Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

Democratic Primary—Watauga County Commission

Two Democrats are running for the District 1 seat on the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.

No Republican candidates have filed for the seat, so barring a successful write-in campaign in November, the winner of the primary will take the seat.

Tim Futrelle

timfutrelle.com

ASU student Tim Futrelle has identified the following issues in the campaign:

Water Access and Availability—I will seek input from citizens on what the county can do about water problems— from wells and springs drying up to rising water bills—and will encourage cooperation between municipalities. I am committed to finding a long-term solution to this issue.

Long Term Growth Plan—We must pay close attention to decisions past Boards have made, and how those decisions are affecting residents today. Continual examination of these policies results in the best direction for Watauga County. I will ask for input on our long-term plan and what goals must be set to ensure Watauga remains a model for responsible growth.

Law Enforcement—I look forward to working with the people of Watauga and the Sheriff’s Office to ensure a solid relationship, and the safety and security of our citizenry.

Rural Representation—I intend to reach out to concerned citizens and those with input on what county government can do for them. It is important that we are all counted.

New Watauga High School—One of the most important tasks facing the Board of Commissioners in the next several years is making sure the new Watauga High School is built right the first time.We should make sure we are building the facility that will best serve the students of Watauga County for decades to come.

Doug McGuinn

www.dougmcguinn.powweb.com

Adjunct community college instructor Doug McGuinn has identified the following issues in the campaign:

County Economy—We have built our economy on the shaky platforms of tourism, service jobs, and second homes. I will work to bring high-paying jobs to the county, to lesson our dependence on tourism.

Property Taxes/County Fees—The increase in house and land values means an increase in the property taxes house- and landowners must pay. I pledge to work for lower property taxes, as well as to oppose any “nickel-and-dimed to death” increases in county-service fees.

Nonprofit Organizations—I pledge to work with and support the county's nonprofits.

Locally Grown Food/Local Farmers—I pledge to help our local farmers as much as possible, as well as the local Farmers’ Market.

Alternate Energy/Alternate Transportation—Watauga County is in an almost unique position for alternative energy sources, especially energy produced by wind- and water-powered turbines. One of my goals is to explore these opportunities, so that our citizens can be more self-sufficient and less dependent on our electric-power monopoly. I would like to see a Watauga County that produce its own energy (tapping methane from the closed landfill is a great start). I would also like to encourage the use of alternative transportation, such as bicycles and the Appalcart.

Domestic Violence—I would work at finding the funds to help the sheriff's office hire an officer whose sole duty is dealing with domestic violence cases, in order to give the sheriff's department more time to deal with other crimes.

Government Scope—I will vote against any attempt to add even more regulations and control over our lives, and do my best to oppose any of the county government’s further attempts to micromanage our lives.