Position/philosophy statement
My philosophy is simple: protect what makes Henderson County home, manage growth responsibly, support our schools & first responders, and preserve our farmland and rural character for the next generation.
Current Occupation
Licensed General Contractor, Real Estate Broker, and proud volunteer firefighter
Age (optional)
29
Campaign Phone
(828)329-1519
As a 29-year-old husband, father, and lifelong Henderson County resident, I bring both deep roots and a forward-looking perspective. I’m a Clemson University agriculture graduate, licensed general contractor, and real estate broker who understands land use, infrastructure, and responsible growth. I serve as a volunteer firefighter and on the County Fire & Rescue Advisory Committee, giving me firsthand experience in public safety and budgeting needs. I combine private-sector problem-solving with community service to make practical, fiscally responsible decisions that protect our farmland, strengthen schools, and preserve our quality of life.
The most important issue over the next two years will be managing growth responsibly. Henderson County is growing quickly, and if development outpaces infrastructure, schools, and public safety, we risk losing what makes this community special. We must align growth with roads, water, emergency services, and school capacity while protecting productive farmland and rural character. Smart planning today will determine whether we remain a strong, family-centered community or become overwhelmed by congestion and strain on services.
The most effective role the County Commission plays is responsible funding and partnership. Commissioners don’t run the schools, but we approve their local budget and set priorities. I support increasing teacher supplements to stay competitive, fully funding capital needs so classrooms aren’t overcrowded, and investing in workforce and career-tech programs that prepare students for local jobs. Our children are the future of Henderson County, and we shouldn’t ask them to settle for “good enough.” Smart, stable funding and strong collaboration will move our schools forward.
I will focus on policies that support local businesses first, protect our agricultural economy, and align growth with infrastructure. That means streamlining permitting, prioritizing workforce development, investing in roads and utilities that directly support job creation, and using performance-based incentives carefully and transparently. We should recruit businesses that fit Henderson County’s character, not ones that strain it. A strong economy starts with supporting small businesses, farmers, and tradesmen who already call this place home.
Strong social services start with accountability, efficiency, and partnership. I would support clear performance metrics to ensure taxpayer dollars are delivering measurable results, strengthen coordination between county agencies and local nonprofits, and prioritize funding for services that protect children, seniors, and vulnerable families. We must also address root causes through workforce development and education so fewer families need assistance long term. Compassion and fiscal responsibility can, and should, go hand in hand.
I’m running because I love Henderson County and want my two boys to grow up experiencing the same strong community, farmland, and quality of life that shaped me. At 29, I bring the next generation’s perspective while honoring our county’s deep roots, including my own family’s history of service here. As a Clemson University graduate, small business owner, and volunteer firefighter, I understand land use, budgeting, infrastructure, and public safety from real-world experience. I’m not running for a title, I’m running to protect what makes this place special and to ensure the future of Henderson County has a seat at the table.
Position/philosophy statement
Steve Wyatt has the experience, qualifications and knowledge to be your vote and your voice on the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.
Current Occupation
Retired County Manager currently serving as Consultant to Local Government
Age (optional)
66
Steve has invested his adult life working in local government, including fifteen years as your County Manager, to ensure and improve our community and our quality of life. No one else has the depth and breadth of knowledge, expertise and understanding of the challenges facing Henderson County . No one else has the proven record of bringing real solutions in the wake of ever evolving and increasing issues Henderson County is and will deal with. Four decades of guiding and mentoring local government leaders across North Carolina, working with State and Federal officials has prepared Steve to be your voice and your vote on the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.
The growth of the community and the impact of that growth on all aspects of our lives. It is an immediate and long term issue that requires proactive strategies.Steve Wyatt is uniquely qualified to provide the leadership necessary to guide the Board of Commissioners and our community through the process of developing and implementing theses strategies. These must include planning for land use , public safety, environmental protection, transportation, education, infrastructure, healthcare and mental health , among others. As the lone candidate with expertise in these and other areas, Steve Wyatt is ready to make a difference on day one.
By statute , the County is responsible for the construction and maintenance of school facilities. The elected school board is responsible for making policy and the operation of the schools with the vast majority of funding from the state. Wyatt oversaw the construction of every school built in the last twenty years bringing each one in on time and under budget. Working with the school system, Steve Wyatt led the effort to assign a certified professional nurse as well as school resource officers in each public school . Steve also developed the funding plan to address the maintenance, repair, technology and security needs of the schools and the community college that is being used today.
Work force training and development remain as a driving factor to improve the economy of Henderson County . Working with the leadership of the school system, the community college as well as public and private universities, Steve has gained the reputation as an agent of innovation. The Health Sciences Center at Pardee Hospital which provides training in the health care professions as well as serving as a state of the art cancer treatment center is just one example of a project that Wyatt conceived, developed and implemented that has a positive impact on everyone in our community.
Steve Wyatt has three plus decades of extensive experience in working to improve social services, public and behavioral health in North Carolina. His wholistic approach recognizes that these areas are absolutely interconnected and must work together in a collaborative effort to maximize their effectiveness and make meaningful and lasting differences in the lives of our citizens. We are all affected when our fellow citizens, our neighbors , our family members are struggling with life’s fundamental challenges. Steve Wyatt remains a champion, a voice and will be a vote to promote and provide that helping hand that anyone of us might need at some point.
This election will determine how your county government navigates the one thousand and one challenges that exist today and will develop tomorrow. There is only one candidate with the experience, qualifications, knowledge and determination to lead our community into the future, a future with obstacles certainly but with so very much opportunity. The opportunity to do better , the opportunity to be better, the opportunity for each of us hold our heads high as we commit to serving the greater good. That candidate is Steve Wyatt and that decision is yours.
