Too much secrecy can lead to abuse of power and a lack of accountability. The bidding approach that allows the highest bidder to raise the price of property over the asking price is adding to the problem. The county seat is Jefferson . We can start by giving tax relief to people impacted by the pandemic, as well as public servants, like teachers, law enforcement and firefighters. 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. UOCAVA Election Notice - nmcdn.io I have gained a reputation as a person who asks a lot of questions in an effort to solve problems and I am a business Process Reengineer and a Change Manager. Error! 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. Visiting and recruiting potential clients, showcasing our new industrial business park and boasting how Ashe County is a special place to live, work, and play will produce dividends that increase our tax base and create new jobs. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism I am currently advocating for and will vote in support of adding a fourth ambulance to serve Ashe County. I believe that our biggest potential is in our outdoor economy. 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. I appreciate his leadership. The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. Through my work with Ashe County Habitat for Humanity, Ive witnessed the urgent and enormous need for decent, affordable housing in Ashe County. 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. Its our job as commissioners to make sure we have a seat at the table when the legislature is deciding on the budget. 1. I still have strong contacts in Raleigh, which is an important way I can call in help or resources when we need them. I also believe we need a Strategic Plan and I will work with all the stakeholders to create that plan. I am a proud enrolled member of the White Earth Band or Mississippi Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, (Ojibway) Indians. I am a 2016 graduate of Columbia Southern University at Orange Beach, Alabama receiving a Bachelors/Science Degree in Business Administration and Management. I know of one bus driver that works at Walmart after he delivers the students to school. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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 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. You have permission to edit this article. 5. 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. With our aging population and rapidly growing 911 call volume, it is of the utmost importance that we have adequate EMS personnel and equipment to respond. 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. Use the 'Report' link on Be Truthful. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Russell Killen: I would like to be one of Ashe Countys commissioners as to have a voice in what is happening within the county. Courthouse after being indicted on federal wire And finally, we need a program to help our citizens who abuse prescription drugs daily and especially with children in the home. We as commissioners need to be willing to try and help any way we can to help the citizens of Ashe County to adjust and succeed. They should listen to the people and work hard to create a better place for everyone to make a living and reach their fullest potential. 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. Elected Officials City of Adamsville City of Crump Town of Saltillo City of Savannah City of Milledgeville hardin.commission@tn.gov MON, TUE, THUR, FRI - 8:00AM - 4:00PM WED- 8:00AM-12PM CLOSED 12:00PM - 1:00PM FOR LUNCH Occasionally the county can take on projects funded by the state, if the county can commit to funding those programs in the future when state (and possibly federal) funds will inevitably dry up. 7. I would just hope that the ones who dont agree would do so respectfully. The Bible says count the cost before you begin. 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. 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. I am a native of Ashe County and a 1985 graduate of Ashe Central High School. I can take constructive criticism but will not accept disrespect or hatefulness. UT professor Mark Harmon, former county commissioner and We have three children, one grandchild, and eight ninths of another grandchild on the way. We attend Jefferson United Methodist Church. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. 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. Housing has become a major problem here in Ashe County. Surrounding school systems have higher pay and bigger bonuses. I am not running with a political agenda. I always will make to time to discuss any concerns someone may have. 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. We need a program that makes parents responsible for the development of their children. Up for election are the following six candidates: Republican Jonathan Jordan, Republican Jerry D. Powers, incumbent Republican William Sands, Democrat James D. Cain Jr., Democrat Beth Sorrell and Democrat Russell M. Killen. For natural growth and a base problem for the county is affordable Housing. I spent a couple of hours riding around Jefferson and West Jefferson and realized that this was an excellent place to raise a family. Beth Sorrell: My personal vision is to grow the outdoor economy by partnering with other organizations and investing in more outdoor recreation like greenways, bike paths, public access points on the New River and a public swimming pool. accounts, the history behind an article. 6. County governments biggest role in the project is to provide funding, which we have already committed to. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. I would seek to understand the environmental, cultural and economic impacts of the project in the short term as well as the long term. I studied anthropology and sustainable agriculture, which led me to serve in the Peace Corps in East Africa. I came to Ashe County in 1994 when I was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 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. I get it, sometimes we need to raise taxes, but we need to spend money wisely, efficiently, and be accountable for the monies we allocate and hold accountable those who take our taxpayer dollars for work to be started and completed. 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. Ashe County needs a vision an overarching plan developed with input from all stakeholders that would guide future projects. 3. 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. As a result there is unforeseen pressure on the housing market that I dont think anybody could have predicted. Lets make sure that our broadband and other technical resources provide opportunities for residents to work at home with companies based in large cities. 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 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. Choose wisely! Beth Sorrell: I think this will bring great opportunities and also challenges. We are in the process of building a new middle school and expanding Wilkes Community College. 8. If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? I may have helped you or your family purchase or sell a house or property. If you have a house fire, and I have before, you know the value of those guys and gals firsthand. Grading and utility construction are scheduled to begin any day. 3. Food insecurity, lack of decent, affordable housing, lack of healthcare and the struggle to make ends meet is far too common. The new buildings are now complete and full of students! Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 4. Candidates I want very much to meet the needs of our people. 