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FORSYTH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT A {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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. Two commissioners are elected from District A, 4 from District B, and 1 at-large. All are elected in partisan elections in even-numbered years and serve staggered 4-year terms.

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  • Candidate picture

    Tonya McDaniel
    (DEM)

  • Candidate picture

    Contessa Smith
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Mali (Shai) Woodbury
    (DEM)

Biographical Information

What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)

What is the most important issue the County Commission will have to address in the next two years? (Max. 750 characters)

What is the most effective role the County Commission can play in improving the local schools? What policies or funding will you suggest when elected? (Max. 750 characters)

What policies will you propose to improve the economy of your county? (Max. 750 characters)

What policies would you propose to improve the quantity and quality of social services in your county? (Max. 750 characters)

Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)

Position/philosophy statement Experienced Leadership: Involved in county budget and school funding since 2018. • Fiscal Accountability: Advocates for transparency in taxpayer dollar allocation. • Education Focus: Supports equitable school funding and innovative local solutions. •
Campaign Mailing Address PO BOX 21142
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27120
Current Occupation Retired
Campaign Phone 3369268945
Campaign Email tonyadmcdaniel@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://vote4mcdaniel.com
I have served as the District A Forsyth County Commissioner since 2018, with my term ending in December 2026. I provide direct oversight of county budgeting and tax policy, with a focus on fairness in property tax rates and funding priorities affecting District A. I hold a B.A. in Political Science (Public Administration minor) and a Master of Public Administration. As a former Human Resources Director at United Health Centers, I bring strong leadership in staffing, compliance, and organizational management. I also have regional/state policy experience and strong community coalition-building skills, grounded in emotional intelligence.
My campaign platform is built around “Together We R.I.S.E.” — Resiliency, Infrastructure & Innovation, Sustainability, and Experience. I am focused on strengthening jobs and economic development through strategic partnerships and long-term planning with Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. and other community stakeholders. I will continue advocating for strong, well-funded school infrastructure, ensuring our students have safe, modern learning environments. Just as important, I remain committed to enhancing public safety and community security, so every neighborhood in Forsyth County can thrive with confidence and opportunity.
Forsyth County invests $180 million in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to support critical needs for example school capital improvements, resource officers, social workers, and teacher supplements. But county government must do more than allocate funding. We must ensure these investments produce real results for students, educators, and families. That means setting clear goals, tracking performance, and reporting outcomes transparently. Taxpayers deserve accountability and proven impact for every dollar spent. Responsible budgeting. Measurable outcomes. Stronger schools and safer communities
To strengthen Forsyth County’s economy, I will propose policies that attract high-quality jobs, support small businesses, and prepare our workforce for in-demand careers. This includes expanding partnerships with Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., as a Board of Trustees for Forsyth Technical Community College the college, and employers to grow apprenticeships and job training. I will support infrastructure improvements that make our county more competitive for new investment and promote responsible development. Finally, I will advocate for streamlined permitting, business-friendly services, and targeted incentives that prioritize local hiring, livable wages, and long-term economic growth.
To improve the quantity and quality of social services in Forsyth County, I will propose policies that expand access, strengthen coordination, and measure outcomes. This includes increasing support for mental health services, affordable housing, substance-use recovery, and wraparound family services. I will advocate for stronger partnerships between county agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and faith-based organizations to reduce duplication and improve response time. Finally, I support performance-based funding, investing in programs that demonstrate measurable impact. Therefore, residents receive timely, effective services, and taxpayers see clear value.
In today’s political climate, the role of a Forsyth County Commissioner is more pivotal than ever. County government must be led by representatives who bring the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience to serve every community with fairness and integrity. As we enter this next season, strong leadership means ensuring representation across all areas of county operations, from public safety and social services to infrastructure and economic development. Budget review and reconciliation must be taken seriously, with accountability at the forefront. I lead with the discipline to ask hard questions, the commitment to thoroughly research concerns, and the resolve to deliver solutions when issues arise.
Position/philosophy statement “My philosophy is to listen, serve, and stand up for the community. I believe in accessible government, equal opportunity, and accountability—where every voice matters and leadership delivers results.”
Campaign Mailing Address 3712 FOXTON DR
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27105
Current Occupation Activists advocate
Campaign Phone 3369206698
I bring experience in human services, mental health care, peer support, education, and community advocacy. As founder of Caring with Conviction and a mother of six, including an adult son with severe autism, I understand the challenges families face accessing services. My work has strengthened my communication, problem-solving, organization, and resource coordination skills. Recognized as UNC-Chapel Hill’s 2024 Peer Support Champion, I bring persistence and compassion to public service. As commissioner, I would use these skills to scrutinize spending, connect residents with resources, and work toward accessible, accountable county government.
I believe the most important issue is housing affordability and stability in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Families need realistic paths to renting and owning a home, while people facing homelessness need coordinated housing and mental health support. My priority would be to work with municipalities, housing providers, and employers to expand opportunities near jobs and transportation, strengthen connections to existing assistance, and set measurable goals. The county must use taxpayer dollars responsibly and report clearly on whether its efforts are helping residents achieve lasting stability.
The County Commission’s strongest role is to provide responsible funding, support safe school facilities, and hold public discussions about spending and results while respecting the school board’s authority over school operations. I would advocate for funding priorities that support children with disabilities, reliable transportation, and retaining teachers and classroom staff. I would request clear financial reports, follow-up on audit findings, and measurable goals for county-funded initiatives. Families and educators should help shape these priorities so resources address students’ needs.
I would promote Forsyth County’s economy by supporting small businesses, responsible spending, and a predictable tax environment. I would propose reviewing county permitting processes to reduce unnecessary delays while protecting public safety. Partnerships with employers and Forsyth Tech can expand apprenticeships, skilled , and pathways to employment, including second-chance opportunities. I would evaluate economic incentives against measurable benefits for taxpayers and support housing near jobs. My focus is private-sector growth, upward mobility, and responsible use of public dollars.
I would strengthen Forsyth County’s social services through fiscal responsibility, personal accountability, and partnerships with churches, nonprofits, and employers. I would prioritize assistance for children, people with disabilities, seniors, and families in crisis, while connecting residents who can work with job training and employment. I support reviewing programs for results, reducing duplication, and directing resources toward effective services. Help should be accessible and respectful, with clear paths toward stability and independence. Taxpayers deserve transparent spending and measurable outcomes.
Public office is a responsibility, not a reward. I believe in Republican principles of fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, opportunity, and government that answers to the people. I will bring firsthand experience, ask hard questions, and expect clear answers about how taxpayer dollars are spent. Every neighborhood deserves access, respect, and consistent service. My commitment is to serve all of Forsyth County, explain my decisions openly, and follow through. Judge my leadership by the work I do and the promises I keep.
Position/philosophy statement I am a servant leader to the people who elect me. All power to the people!
Campaign Mailing Address 3022 N GLENN AVE
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27105
Current Occupation Professional Educator
Campaign Phone 336-997-2286
Campaign Email shai4districtA@gmail.com
I am the best candidate because of my experience as a current County Commissioner and former member and Chair of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education from 2018-2022. I was the first African American to chair the school board for 3 years. Also, as a professional educator for over 25 years, I have high level leadership development, which has prepared me to think critically, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively.

