Naia Baseball Rankings, Uss Vreeland Reunion, Articles A

After that, I went to graduate school for public health and spent some time in Ethiopia doing community health education. Keep it Clean. or to help those who are truly deserving. County Commissioner John Schoonmaker is 69. We will have all the utilities in place to make the site shovel ready for potential businesses. Ashe Medics serves our county well and they deserve our support. As a Commissioner I would bring up for a vote, incentives for businesses who move here and employ the good people of Ashe County. I previously served on the boards of directors of the Ashe County Free Medical Clinic, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, and the Ashe County Pregnancy Care Center. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, I would try to be understanding if they are in disagreement and would like for them to be clear with me what they do not like about the action that was or will be taken. 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. The school system has a new pay scale that would help this, but it has to be funded by the county. I also believe with criticism comes the opportunity to improve upon myself. Jerry Powers: I would hope to be a voice of reason, as I hope I was perceived in my prior term, with no interest in dictating Ashe Countys future. (See Attachment). 2. In having the economic growth, there would be more employment opportunities for careers. Beth Sorrell(D) 1.2. The county population is 26,577, according to the United States Census Bureau. How would you address the lack of affordable housing in Ashe County that both current and potential Ashe County residents are dealing with? The taxpayer dollars are being spent, so be up front with the people who elect you to an office. Criticism comes with the job and I understood that when I started. You have permission to edit this article. Made in the USA means we need good paying manufacturing jobs here is Ashe County. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. Now is the time to find ways to help those people who are struggling. 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.. 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. What qualifications make yo I think we can see economic growth and improve employment opportunities without losing the very things that make Ashe a great place to live. Party: Dem County: Philadelphia Occupation: Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court Education: Temple An example is the new Agriculture Center that construction will begin on this year. Ashe County Commissioner I then spent the next 14 years as a Department of the Army Civilian Intelligence Specialist handling Human Intelligence operations as a member of a highly classified intelligence program buried in the bowels of the Army, designed for continuity of human Intelligence operations overseas. We can create jobs and generate revenue while creating recreational opportunities that will draw people here for the beauty and make everyone healthier. 3. UT professor Mark Harmon, former county commissioner and Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. I think we need to concentrate our efforts to address housing in the city limits of our three municipalities. 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. Success! Making information quick and easy to find will go a long way to maintain trust and confidence in local government. 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. I intend to exploit that and fix that as a commissioner. 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. As of 2021 the median household income was $43,962 and per capita income was $25,282. I think drawing new industry to Ashe County is going to be difficult at best without some major incentives; its hard for us to compete with transportation and population advantages below the mountain. 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. I came to Ashe County in 1994 when I was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. I may have helped you, or friends or family, in a sticky court situation. 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 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. Our schools should be a top priority for the Commission and parents and students shouldnt have to hold bake sales to pay for school supplies. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, cum Laude, from University College, University of Maryland, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany: September, 1982. I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. 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. Now on to May 17, 2022. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. I will also work to grow existing partnerships with the community college and local businesses to create more apprenticeship and training programs, focusing on local agriculture and innovative economic opportunities. We have to be the face of the county to make sure our needs are considered. I would also uses high technology to improve business processes and other areas where I have quite a bit of experience and could contribute. Transparency and accountability have been absent for decades in our government at the Federal, State and Local levels. Having served in office for over four years now, I am well aware of the criticism that comes with this role. The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. Not everyone can go to college and not everyone can qualify or make it in the Military. 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. In 2000, I moved to Ashe County and fell in love with the people and the place. I will strive to understand where the criticism is coming from and use it constructively in my work serving the people of Ashe County. I believe that our biggest potential is in our outdoor economy. My name is Mark Anthony Massey. Weve been working with the school board to secure funding which I hope will take a lot of the burden off Ashe County taxpayers. I now live in Grassy Creek with my wife Maggie and our five children; Henry, Libby Jean, Sarah Lane, Beau and Will. In the 2021 calendar year, there were almost 29,000 calls for service including fire, EMS and law enforcement. Upon retiring from the fire service, I started with the National Park Service on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Were already working in that direction. Courthouse after being indicted on federal wire 2. 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. It had already led to the guilty pleas of former Troy Councilwoman Kimberly Ashe-McPherson and Jason T. Schofield, the countys former Republican elections commissioner. 2. 4. Extra money should be used to attract other businesses into the county along with assisting the law enforcement, schools and waste management etc. 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. We must invest in our land to protect it for future generations and to grow our outdoor economy. In Ashe, as in most 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. I understand the great trust the public puts in me as a commissioner to do the most good for as many people as possible. The median cost of a house is $329K for a three-bedroom house with rent over $1,000 a month. B. Phil Howell(R)New Riv 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. Tax money should be spent wisely and should benefit the majority of our residents. We want to protect our community, and keep us safe, while at the same time welcoming the economic prosperity that will come with increased visitation and folks moving here. 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. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. We are always being presented with opportunities to fund a wide variety of great programs and ideas. Look at requirements for lot size for building, what restrictions are on the manufactured homes, multi-family (duplex) homes, and apartment buildings. Our children need a career choice beginning in their freshman year and continuing through graduation. Let me help you make improvements in Ashe County. 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. I think we are better when we work together in a civil manner. Veterans and senior citizens are a group often overlooked. Former Sheriff J. J. Jones is 63. We need to reach out to any company that shows interest in putting their company in Ashe County. Victor Ashe. 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. 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. 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. person will not be tolerated. We must replace the will of the people to rely on the government for their primary source of income. Three more Rensselaer County officials charged with federal offenses Steady employment and an opportunity to have a job to earn a decent living can set any person on the path to success. County During my 37-year career in the fire service, I was fortunate to have served in the capacity of fire chief in two municipalities and in my hometown volunteer fire department. Ashe County has a unique set of attributes that brings many tourists to our county to the amazing amount of over $80 million dollars in the last year. William Sands: The main issue we face at this time is COVID-19 and its results. I also believe we need a Strategic Plan and I will work with all the stakeholders to create that plan. In my past, serving as a Untied States Marine for 27 years, I have always been held to account by my peers. 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. Don't Threaten. Beth Sorrell: I will strive to listen to all perspectives and dissenting viewpoints and work with everyone to find common ground or a healthy compromise, when necessary. 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. 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 are several county programs that deserve all the help we can afford to give to them. Every community deserves attention and support from county government. I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. 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. I enjoyed the country life growing up in Ashe County and after my service, I returned home in 2015. We should work in keeping morale high. I currently serve on the board of the Ashe County Home Builders Association. I served as a county commissioner here 26 to 30 years ago and as my life is hopefully going to slow down some, I think with experience as a past commissioner and my knowledge of the unique characteristics of Ashe County, I can still be of service to my county. Posey Congleton is 74. Not only do these assets contribute to the quality of life in the county, they lead to healthier people and reduced chronic health problems. I have been a licensed insurance agent since 1980 and enjoyed working with people and getting to know them and serving them. that is degrading to another person. Our employees, including teachers, often have to take second jobs to make it. 3. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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 dont even mention apartments because I could not even find any for rent. William Sands: My role will be to provide our people with needed services, while operating county government as economically as possible. Don't knowingly lie about anyone I feel that I can contribute in a positive way if elected to serve the citizens of Ashe County. I came home and earned an MA in Public Health Education. Share with Us. I was born and raised in Lansing, North Carolina by Kenneth and the late Stella Massey. Despite construction delays, county administration is setting aside those funds so they are in place and available when needed. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. More people always involves needing all of the above. We need to give incentives to our schools to train and certify our youth in a career field before graduating high school. Invalid password or account does not exist. 3. We are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. 8. I believe that I have the skills, experience, and willingness to listen and work together with my fellow citizens in protecting and advancing Ashe County as an incredible place to live, work and play. When looking at the cost would it be fully on the county or be partially funded by other means? General election for Ashe County Board of Commissioners (3 seats) Beth Sorrell, Mike Eldreth, Todd A. McNeill, and Chuck Olive ran in the general election for Ashe There was an error processing your request. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! William Sands: I believe that money coming into the county from tourism should be used in assisting small businesses and to make improvements and/or create the things that draw tourist and their money. We as a board cant control market forces but if we can help have the infrastructure in place to make building for a developer more enticing. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. It happened when I was a student here and it can happen now. Pam W. Barlow(R)Ashe County Register of Deeds 1.1. As your next commissioner I would like to look at every opportunity that becomes available. 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. Calhoun's owner Mike Chase I put in my transfer in October of that year and have been here ever since. My approach is that you can never have too much information on a given topic. Tell us a little about yourself and why you want to be an Ashe County Commissioner. These are just some of the issues Id like to address. 1. I also want to see our county put a greater focus on preserving our natural and cultural heritage. Citizens will come to us with a concern or need and we as commissioners should be here to address those needs and concerns. Pray for me as I strive to help we the people flourish and grow in the time ahead. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. 7. Failure to change puts us farther behind. Lets make sure that our broadband and other technical resources provide opportunities for residents to work at home with companies based in large cities. First I worked as a senior consultant in their Federal Consulting Center, doing Business Process Reengineering for a variety of Defense Department agencies and then I was asked to become the New Business Developed for the Department of Interior and Agriculture, managing approximately $480 million a year. Leslie A. Wallace, an assistant for constituent relations for Rensselaer County, and her attorney, Joel Abelove, leave federal after she was arraigned My children have for many years attended Ashe County Public Schools. Recently we installed new video and sound equipment for broadcasting meetings. WebCommissioners Meet Your Commissioners Our Commissioners are Chairman Todd McNeill, Vice Chair William Sands, Mike Eldreth, Jerry Powers, and Chuck Olive. 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. 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 think the biggest challenge is how to keep employees in Ashe County Schools. Discover More 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. 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. Its the responsibility of the Board of Commissioners to fund the local portion of the Ashe County School system to ensure the taxpayers get the most for their tax dollars in order for the Board of Education to achieve performance standards. We need to train our workforce in skilled labor jobs such as masonry, plumbing, and electricity. Commissioner candidates share their thoughts on - Ashe Post