WebCounty of ASHE 2022 PRIMARY Election Date: 03/08/2022 This is an official notice of an election to be conducted in Ashe County on 03/08/2022. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. 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. 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. We as commissioners need to be willing to try and help any way we can to help the citizens of Ashe County to adjust and succeed. They make policy decisions that affect our community and direct the expenditure of public taxpayer funds. I feel that I can contribute in a positive way if elected to serve the citizens of Ashe County. 7. Beth Sorrell: I think this will bring great opportunities and also challenges. How would you address the lack of affordable housing in Ashe County that both current and potential Ashe County residents are dealing with? 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. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. I assure you, my wife, Dianne, keeps me up-to-date with education in Ashe County. In your view, what is the boards role as a whole?Jonathan Jordan: Ashe County commissioners are our elected board of directors for our county government. These people love their work and will work hard to get homes and apartments built for our citizens to dwell in because they love their hometown, and they want to contribute to their community. In the 2021 calendar year, there were almost 29,000 calls for service including fire, EMS and law enforcement. I am a member of the Ashe County Farmers Market and have served on the Board of Directors. If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? 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. And I dont have all the answers, so we should always seek input from others to come up with good ideas to consider. Upon retiring from the fire service, I started with the National Park Service on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. 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. Jim Cain: For the 20 years that I have lived full-time in the county I have seen the same group of problems which never seem to disappear or be solved. 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). The other five Republican challengers are Mike Eldreth, Wes Greene, Mark Massey, Paula Perry and Terry Wagoner. Leslie A. Wallace, an assistant for constituent relations for Rensselaer County, and her attorney, Joel Abelove, leave federal after she was arraigned I know we need a safe county, and there I support back the blue. Also, when we think along those lines we need never forget our fire and rescue squads. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. 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. Jerry D. Powers: I was born in Ashe County, lived as a child in the Lansing/Helton area, graduated Northwest Ashe High School and have lived here more than 97 percent of my life. The real estate market is a tough nut to crack. I still have strong contacts in Raleigh, which is an important way I can call in help or resources when we need them. We need more companies like GE and United Chemi-Con to locate here in our area. 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. I feel we need some common sense in this office. 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. 1. My children have for many years attended Ashe County Public Schools. 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. Otherwise, I have failed those who may have elected me to the office of Commissioner. 3. Possibly some more family style restaurants, and obviously some additional tourist happenings whatever that might be. 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. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! We won't share it with anyone else. I am married to Glenda Miller Wagoner. More people always involves needing all of the above. Democratic Elections Commissioner Edward McDonough, left, and Republican Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield, right, speak to poll workers in 2020. 4. Let me help you make improvements in Ashe County. Next, what would be involved to see this project to completion? racist or sexually-oriented language. We should continue to invest wisely in our local educational system, prioritizing programs that directly help our students learn and succeed in the classroom. 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. Veterans and senior citizens are a group often overlooked. The new facility which opened this year is our opportunity to create training programs to establish a strong work force to attract business to our county. That is a very good time for anyone interested to come and see exactly what is done to set up the yearly budget. The job of a county commissioner can be thankless work how do you feel about keeping a level head, handling dissenting views and managing/ resolving conflict?Jonathan Jordan: Well, in matter of fact, that is exactly what I spent eight years doing in Raleigh. Its true that some people dont make responsible decisions and save for tough times, but I believe that most people are working hard to support their families and still not able to pay the bills and provide a healthy, stress-free home for their families. That is definitely one of the most complex problems facing Ashe County and the nation as a whole. Second, if the proposal is feasible, how can we find the funds to implement the proposal? 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. The county has the industrial park and has purchased more land to have site-ready locations for economic development. Food insecurity, lack of decent, affordable housing, lack of healthcare and the struggle to make ends meet is far too common. The hourly wage and monthly income for a home in Ashe County these days is most unattainable by the average citizen in Ashe. 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. We can create jobs and generate revenue while creating recreational opportunities that will draw people here for the beauty and make everyone healthier. What are some issues facing Ashe County that the Board of Commissioners can address?Jonathan Jordan: I want us to be ready to deal with the changes coming our way from the widening of Highway 221. 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. 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. WebAshe County Clerk of Superior Court Republican Party Pam W. Barlow (336) 219-1400 Website Ashe County Commissioner Republican Party Charles Perry "Chuck" Olive (336) 846-5501 Email: administration@ashecountygov.com Website Republican Party Jerry D. Powers (336) 846-5501 Email: administration@ashecountygov.com Website Republican Party These are: 1. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, cum Laude, from University College, University of Maryland, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany: September, 1982. Jonathan Jordan: The Ashe County Board of Commissioners should always take a conservative, cautious approach to budgeting. I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government. 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. I finished my career here and retired in 2014. 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. Recording meetings is one way that the residents who cannot attend meetings can keep up with discussions, issues, and decisions. While there, we built up several good-sized rainy day funds that have been critical in this pandemic. This will certainly be something I will push for if elected as Commissioner for Ashe County. accounts, the history behind an article. Usually referred to by the military as an After Action report, we would then compare it to the presumptions the commissioners made as they planned this years County Budget.There appears to be a lot of uncertainty as we go forward and there is some speculation that COVID-19 may be with us for a long time. Throughout my career, I have served in various capacities of leadership in local and state positions. 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. 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. 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.. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 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. 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. Be Proactive. 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. I may have helped you, or friends or family, in a sticky court situation. That is going to be funded through a line item in the state budget and not from Ashe County property taxes. As Commissioner, I will work to make Ashe County an even better place for everyone to live. 