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Election 2014: Q & A with Six Candidates Vying for Three Seats on Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Compiled by Jesse Wood

Oct. 15, 2014. The general election features three races for Watauga County Board of Commissioners.

Those are listed below in the order as appeared on the ballot. Even though the races cover three districts in the county, all registered voters in the county may vote for each of the races.

District 3

Karen Green Lerch (R) v. Billy Kennedy (D) (I)

District 4

David Blust (R) (I)v. Larry Turnbow (D)

District 5

Jimmy Hodges (R) v. Barbara Kinsey (D)


Questions

High Country Press recently asked each candidate six questions, and each candidate’s responses are listed in their entirety below. The questions are as follows:

Occupation:

Why are you running for this office?

What are the most pressing issues facing Watauga County right now and how do you plan to address them? Solutions?

What are your thoughts on the elimination of Boone’s ETJ?

What can be done to improve the relationship between the Boone Town Council and Watauga County Board of Commissioners?

As an incumbent commissioner, what accomplishments [or stances] are you proud of and why should folks vote for you again? or Do you have any criticisms of the current board’s actions? What are they and why?

What can be done to improve the economic climate of Watauga?


Karen Green LerchRepublican for District 3 of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Occupation: Professional Photographer and Student

Why are you running for this office?

Lerch
Lerch

Lerch: I am running because I love this place.  My heart is with the citizens of Watauga County.  I will serve our community with hard work, dedication and passion.  We must continue with common sense in our local government with prioritized spendings and that we must live within our means.

What are the most pressing issues facing Watauga County right now and how do you plan to address them? Solutions? Debt,  Watauga county’s debt at present that was incurred by a prior democrat lead board. I will find ways to make cuts when needed, spend money wisely and research finding ways to save money without raising tax rates.

What are your thoughts on the elimination of Boone’s ETJ? 

Lerch: For the last 30 years Boone has abused its citizens under the guise of its ETJ.  There was never the intent or ability to provide services to citizens in the ETJ as mandated by the statute.  Every citizen in the ETJ was required to follow the ordinance made by elected municipal officials for whom they could not vote.  For this reason I am in favor of the actions taken by the State to eliminate Boone’s ETJ.  I will work with others towards a conclusion that provides a level of satisfaction for everyone.

What can be done to improve the relationship between the Boone Town Council and Watauga County Board of Commissioners?

Lerch: First and foremost, we must get back to putting the community first.

Do you have any criticisms of the current board’s actions? What are they and why?

Lerch: Fiscal responsibility is the most important issue to remember when making decisions for a community.  Our current conservative commissioners have been outstanding in their decision making for Watauga county’s budget.  They have cut our budget $3.3 million and decreased  $28 million including the interest.  In a time when many communities are struggling to stay ahead, Watauga county is heads above.

What can be done to improve the economic climate of Watauga? 

Lerch: There are many individuals who can contribute to the discussion of adding more employment opportunities for our citizens.  I would gather the folks who have an interest in bringing more of these opportunities to our area.


Billy Kennedy – Democrat for District 3 of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Why are you running for this office?

Kennedy
Kennedy

Kennedy: Every person in Watauga County deserves a voice in their local government. I am seeking a second term as county commissioner so that I can continue to serve all of our county’s citizens, even those who are typically overlooked by politicians. My compassion and love for this community fuels my work on the commission. As a second term commissioner, I will continue to listen to what your needs are and work civilly with the other commissioners to spend your tax dollars efficiently and wisely. For 34 years, this community has been my home. My wife, Becka Saunders, and I raised three children here and have worked all over the county to make it a better place for everyone. Having worked as a farmer and carpenter for many years, I’ve gotten to know much of the community. I look forward to a second term as commissioner continuing to serve you.

What are the most pressing issues facing Watauga County right now and how do you plan to address them? Solutions? 

Kennedy: Watauga County’s most pressing issues are protecting education, the environment and jobs.

We need to focus on funding our local schools adequately to provide a quality education to children of all ages. The current majority on the county commission doesn’t support public education, yet this is one of the most important parts of a thriving community. Education needs to be a higher priority for county funding. I will fight to get our schools the funding they need.

Many people come to live in or visit Watauga County because of its beautiful natural environment. If we fail to take care of this natural beauty, the whole community will suffer. We can draw people and businesses here by taking a stand to protect our water, mountains and air. I will fight for the environmental rights of everyone instead of catering to wealthy developers.

Living in a tourist economy poses many challenges, but Watauga County’s leaders must work to protect jobs for everyone. Improving public education and protecting the environment will draw more businesses here, which will create more jobs. Providing housing for people of all income levels is also important. With high land and housing prices, it is hard for some workers to afford to live here. I will work to lower the unemployment rate and ensure that Watauga County is a place in which businesses want to operate.

What are your thoughts on the elimination of Boone’s ETJ?

Kennedy: For most people, a home is their biggest investment. One of my jobs as an elected official is to protect people and their homes from getting hurt or devalued. Residents of Boone, Blowing Rock, Seven Devils and Beech Mountain are all part of this county and deserve a seat at the table. I will work to balance the sometimes conflicting needs of all residents to find a solution that works for everyone. Our Planning Board is currently holding town hall meetings to figure out a good plan. Once we’ve heard from as many citizens as possible, a dialogue can begin to figure out how to protect everyone’s rights.

