I was an active duty Army Intelligence Officer from February 1967 until August 1973. Uneven distribution of healthcare to County residents. 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. As a county commissioner, what role the county plays in the process should be addressed to streamline any plan review, permitting, inspections, and/or obtaining certificates of occupancy. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. 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. Russell Killen: With the COVID-19 pandemic we as a community have seem to adjust to our new norm. 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 In the meantime, the county government needs to seek opportunities through grants and other incentives, aimed at starter homes, lower rent apartments, and rent-to-buy options. 4. or to help those who are truly deserving. 8. I am not running with a political agenda. 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. 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 would also increase funding to support local agriculture and sustainable farming initiatives. Also, I back the blue and all law enforcement. 4. Without a doubt, the construction of the new middle school is the biggest challenge facing Ashe County Schools at the moment. Primarily, we need to train our youth for the workforce. 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). Use the 'Report' link on I also founded the Mighty Mite Basketball League where we stressed fundamentals and helped establish the Wee Wolves at Mountain View. I will strive to understand where the criticism is coming from and use it constructively in my work serving the people of Ashe County. 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. As you asked in an earlier question, the housing shortage needs to be addressed. Every community deserves attention and support from county government. 8. I finished my career here and retired in 2014. I assure you, my wife, Dianne, keeps me up-to-date with education in Ashe County. Although I love traveling and living among other cultures, Ive always been drawn back to my roots in the Appalachian Mountains. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. (See Attachment). The website and live streaming of the commissioner meetings are an important way to review what is happening. Vote Informed on the Entire Ballot As long as you make the best decisions and you can go to sleep at night feeling you did your best for the county, that is all that can be expected from anyone. 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. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. During those 44 years of public service, I sought out numerous opportunities to be engaged in community activities where I thought I could make an impact in developing collaborative efforts to accomplish goals that would have a positive impact on local communities. Email: steve.carter@alamance-nc.com Phone: 336-214-7606. 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. Have you tried to hire a plumber or electrician lately? Invalid password or account does not exist. We won't share it with anyone else. 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. 3 of 11 4 of 11. 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. 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. 7. 2. 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. 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. 3. County Commissioners Russell Killen: I would like to be one of Ashe Countys commissioners as to have a voice in what is happening within the county. 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. that is degrading to another person. One-stop, in-person early voting begins on April 28 and ends on May 14. 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). First, and foremost I am a Christian in word and deed. Keep it Clean. or anything. 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 and protecting what we have while looking to improve where we need improvement. Commissioners - Ashe County As a Commissioner I would bring up for a vote, incentives for businesses who move here and employ the good people of Ashe County. 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. In my past, serving as a Untied States Marine for 27 years, I have always been held to account by my peers. I was born and raised in Lansing, North Carolina by Kenneth and the late Stella Massey. It has also been my priority to support projects in all areas of the county. I would seek to understand the environmental, cultural and economic impacts of the project in the short term as well as the long term. Election Day takes place Tuesday, Nov. 3. 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. 6. 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. Ashe County's newly elected officials | wcnc.com One top priority would be more affordable day care. 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. WebCANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST ALAMANCE BOARD OF ELECTIONS CRITERIA: Election: 11/08/2022, Show Contest w/o Candidate: N, County: ALL COUNTIES, Data Source: FULL COUNTY VIEW ALAMANCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CARTER, STEVEN JEFFERY Steve Carter 12/06/20212779 S CHURCH ST SUITE 331 REP I would also uses high technology to improve business processes and other areas where I have quite a bit of experience and could contribute. Three more Rensselaer County officials charged with federal offenses 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. It is not the school systems job. We will maintain a local government that is effective, efficient, responsible and accountable. I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. Beth Sorrell(D) 1.2. The continuing need to develop more small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ashe County. Im driven to find solutions and solve problems so that everyone can have a better quality of life here. 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. If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? I am and have been the president of the Ashe County Youth Soccer league for the past 31 years. 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. 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. In 1991, after graduation from The Federal Executive Institute, I was appointed to the senior executive Service (The top 2000 government civilians, all reporting to political appointees, normally Department heads). County 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. 8. The county population is 26,577, according to the United States Census Bureau. Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. Election Day will be May 17. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. Grading and utility construction are scheduled to begin any day. We will through land use planning, strategic capital investments and change management plans ensure a good and improving quality of life in our communities. 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. The substandard or lack of affordable housing across the age and income spectrums. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. I now live in Grassy Creek with my wife Maggie and our five children; Henry, Libby Jean, Sarah Lane, Beau and Will. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. 7. High-paying jobs for our citizens is the only answer. Development in a wide variety of technologies across abroad spectrum of industries would be the goal. