Position/philosophy statement
NC
Current Occupation
Ecologist
Age (optional)
40
Campaign Phone
8285539091
Strong communication and interpersonal skills provide me with a unique ability to find common ground and bring people together. I'm also a great listener, which is an unspoken requirement for elected officials. My depth of knowledge and expertise in Appalachian ecosystems gives me valuable understanding of the relationship between our natural resources and our economic and social well-being. Through my service on the City’s Public Works & Utilities Committee, I bring a comprehensive understanding of our utility infrastructure that will be useful in planning. I’m dedicated - 16 years and counting at Equinox, where I’m a manager, shareholder, and decision-maker. I’ll admit when I’m wrong, and have the courage to stand up for what’s right.
Our greatest challenge will be the cost of providing services to the community. It's the courthouse, the landfill, fire & EMS, schools, social services, infrastructure, and more. It's made more difficult by proposed ballot measures, which could cap the County's ability to raise the revenues it needs and lower taxes for corporations - vote NO on them. Transylvania's budget is 90% state-mandated, leaving us little wiggle room, so careful examination of the budget is crucial to identifying where there may be space available. For example, the landfill, set up as an enterprise program, runs at an average annual deficit of ~$500K and has 6 years of life left; stopping losses over the remaining time could free up millions for use elsewhere.
Commissioners control school funding, so ensuring there's enough is probably the best tactical use of our power. If elected, I'd support educators by: advocating in Raleigh for better teacher pay in our budget; continuing to increase local supplements and explore other local incentives; and promoting the construction of affordable & workforce housing so teachers can actually live and work here. I'd also focus on both ends of the educational continuum by seeking to expand pre-K, which supports early childhood development and offers affordable childcare, and by supporting Blue Ridge Community College, which is key to growing reliable, local jobs in relevant industries. Growing the relationship with Brevard College would also be a priority.
Improving and expanding water and sewer infrastructure will be key to growing new local businesses and expanding existing ones. I would encourage the County to embrace & participate in the Ecusta Trail. Also, smart land use planning will allow us to grow intentionally and focus on priorities that align with our values, land, and resources. It can unlock affordability, guide sustainable growth, promote small business development, and reduce pressures on the environment. When we avoid it, we forfeit our ability to shape our future. I would propose a land use planning initiative with robust public and stakeholder engagement designed to establish community priorities and identify areas where we should grow, as well as where we shouldn't.
Social Services staff need to be valued or we'll experience repeated turnover and vacancies; I'd meet with our director to identify gaps then look for room in the budget to increase compensation to match the effort required to run our programs. We are fortunate to have nonprofit groups and community organizations already working on supporting our struggle to provide social services or support our programs, so I'd lean into those relationships while also aggressively pursuing outside funding to stretch local dollars. I'd prioritize prevention by addressing childcare, housing, food security, and senior needs before they become crises. In a rural county, transportation is also a barrier to services and needs to be included in the equation.
I believe that our natural environment is missing a fierce advocate at the county level. Transylvania's rural identity and economy are reliant upon clean water, healthy forests, productive farmland, and public land, but our leaders haven't prioritized the wellbeing of our environment. In fact, they've taken steps to eliminate consideration and oversight, a prime example being the disbanding of the 22-year old, bipartisan-created Transylvania Natural Resources Council in October 2025. The council brought together experts to advise the Board on natural resource related issues, such as flood damage prevention, wildfire safety, Wild & Scenic Rivers, and many other things. If elected, I'd encourage the Board to reinstate the TNRC and bring our natural resources back into focus. We must be excellent stewards of the environment that sustains us.
We also must restore collaboration within and between our governments. When the County works in tandem with the Town and City, taxpayers benefit.
Position/philosophy statement
My philosophy is simple: plan ahead, invest wisely, listen to our citizens, and make decisions that strengthen Transylvania County for current residents and future generations alike.
Current Occupation
Owner of Davidson River Outfitters and Trading Company inc. and Pesca Consultants LLC
Age (optional)
55
Campaign Phone
8283935760
Over the past 30 years, I have grown Davidson River Outfitters from a three-day-a-week operation into a company conducting more than 3,000 guide days annually and offering destination travel worldwide. From 2006–2020, I was a managing partner of Set Fly Fishing in Argentina, helping grow it from a single-guide business into the country’s largest outfitter before turning my part over to my business partner. I have served as President of the Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce, on the Tourism Development Authority, and the Transylvania Economic Alliance. I am a founding member of the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission, which distributes approximately $2 million annually to support outdoor education statewide.