What can be done to improve the relationship between the Boone Town Council and Watauga County Board of Commissioners? 

Kennedy: When two parties fight, a true dialogue is impossible. Having served two years as county commissioner, I have seen firsthand the importance of working together to find solutions. In my second term, I will continue to listen to all sides of the issue and work to reach a consensus we can all live with. The town and the county must find a way to work together and forge partnerships. I look forward to working face-to-face with the Town Council to become a team that can work well together for all of Watauga County’s residents.

As an incumbent commissioner, what accomplishments [or stances] are you proud of and why should folks vote for you again?

Kennedy: In my two years as a county commissioner, I helped get a new ambulance station built in Vilas, called for a public meeting when Beech Mountain wanted to take water from the Watauga River, served on many boards and listened to the needs of all citizens. I have attended and voted in many meetings deciding how tax dollars will be spent. I have been in the voting minority for the past two years, and I look forward to effecting more change with a new slate of commissioners. Instead of protecting particular interests of the wealthy and influential members of our community, I have consistently worked for those lacking a voice in politics. I look forward to continuing this fight.

What can be done to improve the economic climate of Watauga? 

Kennedy: We need to continue supporting local businesses while making Watauga County attractive for new ideas and businesses. Companies want quality education, a clean environment, recreation facilities and a stable, productive local government. When we work together, we can provide these things to everyone. Watauga County will continue to grow, and we must make sure we preserve the integrity of the community and don’t leave anyone behind. We must find a balance so that people can benefit from the growth instead of being hurt by it. As a county commissioner, I will strive to make Watauga County the best place for new and old businesses as well as new and old residents.


 

David BlustRepublican for District 4 of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Occupation: Full-time care giver to second homes in the High Country. Also my wife and I are dog breeders

Blust
Blust

Why are you running for this office? 

Blust: I am running for this office because I love this County and I don’t want to give this seat up to the extreme far left that think they can spend your money better than you can.

What are the most pressing issues facing Watauga County right now and how do you plan to address them? Solutions? 

Blust: Water is a big issue. I would like to form a water authority with Ashe County where the commissioners have control the water availability and not the town of Boone that wants total control. Also keeping the debt as low as possible while at the same time providing the needed services for our citizens.

What are your thoughts on the elimination of Boone’s ETJ? 

Blust: I believe Boone got what they deserved, they abused the citizens in the ETJ with their over regulations and strict rules. If they would have annexed these people into the town and allowed them the right to vote this never would have happened to them. Hear in lies one of the major differences in the two parties, the Republicans believe in limited government and less regulations on you the citizen and the democrats believe in more government and more regulations.

What can be done to improve the relationship between the Boone Town Council and Watauga County Board of Commissioners? 

Blust: When it comes time to talk openly, then let’s do it. Stonewalling gets you no where!

As an incumbent commissioner, what accomplishments [or stances] are you proud of and why should folks vote for you again?

Blust: As an incumbent I am proud of the fact that we have reduced the size of the budget, kept taxes low, and provide great service for our citizens. We have done this by providing record amounts of funding to our local school system!

What can be done to improve the economic climate of Watauga? 

Blust: As an incumbent I am proud of the fact that we have reduced the size of the budget, kept taxes low, and provide great service for our citizens. We have done this by providing record amounts of funding to our local school system!


Larry TurnbowDemocrat for District 4 of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Occupation: Retired from a career in environmental field-testing and water and wastewater management.

Turnbow
Turnbow

Why are you running for this office? 

Turnbow: My background working for both business and government gives me a unique perspective on the impact of each in our lives. I’ve also been disappointed in what appears to be bickering and pay-back politics with the current Commission majority, and I think most Watauga County folks would prefer to see a return to civility in local politics.

What are the most pressing issues facing Watauga County right now and how do you plan to address them? Solutions?

Turnbow:

•    Education – Maintaining the quality of our local schools in spite of Raleigh’s evident satisfaction with our fall to last place in the U.S. We can increase supplements to our good teachers so they can afford to stay here, and strengthen the sponsorship program that partners businesses and individuals with classrooms to give our teachers and students the resources they need.
•    Recreation – Improving recreational opportunities for kids and adults all across our county; we can aggressively go after grants and forge partnerships to achieve this.
•    Jobs – (see below).
•    County/town relations – (see below)

What are your thoughts on the elimination of Boone’s ETJ? 

Turnbow:  It is appalling that our representatives in Raleigh eliminated the ETJ without public hearings for the people who live there.  At this point, I want the county to respond to the needs and wishes of each of the different neighborhoods affected to provide them the protections they want, and I would support a moratorium until we can get those in place.

What can be done to improve the relationship between the Boone Town Council and Watauga County Board of Commissioners? 

Turnbow: I know friends and neighbors sometimes disagree, but we need to do so with civility.  I will bring this to the table.  We have different needs in different areas across the county, and the Commission needs to recognize and respond to this fact.  Boone citizens are also county residents and taxpayers, just like those of us outside town.

