ashe county commissioner candidates ashe county commissioner candidates

Some of my community involvement is that I am a member and Past Master of Ashe Lodge #594, 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason in which I am a lifetime member, a member of The Oasis Temple and Past President of the Ashe Shrine Club and a member of Jefferson Lodge No 38 of the Odd Fellows. 2. Not everyone can go to college and not everyone can qualify or make it in the Military. How would you encourage employment and economic development in Ashe County? Second, if the proposal is feasible, how can we find the funds to implement the proposal? Be Nice. Allocation of tax dollars toward any project demands thorough review and due diligence. I encourage anyone with a question to reach out to me through email or by phone. Success! 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. 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 2. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The wait is long because of the lack of skilled labor in these areas. I am a native of Ashe County and a 1985 graduate of Ashe Central High School. Jason T. Schofield, the Republican Rensselaer County Board of Elections commissioner, leaves James T. Foley U.S. I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. As you asked in an earlier question, the housing shortage needs to be addressed. I was honored to serve as Ashe County Commissioner in the past and would be honored to serve again. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. I would also like to see more opportunities for youth, including after-school and summer parks programming that they will want to participate in and make them proud to be part of this community. The county population is 26,577, according to the United States Census Bureau. Our goal as commissioners should be a common one: do whatever is necessary to help improve life in Ashe County for each and every citizen. Our county government should continue in making every effort to see this happen. 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. That is a very good time for anyone interested to come and see exactly what is done to set up the yearly budget. I think the biggest challenge is how to keep employees in Ashe County Schools. I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. 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 I came home and earned an MA in Public Health Education. 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 housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. We want to establish a community center for people on the west side of the county. Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. 7. How would you address the lack of affordable housing in Ashe County that both current and potential Ashe County residents are dealing with? 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 feel this starts with the Commissioners and the School Board. Nothing is free and everything should be earned. I grew up in the Crumpler community of Ashe County. We are working with the Ashe Early College and Wilkes Community College to provide fire training beginning this fall so we can continue to have a personnel pool to staff our volunteer fire departments. If you were able to increase funding for county programs, departments or projects, what would be your top priorities? I obtained a BS degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama and retired as Manager of Energy Control with Duke Power Company. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. I am a member of the Ashe County Farmers Market and have served on the Board of Directors. Ashe County, right now, has 626 part-time jobs available. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. My children have gone to school here in Ashe for many years it means a lot me. 5. What is your philosophy regarding making decisions for the county using taxpayer money?Jonathan Jordan: Its not my money; it belongs to the hard-working citizens who paid it in taxes. My office is located in Jefferson, just around the corner from the courthouse. And those citizens need places to live and housing is a big issue here. I currently serve on the board of the Ashe County Home Builders Association. 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. I enjoyed the country life growing up in Ashe County and after my service, I returned home in 2015. Beth Sorrell: I think this will bring great opportunities and also challenges. I would encourage individuals to look at the employment field that is available as a career and not just as a job. Jim Cain: I am a trained, certified and experienced manager of taxpayer and federal government money and have planned and executed those expenditures wisely and for their intended purposes for more than 30 years. People often get frustrated when they dont have correct information and base their opinions on rumors. I think I should respect all ideas and input on issues, do my research, and make decisions based on what is best for the majority of our people. An incoming freshmen could certainly have a plan and a tool to use for employment after graduating in four years. Businesses are hurting due to being closed or operating on a part-time basis. 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 was enjoying retirement when the opportunity to fill a vacant seat on the board came up in the fall of 2020. That is going to be funded through a line item in the state budget and not from Ashe County property taxes. I am proud to have been unanimously elected by my fellow commissioners as chairman for each of the last 4 years. Lets use our scenery, fishing, canoeing and hiking to create opportunities for smaller, community owned businesses. Be Nice. Jim Cain: Unemployment, underemployment and the lack of enough technical businesses and technical jobs in the 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. Tax incentives would be another step. As Commissioner, I will work to make Ashe County an even better place for everyone to live. In Ashe, as in most Who else would know Ashe County and its people better than someone born and raised here? I was honored to represent our county in Raleigh for 8 years in the state House of Representatives. In the 2021 calendar year, there were almost 29,000 calls for service including fire, EMS and law enforcement. Every community deserves attention and support from county government. We have had some amazing folks that really care about our kids working in Ashe County and need to keep them working. With the help of God I will be able to not only better myself but Ashe County as well. Seven Republican candidates will face off in the upcoming May primary while one Democratic candidate will appear on the ballot for the November election. I think to do that we need more hotel space. I have been working hard to make Ashe County an even better place to live, work and raise our families; and I hope to continue with that same work ethic for the next four years. 6. Grading and utility construction are scheduled to begin any day. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of the State of NewYork, Albany, September, 1980. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! For the past 18 years, Ive worked for Wilkes Community College teaching in the Basic Skill department. The planning execution and follow up were always the same, ensuring valid expenditures to reliable vendors, proper receipting and total visibility. 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. 