I feel that I can contribute in a positive way if elected to serve the citizens of Ashe County. Democratic Elections Commissioner Edward McDonough, left, and Republican Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield, right, speak to poll workers in 2020. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Don't Threaten. Through my work with Ashe County Habitat for Humanity, Ive witnessed the great need for safer, affordable housing and the challenges that come with providing that, but I know that we can do better. 3. 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. Additionally, there are many houses in the county that are either abandoned or being used for short-term vacation rentals. Weve secured grants to prepare the new business park on Ray Taylor Road. 3. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 8. 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 a result there is unforeseen pressure on the housing market that I dont think anybody could have predicted. I intend to exploit that and fix that as a commissioner. Commissioner candidates share their thoughts on numerous topics ahead of 2022 election season. The children are the future of the county and not just the responsibility of the school system. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We are always being presented with opportunities to fund a wide variety of great programs and ideas. 5. Im driven to find solutions and solve problems so that everyone can have a better quality of life here. Active I anticipate this demand to only increase over time. My wife Shannon is from Todd and we have three children and four grandchildren between us who all live here in the county. Upon retiring from the fire service, I started with the National Park Service on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. 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. I am a graduate of the Leadership for a Democratic Society Course at the Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Va. 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 feel this starts with the Commissioners and the School Board. Another project Im excited about is the establishment of a community center at the current middle school site after the new middle school opens. Despite construction delays, county administration is setting aside those funds so they are in place and available when needed. Were working with Wilkes Community College to tailor training to suit a potential employer. Be Truthful. Steady employment and an opportunity to have a job to earn a decent living can set any person on the path to success. 6. County governments biggest role in the project is to provide funding, which we have already committed to. I am and have been the president of the Ashe County Youth Soccer league for the past 31 years. Were already working in that direction. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. Election Day takes place Tuesday, Nov. 3. I would look at the purpose of the proposal, who it benefits, and will it have a long-term effect. We are required to keep a certain savings level by state law, which my experience in Raleigh demonstrated to be a wise policy choice. Our county government should continue in making every effort to see this happen. When any project is presented to the Board for consideration my first questions will be how will it improve Ashe County and what will the tax burden be both now and into the future. 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. Usually referred to by the military as an After Action report, we would then compare it to the presumptions the commissioners made as they planned this years County Budget.There appears to be a lot of uncertainty as we go forward and there is some speculation that COVID-19 may be with us for a long time. First, and foremost I am a Christian in word and deed. In Ashe, as in most Also, I support bringing more jobs to our area, but we have to have the citizens to fill those jobs, who have the skills and experience that can be accomplished through workforce training programs with our community college. How do you know where you are going without a road map? Leslie A. Wallace, an assistant for constituent relations for Rensselaer County, and her attorney, Joel Abelove, leave federal after she was arraigned That is going to be funded through a line item in the state budget and not from Ashe County property taxes. 7. I am invested in our community and am prepared to go to work again for all our Ashe County citizens.