1. Although I love traveling and living among other cultures, Ive always been drawn back to my roots in the Appalachian Mountains. My children have for many years attended Ashe County Public Schools. It happened when I was a student here and it can happen now. Our employees, including teachers, often have to take second jobs to make it. He makes more an hour starting there than after nine years of driving our children to school. Let me help you make improvements in Ashe County. If not, he or she is going to have a hard time convincing me to support that project. Lets help provide the resources to help our schools explore careers that fit todays economy and not the idea that everyone has to have a four-year degree. The public is welcome to contact any of the commissioners in regard to the actions that might take place. Second, if the proposal is feasible, how can we find the funds to implement the proposal? Use the 'Report' link on Supporting the school system with current and future capital projects will always be challenging when allocating tax dollars for such long-term investments. 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. 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. Many Ashe problems that I described are the same that I faced across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. Election Day will be May 17. There will be times that difficult decisions have to be made and there will be times that people will disagree on these decisions. An incoming freshmen could certainly have a plan and a tool to use for employment after graduating in four years. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. There was a problem saving your notification. I believe in being fiscally responsible, while protecting our taxpayers by carefully evaluating budget requests that are consistent with the level of service which the taxpayers are willing to pay. More people always involves needing all of the above. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Once a streamlined process is in place to educate and inform the public, initiate a builder and developers summit to recruit projects for affordable housing. ABOUT US | Ashe County, NC | Ashe County Democratic These people love their work and will work hard to get homes and apartments built for our citizens to dwell in because they love their hometown, and they want to contribute to their community. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. I am a member of Bald Mountain Baptist Church. But most importantly, lending support to ensure we are producing a quality, well-educated student upon graduation is first on any strategic plan. 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. Party: Dem County: Philadelphia Occupation: Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court Education: Temple Todd A. McNeill(R) 1.4. I would look at the purpose of the proposal, who it benefits, and will it have a long-term effect. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. 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. 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. The school system has a new pay scale that would help this, but it has to be funded by the county. 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. 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. Four years ago I was proud to raise my hand in support of the Wilkes Community College expansion project. Ive discovered that the most important part of the job is being an advocate for the people of our county. Party: Dem Education: Bellefonte Area High School, U.S. Army Signal School, course work job 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. Businesses are hurting due to being closed or operating on a part-time basis. 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. Of course, everyone thinks their project is the best one. I put my name in for consideration and was appointed. Uneven distribution of healthcare to County residents. This kind of thing would cause mistrust in the office as well as damage 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. Email: steve.carter@alamance-nc.com Phone: 336-214-7606. I think it is very important. Election Day takes place Tuesday, Nov. 3. 2. We all need to be more aware of what is creeping into the educational programs that they want taught to our children. GE, AEV, United Chemi-con and Leviton are the heavy hitters as far as employment goes here in Ashe. How will we be able to measure the outcome, is it attainable, is it relevant and can it be completed in a timely manner? The county population is 26,577, according to the United States Census Bureau. WebSee your ballot, research candidates and referendums, and vote informed Once we have provided for law enforcement and courts, waste disposal, good roads and infrastructure, appropriate health and human services for our most vulnerable populations (especially our elderly and children), and some other public services (dont hold me to this as an exclusive list), and kept a prudent savings on hand, then we can review other programs that benefit our area and economy as a whole. These local resources can be used to create good jobs and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation leading to healthier communities and reduced health care costs while preserving our local culture. We could certainly crush the current 4.2% unemployment rate that our county currently has. My name is Chuck Olive and Im a sitting member of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners at this time. Criticism comes with the job and I understood that when I started. One top priority would be more affordable day care. Where do you think that money should go?Jonathan Jordan: The first thing to keep in mind is how much of our citizens money we can return to them while making sure we responsibly fund local government. I will try to understand all sides of the issue and learn as much as possible to make a decision that is best for the future of Ashe County. I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. As you asked in an earlier question, the housing shortage needs to be addressed. I think we need to concentrate our efforts to address housing in the city limits of our three municipalities. Elected Officials 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. WebIm Beth Sorrell and Im running for Ashe County Commissioner. Extra money should be used to attract other businesses into the county along with assisting the law enforcement, schools and waste management etc. We will have all the utilities in place to make the site shovel ready for potential businesses. Tax incentives would be another step. 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. In my past, serving as a Untied States Marine for 27 years, I have always been held to account by my peers. Transparency and accountability have been absent for decades in our government at the Federal, State and Local levels. Unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of technical jobs in the county. Once a project is approved, I will need to see the whole plan, blueprints, and monies expected up front before any money is approved. 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. We need to give incentives to our schools to train and certify our youth in a career field before graduating high school. Russell Killen: As stated, I am not running with an agenda. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 1. I have been a licensed insurance agent since 1980 and enjoyed working with people and getting to know them and serving them. 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. 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.
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