health and human services for our most vulnerable populations (especially our elderly and children), and some other public services (dont hold me to this as an exclusive list), and kept a prudent savings on hand, then we can review other programs that benefit our area and economy as a whole. We must invest in our land to protect it for future generations and to grow our outdoor economy. Party: Dem Education: Bellefonte Area High School, U.S. Army Signal School, course work job 2. We could certainly crush the current 4.2% unemployment rate that our county currently has. Ensuring access to education and training, which will lead to good paying jobs. It has been my job, as Commissioner, to take an objective look at each project and determine those that will serve the most citizens and be financially sustainable into the future. I have served in the role of commissioner since January 2018. Items such as the budget, meeting agendas and salaries are all available to any citizen that wants to see them. 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. 3. I know many contractors who subcontract these jobs from outside Ashe County. 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 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. or anything. We will maintain a local government that is effective, efficient, responsible and accountable. After that, I went to graduate school for public health and spent some time in Ethiopia doing community health education. When I manage other peoples money there is no such thing as fraud, waste or abuse. I know of one bus driver that works at Walmart after he delivers the students to school. WebSee your ballot, research candidates and referendums, and vote informed Despite construction delays, county administration is setting aside those funds so they are in place and available when needed. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. 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. For the past 18 years, Ive worked for Wilkes Community College teaching in the Basic Skill department. 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. 3 of 11 4 of 11. After graduation, I enlisted in and served 27 years in the United States Marine Corps from 10/28/1985 until my retirement on 10/31/2012. These are: 1. Vote for ONE. Changes often mean opportunities. Jim Cain: Unemployment, underemployment and the lack of enough technical businesses and technical jobs in the county. Don't knowingly lie about anyone I would look at the purpose of the proposal, who it benefits, and will it have a long-term effect. I appreciate his leadership. Email: steve.carter@alamance-nc.com Phone: 336-214-7606. Occasionally the county can take on projects funded by the state, if the county can commit to funding those programs in the future when state (and possibly federal) funds will inevitably dry up. As with this challenge, a tried-and-true method of defining this problem starts with collaborating with community stakeholders to identify the issues that contribute to the lack of affordable housing, arriving at conclusions which define a path to correct the problem, and then initiating a plan of action. While planning the budget for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year, the current county commissioners and the county had to take a conservative, cautious approach due to the financial strain of COVID-19. I believe that candidates are elected by the people, for the people and to conduct the peoples business at the will of the people. 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. 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
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