UC voting place had early voting from April 19 to May 3. The place was open before the 2016 Elections to increase the voting participation among college students. Photo by WCJ.
Primary elections are on Tuesday, May 8. Early voting finished on May 5 (or at the UC voting place on May 3 ).
The Sylva Herald provided a look at the candidates on the May 8 primary ballot.
Candidates were contacted and offered 300 words to explain who they are, why they’re running and why you should vote for them. Not all candidates were able to get back to us, and in those cases, Herald staff filled in the blanks.
In North Carolina, Democrats can only vote in the Democratic primary, Republicans in the Republican primary; Unaffiliated voters may choose either of the two major party ballots.
Contested primary races in the county are for the Democratic nominee for Clerk of Superior Court, the Republican nominee for Jackson County Sheriff and for the County Commission seat currently held by Republican Charles Elders.
Three of the five Jackson County Board of Education seats are up for election. Those races will be decided in the May primary.
The early voting period began April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 5.
For more information, call 586-7538 or email lisalovedahl@jacksonnc.org.
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: Jackson County Commission
Charles Elders
I am seeking reelection as a county commissioner from District 1 in Jackson County. As my present term will end this year I will have served this office 12 years. I have served with both parties, Republican and Democrat, in the majority. It is important that one can work with both parties and always put Jackson County first. I am a lifelong resident of Jackson County, married to the former Shirley Ward of the Qualla community. We have one son, DeWayne, and with his wife Natalie we have two granddaughters and one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter. I, my wife, son and granddaughter all attended Jackson County Public Schools, which today is a priority and interest to me.
I own Elders Superette Exxon in the Barkers Creek area. I have owned my own store for the past 34 years. I have been in management positions for most of my working life.
I have always tried to give my full attention and consideration to every matter that comes before the board. I feel a great need to say that with working with our local law enforcement and school board our schools are protected and kept safe for our children. I am always concerned about new business and growth in the county; our schools should be kept in tip-top shape.
At this time, we have many good projects going on. I feel with my past experience and as a local business person I can work with other commissioners to keep Jackson growing and most of all use our tax dollars wisely and keep the tax rate as low as possible.
Submitted by Charles Elders
Jarrett Crowe
Jarrett Crowe, 44, lives in Wolfetown in Cherokee. He retired from a performing company (Unto These Hills). He served on numerous boards and committees, including two terms on the 1997 Constitution Committee Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He also served with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Board of Elections, president of the Cherokee Boys and Girls Club board. Served with the North Carolina Board for Licensing of Soil Scientists. He attended Southwestern Community College, is a member of the Cherokee Church of God and is Superintendent and an elder of the church. His priorities include improving public safety in schools and says the safety of the schools is paramount. It’s important for students to attend school without the threat of getting shot at or killed. Another priority is improving the transparency of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.
Herald report; information provided by the Cashiers Crossroads Chronicle
JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF: Republican primary
Doug Farmer
I am a Jackson County native, 54, married with 3 children and living in Dillsboro. I have 20 years of law enforcement experience and Advanced Law Enforcement Certification. I’ve held positions ranging from
Detention Officer, Patrol Officer and Shift Sergeant to Detective.
I started my career with Macon County Sheriff’s Office and worked with Highlands Police Department before serving as an International Police Officer in Iraq. I have worked with the Sylva Police Department, where I serve as a Detective, since 2010.
My goal, as always, has been for increased school safety with additional School Resource Officers in schools that are currently without. In the wake of recent school incidents, it appears some of those issues will be addressed in the short term, along with additional surveillance capabilities. However, we must remain vigilant and continue preparations through education and training.
Cashiers have needed additional patrol manpower for quite some time. The population can swell from 1,700 to over 10,000 during May through October. A single Deputy is inadequate, and it also poses a great safety risk to the Deputy backup, who is over 22 minutes away at minimum. Officers on shift have remained at four for some time. A new model of six officers per shift is needed.
The opioid epidemic has taken many lives. I want to control the problem in Jackson County before trying to get involved in efforts beyond state lines. We could use additional K-9s to cover shifts and to reduce delays on drug searches during a traffic stop. We will exhaust all efforts in the pursuit of those who seek to gain from their crimes within our communities.
