sanitation, school). I make myself available by phone or in person to meet with folks who have concerns and I have found that a friendly handshake and listening ear can quell almost any disagreement. Otherwise, I have failed those who may have elected me to the office of Commissioner. that is degrading to another person. I graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1979 and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1987. Don't Threaten. We have to be the face of the county to make sure our needs are considered. Jerry Powers: Popularity should never get in the way of doing what is right. Good salaries take some of the sting out of a rising mortgage or rent payments. We have three children, one grandchild, and eight ninths of another grandchild on the way. While I know we need to make sure that Ashe County provides opportunities for growth, we need to keep the values of family and a community working together to help each other. The hourly wage and monthly income for a home in Ashe County these days is most unattainable by the average citizen in Ashe. 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 have the tested training, skills and experience to do exactly that. The Ashe Post & Times asked each Ashe County Commissioner candidate to provide a short bio along with responses to a series of questions for publication. 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. We must change this for our people to thrive in this housing market. We should continue to invest wisely in our local educational system, prioritizing programs that directly help our students learn and succeed in the classroom. 1. Ashe County needs a vision an overarching plan developed with input from all stakeholders that would guide future projects. I finished my career here and retired in 2014. 8. Pray for me as I strive to help we the people flourish and grow in the time ahead. It is never acceptable for someone to conceal any deal that concerns we the people. Backroom and secret deals are against all that we, as commissioners should be held accountable for. 5. I am running to hopefully be an asset in helping with the decisions involving the citizens of Ashe County as a whole, not just a few. Weve secured grants to prepare the new business park on Ray Taylor Road. I am and have been the president of the Ashe County Youth Soccer league for the past 31 years. 8. Ive discovered that the most important part of the job is being an advocate for the people of our county. 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. 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. They make policy decisions that affect our community and direct the expenditure of public taxpayer funds. 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. I also am a conservative Constitutionalist. I currently serve on the board of the Ashe County Home Builders Association. Many Ashe problems that I described are the same that I faced across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. 7. Be Truthful. Lets use our scenery, fishing, canoeing and hiking to create opportunities for smaller, community owned businesses. But, housing costs have raised 17.7% in Ashe over the last year. I feel that a project manager must come to the table with all Is dotted and Ts crossed. I was enjoying retirement when the opportunity to fill a vacant seat on the board came up in the fall of 2020. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. The planning execution and follow up were always the same, ensuring valid expenditures to reliable vendors, proper receipting and total visibility. 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. 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. May 2:Restaurant owner Randy Burleson is 57. 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. What would you say your role would be as a member of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners? All commissioners can be contacted by emailing administration@ashecountygov.com Jerry D. Powers New electee Republican Farmer who The new facility which opened this year is our opportunity to create training programs to establish a strong work force to attract business to our county. 8. It has been my job, as Commissioner, to take an objective look at each project and determine those that will serve the most citizens and be financially sustainable into the future. I am not running with a political agenda. We should all be in this together. Active 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. WebAshe County Clerk of Superior Court Republican Party Pam W. Barlow (336) 219-1400 Website Ashe County Commissioner Republican Party Charles Perry "Chuck" Olive (336) 846-5501 Email: administration@ashecountygov.com Website Republican Party Jerry D. Powers (336) 846-5501 Email: administration@ashecountygov.com Website Republican Party Pam W. Barlow(R)Ashe County Register of Deeds 1.1. As a candidate for commissioner of Ashe County, I feel that the lack of industry and higher paying jobs in Ashe County is our first problem. We have two sons, Kelly Joe who graduated from Ashe Central, and Jared who graduated from Northwest. Economic development includes any initiatives that improve infrastructure, enhance our education system, better our public safety, improve parks, and foster ways that incentivize and attract new businesses and jobs. What is the biggest challenge facing Ashe County Schools and how will you work with the school board to address it? I know we need a safe county, and there I support back the blue. Also, when we think along those lines we need never forget our fire and rescue squads. I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government. If someone offered a project proposal to the board of commissioners, how would you evaluate whether the project was worth funding? The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. As we all know our children are our future, these programs must receive any help we can give. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. Housing has become a major problem here in Ashe County. 1. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. I realize that I will not please everyone. Ive always sought opinions on decisions and Im not afraid to ask when I may not understand something or have all the available information. 124 W. Elm St. Graham, North Carolina 27253. 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. You dont have to guess; you know from my record that when I promise something, I keep that promise. 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. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, While there, we built up several good-sized rainy day funds that have been critical in this pandemic. Mike Eldreth(R) 1.3. I have been fortunate to manage to grow my business through all this and also hire more people to work. 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. Board Vice Chair 2019-Present. After graduation, I enlisted in and served 27 years in the United States Marine Corps from 10/28/1985 until my retirement on 10/31/2012. Keep it Clean. 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. ASHE COUNTY Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Ashe County Board of Commissioners one incumbent and five challengers. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Making information quick and easy to find will go a long way to maintain trust and confidence in local government. 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. In 2000, I moved to Ashe County and fell in love with the people and the place. I was appointed to the BROC Board (Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission) when I was an Ashe County Commissioner (2016-2020). 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The wait is long because of the lack of skilled labor in these areas. Our schools, hospital and all businesses must work toward returning back to normal. 7. Lack of broadband support and cell phone coverage throughout the entire county. Be Nice. 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. All our contact information is available on the county website. (See Attachment). I spent a couple of hours riding around Jefferson and West Jefferson and realized that this was an excellent place to raise a family. Now is the time to find ways to help those people who are struggling. The new buildings are now complete and full of students! I want to continue to work well with the school board. If elected, what actions will you take or would like to see being taken to help the county rebound from the effects of the pandemic?Jonathan Jordan: The Ashe County Board of Commissioners should always take a conservative, cautious approach to budgeting. Despite construction delays, county administration is setting aside those funds so they are in place and available when needed. 1. If you have a house fire, and I have before, you know the value of those guys and gals firsthand. Invalid password or account does not exist. Courthouse after being indicted on federal wire 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. With the help of God I will be able to not only better myself but Ashe County as well. 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. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! Election Day will be May 17. After attending Northwest Ashe High School, I earned a BS in Education from Appalachian State University. I will work toward making Ashe County a greener, healthier place to live for everyone. 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). Our most pressing item is getting the new middle school under way. 6. The county seat is Jefferson . I would hope to strengthen our relationship with state government and continue to obtain our fair share of state tax revenues. By Nathan Ham Russell Killen: With the COVID-19 pandemic we as a community have seem to adjust to our new norm. I believe in the Constitution as written, as well a constitutional government. Having to make a choice between multiple worthy projects is one of the hardest parts of being a Commissioner. We may need to increase resources to law enforcement. If it is good for the people of Ashe County, it is good for me. There was an error processing your request. Education and law enforcement have been two areas that I have voted to support with added funds during my term in office. Jim Cain: Unemployment, underemployment and the lack of enough technical businesses and technical jobs in the county.

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