Staff Report

Next month, Polk County voters will decide their next set of local leaders and their new top law enforcement officer.

In addition to national and state level races on the ballot, county voters will be asked to select three people to sit on the Polk County Board of Commissioners, as well as who will serve as the new Polk County sheriff during next month’s midterm election, which will take place Tuesday, Nov. 6.

To help familiarize readers with those appearing on the ballot for these two races, we have sent questions to the five candidates running for commissioner and the two candidates running for sheriff. We will run their answers throughout this week.

Also running for commissioner is Republican Mari Cartwright, and running for sheriff is John D. Metcalf. Both are running as write-in candidates.

Early voting for the election begins on Wednesday, Oct. 17, and ends Saturday, Nov. 3. Early voting will only be done at the Polk County Board of Elections this year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

For information on local voting rules and regulations, residents may visit polknc.org/board_of_elections_2.php.

Name: Carolyn Ashburn

Position sought: Polk County commissioner

Party affiliation: Democrat

Many county residents — in particular those in Green Creek and Mill Spring — are becoming increasingly more frustrated with the growth of Tryon International Equestrian Center in recent years, especially in light of traffic disruptions during September’s World Equestrian Games. How would you address these concerns as commissioner?

I applaud the extensive planning that our local hospital and emergency services undertook for the World Equestrian Games, and that planning must continue for both large and small events.

It’s a real shame that the four Republicans on the current board of commissioners gave a 20-year non-revocable development agreement to TIEC that cannot be changed.

I will be a commissioner who questions requests and who will look at the overall impact of what the consequences of any new agreements will be. I will stand for the interests of our local citizens, and not be swayed by the equestrian center’s agenda.

Name: Paul “Little” Beiler

Position sought: Polk County commissioner

Party affiliation: Republican

Many county residents — in particular those in Green Creek and Mill Spring — are becoming increasingly more frustrated with the growth of Tryon International Equestrian Center in recent years, especially in light of traffic disruptions during September’s World Equestrian Games. How would you address these concerns as commissioner?

At times, growth can be painful. 

The concerns about the increased traffic during the World Games thankfully were not realized.  The many agencies involved in preparing our roads and highways for the WEG get a big “attaboy” from me. 

There’s no doubt that Polk County is attracting more visitors and traffic with the activities of the Tryon Equestrian Resort. The owners have done something extraordinary in the eastern side of our county, and I believe we’re going to continue to benefit, both economically and culturally, from their enterprise. Most of the feedback I’m hearing from residents is positive.

I understand people’s concerns when it comes to change. The residents of Polk County will always have the opportunity to express their concerns at commissioner meetings and with me personally by appointment. At our level of government, thank goodness, we have the time and the desire to listen to the people. 

It is after all, government by and for the people.

Name: Chrelle Booker

Position sought: Polk County commissioner

Party affiliation: Democrat

Many county residents — in particular those in Green Creek and Mill Spring — are becoming increasingly more frustrated with the growth of Tryon International Equestrian Center in recent years, especially in light of traffic disruptions during September’s World Equestrian Games. How would you address these concerns as commissioner?

I’ve had conversations with some of the residents and feel their emotional energy. I myself have experienced some of the inconveniences. 

Communication! I’d like to see the communities and those who make the decisions concerning Tryon International Equestrian Center come together and have a conversation, because TIEC has become a permanent entity in one of our rural areas.

Commissioners should work diligently to make life convenient and enjoyable for everyone.  For those inconvenienced, we can learn from the recent World Equestrian Games and apply what we learned to make life better for local citizens.

Name: Ray Gasperson

Position sought: Polk County commissioner

Party affiliation: Democrat

Many county residents — in particular those in Green Creek and Mill Spring — are becoming increasingly more frustrated with the growth of Tryon International Equestrian Center in recent years, especially in light of traffic disruptions during September’s World Equestrian Games. How would you address these concerns as commissioner?

On April 16, 2018, I was the only commissioner who voted against the Irrevocable 20 Year Development Agreement between TIEC and Polk County. This agreement, valid until April 2038, grants TIEC expanded areas for buildings up to 60 feet in height and up to 1,900 hotel rooms.

A primary reason for my “nay” vote was that, in my opinion, there were not proper safeguards included to make sure that the taxpayers in our county would not have future tax increases (in property and/or fire districts) to insure the necessary levels of funding for emergency services (fire protection, law enforcement, and EMS) needed at the high impact, for-profit commercial facility of TIEC.

I regret that I was unable to stop the action that was taken.

However, I can guarantee the citizens of Polk that your interests will always be first and foremost. Therefore, I will NEVER VOTE to approve any tax increases that are being triggered by the demands of TIEC.

Name: Tommy W. Melton

Position sought: Polk County commissioner

Party affiliation: Republican

Many county residents — in particular those in Green Creek and Mill Spring — are becoming increasingly more frustrated with the growth of Tryon International Equestrian Center in recent years, especially in light of traffic disruptions during September’s World Equestrian Games. How would you address these concerns as commissioner?

As a commissioner, I am greatly concerned with the needs and frustrations of all our citizens. However, I have heard a lot of positive comments about the WEG, including the two recent letters to the TDB.

TIEC has come to the board of commissioners with requests on many occasions, and it is our job to grant or deny these requests. We must make decisions that protect the citizens of Polk County and also respect the rights of TIEC.

Concerning the traffic situation during the WEG, our public safety personnel and local citizens did a great job in planning for this event.

There must be a balance between public safety and any influx of people for any event. With the right planning, public safety can be insured and events can be successful.

To get these results, there are many agencies involved, such as NC Highway Patrol, SBI, ATF, SC Highway Patrol, St. Luke’s Hospital, EMS, local law enforcement, communications, etc.

Name: BJ Bayne

Position sought: Polk County sheriff

Party affiliation: Democrat        

With the additional space inside the new county jail and law enforcement complex that opened this summer, how would take advantage of the larger facility? What programs do you plan to implement as new sheriff?

As the new Polk County Law Enforcement Center will provide an array of security for the personnel and inmates, it will also provide space for a variety of programs.

As sheriff, I plan to partner with Isothermal Community College to help inmates achieve their high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma, which will aid them in gaining employment. I want to work with job placement groups for employment opportunities for eligible participants upon release.

We will partner with community organizations along with volunteer groups who will facilitate Alcohol and Narcotics Anonymous Chapters within the detention facility. The effectiveness of these programs will have a positive impact on the crime rate as well as reduction of inmates being housed.

By incorporating these programs jointly prior to an inmate release, the recidivism rate will be decreased, therefore lowering the people of Polk County’s chances of becoming a victim of a crime.

Name: Tim Wright

Position sought: Polk County sheriff

Party affiliation: Republican

With the additional space inside the new county jail and law enforcement complex that opened this summer, how would take advantage of the larger facility? What programs do you plan to implement as new sheriff?

The new Polk County Law Enforcement Facility was a longtime coming, and Sheriff Hill, the county manager and the county commissioners who worked on the project should be commended.

The larger facility allows for cost savings in the long run because the sheriff’s office will hopefully no longer have to pay other agencies to house females and overflow inmates. The various misdemeanor confinement programs that require more inmates, sentenced to short to medium prison sentences, be housed in local facilities also provide an opportunity for Polk to now house some types of inmates for other counties, which could potentially offset expenses.

The new facility also opens the doors for future educational programs and other rehabilitative programs, should they meet appropriate standards. This is an area where there are many potential opportunities and, once in office, I would like to work with the sheriff’s association to explore them all.