I know the pulse of Jackson County and I want to make it a safer place for our families. I am willing to lead from the front and with your support and your vote I look forward to serving as your Sheriff.
Submitted by Doug Farmer
Brent McMahan
I grew up in the Balsam-Willets community, attended Scotts Creek Elementary, Smoky Mtn. High School, and Western Carolina University. I graduated from the Haywood Community College B.L.E.T. Program and started working for the Swain County Sheriff’s Office in 2010. I started as a Detention Officer working the floor and had to work my way up. I became the Transport Officer momentarily and then was asked to be School Resource Officer in the elementary schools. After a year and a half as SRO I started working in the courts taking care of Civil Process, serving warrants and court orders and overseeing all court security and procedures. I work Patrol when we do not have court, usually 2-3 days a week, and assist the Sheriff’s Office in any way they may need when requested. My wife and I currently live on Scotts Creek and my 10-year-old son attends Scotts Creek Elementary.
We can no longer sit by and watch the continued decline in our county. It’s time to take a stand, to not accept this conduct and free reign of drugs in our communities. It’s time we come together and do what is necessary to take back our community from those who don’t care about destroying it. Our children deserve a chance at a better future and to not be threatened in our schools. As Sheriff I will be side by side with deputies, in full force, seeking those who threaten the safety and security of our families and children. It’s time the crime, illegal drug distribution, and drug use is targeted and relentlessly sought out without waiver. It’s Time to Take a Stand!
Submitted by Brent McMahan
Jackson County Board of Education
Three of the five seats on the Jackson County Board of Education are up for election this year, Districts 2, 4 and 5. Unlike other races, the May 8 primary will be the deciding vote for these seats. A look at the candidates:
DISTRICT 2: Ken Henke
After 34 years in education (15 years of those in administration) and an additional 8 years as a school board member, I believe I have the experience to continue as the representative of the Scotts Creek District. Because of my past years of service, I am very aware of the inner workings of the school system and how all community entities must work together to make it function. As an educator I have coached, driven buses, solved problems for teachers, parents, students, secretarial, cafeteria, and custodial staffs and bus drivers. As a board member I’ve worked closely with county commissioners to secure funding for our high school auditorium and long-needed upgrades to both high school athletic facilities, as well as new roofs and HVAC systems for several schools. In addition, the school board has collaborated with the leaderships of both our local community college and university to establish Early College classes for both our local high schools. We also worked with State School Board and WCU to begin a school for intensive learning at the Catamount School located at Smoky Mountain High School. Over the years the school board has developed a good working relationship with county commissioners, as well as the leaderships of our local community college and university and school-focused community groups. I am proud of what we have accomplished for our students and staff as we have worked together. I would describe myself as a motivator, innovator, listener, money manager, amicable, and dedicated with a desire to reflect the character of Christ. The current school board agrees that our top priority is to provide students an educationally sound learning experience in a safe and nurturing environment as we engage local entities to insure safety and care for all, and we are diligent in accomplishing our goal.
DISTRICT 2: Abigail Blakley Clayton
While Clayton will be on the ballot. She is not actively campaigning.
DISTRICT 4: Ali Laird-Large
I have been on the school board since 1998. It has been a great honor for me to serve Jackson County in helping with the safety, teaching, and learning of all children in this county during this time.
We have improved the school system’s buildings in many ways. We have added a High School wing and made improvements to the gym at the Blue Ridge School; added kindergarten rooms and a Middle School wing to Fairview Elementary School; added a Middle School wing and improved the gym to Smoky Mountain Elementary; built the new Scotts Creek School; built a new Gym and Fine Arts Building at Smoky Mountain High School; as well as making further significant improvements to the old Scotts Creek School and Cullowhee Valley Elementary School. We are now replacing most roofs and HVAC systems in our county. We are also replacing the water systems at Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain Elementary School.
We have opened up many new exciting ways for children to receive a High School Diploma. The Early College which allows our young people to finish High School with a 2 year college degree.
This year we have been so excited to start Pre-K in two locations. We have plans to keep opening more Pre-K programs each year.
Our strategic plan for Jackson County is based in student learning and innovation, integrated services (such as nutrition, transportation, whole child development), growth and development in human resources management, capital improvement and project development.
