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See Latest Candidacy Filings for 2016 Elections, Former Boone Fire Marshal To Run For House

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Former Boone Fire Marshall Ronnie Marsh files his candidacy to run against N.C. Rep. Jonathan Jordan on Monday. Photo by Jesse Wood

By Jesse Wood

Retired fire marshall for the Town of Boone after three decades, Ronnie Marsh announced his candidacy for N.C. House District 93.

That seat currently occupied by incumbent Rep. Jonathan Jordan. While Marsh is running as a Democrat and will face off against Sue Counts in the primary, Jordan is a Republican and so is Lew Hendricks, who is also challenging Jordan.

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Ronnie Marsh’s family support Marsh at his filing in the Watauga County Board of Elections office.

A lifelong resident of Watauga County and graduate of Appalachian State University, Marsh said that his candidacy is focused on “people before politics.”

“I feel politicians in both major parties have become disconnected from the people they serve. Ashe and Watauga counties have become melting pots for special interest groups in both parties, which have resulted in actions being waged in the public media by our representatives,” Marsh said in a statement. “It’s time for a new vision and new direction from a candidate that can represent all the people and work with both sides of the N.C. House to accomplish what is best, right and legal for our citizens.”

Marsh said his some of his top concerns included education, public safety, transportation and mental health.

Marsh is the latest person to file at the Watauga County Board of Elections office.

Here are some of the local filings as of Monday, Dec. 14.

See the entire list here. See other filing announcements sent to HCPress.com here. 

Watauga County Register of Deeds

  • Amy Shook, Republican (Incumbent)

Watauga Commissioners – District 4

  • David Blust, R (I)
  • Larry Turnbow, Democrat

Watauga Commissioners – District 2

  • John Welch, D

Watauga Commissioners – District 1

  • Perry Yates, R (I)
  • Diane Blanks, D

Watauga County Board of Education

  • Steve Combs
  • Ron Henries (I)

U.S. Senate 

  • Paul Wright, R (I)
  • Richard Burr, R
  • Deborah Ross, D
  • Kevin Griffin, D

U.S. House District 5

  • Virginia Foxx, R (I)
  • Pattie Curran, R

N.C. Governor

  • Robert Brawley, R
  • Pat McCrory, R (I)
  • Roy Cooper, D

N.C. Senate District 45

  • Dan Soucek, R (I)
  • Art Sherwood, D

N.C. House District 93

  • Jonathan Jordan, R (I)
  • Lew Hendricks, R
  • Sue Counts, D
  • Ronnie Marsh, D

NC District Court Judge District 24

  • Rebecca Eggers-Gryder
  • Josh Teague
  • Hal G. Harrison
  • Ted McEntire

Below are other filing announcements sent to High Country Press by candidates. If you would like to see your statement on HCPress.com, send an email to jesse@highcountrypress.com.

John Welch Files for Re-Election to the Watauga County Board of Commissioners

Last week, incumbent Commissioner John Welch announce his re-election bid to the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.

Welch files for re-election with his daughter by his side.
Welch files for re-election with his daughter by his side.

Background: I have lived in Watauga County my entire life. I attended Blowing Rock School and Watauga High School before entering Wingate University in 1997. For the past 5years I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Watauga County as a member of the Watauga County Board of Education and the Watauga County Board of Commissioners. I currently work for ASU athletics and my wife is the school counselor at Mabel School in Watauga County.

My wife and I coordinate the Pioneer Prom Boutique, which provides free prom dresses to Watauga High School students who cannot afford a prom dress, and I volunteer as a Watch DOG (Dads of Great Students) at Mabel School. We also teach Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church. During the summer I work as a leadership counselor for the Broyhill Leadership Conferences. This opportunity allows me to teach leadership skills to young people all across the United States. I am the proud father of Madison, a student at Mabel School, and Cameron, who is in preschool.

I was honored to be named the 2011 Wingate University Outstanding Young Alumni Award for my contribution to my community and for upholding an exemplary life true to the University motto, “Faith, Knowledge, and Service.” I earned my BS in Sport Management from Wingate in 2001, a Master’s degree in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy in 2011 and an Ed.S. in Higher Education Leadership from Appalachian State University in 2014. I currently serve on the Board of Advisers for the Wingate University Sport Management department, Wingate University Bulldog Club and the Board of Directors for the Catawba College Sport Management Department.

Why I Am Running: I have had the honor of serving my home county in a number of ways over the years. I consider my opportunity to serve on the Watauga County Commission a true blessing. My vision for Watauga County is clear. The decisions our county government makes today will have far-reaching consequences for many years and for many people down the road. I will focus on open government and a continued emphasis on our public schools. Education must remain a top county priority. We need to work together to decrease poverty and the number of homeless children, in addition to supporting those resources which care for all Watauga County citizens. I will support our emergency services that keep this county a safe place to live. I will continue to work to improve our recreation infrastructure throughout the county. I will never forget my responsibility to be accountable to all taxpayers and will always listen and respond to the people’s concerns. I will be a good steward of the public’s money and I pledge to continue to be the hardest-working and most transparent representative for Watauga County. I want our community to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I will continue to be a representative for ALL Watauga County citizens. I humbly ask for your support and vote for re-election to a seat on the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.

Diane Blanks Announces Her Candidacy for Watauga Commissioner

Blanks, who is running against Republican Commissioner Perry Yates, released this statement:

“I love Watauga County. I was born here and grew up here. I think this area is a wonderful place to live, but it think it could be even better—for everyone, not just the affluent.

If Watauga County voters keep electing the same people (or same types of people), they’ll keep getting the same results. I think it’s time for a fresh viewpoint on the County Board of Commissioners. And maybe a little common sense. If elected, I promise to do my best to try and offer both.”