Ive also been talking to Ashe Memorial administration to establish a clinic on site like the one in Fleetwood that will give medical access to people on that side of the county instead of traveling all the way to Jefferson or West Jefferson. Jonathan Jordan: The Ashe County Board of Commissioners should always take a conservative, cautious approach to budgeting. I dont consider it a county responsibility to try a lot of different pilot programs; that is more the job of state government. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. County Commissioner John Schoonmaker is 69. One priority would be to increase funding for our environmental services to protect the resources we have, enforce those protections and educate the community on how to take care of our land and water. You dont have to guess; you know from my record that when I promise something, I keep that promise. That is definitely one of the most complex problems facing Ashe County and the nation as a whole. 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. I have served in the role of commissioner since January 2018. More people always involves needing all of the above. accounts, the history behind an article. The new buildings are now complete and full of students! I assure you, my wife, Dianne, keeps me up-to-date with education in Ashe County. Then, it would be good to find out from all that present this project, what the long-range effect might have on the county as a whole. We should continue to invest wisely in our local educational system, prioritizing programs that directly help our students learn and succeed in the classroom. 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. In September 1997, I retired from government service after 33 years. If it is NOT good for Ashe County, I will vote NO every time. 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. Ive always sought opinions on decisions and Im not afraid to ask when I may not understand something or have all the available information. 8. Having served in office for over four years now, I am well aware of the criticism that comes with this role. I would just hope that the ones who dont agree would do so respectfully. We must replace the will of the people to rely on the government for their primary source of income. 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. It is their will that put you there, so why not be up front and give the good with the bad when they ask you a question. 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. Why do you think transparency and accountability are important for a local government to be successful? Have you tried to hire a plumber or electrician lately? We are tasked with making sure the countys tax dollars are spent wisely and the citizens are receiving the most return on every dollar spent. I believe in being fiscally conservative, accountability, integrity and being forthright to the taxpayer. Despite construction delays, county administration is setting aside those funds so they are in place and available when needed. Transparency and accountability are necessary for building trust and for creating a safe environment for everyone to express their opinions and exercise their rights. Error! We also need to consider the long-term impact and try to make informed decisions that will improve the quality of life for more people. I am human like anyone else, and welcome questions from the public on their concerns for our county business conducted on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. I look ahead at what the results of the spending may be. Possibly some more family style restaurants, and obviously some additional tourist happenings whatever that might be. I am not a fan at all for raising taxes on the county property owners because of the failed attempt in the past for the new middle school. I have a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, European Campus, Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 1982. The job of a county commissioner can be thankless work how do you feel about keeping a level head, handling dissenting views and managing/ resolving conflict?Jonathan Jordan: Well, in matter of fact, that is exactly what I spent eight years doing in Raleigh. 6. 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. 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. 5. The taxpayer dollars are being spent, so be up front with the people who elect you to an office. 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. There is still much uncertainty in our future. We can start by giving tax relief to people impacted by the pandemic, as well as public servants, like teachers, law enforcement and firefighters. WebSteven J. Carter. Commissioner candidates share their thoughts on numerous topics ahead of 2022 election season. 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. 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. 4. 1. The county has the industrial park and has purchased more land to have site-ready locations for economic development. I will be a voice for the hardworking, struggling and disenfranchised people while also working to protect our natural environment. 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. Were working with Wilkes Community College to tailor training to suit a potential employer. 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. Russell Killen: We here in the county have homelessness and also need more affordable housing, along with making sure that all citizens have access to food. I am married to Glenda Miller Wagoner. In my past, serving as a Untied States Marine for 27 years, I have always been held to account by my peers. person will not be tolerated. Tax incentives would be another step. We need to give incentives to builders in the local population to build homes that the average person can afford.

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