nathan.ham@ashepostandtimes.com, Multiple injuries reported after deck collapses in West Jefferson, Jimmy & Jeans Family Arcade and Entertainment hosts ribbon cutting, ACSO apprehends suspect with over 25 felony warrants, Ashe County volunteers honored for their service to the community. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Transparency is a basic component of a local government and allows for the citizens to know about the activities, decisions, conducting public business, and allocation of taxpayers dollars. Use the 'Report' link on 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. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. 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. 2. 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. I will always try to have the answer and if not, I will surely get back with that person with the answer to their concern. Have you tried to hire a plumber or electrician lately? All the facts must be verified for disclosure when legally possible so all affected parties are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the issue. 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. 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. In order for a unit of local government to operate as a good and just government, it must have the trust of the citizens it serves. We could possibly look at helping build some more apartment buildings to alleviate some of the hardship so many people are having. I am married to Glenda Miller Wagoner. person will not be tolerated. 6. Jim Cain: I was born on July 4, 1946, in Oakland, Calif., and grew up in and graduated from High School in Medford, Oregon. 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. One-stop, in-person early voting begins on April 28 and ends on May 14. We have been obligated to a debt that we can not yet measure. 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. 7. 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. Its our job as commissioners to make sure we have a seat at the table when the legislature is deciding on the budget. Of course, everyone thinks their project is the best one. First, and foremost I am a Christian in word and deed. We understood then and are still aware of the unknown future with COVID-19. 1. As a result of the pandemic, the people that were only visiting for a few weeks a year now have the option of working from home and are staying here longer. 1. Our non-certified employees, custodians, bus drivers, office staff, and assistants have not had a raise since 2008. Todd A. McNeill(R) 1.4. I was the owner of Guardian Insurance Agency, which I started in 1996 and sold in 2021 when I retired. When I manage other peoples money there is no such thing as fraud, waste or abuse. Growth comes from creating a career and knowing that one can provide for their family and grow with the company. 6. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. I studied anthropology and sustainable agriculture, which led me to serve in the Peace Corps in East Africa. Veterans and senior citizens are a group often overlooked. Items such as the budget, meeting agendas and salaries are all available to any citizen that wants to see them. We need a program that makes parents responsible for the development of their children. 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. Ensuring access to education and training, which will lead to good paying jobs. As Commissioner, I will work to make Ashe County an even better place for everyone to live. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. 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. In Ashe, as in most You have permission to edit this article. The commissioners role is to see that the county runs smoothly and to help bring and keep industry and businesses in the county. Increase funding for Career Center opportunities at the high school level. Ashe County has about 26,000 citizens according to the latest census. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. We live on the Boggs Rd. Success! Jim Cain: I would love to see Ashe County become a tourist destination of choice and not just the place to come buy a Christmas tree each year. Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. But most importantly, lending support to ensure we are producing a quality, well-educated student upon graduation is first on any strategic plan. 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. 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 have a good, working relationship with the school board and am committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our youth. 8. 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. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. I would look at the purpose of the proposal, who it benefits, and will it have a long-term effect. 8. 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. Our nation deserves better than this and it starts at the local level. And finally, thank you to the Ashe County Post and Times for allowing me this opportunity to let my voice be heard on the things that matter to me and my family. 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. Its become a normal part of my life and Im ready to put that practice to use as a county commissioner. 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). My goal is to make sure we the people are able to have a say in what goes on in Ashe County. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. As many of the residents of Ashe know, I have assisted through my auctions free of charge to help many people in need because of health and or accident situations in which I have done with pride and no regrets. Another project Im excited about is the establishment of a community center at the current middle school site after the new middle school opens. WebFor Candidates For Candidates Running for Office Filing for Candidacy Terms of Office Candidate Challenges Withdrawal of Candidacy Petitions Results & Data Results & Data Election Results Voting Maps/Redistricting Candidate Lists Voter Turnout Absentee & Provisional Data Voter Registration Data Voter History Data Polling Place Data Campaign 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. 6. 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. I am a proud enrolled member of the White Earth Band or Mississippi Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, (Ojibway) Indians. 3. 