The county faces several issues in the coming years, The largest issues are infrastructure, water, sewer, high speed internet. The County also has to start planning for a new landfill or how it will hand solid waste as we are quickly running out of capacity at the current landfill.
One of the largest issues education is going to face in the coming years is going to be a shortage of educators, principals and staffing in the school system. The board of Commissioners is going to have to work with the School board to find creative and effective ways to entice quality educators to our county and then retain them once they are here. That may be bonus structures, housing allotments or other creative measure to find attract and retain quality staff.
Having served on the Economic Alliance our county is at a crossroad, We have no space to place business that want to relocate to Transylvania County, or we do not have enough wastewater, capacity or lack of highspeed internet all are hindering our economic growth. Working with state legislature to find a way to redevelop parts of the former Ecusta site and strengthen the counties infrastructure. Will help us attract and grown more business opportunities for our residents.
We need to continue the expansion of TIM (Transylvanian's in Motion) van/bus system to provide transportation to those who need it in the more rural parts of the county. We also need to continue to grow programs that helps those residents with mental health needs, that otherwise would not have access to mental health care.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
People. Not Politics.
Current Occupation
Retried Businessman & Community Leader
Campaign Phone
828-290-9670
Campaign Youtube URL
I have spent my career solving problems and strengthening organizations. As a business executive, I’ve turned around struggling companies, managed significant growth, built a successful business, and improved financial and operational systems. I have an MBA and decades of experience in budgeting, strategic planning, management and leadership—skills directly relevant to county government. I’ve also served on the Transylvania County Board of Education and numerous local boards and volunteer organizations. These experiences have taught me the importance of careful planning, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and making difficult decisions with our county’s long-term future in mind.
I believe the most important issue is creating and following a long-term strategic plan for Transylvania County. I’ve learned throughout my career and community service that delaying difficult decisions often makes problems more expensive and harder to solve. We need to stop reacting to problems and start planning ahead—with clear priorities and accountability. That means responsibly managing taxpayer dollars while addressing our schools, infrastructure, affordable housing, solid waste, county facilities and economic development, while protecting what makes Transylvania County special.
The County Commission’s most effective role is to be a reliable partner to our Board of Education—providing responsible funding, maintaining safe and modern facilities, and planning for the future rather than waiting for problems to become crises. I will support competitive local teacher supplements, adequate operating funds, and timely investment in school maintenance and capital needs. I will also insist on long-term planning and close cooperation between the Commission and School Board so taxpayer dollars are used wisely and our students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.
A strong economy requires more than tourism. I will work to diversify our economy by supporting existing businesses, attracting employers that provide good-paying jobs, and investing in the infrastructure needed for responsible growth. We must also address workforce housing so teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and young families can afford to live here. I support stronger partnerships with local businesses, Blue Ridge Community College and economic development organizations to expand workforce training and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, we need a long-term strategic plan that turns these priorities into action.
Our county must make sure residents can access the services they need while using taxpayer dollars effectively. I would support adequate staffing for Social Services, strengthen partnerships with nonprofits and healthcare providers, and aggressively pursue state, federal and grant funding. We must also address the problems driving demand for services—including affordable housing, mental health care, transportation, childcare and the needs of our growing senior population. Good government should not simply respond to crises; it should identify needs early, coordinate resources and help people remain healthy, safe and self-sufficient.
Transylvania County is a wonderful place to live, but we face challenges that will not solve themselves. Too many important decisions have been delayed instead of addressed through thoughtful, long-term planning. I am running for County Commissioner because I believe we can do better.
My career has taught me to listen, understand the problem, bring people together, make responsible decisions and follow through. I will bring that same approach to county government—planning for our future, protecting taxpayer dollars, supporting our schools and essential services, expanding economic opportunity and affordable housing, and preserving the qualities that make Transylvania County special.
These issues are not Republican or Democratic issues. They are community issues. I will work with anyone who wants to move our county forward with transparency, accountability and common sense.
That is what “People – Not Politics” means to me.
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