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. Nothing is free and everything should be earned. 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. ABOUT US | Ashe County, NC | Ashe County Democratic Jerry Powers: It is yet to be determined how the 2020 pandemic will affect next years budget, a cost not of our own making but dictated by state and federal mandates. Having to make a choice between multiple worthy projects is one of the hardest parts of being a Commissioner. Jonathan Jordan: I am asking for your support to become an Ashe County Commissioner because I want to continue to help and give back to our community in any way I can. 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. 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 have been a North Carolina licensed auctioneer since 1987 and the owner and President of Mountain Auction Company Inc. 7. 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. Local Voter Tool | NCSBE 3. GE, AEV, United Chemi-con and Leviton are the heavy hitters as far as employment goes here in Ashe. County Ashe Medics serves our county well and they deserve our support. Being open and transparent builds trust, confidence, and integrity between the Board and the citizens. 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. 1. I have been fortunate to manage to grow my business through all this and also hire more people to work. Jim Cain: I was born on July 4, 1946, in Oakland, Calif., and grew up in and graduated from High School in Medford, Oregon. 8. How would you handle that? B. Phil Howell(R)New Riv 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. Having survived 49 of those meetings makes me believe I wont have many problems to face. This kind of thing would cause mistrust in the office as well as damage the county. 8. That is dead on arrival with me. My education, experience in management and as commissioner supplies me with knowledge in operating county government. Beth Sorrell: Affordable housing is a huge and growing issue here. 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. I intend to exploit that and fix that as a commissioner. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. I think it is very important. Upon retiring from the fire service, I started with the National Park Service on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I know our county, our people and their needs. We may need to increase resources to law enforcement. If you were able to increase funding for county programs, departments or projects, what would be your top priorities? 2. I want very much to meet the needs of our people. 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. Candidates Discover More We must invest in our land to protect it for future generations and to grow our outdoor economy. I am proud to have been unanimously elected by my fellow commissioners as chairman for each of the last 4 years. We are tasked with making sure the countys tax dollars are spent wisely and the citizens are receiving the most return on every dollar spent. We need to reach out to any company that shows interest in putting their company in Ashe County. Threats of harming another I would look at the purpose of the proposal, who it benefits, and will it have a long-term effect. WebIm Beth Sorrell and Im running for Ashe County Commissioner. Ive always sought opinions on decisions and Im not afraid to ask when I may not understand something or have all the available information. So far, our county if doing well financially federal and state money have assisted us in dealing with COVID-19 and our county tax revenue has increased at a faster rate than previous years. I have worked public jobs from self-employment to retail and held management positions since I was 15 years old. Look at the amazing greenway systems in Wilkes and Watauga Counties. For the past 18 years, Ive worked for Wilkes Community College teaching in the Basic Skill department. I was appointed to the BROC Board (Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission) when I was an Ashe County Commissioner (2016-2020). Bring in good paying jobs and put people to work to be able to afford and build a home of their own and the housing problem can be solved. How do you know where you are going without a road map? Success! Threats of harming another 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. William Sands: I was part of the Board of Commissioners that planned the 2020-21 budget. I know many contractors who subcontract these jobs from outside Ashe County. 1. My contact information is available on the county website and I am always open to receive a call, text or email from you! We understood then and are still aware of the unknown future with COVID-19. Don't Threaten. In September 1997, I retired from government service after 33 years. The county has the industrial park and has purchased more land to have site-ready locations for economic development. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. I want to be a county commissioner because I have the experience working with people to do some real good for the people of Ashe County. 5. This would also serve to create more jobs and support a healthier community. 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. Of course, everyone thinks their project is the best one. Were looking at making a park along the river similar to the Creeper Trail Park in Lansing. 124 W. Elm St. Graham, North Carolina 27253. We'd love to hear eyewitness This would apply to all new or existing projects and would help entice new construction, both commercial and residential, single and multi-family dwellings. Right now the waiting lists for our few childcare centers are years long. Ive discovered that the most important part of the job is being an advocate for the people of our county. Our county government should continue in making every effort to see this happen. 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. I also see a need for more apprenticeship opportunities with our high school and local businesses to provide more options for our young people who want to live and work in the county. I served eight years in Raleigh representing our area in the State House, where I was a strong advocate for all our citizens. Criticism comes with the job and I understood that when I started. 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. Second, if the proposal is feasible, how can we find the funds to implement the proposal? I want to continue to work well with the school board. 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. Lets use our scenery, fishing, canoeing and hiking to create opportunities for smaller, community owned businesses. Despite construction delays, county administration is setting aside those funds so they are in place and available when needed. Many Ashe problems that I described are the same that I faced across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. Our employees, including teachers, often have to take second jobs to make it. The first thing I would consider is how many people will the proposal benefit? 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. Sugar coating a problem is only kicking the can further down the road knowing it will have to be dealt with eventually. Food insecurity, lack of decent, affordable housing, lack of healthcare and the struggle to make ends meet is far too common. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. 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.