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The county population is 26,577, according to the United States Census Bureau. I feel that a project manager must come to the table with all Is dotted and Ts crossed. I am and have been the president of the Ashe County Youth Soccer league for the past 31 years. 5. We would need to evaluate all the pros and cons of the proposal, for it would need to be in the best interest of the county. 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. The taxpayer dollars are being spent, so be up front with the people who elect you to an office. There was an error processing your request. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism I have worked public jobs from self-employment to retail and held management positions since I was 15 years old. I am a member of Welcome Baptist Church in Crumpler, North Carolina. I will work toward making Ashe County a greener, healthier place to live for everyone. I came home and earned an MA in Public Health Education. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. Lets use our scenery, fishing, canoeing and hiking to create opportunities for smaller, community owned businesses. My contact information is available on the county website and I am always open to receive a call, text or email from you! Success! If it is something that needs to be corrected or clarified, I would certainly do that. Another huge attribute is fiber optic service to our county. Error! or to help those who are truly deserving. The continuing need to develop more small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ashe County. 5. The substandard or lack of affordable housing across the age and income spectrums. 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. 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. Why do you think transparency and accountability are important for a local government to be successful? We understood then and are still aware of the unknown future with COVID-19. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. In my past, serving as a Untied States Marine for 27 years, I have always been held to account by my peers. 2. Beth Sorrell: Affordable housing is a huge and growing issue here. 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. We should fight against unfunded mandates whenever possible. I believe that candidates are elected by the people, for the people and to conduct the peoples business at the will of the people. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. If elected as your commissioner, the person or persons presenting their project will have to be well prepared. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Working and coaching for 35 years often came with criticism so I know not everyone is going to be happy with every decision made. Email: steve.carter@alamance-nc.com Phone: 336-214-7606. Dawn Ford is 77. With inflation on the rise and lumber prices at an all time high, it will be extremely difficult to have affordable housing until these things change. 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. Ashe County, right now, has 626 part-time jobs available. 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. Its become a normal part of my life and Im ready to put that practice to use as a county commissioner. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. I am proud to have been unanimously elected by my fellow commissioners as chairman for each of the last 4 years. Businesses have had to adjust and some have had to shut down. We have dedicated, experienced employees and also volunteers who provide over 1,000 hours in serving our county each day. 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. The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. Share with Us. Ive discovered that the most important part of the job is being an advocate for the people of our county. High-paying jobs for our citizens is the only answer. 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. I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. My name is Mark Anthony Massey. 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. 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. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. 3. 3. Despite construction delays, county administration is setting aside those funds so they are in place and available when needed. I have been fortunate to manage to grow my business through all this and also hire more people to work. Our citizens deserve better than that. I have been a North Carolina licensed auctioneer since 1987 and the owner and President of Mountain Auction Company Inc. 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. 4. Lets make sure that our broadband and other technical resources provide opportunities for residents to work at home with companies based in large cities. AsheAshe County Board of Commissioners 1.1. 1. Following the example of other county governments, I would see an Organizational Vision as follows: Ashe County will be the best local government service provider in the mountain counties of North Carolina. I believe the best way for county government to tackle this challenge is to be attractive to new and expanding employers that pay good wages. We often will use our contacts with the state legislature or organizations like the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners or the High Country Council of Government to see if the proposal is already being implemented somewhere else in the state and what they might have used to make a proposal a reality. Supporting the school system with current and future capital projects will always be challenging when allocating tax dollars for such long-term investments. County Commission candidate Christine Cruz is 54. It is not the school systems job. We all need to be more aware of what is creeping into the educational programs that they want taught to our children. Were looking at making a park along the river similar to the Creeper Trail Park in Lansing. I would look at the purpose of the proposal, who it benefits, and will it have a long-term effect. Now is the time to find ways to help those people who are struggling. Keep it Clean. Its our job as commissioners to make sure we have a seat at the table when the legislature is deciding on the budget. I appreciate his leadership. Im driven to find solutions and solve problems so that everyone can have a better quality of life here. 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 am not a fan at all for raising taxes on the county property owners because of the failed attempt in the past for the new middle school. 5. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. How would you handle that? The wait is long because of the lack of skilled labor in these areas. 7. There was an error processing your request. Transparency and accountability have been absent for decades in our government at the Federal, State and Local levels. Our citizens and communities certainly deserve better than that. 1. 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.) Beth Sorrell: I grew up in Asheville, went to Appalachian State, discovered my love of working and volunteering in the community, so I joined the Peace Corps. Seven Republican candidates will face off in the upcoming May primary while one Democratic candidate will appear on the ballot for the November election. We could possibly look at helping build some more apartment buildings to alleviate some of the hardship so many people are having. I believe in the Constitution as written, as well a constitutional government. I encourage all citizens to attend and participate in meetings. I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. 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. Every subject should offer them the knowledge that ensures they will be able to succeed after graduation. We need to continue to develop all the potential of Ashe Early College. (See Attachment) Everything the government does needs to be public knowledge unless for sensitive reasons, otherwise it would seem that an official or those officials have something to hide. Deaett R. Roten(D)Ashe County Sheriff 1.1. We have three children, one grandchild, and eight ninths of another grandchild on the way. When transparency and accountability are missing, people get hurt, money is wasted, and our entire community suffers. I think the biggest challenge is how to keep employees in Ashe County Schools. Through my work with Ashe County Habitat for Humanity, Ive witnessed the urgent and enormous need for decent, affordable housing in Ashe County. accounts, the history behind an article. Russell Killen: As stated, I am not running with an agenda. 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.
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