I know our county, our people and their needs. Transparency and accountability are necessary for building trust and for creating a safe environment for everyone to express their opinions and exercise their rights. I attended Nathans Creek and Mountain View Elementary schools then Ashe Central and Ashe County High where I was a member of the first graduating class. The housing market is overpriced for the consumer that earns an hourly wage here in the county. Primarily, we need to train our youth for the workforce. 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. The county has the industrial park and has purchased more land to have site-ready locations for economic development. I came home and earned an MA in Public Health Education. You have permission to edit this article. Don't Threaten. Otherwise, I have failed those who may have elected me to the office of Commissioner. 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. 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. Candidates We have dedicated, experienced employees and also volunteers who provide over 1,000 hours in serving our county each day. I feel that I can contribute in a positive way if elected to serve the citizens of Ashe 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. 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. We must invest in our land to protect it for future generations and to grow our outdoor economy. My children have gone to school here in Ashe for many years it means a lot me. The new buildings are now complete and full of students! 4. Supporting the school system with current and future capital projects will always be challenging when allocating tax dollars for such long-term investments. The other five Republican challengers are Mike Eldreth, Wes Greene, Mark Massey, Paula Perry and Terry Wagoner. 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. Courthouse after being indicted on federal wire This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 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. As Commissioner, I will work to make Ashe County an even better place for everyone to live. Many Ashe problems that I described are the same that I faced across the Continental U.S. and Alaska. Nothing is impossible and everything is possible. I dont believe we will see normal as we knew it before. The need for good-paying jobs is also a priority. I obtained a BS degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama and retired as Manager of Energy Control with Duke Power Company. 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. Vote Informed on the Entire Ballot Once the trust is lost, it could become years before trust is reestablished. I am running for Commissioner because I think it is my civic duty to give back to the community that has been so good to me. 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. First, and foremost I am a Christian in word and deed. AsheAshe County Board of Commissioners 1.1. I also believe with criticism comes the opportunity to improve upon myself. We need to start planning now to accommodate this demand. 6. We need more affordable housing before we can begin to entice new job opportunities to help our residents and young adults stay in Ashe County. Be Truthful. 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. I will work with the school board in any way that I can to help stop the challenges that the administration and teachers are facing that are not beneficial to the students. I would encourage individuals to look at the employment field that is available as a career and not just as a job. In the meantime, the county government needs to seek opportunities through grants and other incentives, aimed at starter homes, lower rent apartments, and rent-to-buy options. Our schools, hospital and all businesses must work toward returning back to normal. Were already working in that direction. Russell Killen: My role, as any of the commissioners should be, is to serve the citizens of Ashe County as a whole and not for my benefit. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The substandard or lack of affordable housing across the age and income spectrums. 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. With the help of God I will be able to not only better myself but Ashe County as well. My approach is that you can never have too much information on a given topic. My children have for many years attended Ashe County Public Schools. Not all of my decisions were always popular but were always in the best interest and well-intended with positive outcomes for the taxpayer. Better health care for significant portions of county residents and providing help for individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies. 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. Ive seen the spectrum of how people live here, from broken-down trailers to million-dollar cabins and I believe I have some perspectives that others may not have. or anything. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. 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. Jim Cain: For the 20 years that I have lived full-time in the county I have seen the same group of problems which never seem to disappear or be solved. 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. The board of county commissioners directs these matters to bring a fair and prosperous environment where all our citizens who work and apply themselves can succeed, and contribute to our overall economy. I want to continue to work well with the school board. Ballotpedia provides High-paying jobs for our citizens is the only answer. While there, we built up several good-sized rainy day funds that have been critical in this pandemic. 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. 3 of 11 4 of 11. County Commissioner John Schoonmaker is 69. Habitat for Humanity may be a source for home buyers and a program that the county government can converse with. Steady employment and an opportunity to have a job to earn a decent living can set any person on the path to success. The Ashe Post & Times asked the same eight questions to each candidate and their responses are included here. 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. Use the 'Report' link on We have too many that go without that we could help if we as a county get involved. 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. Development in a wide variety of technologies across abroad spectrum of industries would be the goal. I still have strong contacts in Raleigh, which is an important way I can call in help or resources when we need them. Failure to change puts us farther behind. 8. 2. 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. We have also expanded our industrial park in Beaver Creek. I think we are better when we work together in a civil manner. Discover More 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. Keep it Clean. 6. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. 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 grew up in the Crumpler community of Ashe County. For the past 18 years, Ive worked for Wilkes Community College teaching in the Basic Skill department. A project proposal always comes with a lot of promises, fancy wording and should be for the betterment of the community. We need more companies like GE and United Chemi-Con to locate here in our area. We need to continue to develop all the potential of Ashe Early College. Republican incumbents Todd McNeill and Chuck Olive are seeking re-election to the board. As a United States Marine, you can surely bet that my feet as well as my fellow Marines feet were always held to the fire and to account for our mistakes, shortcomings as well as our successes. William Sands: The main issue we face at this time is COVID-19 and its results. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism We should utilize our rich natural and cultural resources to invigorate the community and insprire healthy and sustainable improvements in the lives of the people of Ashe County. I studied anthropology and sustainable agriculture, which led me to serve in the Peace Corps in East Africa. What are some issues facing Ashe County that the Board of Commissioners can address?Jonathan Jordan: I want us to be ready to deal with the changes coming our way from the widening of Highway 221. In my past, serving as a Untied States Marine for 27 years, I have always been held to account by my peers. 1. In 2000, I moved to Ashe County and fell in love with the people and the place. The county seat is Jefferson . After that, I went to graduate school for public health and spent some time in Ethiopia doing community health education. A higher than average number of residents living below the poverty level. How will we be able to measure the outcome, is it attainable, is it relevant and can it be completed in a timely manner? It has also been my priority to support projects in all areas of the county. Everything the government does needs to be public knowledge unless for sensitive reasons, otherwise it would seem that an official or those officials have something to hide. Ashe County, North Carolina, elections, 2022 - Ballotpedia We attend Jefferson United Methodist Church. 2. That is definitely one of the most complex problems facing Ashe County and the nation as a whole.
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