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. The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. William Sands: I keep a level head, handle dissenting views and manage/resolve conflict very well. The monies that are coming from the federal government to assist in this ongoing problem has a leak somewhere between the Federal, State and Local government. That is unsatisfactory and extremely poor management at the School Board level, the Commissioners of Ashe County, and a blow to the Ashe County taxpayer in the form of more monies from landowners in the form of taxes. that is degrading to another person. Right now the waiting lists for our few childcare centers are years long. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 3. We can learn from neighboring counties about innovative ways to grow our outdoor economy without sacrificing our quality of life. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. Error! Now I am hearing from folks that I speak with that we may see if we have not already, yet another .04 cents on the dollar for the middle school to the tune of over $60,000,000 that will fall on the backs of our taxpayers. Groups of yelling Indians, all from different tribes speaking their own native languages at one time is truly a case of dissenting views. 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. When I manage other peoples money there is no such thing as fraud, waste or abuse. More people always involves needing all of the above. Candidates for Ashe County Board of Commissioners answer questions ahead of election, Compiled By Bailey Little 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. Todd A. McNeill(R) 1.4. We need a program that makes parents responsible for the development of their children. In 2000, I moved to Ashe County and fell in love with the people and the place. I also founded the Mighty Mite Basketball League where we stressed fundamentals and helped establish the Wee Wolves at Mountain View. I realize that I will not please everyone. Changes often mean opportunities. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. There is still much uncertainty in our future. I came to Ashe County in 1994 when I was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. Imagine if Leviton, AEV, United Chemi-Con and GE could bring on more employees, meet the shortfalls due to present inflation, raise pay to meet the needs for folks to earn a good living without having to live from paycheck to paycheck and maintain quality paying jobs for the citizens of Ashe County. 6. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. 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 have always been involved in community affairs as a volunteer; starting as a firefighter in college, then rescue squads, civic organizations and have spent over 20 years volunteering with the Ashe County Sheriffs Office (most of those years as a full-time detective). After high school I attended Wilkes Community College and Appalachian State University graduating with a degree in Public Relations. I may have helped you or your family draw up your wills or business contracts. 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. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 5. An example is the new Agriculture Center that construction will begin on this year. 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 think we are better when we work together in a civil manner. 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. We have also expanded our industrial park in Beaver Creek. Good local government works best with engagement and input from citizens. 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. Something like an apprenticeship program that accumulates documented hours of training and work toward a journeyman status or thereabouts. I am a proud enrolled member of the White Earth Band or Mississippi Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, (Ojibway) Indians. Let me help you make improvements in Ashe 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. Its our job as commissioners to make sure we have a seat at the table when the legislature is deciding on the budget. The Bible says count the cost before you begin. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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. This notice contains a list of all of the ballot measures and local offices this county expects, as of this date, to be on the ballot on the date of the election. I make myself available by phone or in person to meet with folks who have concerns and I have found that a friendly handshake and listening ear can quell almost any disagreement. Ashe County has seen firsthand what happens when our elected officials dont practice transparency, which is why its so important for both parties to be represented on the county commission. There was an error processing your request. We must replace the will of the people to rely on the government for their primary source of income. 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. Our citizens and communities certainly deserve better than that. Made in the USA means we need good paying manufacturing jobs here is Ashe County. Our citizens deserve better than that. 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. Party: Dem Education: Bellefonte Area High School, U.S. Army Signal School, course work job related at Penn State University Email: Djohnson@bellefontepa.gov Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them? Now on to May 17, 2022. I believe in being fiscally conservative, accountability, integrity and being forthright to the taxpayer. Ashe County is the greatest place to live and raise a family. Tell us a little about yourself and why you want to be an Ashe County Commissioner. If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? 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. I put my name in for consideration and was appointed. The school board represents the communitys voice in public education and sets the standard for achievement in the school district. A good job is a main reason for success for everyone. 8. After attending Northwest Ashe High School, I earned a BS in Education from Appalachian State University. 6. Be Truthful. The bidding approach that allows the highest bidder to raise the price of property over the asking price is adding to the problem. The substandard or lack of affordable housing across the age and income spectrums. That is definitely one of the most complex problems facing Ashe County and the nation as a whole. The board of county commissioners directs these matters to bring a fair and prosperous environment where all our citizens who work and apply themselves can succeed, and contribute to our overall economy. 4. Beth Sorrell: After working and volunteering in many places and differing capacities Ive learned how to work with people from all walks of life and more importantly, how to listen. Jerry Powers: With opportunity comes responsibilities, education, police protection, regulation that fosters a better community while not putting undue restrictions on those who are trying to build a better Ashe County. 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. As an elected official, it is important to remember that almost all frustration and complaints are coming from a place of genuine concern for our community, and as your commissioner it is my job to LISTEN and take action. I look forward to laying the groundwork for projects to come though my membership of the board. Russell Killen: I would like to be one of Ashe Countys commissioners as to have a voice in what is happening within the county. 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. May 2:Restaurant owner Randy Burleson is 57. We attend Jefferson United Methodist Church. 4. I can take constructive criticism but will not accept disrespect or hatefulness. Once a project is approved, I will need to see the whole plan, blueprints, and monies expected up front before any money is approved.