Position/philosophy statement
Conserving Our Future
Current Occupation
retired
Age (optional)
74
Campaign Phone
828-231-1457
I am a lifelong Buncombe County native and retired co-owner of Jesse Israel and Sons Garden Center. Through that experience one learns what it takes to begin and sustain a small business. I will bring a farmers' perspective to local government by cutting unnecessary red tape, supporting smart growth that protects our mountains, and championing fiscal responsibility so tax dollars are managed with transparency and common sense. I serve as Treasurer on the Upper Hominy Fire Department Board and know first hand that our fire fighters and first responders need support and continued advanced training.
I have served on several boards during my lifetime, NC Association of Nurserymens Board, President NC Arboretum Board of Directors.
The most important issue facing our residents is the continuing Helene recovery efforts by our local government. Our county adopted a Helene Recovery Plan along with its six municipal partners on November 18, 2025. This plan aligns with the five year 2030 Buncombe County Strategic Plan. The Helene Recovery Plan road maps 114 projects designed to rebuild housing, repair infrastructure, restore natural resources, strengthen disaster preparedness, and support long-term community resilience.
As a farmer and outdoorsman I know the value of our streams, forests, and open areas. As co-owner of our Israel 7 Generation Family Farm, I know the importance of limiting soil erosion and planting of native trees and shrubs along our streams.
Buncombe County Public School System is the largest single item the county funds. Commissioner objectives include supporting sustainable and resilient school campuses creating equitable access to high quality education, supporting efforts to advance early childhood education, increasing the number of high school seniors applying to post secondary education.
I would support additional funding through facilities that focus on STEM education, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Partnering with A-B Tech and universities would accomplish this. Also, expanding and improving our vocational education in all the county's high school and A-B Tech.
I would agree with the policies in the Buncombe County 2043 Comprehensive Plan.
These include:
Adopt land use regulations to allow for the development of larger projects over several years.
Update the development regulations to allow for the use of development agreements.
Raising the thresholds for Planned Unit Developments in commercial and manufacturing areas.
Identifying available inventory of suitable sites and buildings for economic development.
Increase training programs that build the capacity of farm businesses through market development.
Create place based community gathering destinations that would also serve as shelters during disasters.
Create a Buy Local program in the county.
I support working with our residents to restore and revitalize neighborhoods which will strengthen communities. The NC Disaster Case Management Program is available to residents. The program helps them make a recovery plan and comments to available resources.
Recently I have volunteered at food pantries and have donated firewood to residents in my community. Initiatives such as strengthening economic growth and increasing support to the elderly will improve our social service outreach.
Also, expanding affordable housing and connecting to improved transit will improve the quality of life. I would support increased funding for mental health in the county.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
Democrat
Current Occupation
University Professor
Campaign Phone
8282424619
I bring a rare mix of lived experience, ethical leadership, and hands-on service. I was raised in a working-class community and understand how policy decisions shape everyday life. I hold advanced degrees in theology and leadership, teach ethics and philosophy at the university level, and have led faith-based and nonprofit work centered on justice, dignity, and the common good. As an author, educator, and pastor, I’ve spent years listening to people across differences, translating values into action, and advocating for workers, families, and vulnerable neighbors. These experiences have prepared me to lead collaboratively, govern thoughtfully, and keep community needs—not politics—at the center of every decision.
Buncombe County must address housing affordability. Too many working families, seniors, service workers, and young people are being priced out of the communities they sustain. Rising rents, limited workforce housing, and post-disaster pressures have pushed the crisis to a breaking point. Housing is not an isolated issue—it affects economic stability, mental health, education, and whether local businesses can retain workers. The county must prioritize affordable and workforce housing, protect renters, support nonprofit and community-based housing solutions, and ensure recovery funds are used to keep people housed. If we fail to act decisively now, we risk becoming a county only the wealthy can afford.
The County Commission’s most effective role in improving local schools is to ensure students and educators have the resources and stability they need to succeed. While the county does not control curriculum, it does fund school facilities, support services, and teacher retention. I will advocate for sustained investment in safe, modern school buildings, competitive local supplements for teachers and staff, and expanded mental-health and counseling services for students. I will also support partnerships for affordable housing and childcare for educators, reliable transportation, and after-school programs. Strong schools require strong community support—and the county must be a committed partner in that work.
I will propose policies that strengthen the local economy by centering dignity, sustainability, and opportunity. This includes supporting living-wage jobs, small and locally owned businesses, and worker-focused economic development rather than short-term corporate giveaways. I will advocate for workforce housing, expanded broadband, and infrastructure investment so people can live and work where they serve. I will support local agriculture, arts, and green industries that keep wealth circulating in the community. Finally, I will push for transparent use of public funds, workforce training partnerships, and incentives tied to fair wages, environmental responsibility, and long-term community benefit.
I will advocate for policies that strengthen social services by focusing on prevention, access, and coordination. This includes increasing funding for mental-health and substance-use treatment, especially community-based and crisis services. I will support expanding partnerships with nonprofits and faith-based providers to reach underserved populations more effectively. I will push for fair pay and staffing support for social-service workers, streamlined access to services, and better data-sharing across agencies. I will also prioritize housing stability, food security, and services for seniors, veterans, and families in crisis. Strong social services are not charity—they are essential infrastructure for a healthy, resilient county.
Recovery from Hurricane Helene is still unfinished work. We must ensure that rebuilding efforts reach every community—especially renters, working families, and rural residents—and that recovery funds are used transparently to rebuild housing, infrastructure, and resilience so we are stronger and better prepared for the next storm.
