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the-record-newspaper · 4 years

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Eight Republicans running for three County Commissioner spots in March 3 primary

In the Republican primary for Wilkes County Board of Commissioners, two incumbents and six challengers are going after three available seats.

Commissioner Gary D. Blevins is not running for re-election.

Incumbents Keith Elmore and Eddie Settle will face Ralph Broyhill, Rachel Carr Jarvis, Casey Joe Johnson, Dale Pierce, Miranda Pruitt and William G. Sexton in the March 3 GOP primary.

Two Democrat candidates have filed, but will not be on the ballot until the Nov. 3 general elections.

The Record recently sent questionnaires to the candidates. Their responses are below. Republican candidate Dale Pierce did not respond.

Ralph Broyhill: (Republican)

Why are you seeking office? “I feel that there is still issues that need to be resolved that have lingered in the past. The water intake should have been taken care of a long time ago. The loan was interest free but the governing bodies could not get together and the time ran out on the loan and it went away. I think we as commissioners need to be willing to go all out to seek businesses that would fit with out county and possibly engage with pre-existing business offering incentive to create more jobs and be able to pay a competitive wage. We have a great community college that has good skills instructors who have proven themselves that they care for the kits. At the end of the day I want to look back and know that we tried to make Wilkes County a better place for your family and mind.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “I feel that with my years of experience in working for Wilkes County, I know how it works. I did budgets yearly. I am retired and ready to go to work.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? “I want to hit the ground running. I know that at first a lot will be a learning experience.”

Keith Elmore (Republican)

Why are you seeking office? “First, I would like to thank the citizens of Wilkes County for their support over the last 16 years. The reason that I am running is I would like to continue building on our success in Wilkes County. We have expanded services while lowering taxes and maintaining a record high fund balance. I bring a unique perspective to being a county commissioner having spent over 40 years in the private sector and having over 15 years government experience and training. My insight would be beneficial in striking a balance between providing government services and being responsible to the taxpayers. If re-elected I would work with the county manager and other commissioners to continue to focus on all facets of government using technology and common sense to reduce cost and increase efficiency.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “I’ve lived most of my life in Wilkes County, married 32 years to Mary Beaver Elmore (retired educator). We have one daughter who lives in Raleigh and received her bachelor’s degree from N.C. State. She is a project manager with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. I graduated from East Wilkes High in 1971, studied electronics at Forsyth Tech and received an associates degree in business from Wilkes Community College. Before running for office, I worked over 30 years in Technology and Human Resources with Lowe’s Companies, Lovette Company, ConAgra Foods and Pilgrims Pride Poultry Company. I presently manage over 30 employees at Foothills Auto Spa in Wilkesboro and serve as a Wilkes County Commissioner. Over the past 18 years I have had the opportunity to serve on many boards: Wilkes County Commissioner (15 years), DSS Board (over 18 years), serving as WCC Trustee and liaison, Smokey Mountain Mental Health Board (Vaya), Wilkes EDC Board, WTA Board, Tax Equalization Board, Wilkes County Health Board, BROC Board, Animal Control Board, Senior Citizen Board, served on NCACC Executive Board (3 years), High Country Counsel of Government Work Force Development Board and CEO of the Consortium Board. In the past I served locally on the Roaring River Volunteer Fire Department Board and was a member of the Roaring River Ruritan Club. We are a Christian family, Mary and Jessica are members of The Lutheran Church of Atonement and I am a member of Arbor Grove Baptist Church.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? My immediate plan is to work with Wilkes economic development Corp. and establish a pad ready site for Business use.

Rachel Carr Jarvis (Republican)

Why are you seeking office? “As a wife, mother, minister, farmer and taxpayer, I know we have opportunities to improve the quality of life for all residents. We must address the hard issues such as unemployment; accountability for where our tax dollars are being allocated. Activities for our youth and families have decreased in our county. So working to bring family friendly entertainment and businesses is a necessity for Wilkes. Working on the infrastructure of this county is also essential. Instead of waiting on businesses to come to Wilkes, we must be proactive in seeking them out, while also supporting the growth of small businesses and farmers.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “My degree in Human Services Technology focuses on prevention as well as the remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of those you serve. Working and volunteering for different organizations through the years has given me insights to the many issues that we are facing. The ability to work on a team, leadership, problem solving and adaptability, communicating with the public, and love for this county are things I bring to the table.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? “The trash on the roadsides is an issue that comes up often in meetings and with individuals. One of my first priorities would be to get the mess cleaned up and to see how to maintain it going into the future.”

