Commissioners

In the Jackson County commissioners race, Stacy Buchanan defeated Gene Middleton for chairman of the commission in the Democratic primary and is unopposed in the general election. Incumbent Democrat Roberta Crawford is also unopposed in District 1.

Democrats

Brian McMahan, a 27 year-old newcomer, won the nod for District 2 in the county board primary. McMahan is a volunteer firefighter and assistant chief of security at Balsasm Mountain Preserve. He believes Jackson County would be more attractive to industry if “we design our infrastructure to promote industry.”

McMahan said that as the county prepares to hire a planner, it needs to take a close look at the Smart Growth Plan because proper planning is important to support growth in the county.

He said he would continue to support improvements in education, “both in the classroom and in capital improvement projects.”

Joe Cowan, a former school superintendent, is the democratic candidate from District 3. Cowan supports the county’s Smart Growth initiative but walks the line between land-use planning and countywide zoning, which he opposes. He wants to see the county hire a planner who is knowledgeable about local, state and federal rules and regulations and is responsive to the citizens of the community. In a Sylva Herald & Ruralite candidate question and answer page, Cowan noted child abuse and neglect as a major issue facing the county and pledged to work with the Department of Social Services and the district attorney’s office to find solutions and make needed changes.

Eddie Madden, a Democrat from District 4, promised to be a strong advocate for the Cashiers area. He said it would be a priority to insure that commissioners understand the priorities of his district. Madden, who has served on the Jackson County Economic Development Commission and owns a family business, said he would handle county finances with the same care and caution as he does those of his business.

As president of the Cashiers Valley Community Council, Madden has studied incorporation in Cashiers.

“I believe it is an alternative that should be considered. Cashiers knows what is best for Cashiers,” Madden said.

Republicans

Well known auctioneer and Jackson County business woman Dodie Blaschik is the Republican candidate for District 2. Blaschik opposes zoning saying she feared it would stifle growth. Blaschik said she would work to reduce government intervention and encourage personal responsibility and stewardship. She said she would strive to eliminate waste and duplication in county government.

Linda Belcher is the Republican candidate from District 3. “I am concerned about paying off the county’s debt. I would work to curb wasteful spending and hold the line on taxes,” Belcher said. She said it should be county’s government role to inform citizens before the fact rather than dictate to them after the fact.

“I believe I can represent all the people of Jackson County, not just my party,” she said.

District 4 Republican Arnold Nicholson said control is the wrong approach to growth.

“We need to manage growth, but I believe using infrastructure and policies already in place would be a better approach.”

Nicholson advocates examining property assessment values and evaluating county employees to insure that taxpayers are getting the services they are paying for.

Staggered terms

Also during this election, Jackson voters will be asked to decide whether they want to begin electing commissioners on four-year staggered terms. If the non-binding resolution passes, it will still require formal action by the county board.