It is really exciting for me to be a part of our growing school family.
Submitted by Ali-Laird Large
DISTRICT 4: Brian McClure
I am a dedicated lifelong learner. I am a 1991 graduate of Smoky Mountain High School, where I played soccer. My first paying job was soccer referee for JCYS. I earned a BA in History with a minor in English from WCU, and later an MA in English from WCU. During graduate school, I was an assistant in composition courses, and I worked in WCU’s Student Support Services, providing academic support to mainly first-generation college students. I taught critical reading and thinking courses at SCC, primarily to Early College students. I spent a month in China teaching English to Chinese students who were preparing to take American college and university entrance exams. I am a humanities scholar currently finishing a social science PhD at UGA in the department of Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development. My program of study is called LEAP: Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy. My areas of study include public discourse, transformational learning, and literacy studies, among other things. I have experience with digital and online teaching and learning platforms, both as an educator and as a student. My daughter and I live in Cullowhee. She loves music and reading, and she has autism. She attends Cullowhee Valley with the wonderful teachers of the EC program there.
I am politically Unaffiliated, and I am an advocate for education itself. I envision a system that cultivates students who are critical, creative, and compassionate thinkers. Students who are literate across a spectrum of disciplines, contexts, and media. Students who are fluent in English and a language beyond English. Students who become lifelong learners. Teachers who aren’t stressed about test scores. And parents who aren’t stressed about their children’s safety. This is what I would work for if elected. Thank you for your time and attention.
Submitted by Brian McClure
DISTRICT 5 Margaret McCrae
I have served as a Jackson County Public School Board member for the past 5 years representing District 5.
I was a 6th grade teacher for 25 years, nine of which were at Blue Ridge School. I have mentored students and teachers, while partnering with teachers and families. I have a B.S. degree and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education.
I have developed a strong working relationship with current school board members and our 9 school administrators.
I have worked with our county commissioners to secure funding for Jackson County Public Schools.
A board member needs to make and uphold education policy for the district. We hire and evaluate the superintendent, while promoting and celebrating the work of the district. It is important to be passionate about the well-being and education of all the students in our public schools and advocate for them, regardless of socio-economic status, academic levels and behavioral and developmental needs.
We need funding for teachers, institutional supplies, capital improvements for safety, and capital facility upgrades for buildings. These needs can be addressed through working with legislators and county commissioners to share the needs assessment and cost analysis required to allocate funds for our prioritized needs. We need to expand Pre-K to all the elementary schools in the county.
Recruiting and retaining teachers in a rural setting is challenging. We need to provide sufficient remuneration to meet needs. Teachers need tools to be successful. They need to feel respected and valued, which comes from working in a positive environment. We need to reduce unnecessary and redundant paperwork, testing and regulation. Signing bonuses and teacher supplements are helpful. When teachers are valued, appreciated, and given growth opportunities they will stay. I support our Superintendent’s “Grow our Own/Aspiring Leaders Program’’ for teacher leaders and administrative leaders.
Submitted by Margaret McCrae
DISTRICT 5 James Stewart-Payne
On February 26, 2018, I officially filed my candidacy for the 5th District seat on the Jackson County School Board, representing the communities of Glenville, Cashiers, and Sapphire. To say that I was nervous on this occasion would be a gross understatement; I was terrified! I am not a politician and I do not know the first thing about running a political campaign. However, when I was challenged by a friend to run for the School Board, I knew instantly that not only was it the right thing to do, but that I must do it.
I am a strong advocate for teachers, students, and the importance strong, safe, nurturing, and academically-competitive schools. At this moment, for many people, it is frightening to be in a school, whether as an educator, staff, or student. Therefore, our teachers and students need a strong, dedicated, and tireless advocate now more than ever. I am that person. I am committed to being the voice of our teachers, our students, and our schools as we make Jackson County the best, safest, most welcoming, and academically engaging communtiy that we can. I would appreciate your support in this endeavor. Please vote James Stewart-Payne For Jackson Co School Board.
From James Stewart-Payne’s Facebook page
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY: Clerk of Superior Court
Ann Melton
My name is Ann Melton, and I am seeking your support for re-election as Jackson County’s Clerk of Superior Court.