Casey Joe Johnson (Republican)

Why are you seeking office? “‘And of some have compassion, making a difference.’ This Bible verse found in Jude 22 is how I have tried and how I want to live my life. I am running for Wilkes County Commissioner because I want to make a difference and serve the people of Wilkes County. If elected I will work hard to strengthen our schools by providing them the resources they need to be successful and support our families by promoting clean, fun, and quality entertainment and collaborate with the departments of county government to sustain our resources. I believe if we can do these things, we can supply jobs in Wilkes again.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “One of my qualifications is the excitement and passion I have for Wilkes County. I recently had the opportunity to listen to Dan Forest speak at a meeting in Wilkesboro. Mr. Forest said that Wilkes County is a hub of potential. This excited me even more! Wilkes County has so much potential and it would be my job as a commissioner to pursue these opportunities. Also, as a teacher I have had many opportunities over the past six years to work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I feel that these experiences have enabled me even more to see the needs we have in Wilkes County. I will do my best to work hard for the people of Wilkes, to pray and seek for wisdom, and continue to make Wilkes a great place to live.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? “My first goal if elected is to collaborate with the Board of Education and determine the needs Wilkes County Schools have. It is our job as elected leaders to ensure that our young people have the resources they need to be successful. I would also like to create a High School Job Fair where our Public Schools, Christian Schools, and Home Schooled Students can learn of current jobs/careers in Wilkes County and what skills would be necessary to obtain these jobs. Another goal is to work with the Wilkes EDC and push for family recreation options in Wilkes like we once had. Also, as a commissioner I would help find the most cost efficient and effective means of getting the new water intake to supply water to our county.”

Miranda Pruitt (Republican)

Why are you seeking office? “Being a Wilkes County resident my entire life I have a deep appreciation for our home we have here. The beauty of our land and the wholesomeness of our people are the defining factors that I love about my home here. However as time has passed we have lost the once lustrous economic base we once had. We have watched industry leave with no replacement in sight. We need growth because without it we are continuing to retrogress, and we are loosing the young people who will make up our County’s future. Growth economically and financially will be my main focus.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “I am the owner of LaBelle Salon & Day Spa in North Wilkesboro and have been for six years now. As a business owner you learn to work with a set budget to help funds be allocated to the most appropriate designated places. I understand the needs as a citizen of our county who personally faces some of the economic challenges we have in Wilkes with the loss of jobs. Close family members of mine have been effected recently in negative ways with job loss and I want to help make a difference.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? “If elected I plan to immediately consult with the Economic Growth Commission and try to help in conjunction with them plan goals to help reverse the growth situation we are currently facing.”

Eddie Dean Settle (Republican)

Why are you seeking office? “I am seeking reelection as a Wilkes County Commissioner because I love the county in which I was born and raised, and would like to continue serving and being a voice for the citizens of Wilkes. As an incumbent, my record proves I can get things accomplished. During my terms we have never raised, but have actually lowered taxes, while funding all the needs of the county. We have managed to raise our per student funding significantly. We, current Commissioner Board, are in the process of opening EMS Sub Stations in the outer lying areas of the county to achieve a 10 minute response time to calls. The Commissioners also recently passed a Fire Department Substation Assistance Program. Financially, Wilkes is one of the strongest in the state, maintaining a 38-40 percent fund balance. During my next term, I plan to focus on Economic Development and make it a priority for Wilkes County’s growth and improvement.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “From the private sector, I have owned and operated a small business and made payroll. I understand economics and management and working with people. I have been involved in my community in various capacities. I am the Founder of the East Wilkes Youth Football Organization and coached from 1994-2018. Presently, I serve as a Board Member on the Blue Ridge Youth Football Board. I am a Board Member of the Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital Foundation. I am a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and have served on various committees within the church. I am involved and care about my church and community. I am an active Ordained Deacon, a member of the Brotherhood, and presently serve on the Finance Committee of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. I was first elected as Wilkes County Commissioner in 2012 and still proudly serve in that capacity. I have learned valuable information and have a greater understanding and knowledge of what is involved in the decisions that impact our county. I have also connected with numerous businesses and people in and out of Wilkes County, especially in agriculture, which has helped to place Wilkes as 5th in the sate in total Agriculture. During my terms in office as Commissioner, I have served on various committees including: North Carolina Agriculture Steering Committee - Chairman 2014- present, North Carolina Cattleman’s Association – Member, Wilkes County Republican Party – Vice Chairman four years 2008-2012, Fire Department Commissioner, Economic Development, Social Services, Library Board, Airport Board.”

