The 7-member Board sets the policy for the county, determining the strategic vision for the county, appoints a county manager, attorney and others to serve the county, adopts ordinances, including zoning, and establishes an annual budget, which includes setting the tax rate and calling bond referendums. The Board of Commissioners Chairman is elected at-large across the entire school district. Two District Commissioners are elected for each of three districts in partisan elections in even-numbered years and serve staggered 4-year terms. District Commissioners must reside in the district they represent.
Position/philosophy statement
I believe public service is about giving back to the community that has given so much to me and working together to make Buncombe County stronger for everyone.
Current Occupation
Attorney
Age (optional)
44
Campaign Phone
828-216-4265
I grew up here in Buncombe County and am deeply committed to the longterm health and economic success of our community. I am an attorney and small business owner. As I worked my way through law school, I gained experience working in local and state government, and eventually had the honor of serving as Chief of Staff to Chief Justice Cheri Beasley at the NC Supreme Court. I know how government works, and I have seen the fallout when it doesn't. I know how to advocate for good policy, and how to parse a budget. And I'm ready to get to work!
In my opinion, Helene Recovery will continue to be at the forefront of the commission's work for at least the next two years. It will certainly not be the only focus, but I it will have a role in the discussion of all kinds of other policy issues - affordable housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, public safety, public health, emergency preparedness, childcare and school funding. We have to be able to provide all of the services our community relied on before the storm, AND navigate recovery without the kind of robust federal and state support that other communities received in previous disasters.
I'm proud to have the endorsement of the BCAE and ACAE. Even though County Commission doesn’t set curriculum or run our schools, we have an important role in school funding. The legislature should adequately fund our schools statewide, an obligation they have failed to meet for decades. I will advocate for stable, long-term funding that allows our schools to recruit and retain great teachers and staff, pay every school employee a living wage, and maintain safe and modern facilities. And if our partners in state government continue to shirk their responsibilities, I’ll work with our school boards to ensure our students have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
We must address homelessness (and the addiction and mental health issues that often accompany it) with solutions that move people into stable housing while making downtown safe and welcoming. I am also committed to investments in transportation that connect people to jobs and opportunity. I’ll advocate for better public transit throughout Buncombe County and regional transportation investments, including passenger rail, that better connect Western North Carolina to the rest of the state and region. We must also continue working toward more affordable childcare solutions. This is critical for our workforce development, and also impacts the quality of life for working families.
Buncombe County already offers an impressive network of social services, including innovative programs like our Family Justice Center and Community Paramedics. We should build on what's working, while making sure residents know what help is available and can actually access it. I’ll support stronger coordination among county agencies, nonprofits and community partners, identify and address gaps in services, and invest in outreach that connects people with resources before they reach a crisis.
Buncombe County has given me opportunities I never imagined possible. I’ve built my career, my business and my life here. And when our community faced its greatest challenges, I saw firsthand what we can accomplish when we show up for one another.
I’m running for County Commission because I believe public service is about giving back. I want to bring my experience in law, government, business and community service to the work of building a stronger, more resilient Buncombe County where every kid, no matter their circumstances, can see and achieve a bright future.
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