Commissioner candidates

Democrats

David Monteith and Jeff Waldroup are the only two incumbents seeking re-election. Waldroup is employed by Duke Energy. He is a volunteer firefighter and pastor of Conley Creek Baptist Church.

Waldroup said commissioners need to work hard to help the county recruit better paying jobs. “We have a lot of competition from our neighboring counties when it comes to securing jobs.

“When I ran last time, I told people I would listen and I would work for the people. I’ve done that and I make the same promise this time.”

Waldroup supports a referendum on the North Shore Road issue.

“The people of Swain County should decide whether to pursue construction or a cash settlement.”

Monteith, current vice-chairman of Swain County commissioners, touts his record of service to the county. Monteith is chairman of the Fontana Lake Users Association and serves on many boards including the Southwest Commission, Swain County Health Department and the Cooperative Extension.

“I believe my record speaks for itself. This board has worked to recruit industry like Zickgraf and we’ve created a skate park for our youth, built a handicapped accessible fishing pier at the old 288 landing and completed Lemmons Branch, a new access at Fontana lake.”

Monteith supports construction of the North Shore Road and introduced a resolution in December 2001 calling for construction of the road. That resolution passed 3-1, commissioner Waldroup was absent.

David Anthony served on the Swain County Board of Education for four years.

“My priority would be jobs. We need some industry, anything to help put Swain County citizens back to work.”

Anthony said the road issue was an emotional one, “that seems to come up every election year. We need a consensus. I don’t know if it would come from a referendum or from five commissioners coming together and adopting a position. It needs to be unanimous. Split decisions leave room for politics and we could be waiting another 60 years for any action. We need a unanimous decision that we could take to Congress and say — this is the will of the people of Swain County, act on it.”

Genevieve Lindsay has 30 years of experience in county government and is currently register of deeds. “I am interested in enhancing educational and employment opportunities in the county.

“I believe the road is an immediate issue. We need to research the issue and decide if it’s in the best interest of Swain County to pursue building the road or seeking a cash settlement.”

Republicans

H. Jerry Orr could not be reached by phone.

William “Bill” Lewis offered to be interviewed in person but declined to comment over the phone. Lewis is a former Swain County sheriff and former chairman of Swain County Board of Commissioners.

William T. “Bill” Dills said he is not a politician. “I have never run for public office but I believe it is time to bring the people of Swain County together. I am a firm believer that elected officials should listen to all the people and not just special interest groups.

“Swain County is unique in that 86 percent of it is public property. We have to work with that tax base to provide the best possible services and education.” Dills said he would strive to create lifelong learning and recreation opportunities for all citizens and all ages of Swain County.

Dills said the North Shore Road issue should be looked at realistically. “The government needs to be honest about what we can expect. We need to find out what the real possibilities are and the county needs to sit down with federal officials and get this issue behind us.”

Jeff B. Myers said he would work to get a better return on taxpayers’ dollars. He said he would work to create fire department substations for Lower Alarka/Round Hill and N.C. 28 South. Myers said he felt the county could work more closely with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to draw more industry and extend water and sewer in the eastern part of the county. He said he supports Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and noted that it was the largest employer of Swain County citizens.

Myers said the Swain County jail was a major issue. “We probably have a year before it’s condemned.”

He said the North Shore Road was an issue that wasn’t going to be solved anytime soon. He said he felt the Citizens for the Economic Future of Swain County were spreading misinformation.

“If I was told the road would never be built, I would ask for a lot more than $40 million as a settlement. The absence of a road has cost the county much more than that over the years,” he said.