It has been my privilege to serve in this position for the last 13 years. My administration is dedicated to the preservation and the sanctity of our court records. Over the last 13 years, I have kept the office modern and up-to-date while implementing new practices and services as mandated by the North Carolina judicial system. Under my leadership, my staff of professional, courteous, and knowledgeable individuals has worked tirelessly to improve the efficiency and day-to-day operations of the Clerk’s Office.
I believe experience matters. Prior to being elected as clerk, I proudly served Jackson County for two decades as an assistant and deputy clerk under former Clerk of Court Frank Watson. I have remained a part of the clerk’s office because I excel in meeting the fast-paced and wide-ranging responsibilities of the office and rising to new challenges. However, the most rewarding part of my job is helping and serving all citizens of Jackson County.
I consider myself a dedicated public servant and strive to serve the citizens of this county honestly and to the best of my ability. I want to thank all of you for your support in the past, and I hope to continue to serve you.
I would appreciate your vote as we head to the polls on May 8. Experience matters.
Submitted by Ann Melton
Kim Poteet
I seek the office of Jackson County Clerk of Court to improve the function, accessibility, friendliness and effectiveness of the office for all the citizens of Jackson County. I will facilitate these changes with training, education and improved cooperation with everyone in the court system. The Clerk’s Office is vital to the Courts and the general public. I will use my educational background and 35 years of experience in the court system to improve operations so that everyone in Jackson County can be served as efficiently and courteously as possible. I have extensive working knowledge of the Judicial System. I have an established working relationship with our Judges, Law Enforcement, court personnel and the legal community. I will improve the cooperation between these agencies and the Clerk’s Office. I have worked with all seven Clerk’s Offices of our Judicial District, which has allowed me to see and evaluate different methods and processes for handling the tasks and responsibilities of a Clerk’s Office. I was born and raised in Jackson County; it is my home and is very important to me. I was educated here, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University. Experience and education are important but what matters most are people. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I assure you that courteous public service will be the number one priority of my office. I will employ the most up-to-date technology available to make the responsibilities of my office more manageable and accessible to the public. I have dedicated my entire career to serving the citizens of Jackson County, working as a Probation Officer and a Judicial Services Coordinator, and would like the opportunity to continue my service as your Clerk of Superior Court. I ask for your vote on May 8.
Submitted by Kim Poteet
Early voting is underway in Jackson County. There are five candidates on the ballot for U.S. Congress – three Democrats and two Republicans. Voters in Jackson who are registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary; Republican voters can vote in the Republican primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose to cast their ballot for one of the two major parties.
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY: 11th District Congress
Phillip Price is a small businessman, a musician, a Christian, a hunter, a gardener and — truth be told — a bit of a hippie at heart. That makes him Western North Carolina, through and through.
He has raised a family, hiked these mountains and fished the lakes and streams here for 34 years.
Phillip Price is running for Congress in North Carolina’s 11th District, hoping to earn your vote in the May 8th Democratic primary. He wants to give Western North Carolina a voice in Congress instead of a rubber stamp for the agenda of the rich and powerful who seem to have bought complete ownership of Mark Meadows.
Phillip Price is one of us. He and his wife, Michelle, who grew up in Cashiers, have lived in six counties across the 11th District and are raising three children with the help of the NC public schools. Phillip and Michelle have built a lumber recycling business from the ground up. Antique Reclaimed Lumber, located in southern McDowell County, deconstructs old barns and reclaims the wood for new uses, from custom furniture to wide plank floors.
After announcing his candidacy over a year ago, Phillip has traveled over 16,000 miles across the 11th district listening to the concerns of Western North Carolinians. Phillip’s platform is all about bringing Better Jobs with Bigger Paychecks to the 11th District. The four legs to this platform are: 1) Expanding affordable access to quality healthcare through a single-payer Medicare-for-all system. 2) Improving and expanding access to public education – including tuition free community and technical schools. 3) Protecting our environment by moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, and 4) Repairing and rebuilding our infrastructure, especially providing access to Broadband Internet and cellular phone service across all of rural NC.
