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GUILFORD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 07

Guilford County is governed by a nine-member Board of Commissioners; elected by district and at-large to serve four-year terms. Commissioners’ terms are staggered and general elections are held in November of even-numbered years. The 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.

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  • Candidate picture

    Walter T. Johnson III
    (DEM)

  • Candidate picture

    Lisa McMillan
    (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 I believe that we should fully fund schools, it is my philosophy that we fully fund law enforcement and first responders. I wholeheartedly believe in affordable housing for all. It is my desire to help recruit businesses that pay livable wages!
Current Occupation Teacher
Age (optional) 57
Campaign Phone 3366171900
Campaign Email Info@waltertjohnson.com
Years experience as a public school teacher, 16 years of experience high school and youth coach, 4 years of experience as an affordable housing executive. I also have 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur. I have also been on the Greensboro parks &Rec commission for four years. Is my belief that these experiences make me uniquely qualified to serve.
Fully funding the Guilford County School System so that we have no vacancies and so that we’re not just a training ground for teachers, but we are a place where experienced teachers will want to stay and teach. Additionally, the reduction of violent crime is a very important issue as well affordable housing for every ZIP Code is an important issue.
I feel that major role that the county commission can play is as a funder of the school system, but also the county commission needs to partner out with the school board to help shine lights and give exposure to the great programs that are going on in Guilford County Schools.
I support House bill 305 which is a quarter of a cent sales tax increase that would go to support Guilford county schools GTCC and rural Fire Departments. I would like to enact policy that would help fund youth summer job programs. These summer job programs would allow up to 1000 you to work for an eight week period this would allow our youth to make money and also take classes on financial literacy. In the other areas that are of the same size as Guilford County that have tried this type of program they have seen a reduction in crime and a boost in the economy.
I think we need some mental health policies for young and old additionally, I think we need to work on coming up with some solutions for homelessness, especially veterans homelessness and that’s something that needs to be looked into and create a policy that helps to solve those problems.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share. I would be open to having a or an open discussion with anyone in your organization about these or any other issues?
Position/philosophy statement I believe that individuals, children and families need access to resources and opportunities to thrive, no matter the age or stage in life.
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 5122
Greensboro, NC 27435
Current Occupation Nonprofit Executive
Age (optional) 54
Campaign Phone 336-338-8616
I bring a proven record of community-centered leadership that connects policy to real outcomes. My work spans education, economic mobility, and health-focused community initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across government, nonprofits, and the private sector. I have hands-on experience building partnerships, leveraging resources, and advocating for access to opportunity—from early childhood education to workforce readiness and entrepreneurship. I lead with listening, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to ensuring every resident has access to opportunities to thrive.
The most urgent issue is ensuring equitable access to opportunity in a rapidly changing economy. This includes strengthening education pipelines, expanding access to thriving-wage jobs, supporting small businesses, and addressing the mental and physical health challenges impacting families. The County must respond holistically—aligning education, workforce development, economic growth, and health systems—to stabilize households today while preparing residents for long-term success.
The County Commission’s most effective role is investing early and coordinating supports beyond the classroom. I will advocate for expanded funding for early childhood education, school-based mental health services, and career and technical education pathways that connect students to post-secondary options and local employers. I also support partnerships with community organizations and higher education institutions to strengthen wraparound services and ensure students are supported from early learning through workforce entry.
I will champion policies that grow a resilient local economy by attracting and retaining thriving-wage jobs while strengthening entrepreneurs and small businesses. This includes targeted workforce development aligned with high-growth industries, increased access to capital and technical assistance for small businesses, and intentional investment in underserved communities. Economic development must be inclusive—creating pathways to ownership, innovation, and long-term stability for residents across the county.
I support a coordinated, prevention-focused approach to social services that prioritizes mental and physical health, housing stability, and family well-being. I will advocate for increased funding for community-based providers, integrated service delivery, and data-driven evaluation to ensure effectiveness. By strengthening partnerships and reducing barriers to access, we can expand the reach and quality of services while building healthier environments where individuals, children and families can truly thrive.
My platform is grounded in education, health and economic opportunity because these systems quite literally shaped my life. I was born into extreme poverty in Guilford County, where my mother relied on services provided through DSS and the Health Department, including immunizations, food assistance, and welfare support. At age five, my siblings and I entered foster care and never returned home. As a young adult and single mother, I again relied on county services—food stamps, AFDC and childcare assistance—while working toward stability. Those experiences fueled my commitment to service. I later operated multiple five-star childcare centers, working closely with Guilford County’s planning, environmental, DSS, and finance departments. I earned a sociology degree from NC A&T as a 36-year-old mother of five, giving me a deep understanding of how policy impacts families. For eight years, I have led Turning Everything Around, connecting people to education, health, and economic resources.