I would also uses high technology to improve business processes and other areas where I have quite a bit of experience and could contribute. My children have for many years attended Ashe County Public Schools. 7. As a commissioner, I would seek out every avenue that could be found, to ensure this problem could be addressed. I have a good, working relationship with the school board and am committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our youth. As a Commissioner I would bring up for a vote, incentives for businesses who move here and employ the good people of Ashe County. It has also been my priority to support projects in all areas of the county. We can start by giving tax relief to people impacted by the pandemic, as well as public servants, like teachers, law enforcement and firefighters. 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. 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. WebSee your ballot, research candidates and referendums, and vote informed ASHE COUNTY Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Ashe County Board of Commissioners one incumbent and five challengers. Along with that comes differences of opinion. 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. 4. 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. It happened when I was a student here and it can happen now. Steady employment and an opportunity to have a job to earn a decent living can set any person on the path to success. Next, what would be involved to see this project to completion? Additionally, the government spent hundreds of hours ensuring we senior managers and Directors were able to stay in control and manage conflict. We can learn from neighboring counties about innovative ways to grow our outdoor economy without sacrificing our quality of life. It would be tough to say on this without reviewing the budget, but I feel that there are needs in helping with the Veterans programs and the childrens programs. Having lived outside the U.S. for 20 years I obviously have some ideas and will be happy to add them at the right time. 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. May 2:Restaurant owner Randy Burleson is 57. that is degrading to another person. accounts, the history behind an article. I always will make to time to discuss any concerns someone may have. I think we should recruit quality corporate citizens that enhance the property tax base and offer meaningful employment opportunities. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. Error! I know that the budget meetings that take place in June are open to the public. We attend Jefferson United Methodist Church. 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 have ideas for how to work with our community college and companies to prepare our workforce for 21st century work. 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. I also founded the Mighty Mite Basketball League where we stressed fundamentals and helped establish the Wee Wolves at Mountain View. 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. Better health care for significant portions of county residents and providing help for individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies. The new buildings are now complete and full of students! I have been a licensed insurance agent since 1980 and enjoyed working with people and getting to know them and serving them. 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. 4. In having the economic growth, there would be more employment opportunities for careers. 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. That is dead on arrival with me. My goal is to make sure we the people are able to have a say in what goes on in Ashe County. We can create jobs and generate revenue while creating recreational opportunities that will draw people here for the beauty and make everyone healthier. There should be no hidden agendas in any government body. Being an elected official often comes with criticism from the general public. Sugar coating a problem is only kicking the can further down the road knowing it will have to be dealt with eventually. One top priority would be more affordable day care. Its become a normal part of my life and Im ready to put that practice to use as a county commissioner. We'd love to hear eyewitness Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. 7. We must replace the will of the people to rely on the government for their primary source of income. 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. We will maintain a local government that is effective, efficient, responsible and accountable. Criticism comes with the job and I understood that when I started. 2. Grading and utility construction are scheduled to begin any day. I understand the great trust the public puts in me as a commissioner to do the most good for as many people as possible. He makes more an hour starting there than after nine years of driving our children to school. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. If not, he or she is going to have a hard time convincing me to support that project. I am proud to have been unanimously elected by my fellow commissioners as chairman for each of the last 4 years. What qualifications make yo County Commission candidate Christine Cruz is 54. 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. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. 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. 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. UT professor Mark Harmon, former county commissioner and congressional candidate, is 66. Im driven to find solutions and solve problems so that everyone can have a better quality of life here. 1. Secondly, we must have no child in our school system that goes without food other than what they receive in the school setting. We need to be capable of listening to our constituents with compassion and open minds, even when we dont agree. I finished my career here and retired in 2014. That also involved making policy decisions that caused change. Were working with Wilkes Community College to tailor training to suit a potential employer. Pam W. Barlow(R)Ashe County Register of Deeds 1.1. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. After that, I went to graduate school for public health and spent some time in Ethiopia doing community health education. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. More people always involves needing all of the above. Russell Killen: First of all, we need to have some kind of study as to what impact 221 is going to have to the county. 7. I came home and earned an MA in Public Health Education. My children have gone to school here in Ashe for many years it means a lot me. 8. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. One-stop, in-person early voting begins on April 28 and ends on May 14. We want to establish a community center for people on the west side of the county. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. I am one who will always ask the hard question and be up front with those who want to do business in and with Ashe County. We need to continue to develop all the potential of Ashe Early College. Our children need a career choice beginning in their freshman year and continuing through graduation. We need more companies like GE and United Chemi-Con to locate here in our area. As you asked in an earlier question, the housing shortage needs to be addressed. My office is located in Jefferson, just around the corner from the courthouse. The first thing I would consider is how many people will the proposal benefit? 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. If you were able to increase funding for county programs, departments or projects, what would be your top priorities? 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 would hope to strengthen our relationship with state government and continue to obtain our fair share of state tax revenues. Growth comes from creating a career and knowing that one can provide for their family and grow with the company. We won't share it with anyone else. As of 2021 the median household income was $43,962 and per capita income was $25,282. 3. I think we are better when we work together in a civil manner. 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. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! Active 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. 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? The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. My name is Terry D. Wagoner and I would like to represent you as county commissioner. Groups of yelling Indians, all from different tribes speaking their own native languages at one time is truly a case of dissenting views. I subsequently left the Department of the Army and became the Director of Management and Administration for the Bureau of Indian Affairs: Department of the Interior a job much like a County Commissioner but for members of the 623 Federally recognized tribes of American Indians and Alaska Natives in America. 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: 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. 1. 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 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. 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. I would look at the purpose of the proposal, who it benefits, and will it have a long-term effect. I believe in recruiting the businesses that are right for Ashe County and want to be in Ashe County. 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. I also believe with criticism comes the opportunity to improve upon myself. Development in a wide variety of technologies across abroad spectrum of industries would be the goal. WebElected Officials Hardin County Election Commission Elected Officials Hardin County, TN Elected Officials Misc. We'd love to hear eyewitness Our non-certified employees, custodians, bus drivers, office staff, and assistants have not had a raise since 2008. Ashe County has about 26,000 citizens according to the latest census. We must invest in our land to protect it for future generations and to grow our outdoor economy. WebAshe County is a county in North Carolina. 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. Any department responsible for delivering these services and are lacking in any respect that is below par should be given first consideration for any increase in budget allocations, if needed, and not due to poor performance, lack of personnel due to unfilled positions or equipment needs. Nothing is free and everything should be earned. Look at the amazing greenway systems in Wilkes and Watauga Counties. We have three children, one grandchild, and eight ninths of another grandchild on the way. I assure you, my wife, Dianne, keeps me up-to-date with education in Ashe County. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. Our job is to work with the town boards to ensure the infrastructure is in place to attract future construction and growth. William Sands: The main issue we face at this time is COVID-19 and its results. 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.