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. These are: 1. racist or sexually-oriented language. As a result there is unforeseen pressure on the housing market that I dont think anybody could have predicted. The things that are being implemented now such as the US 221 construction were begun years ago. 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. WebSee your ballot, research candidates and referendums, and vote informed Having a well-trained workforce is the first, and most important, step towards attracting new industry to our county. As commissioner, I will look at successful programs in other rural counties with similar demographics and learn how to adapt those ideas to serve our county. 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. More people always involves needing all of the above. I came to Ashe County in 1994 when I was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. 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. 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. 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. I am a graduate of the Leadership for a Democratic Society Course at the Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Va. We have had some amazing folks that really care about our kids working in Ashe County and need to keep them working. Nothing is impossible and everything is possible. I have been fortunate to manage to grow my business through all this and also hire more people to work. If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? One priority would be to increase funding for our environmental services to protect the resources we have, enforce those protections and educate the community on how to take care of our land and water. 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. It happened when I was a student here and it can happen now. 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. I also want to see our county put a greater focus on preserving our natural and cultural heritage. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. We should all be in this together. 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. 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. I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. 8. We need to continue to develop all the potential of Ashe Early College. Downtown Bellefonte pedestrian Seeking out those businesses go beyond just waiting for them to come to us. That also involved making policy decisions that caused change. 1. Continued development of Ashe County as a year-round tourist destination with the businesses and jobs tourism brings.The effects of ongoing climate change to our agricultural business in the County and planning for The New Normal if and when COVID-19 settles down a little. In having the economic growth, there would be more employment opportunities for careers. In June 2022, Republican Troy Councilwoman Kimberly Ashe-McPherson pleaded guilty to a felony charge after admitting that she also fraudulently submitted absentee ballots in elections held in 2021. Look at requirements for lot size for building, what restrictions are on the manufactured homes, multi-family (duplex) homes, and apartment buildings. John Allen is 68. Jim Cain: As I have done for quite a few years, I would lead or actively participate in discussions, planning opportunities and areas such as Change Management. 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 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. WebAshe County is a county in North Carolina. 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. Were working with the Sheriffs Department to ensure that they have the equipment and manpower they need to provide the service that people expect. WebSteven J. Carter. I also founded the Mighty Mite Basketball League where we stressed fundamentals and helped establish the Wee Wolves at Mountain View. It is not the school systems job. The first thing I would consider is how many people will the proposal benefit? I dont even mention apartments because I could not even find any for rent. I think it is very important. 4. I have been a North Carolina licensed auctioneer since 1987 and the owner and President of Mountain Auction Company Inc. 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. Allocation of tax dollars toward any project demands thorough review and due diligence. Education is not a line item in a school board budget- its the only item. Second, if the proposal is feasible, how can we find the funds to implement the proposal? Unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of technical jobs in the county. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. 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. Personally, I would begin a Change Management Plan because whatever the new normal is or will be, change is inevitable and with analysis of those plans the commissioners should get a good idea of how and in what areas they need to or can help the county rebound. There should be no hidden agendas in any government body. Dec. 15: Brian Pittman is 56. Along with that comes differences of opinion. We could certainly crush the current 4.2% unemployment rate that our county currently has. WebCounty: Appling Atkinson Bacon Baker Baldwin Banks Barrow Bartow Ben Hill Berrien Bibb Bleckley Brantley Brooks Bryan Bulloch Burke Butts Calhoun Camden Candler Carroll Catoosa Charlton Chatham Chattahoochee Chattooga Cherokee Clarke Clay Clayton Clinch Cobb Coffee Colquitt Columbia Cook Coweta Crawford Crisp Dade Dawson Decatur DeKalb There was an error processing your request. The new apartments that are planned to be built at the old Lowes Foods is a step in the right direction. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 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. 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. The county seat is Jefferson . I encourage all citizens to attend and participate in meetings. In the 2021 calendar year, there were almost 29,000 calls for service including fire, EMS and law enforcement. Beth Sorrell: I think this will bring great opportunities and also challenges. I served as chairman or co-chairman of numerous committees while in the State House and still have a strong relationship with my former colleagues in state government, who continue to remain in the majority at the legislature. The taxpayer dollars are being spent, so be up front with the people who elect you to an office. It has also been my priority to support projects in all areas of the county. 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. Be Truthful. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government. 