I serve authentically in my community with several organizations that I have also lead like the Carver High School Alumni Association, National Association of University Women, NAACP, Triad Cultural Arts, and AKA Sorority, Inc., to name a few. I also founded Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant in 2022.
The most important issue for the Forsyth County Commissioners is ensuring stable, sufficient funding for our local public school district—especially in light of the recent financial crisis and the longstanding gap between what our schools need and what they’ve historically received.
The Forsyth County Commission’s most effective role in improving local schools is ensuring they are adequately, consistently, and predictably funded. While the school board oversees daily operations and academic strategy, the county’s funding decisions directly impact teacher retention, student supports, safe facilities, and the district’s ability to plan long-term.

As an elected commissioner, I will prioritize a clear funding framework that reflects real costs—such as inflation, enrollment shifts, and rising operational needs—so schools are not forced into unstable, crisis-driven budgeting. The county should adopt a School Emergency Stabilization Policy by creating a dedicated reserve to address unexpected shortfalls and urgent needs.
I have already proposed an adjustment to our procurement policy that supports increased contracts to local vendors and HUB/MWBE businesses. To improve Forsyth County, we need to support an inclusive economy that represents our diversity.

I would also support a housing policy that increases affordable single family homes to purchase. Obviously, the more homes purchased, the more property tax revenue generated for the county.
To improve both the quantity and quality of social services in Forsyth County, I would focus on policies that (1) expand capacity, (2) make services easier to access, and (3) hold the system accountable for outcomes—not just activity. One of the main parts of my platform is advocating for competitive pay for county employees, which is one of the key strategies to improve quantity and quality of social services. We must invest in the people who work to provide outstanding social services.
I believe the most critical issues are educating and protecting our youth, addressing housing needs, and promoting economic mobility for all residents. If re-elected, my overarching vision is "A Forsyth for All," which envisions a county that serves ALL of its citizens equitably, ensuring no one is left behind, specifically our children. My primary goal is to continue to represent all residents, especially those in District A, by empowering them with honest information and fostering collaborative efforts to fulfill their diverse interests and improve their quality of life.