Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Asheville native; Yancey County resident since 1976. Attended American University in Washington, D.C. Retired with 20 years service from the US Navy in 1975. Served the last 12 years Naval Service with the Defense Intelligence Agency; the last 4 years there as the Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Director for Imagery. During the 12 year tenure was detached to the DIA group, National Emergency Command Post Afloat (1970-72).

Partnered in a business venture in Northern Virginia from 1972-76. Operated 4 service stations and a small hauling operation with full and part-time employees. Understand the responsibility of managing finance, scheduling employees and making payroll.

Returning to NC in 1976, worked a short time for the NC Employment Security Commission. Later accepted a position with the US Postal Service as a Customer Service Supervisor retiring with 20 years service in 2001.

In 1979 was elected town council member in Burnsville; served five 2-year consecutive terms. During the period 1991-2001 was elected mayor and served three 2-year terms. Named Region D Council of Government "Elected Official of the Year" in 2001 for the 7-county area. Graduated from NC Rural Center's Rural Economic Development Institute May 2001.

Since returning to NC have served as a trustee on the Asheville District of the United Methodist Church (1996-2003); trustee with Blue Ridge Regional Hospital (Spruce Pine) 2001-2007. Participated in planning a unique collaborative effort between Habitat, Mountain Heritage HS, Yancey County Commissioners, and Mayland Community College to obtain funding to erect a 100,000 square foot building which trains students to build modular homes for Habitat. Founding and current board member of MY Meds Medication Ministry that assists individuals with no prescription health plan.

Currently serving as Member, Board of Directors, Givens Estates Retirement Community, Asheville.

I have a strong sense of fairness in everything I undertake and with individuals whom I associate. I pledge to carry out my responsibilities in an open and fair manner without regard to political considerations for all citizens of Yancey County.

My record of having been elected to municipal office for 16 years speaks loudly to the trust shown by the citizens of the Town of Burnsville. I plan to work as hard if not harder than any previous county commissioner. It will take a tremendous amount of devotion and hard work to provide the best county government at this time of economic downturn and unemployment.

When I left the office of Mayor of Burnsville my financial record for managing the town's budget was impeccable. I left a fund balance of over 25% of the town's annual operating budget.

The county's board composition and length of terms changes with this election from a 3 to 5 members and from 2 to 4 year terms. Because I am now retired I will be able to commit time and experience to work with fellow board members and other regional and state agencies.

My goal is to move Yancey County from a tier 1 level to a more prosperous and inviting county and improve the quality of life for our residents.