Do you have any criticisms of the current board’s actions? What are they and why?  

Turnbow:

•    I disapprove of the current Commission majority’s unwillingness to consider even a modest improvement in the teacher supplement.
•    I’m disappointed that their appointments to the TDA turned down grant money that could have been used to build infrastructure and improve the quality of life for Watauga County families without raising local taxes.
•    I believe that conflicts of interest and backroom deals have no place in government.
•    I think we can use more creativity in finding solutions to the problems we know Watauga County will face over the next 10 to 20 years.

What can be done to improve the economic climate of Watauga? 

Turnbow: We know heavy industry will not locate here because of transportation costs.  We also know that good schools and the quality of life Watauga County offers are the things that attract small and medium businesses – the ones we want because they pay well and are sustainable.  We have the high-speed connectivity and the skilled workforce from CCCTI and App State such businesses need – we need to actively market these resources to recruit new employers.  At the same time, we must preserve the best of our mountain heritage and environment to keep our tourist industry alive and vibrant.


Jimmy HodgesRepublican for District 5 of Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Occupation: Small business owner, realtor

Why are you running for this office? 

Hodges
Hodges

Hodges: Watauga County has afforded many opportunities to me and my family. I would like to offer my part in helping others have those same opportunities. I believe my past experience as a Watauga County Commissioner, my understanding of the needs of the community and my knowledge gained as a small business owner qualifies me for this task.

What are the most pressing issues facing Watauga County right now and how do you plan to address them? Solutions? 

Hodges: I believe that most of Watauga County’s most pressing issues are derived by the lack of a working relationship between Watauga County and the Town of Boone.

What are your thoughts on the elimination of Boone’s ETJ? 

Hodges: I oppose the Boone’s ETJ in its current form. I believe that a town’s ETJ should not be used to control the property rights of landowners without representation. I am convinced that thoughtful planning along with input from our citizens can provide protection and growth that will benefit all.

What can be done to improve the relationship between the Boone Town Council and Watauga County Board of Commissioners? 

Hodges: I believe that is of vast importance that the relationship between Watauga County and the Town of Boone be improved for the good of our citizens. I believe our county and town leaders should work together to find common-ground issues that both entities can agree upon and build from to begin the process.

Do you have any criticisms of the current board’s actions? What are they and why?

Hodges: I believe sound leadership should offer solutions and not only criticisms. Positions of leadership often require that hard decisions have to be made and those decisions should always be made by careful thought and planning.

What can be done to improve the economic climate of Watauga? 

Hodges: Once again, it is imperative that Watauga County and the Town of Boone develop a productive working relationship that will help current businesses expand and attract new ones. I believe Watauga County has an incredibly talented workforce that could benefit a vast array of businesses. Therefore, we need to continue the process of developing a business/industrial park that will allow our current businesses to expand and attract new companies to our community -thus providing better paying jobs for our citizens and additional tax revenue to our county.


Barbara Kinsey – Democrat in District 5 for Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Occupation: Retired public school teacher, adjunct instructor – English Dept. – ASU; current member Watauga Board of Education

Kinsey
Kinsey

Why are you running for this office? 

Kinsey: I am running for this office because, as a teacher, parent, and member of the school board, I fully understand that – although the state of NC is the primary provider of money for public schools – the local board of county commissioners is a very significant second source. I also realize that the board of commissioners is responsible for an extremely broad range of local issues which identify the “personality” of a geographical/cultural cluster. Watauga county has several issues which need immediate examination and action.

What are the most pressing issues facing Watauga County right now and how do you plan to address them? Solutions? 

Kinsey: The issues which I am most concerned about are recreation, construction appropriate to topographical areas and view sheds, water issues for the whole county, and education. These, as well as many others, have solutions which are particular to the issue. A good source to begin with is the 2009 Citizens’ Plan for Watauga.

What are your thoughts on the elimination of Boone’s ETJ? 

Kinsey: In talking with many Watauga Citizens, I have found that opinions differ as greatly as the number of individuals spoken to. Some respond that they do not really understand the ETJ, even if they are a part of such a designated area. Some imply that they think it is a positive means of helping protect their communities. Others feel that the ETJ has caused needless controversy among communities in the county.

What can be done to improve the relationship between the Boone Town Council and Watauga County Board of Commissioners? 

Kinsey: The relationship between the Boone Town Council and the Watauga Board of Commissioners is one of rather longstanding competition and negativity. The only suggestion I have is that these two bodies of elected ADULTS begin to act like ADULTS and determine to work together for solutions.

Do you have any criticisms of the current board’s actions? What are they and why?

Kinsey: The major criticism I have of the current Board of Commissioners is the uncivil way in which they behave with each other and with citizens who appear before them. Again, let’s act like elected officials and not like SCHOOLYARD BULLIES.

What can be done to improve the economic climate of Watauga? 

Kinsey: The economic climate in Watauga County must be addressed by improvement of air quality, equality in water supplies, building/land use, continued emphasis on the arts, impressive recreation opportunities, and excellence of schools at all levels.