Wayne Barneycastle: I’m a lifetime resident of Stokes County. I’m married to my wife Gloria with one son, Jason, and my grandson Aden, who I love dearly. I have served the citizens of Stokes County for 44 years in the fire services. I also work with the EMS For 7 years.
Brad Chandler: I am married and have a daughter and son. I also have three granddaughters. My wife and I love horses, whether its trail riding or just watching them graze in the pasture. The scenery of Stokes County has always stood out to us. From the rolling hills to old tobacco barns to the views of the mountains. I am retired from the Fayetteville Police Department. I retired at the rank of Assistant Chief of Police with twenty- eight years of service in 2015. I used two years of accumulated sick time to retire with 30 years of service in the retirement system. I am a conservative Republican who believes in limited effective government that is for the people and by the people which has the rule of law for everyone.
Harold Collins: I’m running for county commissioner I was born and raised here. I’m 53 years old and have lived here all my life. I’ve been a farmer all my life and I have worked a public job all my life. i have raised two boys and have always told them to work hard to get what they want. And don’t think you will get something from another man’s brows. Me and my family would help anyone do anything that they would ask of us. I’m a giver not a taker. I stand for the hard working people of Stokes County.
Mike Fulp: I’ve lived in rural Stokes County my entire life. I was raised on a farm in the Lawsonville/Danbury area. I’m the only child of Allie Ray and Vernell Fulp. My parents worked hard and taught me to work from a very young age. I was born in a Christian home. I went to Lawsonville Elementary and North Stokes High School, finishing in 1982. My first job was at EG Forrest Company. After a few months I was hired as a technician at Modern Chevrolet in Winston-Salem. During this time I learned the automobile business. I was 19 years old and hungry to move up in life. In October 1983 I had a bad accident at the racetrack (311 Speedway) I now own. It left me broken up pretty bad. I was in Baptist Hospital 3.5 months and in traction at home another 2.5 months. In 1984 I purchased an old store building in Danbury. After years of working in the old building I decided to build a new one in 1992. I owned and operated Mike Fulp Tire from 1984-2004. I always loved farming and from 1996-2004 I planted 80-100 acres of tobacco. After the tobacco program was bought out by what ruined farming in Stokes County, I decided to do the country store business and added the Tubing Dan River business to the store. I also purchased Walnut Cove Fuel Supply along with a fleet of trucks and delivered oil throughout the county. In the fall of 2010 I purchased the dirt track in Pine Hall and have operated it for 11 of the 12 years I’ve owned it. As I get older I see my needs not as important as my parents’ or the needs of our county that I call home. I will work hard for the people by making sure we have employment. My promise for education is that no school is left behind. Every elderly homeowner should receive a discount tax rate. We must stop the waste now and start fixing our county buildings, starting with the hospital in Danbury.
Rick Morris: have lived in Stokes County for 19 years. I came to Stokes after serving 26 years on active duty in the Army, where I retired as a colonel. I worked later as a business development consultant with a Washington, D.C., area firm and have served for nine years as Stokes County Manager, before being elected as a County Commissioner. I am a life-long Republican and a pro-life conservative who believes in honest and efficient government that serves the needs of the people first. I am married to Kathleen Morris and have one daughter, who resides with her family in San Francisco. My hobbies include golf and playing banjo plus riding motorcycles and attending motorsports events.
Andy Nickelston: I am a lifelong citizen of Stokes County and grew up in the Lawsonville area. I am 38 years old, I am married and a father of one boy and four girls. I am a born again Christian and I let God lead me in my daily walk. I serve as a Deacon and Praise & Worship leader at Mayo Mountain Church, where my family and I are members. I’m currently a sitting Commissioner seeking re-election and served as Chair of the Board for nearly three years. I am employed by Nickelston Industries, Inc., where I am an estimator and supervisor. I also am the President of AWN Safety Products, Inc., where I designed and patented a safety product that is now being used across the United States. I also serve on many committees and help volunteer my time when I can.
Jake Oakley: Lifelong resident of Stokes County. Conservative Republican. Son of Jones and Ruby Oakley. Graduate from South Stokes High School. Married 40 years to Alma M. Oakley, two sons, Ethan and Eric Oakley. Employed by Stokes County for over 35 years. Member of Rosebud Christian Church, that believes Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord of all.
Keith Wood: I have lived in Stokes County for 70 years. My parents are the late Lewis Wood and Maxine Wood and I’m married to Tuwanna Angell Wood for soon to be 40 years. We have four children and eight grandchildren. I’m a lifetime Republican, lifetime NRA member, and Deacon at Danbury Baptist Church. I am currently on the Stokes County Planning Broad. North Stokes’ class of 1969 and received degree from Forsyth Tech in Architectural Technology in 1972. Currently employed with a Fortune 500 steel company and have been in the reinforcing steel business for 50 years.
