news
Five candidates seek Macon commission seats BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ive candidates will be running in the primary election for a chance to claim an open seat on the Macon County Board of Commissioners. Voters filling out a Democratic ballot will have to choose between Betty Cloer Wallace, who unsuccessfully ran for commissioner in 2018, and political newcomer Olga Lampkin. Voters filling out a Republican ballot will vote for one of three candidates — Josh Young, Terry Bradley or Bryan Rauers.
Smoky Mountain News
February 12-18, 2020
F
Why are you running for commissioner? Lampkin: I am running for county commissioner because it would be rewarding to be involved in making decisions for our future. I want to advocate for other hardworking parents in our county who are trying to make the best of the world for their children. I think that the issues that come before the County Commission should not be dealt with in a partisan manner, because what is good for Macon County is good for all of us. Rauers: First, I only considered running after being asked to do so by two friends for whom I have great respect. After much thought and prayer I decided I would like to be a solution and not a complainer or problem. I also believe that owning and operating two businesses and having two children in the Macon County School System makes me fully vested in our county and gives me every
What is the
Orthodox Christian Church?
S
imply, it is the Church founded by Jesus Christ, established by the Apostles, and handed down through the centuries to today. oly Resurrection Orthodox Church is a canonical mission Church meeting in Waynesville. Our services are in English, all are welcomed to worship with us, and we have a special outreach to the poor and the lost, and to those who seek to love God by loving others.
H
16
Interested? Contact us at 828-775-9122 or Orthodoxwaynesville.org
reason to make Macon County be the best it can possibly be. Wallace: My half-century of experience in public service has been a lifetime of preparation for serving as a Macon County Commissioner; and I want to work toward practical and sustainable change, to up-end the top-down voting bloc that has controlled our Board of Commissioners for many years, and to change our status quo trajectory, economic and social, that is resulting in a growing exodus of young families from our county. Bradley: I would like to continue my legacy of public service as a Macon County Commissioner utilizing my experiences to help guide the decisions that will be made by the Board of Commissioners to benefit the residents and visitors of our community. Describe your leadership style? Lampkin: I am an open-minded and empathetic listener. I seek guidance from others who are successful and take into consideration their wisdom and experience when contemplating options, before I make decisions. I rely on research and facts but can come up with creative solutions. I know that success is a team effort, so I encourage others to use their skills and abilities as we all work together toward a common goal. Rauers: My leadership style is simple. When trying to make a decision on a certain topic I gather all the information I can. Then I look to people who have knowledge and
experience on the topic before making a decision. After considering how it will affect everyone involved, I make a decision. Wallace: Participatory. Within the parameters of any public government job or elected position, everyone being affected has the right to participate, to ask questions, to express opinions and make suggestions. We are a nation of laws, and elected officials must ensure that within our governmental system, the democratic process should be transparent and bubble up from “we the people”— not mandated from the top down in an authoritarian or secretive manner. Bradley: Transformational leadership. I have a vision and the willingness to share my experience to the citizens of Macon County. If elected, what are your top three goals to improve the county for residents/businesses? Lampkin: We need to use the empty buildings in Macon County to meet our needs, both present and in the future. Things like indoor recreation for our youth and teens, drug treatment facilities, prisoner housing and affordable transiOlga Lampkin tional housing could be creatively addressed using already-existing buildings. Continued support of Macon County Schools, with full funding for our classrooms, athletics, and the arts, would be beneficial to both individual residents and Bryan Rauers businesses. Finally, we need access to high speed, reliable internet for all. Students rely on the internet for homework. Rauers: Broadband, education, and arming our law enforcement and emergency personnel with the most up-to-date tools necessary to fight our drug epidemic. Wallace: Jobs paying a living wage plus benefits, opportunity for advancement, and retirement, which depends upon affordable housing, better schools, and health care. Health care expansion, including recruitment of doctors and other healthcare personnel, and increased variety of
F
DINE-IN, TAKEOUT, OR CATERING!
Award-winning BBQ, brisket, and ribs, all with sides made fresh daily. 8721 Carolina Blvd. Clyde 828-507-6209
Serving all of WNC www.hitthepitbbq.com
Meet the candidates OLGA LAMPKIN • Age: 48 • Hometown: Redlands, Florida; moved to Macon County in August 2015 • Professional background: Paralegal since 1990 • Political background: Secretary of The Canary Coalition since 2017 BRYAN RAUERS • Age: 50 • Hometown: Grew up in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, but moved to Franklin 17 years ago. • Professional background: Automotive and tractor business. After graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1992, he started a career in the automotive industry. • Political background: Registered Republican since the age of 18. Never held political office but has been involved with several local campaigns over the years. BETTY CLOER WALLACE • Age: 76 • Hometown: Franklin • Professional background: Four university degrees, including Ed.D. in Administration from the University of Georgia; Associate Superintendent of Macon County Schools; Director of Western Regional Education Center; Superintendent, Vance County Schools and Assistant State Superintendent, N.C. Department of Public Instruction. She’s also a book author and a tree farmer. • Political background: Served two terms as secretary of the N.C. Democratic Party; State Democratic Executive Committee and State Executive Council; First woman in N.C. to run for U.S. Senate; Candidate for Macon County Commissioner in 2018. TERRY W. BRADLEY • Age: 59 • Hometown: Franklin • Professional background: Retired chief of police with Franklin Police Department • Political background: None
Nutrition Facts serving size : ab out 50 p ag es Am ount per Serving Calories 0 % Daily Value * Tot al Fat 0g
0%
Reg ional New s
100%
Op inion
100%
Outd oors
100%
Art s
100%
Entert ainm ent
100%
Classified s
100%
* Percent Weekly values b ased on Hayw ood, Jackson, M acon, Sw ain and Buncom b e d iet s.