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 encourage anyone with a question to reach out to me through email or by phone. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Transparency and accountability are necessary for building trust and for creating a safe environment for everyone to express their opinions and exercise their rights. 8. Supporting the school system with current and future capital projects will always be challenging when allocating tax dollars for such long-term investments. The school board represents the communitys voice in public education and sets the standard for achievement in the school district. 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. sanitation, school). William Sands: The main issue we face at this time is COVID-19 and its results. I had a coworker from Wilkes County that had gotten promoted and sent to the eastern part of the state that told me about Ashe County. Cost, longevity, having local companies complete the work for the project, length of the project, location of the project and the benefit to the local community will always be the forefront in my mind. 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 understand the great trust the public puts in me as a commissioner to do the most good for as many people as possible. I spent a couple of hours riding around Jefferson and West Jefferson and realized that this was an excellent place to raise a family. I am a native of Ashe County and a 1985 graduate of Ashe Central High School. William Sands: My hope will be to get our businesses going again, more jobs, less unemployment, schools operating as in the past, and the completion of our Middle School and the Wilkes Community expansion. 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. 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. We need an outreach program that can assist these families, NOT give them a free pass. Russell Killen: With the COVID-19 pandemic we as a community have seem to adjust to our new norm. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 8. Realizing some of our problems are shared to a varying degree by the other rural areas of the U.S., not being able to eradicate all or a significant portion of these problems in 20 years or more seems indicative of the need to try some different approaches. 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. Our biggest challenge is to keep the federal government from teaching our children garbage like CRT. 1. 7. 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. I also am a conservative Constitutionalist. Create a password that only you will remember. After that, I went to graduate school for public health and spent some time in Ethiopia doing community health education. Affordable housing and child care facilities rank among the highest of concerns from discussions I have had with citizens that would warrant a close review of what type of funding in which department would be needed to address those topics. 2. The affordable housing problem is not an easy task. I have had a small law office here in Ashe County for many years. If you have a house fire, and I have before, you know the value of those guys and gals firsthand. I would also increase funding to support local agriculture and sustainable farming initiatives. Now is the time to find ways to help those people who are struggling. I can take constructive criticism but will not accept disrespect or hatefulness. I will not budge on wasting taxpayer dollars on projects that are never completed, or that do not benefit Ashe County and its people. 7. I am not one for spending taxpayer dollars on something that never becomes reality. With climate change here now, we need to do a county or regional agricultural assessment to better prepare our farmers to continue our largest income producer for the county. We also, through the efforts of Skyline telephone, have one of the best internet networks in the nation. You have permission to edit this article. 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. That is dead on arrival with me. Be Proactive. But it doesnt matter how ready the site is without a sustainable workforce to staff a new business. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. 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. 5. About when one thought the House GOP could not handle any more scandals or politically dumb decisions, reporters revealed the House Ethics Committee had investigated state Rep. Scotty Campbell from Mountain City (the northeastern tip of Tennessee) for alleged sexual harassment of legislative employees. William Sands: I was part of the Board of Commissioners that planned the 2020-21 budget. 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. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. Businesses are hurting due to being closed or operating on a part-time basis. Beth Sorrell(D) 1.2. In the past we have allocated and paid taxpayer monies for projects that never seen the first pencil struck to paper or the first shovel in the ground. 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 Commissioners, the Board of Education, and all other agencies of Ashe need to work together for the good of all Ashe County students. William Sands: My role will be to provide our people with needed services, while operating county government as economically as possible. My name is Mark Anthony Massey. 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 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. If it contains any language other than that, I am certainly not on board with it. All our contact information is available on the county website. We also need to work with the school board to provide quality afterschool care and summertime programs that keep our children engaged, stimulated and active. I want to support all our county departments to ensure quality services are being delivered to all citizens of Ashe County and they have the tools to do so. Russell Killen: As stated, I am not running with an agenda. We should fight against unfunded mandates whenever possible. That is a very good time for anyone interested to come and see exactly what is done to set up the yearly budget. 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! I may have helped you or your family purchase or sell a house or property. My name is Terry D. Wagoner and I would like to represent you as county commissioner. Many Ashe problems that I described are the same that I faced across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. If you were able to increase funding for county programs, departments or projects, what would be your top priorities?