What are your immediate plans in office if re-elected? “To work toward getting pad ready sights for economic development. We are all aware of the need for economic growth in Wilkes. Over the years we have had jobs leave Wilkes County for various reasons, yet we are slow recuperating from our losses. This is an issue that desperately needs s focus. Discussing and considering options for the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Continue to support building EMS substations in outer lying areas of the county, for a goal of 10 minute emergency response time. Supporting our schools and sheriff’s department with necessary funding, while keeping taxes down and maintaining a reasonable fund balance.”

William G. Sexton (Republican)

Why are you seeking office? “I am a Christian. I serve as a Deacon, and Chairman of Deacons at my church; Victory Baptist Church. It is my desire to help my fellow man, and improve his quality of life, as it should be the desire of all Christians. I have been and remain an active Fireman/First Responder with 44 years of service at Mountain View Fire Department. I also serve as President of the Board of Directors, at Mountain View Fire Department. I am retired (2008) from UPS, after 30 years of employment. I worked as a Paramedic with Wilkes County EMS from 2008-2014. I maintain my Paramedic certification with the State of North Carolina, and continue to work, as needed, with EMS, and teach Medical Responder/EMT Continuing Education through Wilkes Community College. I also work, part time, for Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “My life has been, for the most part, dedicated to serving my community and county. I want to continue to service my county, as a Commissioner. I feel that I possess the wisdom and experience needed for leadership. My service, on various boards, including working with and managing budgets, along with the fiscal responsibility involved, has provided me with that experience. As I mentioned, I have been President of the Board of Directors for 13 years at Mountain View Fire Department. During that time, we have operated within our means, as we continue to grow and improve. My intention is to bring these same principals and skills to the office of County Commissioner. I am cognizant of the fact that we are spending the money that you all work hard for, and must spend it wisely, while continuing to improve the quality of life for Wilkes County citizens.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? “As many of you know, the economic status of Wilkes County has recently fallen from a Tier 2 to a Tier 1 designation. If elected, I will work to bring us back to an acceptable rating. My intention, if elected, is to hit the ground running, to work at an aggressive pace, addressing the problem of economic depression, job creation, and recruitment of business, both industrial and small business. Improvement of infrastructure, that lures new businesses and making our county a more desirable place to be, is very important to me. I understand, that recruiting more restaurants and recreational amenities, will provide our young families with more options, so that they don’t have to travel out of the county for these things. I also plan to work to continue to improve our schools, and keep our educational system, state of the art. Lastly, I am determined to bring pressure to bear on DOT to clean the trash from our highways. We have a beautiful county to be proud of. Thank you for your continued support in my campaign.”

Chalma W. Hunt (Democrat)

Why are you seeking office? “I am seeking the office of County Commissioner to bring a fresh, diverse voice to the Board. I believe Wilkes County is a wonderful place to live, but we are currently challenged by a lack of employment opportunities with attractive salaries, fun and safe extracurricular options for our teens and young adults, viable public transportation options, services and activities for seniors, and a broader variety of retail and shopping venues. Improvements in these areas would not only serve the needs of our current residents and boost our economy but has the potential to attract new residents to Wilkes County.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “I bring over 20 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, in support of federal government contracts. This has allowed me the opportunity to serve and collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds and education and professional levels. I’ve worked with teams to successfully plan, organize and develop strategies, to write winning proposals, to implement processes and procedures, and to improve overall services.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? “My immediate plan will be to work diligently with the Board on any current proposals on the table. Thereafter, my goal is to work to prioritize issues/concerns of Wilkes County citizens and assist in addressing those concerns. Though not always easily achieved, it should be our goal to achieve resolutions that are a win/win. We are best served when we recognize, and accept, that views and beliefs may be different. However, we can only be truly successful when we are willing to listen and consider perspectives different than our own.”

David Watkins (Democrat)

Why are you seeking office? “I think the current administration has forgotten what it means to serve. I have seen things remain pretty much the same. No work has been done to help small business and the current commissioners have done nothing to help bring new businesses to the county. The county is lacking is the areas of employment, transportation, and infrastructure.”

What do you feel are your qualifications? “I am a people person. My 20-plus years in the Marine Corps means I can adjust to any situation. I am very versatile. Improvise, adapt, and overcome is what we do best in the Corps. My tenure in the Corps also means I know my way around large and small budgets. That along with my experience as a Project Manager and my education with Lean Six Sigma, coupled with fresh ideas; I am sure we can turn the economy and attitude of this county around.”

What are your immediate plans in office if elected? “My immediate plans would be to work with the Wilkes ENC to search out an entity that would like to make Wilkes County their home and provide some new industry for the county. I would also like to tackle the homeless situation in the county.”

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