For more information on Phillip Price: www.price4wnc.org; Facebook: @phillippriceforcongress; Twitter: @Price4WNC; Instagram: @price4wnc
Submitted by Phillip Price
Dr. Scott Donaldson said he made the decision to run for Congress in the 11th Congressional District after growing weary of seeing his community struggle to receive the affordable healthcare that he felt they deserved. Donaldson is presently chief of staff at Pardee Hospital, where he also serves on the Pardee board of directors. He is also a board member of Western Carolina Medical Society (WCMS) and First Contact Ministries. Donaldson’s plan is based on four pillars of health: Healthy democracy, healthy citizens, healthy environment, and a healthy future. Donaldson says “As a doctor I’ve devoted my entire life to caring for people. I’ve seen the struggles of hardworking families of North Carolina–their American Dream is on life support. Their health and wellbeing are under constant siege: wages stay low, healthcare costs rise, a college education is unaffordable, and even drinking water is contaminated. I’m running for Congress because I believe health promotes wealth. Health care is the first, and actually easiest, of many problems we can solve.’’ Donaldson is also a storyteller who treats radio audiences with accounts of patients he’s treated and people he’s met. He can be heard on WTZQ 95.3FM, 1600AM, four times a day Monday through Friday. “I look forward to advocating for a healthy Western North Carolina and repealing and replacing Mark Meadows,” he said in a news release.
On the web: scottdonaldsonforcongress.com
Herald report
Steve Woodsmall served as a commander, executive officer, and management consultant in the Air Force, and was selected as a flight commander at Officer Training School to train and develop future leaders. Woodsmall has also worked as a government contractor for the Federal Aviation Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission. His experience also includes previously serving as a director in the corporate arena and managing a not-for-profit organization. He currently teaches leadership and management at Brevard College in Brevard and is a current member of the Transylvania County Planning Board. He served as third vice-chair of the Transylvania County Democrats but is inactive now due to his run for Congress. He holds a PhD in Organization & Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Woodsmall believes in a progressive-minded, solution-based approach to politics and putting the constituent first. At his campaign page you can find his positions on: campaign finance, gun regulation, Social Security, job creation, immigration, healthcare, infrastructure, reproductive rights, cannabis, voting rights and the environment.
On the web: woodsmallforcongress2018.org
Herald report
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: 11th District Congress
Mark Randall Meadows has been the U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 11th congressional district since January 2013 and is running for his fourth term. Meadows is chair of the conservative Freedom Caucus. Prior to government service, Meadows had a 27-year career as a small business owner. Meadows’ web page says “During his time in Congress, he has championed fiscal responsibility, accountable government, pro-growth economic policies, pro-family and pro-life initiatives, and a strong national defense.’’
Congressman Meadows serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee where he Chairs the Subcommittee on Government Operations, which has oversight jurisdiction over federal agencies, the Executive Office of the President, the Postal Service and the Freedom of Information Act. He also serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He previously served as a congressional delegate to the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly and as a commissioner on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Meadows’s leadership on Capitol Hill has been recognized by the American Conservative Union, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the National Rifle Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Taxpayer Union (NTU), Military Officers Association of America, the Nature Conservatory, the National Retail Federation, FreedomWorks and more. He says he is committed to upholding his Christian values and conservative principles while serving in Congress. Meadows and his wife, Debbie, have two adult children, Blake and Haley.
On the web: meadowsforcongress.com
Herald report
Asheville Republican Chuck Archerd filed for the 11th District Congressional seat just before the filing period ended at noon. Archerd said he fully supports Meadows and doesn’t intend to run against him. He has a far different reason for getting his name on the ballot. “Based on news stories in the past several weeks, he’s been on the short list for several high-level positions in the Trump administration,” Archerd said of Meadows. “If he should be called to serve, I still believe voters in the district deserve a strong conservative voice.” Archerd believes if the president were to ask someone such as Meadows to serve, it would be hard to turn him down. Should Meadows be tapped to serve in the Trump administration after the May primary, Archerd said the Republican nominee would be chosen by the district organization. Archerd, a certified public accountant and real estate investor, ran for Buncombe County Commissioner two years ago, something he said was a “tough nut to crack” for a Republican. Archerd said he fully intends to spend less than $5,000, the threshold set by the federal election commission for filing campaign finance reports.
Herald report; information provided by The Waynesville Mountaineer.
