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VOTE411 Voter Guide

DARE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 01

The 7-member Board of Commissioners 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 consists of the Chairman, the Vice-Chariman and five Commissioners.Commissioners are elected at large in partisan elections in even-numbered years to serve staggered 4-year terms. Six must reside in a specific district; one Commissioner represents the district at-large and can reside in any of the districts.

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  • Candidate picture

    Edgar L. Barnes
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Mike Burrus
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    David Twiddy
    (REP)

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)

Campaign Mailing Address 159 N FEARING PL
MANTEO, NC 27954
Current Occupation Retired District Court Judge
Age (optional) 66
Campaign Phone 2523059397
Campaign Email edgarbarnes.101@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook URL http://facebook.com/edgar.barnes.526
I believe that serving the citizens of Dare County as your District Court Judge for the past 29 years has given me a broad and unique perspective of the needs and potential solutions facing our county. In that vein, I simply desire to continue serving our community.
Drug Abuse and Treatment We see the consequences all around us. Families are broken. Talented young people lose their futures. Crime increases. Emergency rooms are overwhelmed. And most tragically, lives are lost - far too many lives.
First and foremost, listen to parents and educators. We can fully fund school facilities, maintenance and safety. With safety, we need to increase the number of SRO Officers in every school. We also can support competitive teacher supplements to attract and retain quality educators and work closely with the Board of Education in assessing education needs and solutions.
Promote small business grants and low interest loans for locals. Support trade apprentices such as marine repair, HVAC and construction expand public-private partnerships for work force housing. Advocate at state/federal level for fair fisheries, management that includes local voices.
Increase the number of social workers. Support local nonprofits, offering recovery, counseling and peer support. Expand home-based care and caregiver support programs. Expand parenting support and home-visiting programs for at-risk families. Increase the number of school-based social workers and mental health counselors.
First and foremost, I will honor my promise to the citizens of Dare County to listen to those I serve and personally and directly respond to their requests and concerns. My vision is to keep Dare County moving in a fiscally stable, moral, family friendly and prosperous direction. I will strive to offer our citizens the best possible services at the minimal expense to the taxpayers.
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Position/philosophy statement I am running for County Commissioner because I love this county and the people in it. I'll bring conservative values, a servant’s heart, and a listening ear. Let’s work together to keep Dare County the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Campaign Mailing Address PO BOX 222
MANTEO, NC 27954
Current Occupation Ace Mechanical
Age (optional) 56
Campaign Phone 252-473-7533
Campaign Email dstwiddy@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://davidtwiddy.com
Campaign Facebook URL http://facebook.com/davidtwiddy4Dare
As a lifelong Dare County resident and current School Board member, I offer a unique blend of deep community roots and proven public service. My experience has taught me that effective leadership starts with listening, not lecturing. I understand how our local government functions and the importance of fiscal responsibility. My career and community involvement have been defined by integrity and a "neighbor-first" mentality. I am not a career politician; I am a public servant who knows how to balance a budget, advocate for families, and work collaboratively to get things done. I have the temperament to lead and the local knowledge to ensure our district’s voice is never ignored.
There are several critical issues facing the County Commission and one is managing responsible growth while protecting our unique quality of life. We must ensure that infrastructure—particularly water, roads, and emergency services—keeps pace with development without placing an undue tax burden on our hardworking families. Preserving the character of Dare County requires a proactive approach to land use and a commitment to long-term planning. We cannot simply react to changes; we must guide them to ensure that our children and grandchildren can afford to live, work, and raise their own families here in the place we all call home.
The Commission’s most effective role is providing the necessary resources while demanding accountability for every dollar spent. My policy is "Students First." I will advocate for funding that prioritizes classroom instruction, staff retention, and school safety. I will continue the collaborative funding model (five on five) where the Commission and School Board meet regularly to align goals. Specifically, I will propose increased investment in vocational and technical training to ensure students are career-ready. We must empower parents as partners in education and ensure our facilities are modern, safe, and conducive to a high-quality learning environment.
To improve our county’s economy, I propose a "Common Sense" approach: keep taxes low, reduce unnecessary red tape for small businesses, and support our local industries and fishing communities. Our economy thrives when entrepreneurs are free to innovate. I will advocate for streamlined permitting processes that make it easier for local businesses to expand. Additionally, I support diversifying our economic base by investing in reliable high-speed infrastructure, which allows more residents to participate in the modern remote workforce. By keeping Dare County affordable for workers and attractive to small business owners, we ensure long-term stability and prosperity for everyone.
I believe in a social service system that provides a hand up, not just a hand out. To improve quantity and quality, I propose strengthening partnerships between the county and our local faith-based and non-profit organizations. These groups are often more efficient and connected to the community than a centralized bureaucracy. I will advocate for policies that prioritize mental health resources and senior services, ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors have access to care close to home. My focus will be on transparency and outcomes—making sure that tax dollars are reaching the people who truly need help and that services are delivered with dignity.
I am running for Dare County Commissioner because I love this county and the people in it. From my time on the School Board to my daily life as your neighbor, my goal has always been to leave things better than I found them. I believe in a government that is transparent, accessible, and respectful of the taxpayers it serves. I’m not just asking for your vote; I’m asking for the opportunity to work for you. I will bring conservative values, a servant’s heart, and a listening ear to the County Commission. Let’s work together to keep Dare County the best place in North Carolina to live, work, and raise a family.