An example is the new Agriculture Center that construction will begin on this year. To borrow a good friends phrase, right is never wrong and wrong is never right. We must be able to live with our decisions, regardless of what others want us to do. 7. First, I would consider what potential this project would have to benefit the county. Beth Sorrell: Affordable housing is a huge and growing issue here. After attending Northwest Ashe High School, I earned a BS in Education from Appalachian State University. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The Ashe Post & Times fielded eight questions to each of the commissioner candidates via email, whose responses are as follows: Jonathan Jordan: My name is Jonathan Jordan. Since there is no countywide water and sewer system in place, outside of town well continue to be a one acre with well and septic tank place. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. Seven Republican candidates will face off in the upcoming May primary while one Democratic candidate will appear on the ballot for the November election. Ashe County needs a vision an overarching plan developed with input from all stakeholders that would guide future projects. 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. 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. We need an updated recreational facility that would include an Olympic-size pool and a new soccer facility and would encourage recreational activities that are life long. 3. That is dead on arrival with me. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. 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. UT professor Mark Harmon, former county commissioner and 2. My name is Mike Eldreth and i am a lifelong resident of Ashe County and am married to Dianne Eldreth, who is a member of the Ashe County Board of Education. In your view, what is the boards role as a whole?Jonathan Jordan: Ashe County commissioners are our elected board of directors for our county government. 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. The planning execution and follow up were always the same, ensuring valid expenditures to reliable vendors, proper receipting and total visibility. Deaett R. Roten(D)Ashe County Sheriff 1.1. That is going to be funded through a line item in the state budget and not from Ashe County property taxes. 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. Of course, everyone thinks their project is the best one. 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. 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. As a result there is unforeseen pressure on the housing market that I dont think anybody could have predicted. Our goal as commissioners should be a common one: do whatever is necessary to help improve life in Ashe County for each and every citizen. Party: Dem Education: Bellefonte Area High School, U.S. Army Signal School, course work job related at Penn State University Email: Djohnson@bellefontepa.gov Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them? Once a project is approved, I will need to see the whole plan, blueprints, and monies expected up front before any money is approved. Unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of technical jobs in the county. This would also serve to create more jobs and support a healthier community. Lets use our scenery, fishing, canoeing and hiking to create opportunities for smaller, community owned businesses. In September 1997, I retired from government service after 33 years. I believe that candidates are elected by the people, for the people and to conduct the peoples business at the will of the people. WebAshe County is a county in North Carolina. 3 of 11 4 of 11. or anything. 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. Not everyone can go to college and not everyone can qualify or make it in the Military. I feel that a project manager must come to the table with all Is dotted and Ts crossed. 4. 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. B. Phil Howell(R)New Riv Teachers and school staff are working on the front lines with the young people who are going to lead this country in the future, and they should get the support and respect that they deserve. 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 know our county, our people and their needs. 4. Many citizens are unemployed. I would also increase funding to support local agriculture and sustainable farming initiatives. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. Again, elected officials work for the people, to serve at the will of the people and that is certainly what I intend to do as one of your five County Commissioners, if elected. We are in the process of building a new middle school and expanding Wilkes Community College. Being an elected official often comes with criticism from the general public. Housing has become a major problem here in Ashe County. We have three children, one grandchild, and eight ninths of another grandchild on the way. With inflation on the rise and lumber prices at an all time high, it will be extremely difficult to have affordable housing until these things change. Why do you want to be an Ashe CountyCommissioner? 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. Food insecurity, lack of decent, affordable housing, lack of healthcare and the struggle to make ends meet is far too common. When I manage other peoples money there is no such thing as fraud, waste or abuse. What is your philosophy regarding making decisions for the county using taxpayer money?Jonathan Jordan: Its not my money; it belongs to the hard-working citizens who paid it in taxes. Having to make a choice between multiple worthy projects is one of the hardest parts of being a Commissioner. 1. 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. In other words, you do not hand someone $1.6 million and say go draw up blueprints for the Middle School and then receive nothing in return. 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. 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. 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. We need to give incentives to our schools to train and certify our youth in a career field before graduating high school. Not all of my decisions were always popular but were always in the best interest and well-intended with positive outcomes for the taxpayer. 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. 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. Why do you think transparency and accountability are important for a local government to be successful? 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. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. You have permission to edit this article. The new apartments that are planned to be built at the old Lowes Foods is a step in the right direction. Be Proactive. 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. 6. The continuing need to develop more small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ashe County. While everything increases in price through inflation Housing prices and availability needs some additional study and help. How will we be able to measure the outcome, is it attainable, is it relevant and can it be completed in a timely manner? We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. I am a member of Welcome Baptist Church in Crumpler, North Carolina. I dont even mention apartments because I could not even find any for rent. Four years ago I was proud to raise my hand in support of the Wilkes Community College expansion project. 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. We have to be the face of the county to make sure our needs are considered. Be Proactive. Also, I back the blue and all law enforcement. 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. 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. County governments biggest role in the project is to provide funding, which we have already committed to. I was honored to represent our county in Raleigh for 8 years in the state House of Representatives. 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. 7. 2. While traveling back and forth from our capital, I earned a strong conservative record for my support of the ideals articulated in the U.S. Constitution: limited and transparent government, individual rights, personal responsibility and a healthy culture.
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