Barneycastle: I do support the hospital. First I want every citizen in this county to know I did not vote to shut the hospital down. What I voted on was the contract. As we all know the CEO Is in deep trouble; waiting to see how that turns out. I helped people for 44 years in this county through the fire service so why would I even think about closing the hospital down?
Chandler: I support the building of a new critical access hospital in Danbury, as well as other hospital-based facilities in King and Pine Hall. The Hospital Operations Committee conducted eight town hall meetings in different parts of the county. The town hall meetings were very informative as to the current medical services provided by LifeBrite and to collect information on recommendations and questions from the audience. The county owns the building and is responsible for providing roof replacement and HVAC replacement as needed. LifeBrite operates a 24 hour/7 days a week Emergency Room, an acute care hospital and a family medical practice in Danbury. For the past year controversy has ensued over the allegations of the owner of LifeBrite being indicted for fraud and some members of the Board of Commissioners not wanting to renew the lease for LifeBrite and wanting to enter into a contract with a company out of Florida. The way it was presented was poorly done which caused a strong response from citizens showing up to voice their concerns at a Board of Hospital Trustees and Board of Commissoners meeting. Eventually the Board renewed the contract with LifeBrite. There are measures in place that will keep the medical facility operating if the owner is found guilty in the criminal trial. The Hospital Operations Committee will be making a recommendation soon to the Board of Commissioners on how the county should proceed regarding the medical facilities. I attended several of the informational meetings and believe the route to take is to build a new hospital in Danbury. I support the process to start planning what the hospital services would look like and the conversation with the USDA and the Local Government Commission regarding a loan and the viability of it. The health care provider would pay for the loan but the county would own the property. The future of healthcare in the county is also associated with the decision on whether to keep/build a new hospital in Danbury. Quality of life is directly tied with public safety and health care. The lack of healthcare in the northern part of the county will put more stress on the Health Department for services and our Emergency Services personnel and equipment. This will also hamper economic development in the northern part of the county. The King area currently has options for healthcare now with several providers.
Collins: I will be 100% for the hospital.
Fulp: Danbury Hospital has a place in my heart. It is very much needed for the locals throughout Stokes County. It’s been there a long time and serves us very well. The hospital gives employment to a lot of locals in the area. But our county hasn’t done a good job of maintaining the property. It’s time we stand up and fix it. We must keep the Danbury hospital open!
Morris: My position on the hospital in Danbury is that it should be replaced with a new critical access hospital at the same location and leased to a private operator as it is now. This is also the recommendation of the Hospital Operations Committee appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to study and provide advice on this issue. My position also includes the requirement that the new hospital building must qualify for financing by the United States Department of Agriculture, where the loan could be paid off by the private hospital operator and not by raising local property or sales taxes. The new hospital would continue to operate its hospital based medical facilities in Pine Hall and the City of King. The King location would add a new building collocated with the old J.R. Jones building and would provide a 24/7 emergency room with observation beds so patients could be admitted. I would like to see the $10 million that was included in the state budget used for these new facilities. If a private operator decided to build a new hospital in the City of King, I would also support that and would like to see the two hospitals partner with each other to ensure no duplication of services.
Nickelston: My stance on the hospital has always been and will always be that the county doesn’t need to be in the hospital business. I am for a hospital in this county and would even be ok with two hospitals. I believe that the provider should be responsible for funding these projects and not let it fall back on the taxpayers of the county. As shown last year, I’m not in favor of doing business with any provider that has any charges or charges pending that restricts anyone from using their insurance. If the tax dollars are paying to support a medical service and can’t use their health insurance when needed, it’s not fair to everyone. A feasibility study will need to be done before moving forward on this project. Living on the northern end of the county, without the hospital in Danbury it is a 40-minute+/- drive to the nearest hospital, with this being an issue I would support two facilities being built in this county. As a Commissioner I will continue to help with grants and use other sources for funding these projects, just like I helped with the $10 million that was put in the state budget this year.
Oakley: The citizens of the county need and deserve adequate health care. This is why I am focused on working with and making sure there are three locations in the county that can provide this service. (I would) work with the larger providers (Atrium Health/Baptist or Forsyth-Novant) to build a hospital/Emergency Room in the King area that can handle the Yadkin Township population along with adjoining counties that would like to support this hospital. Size and service provided in this area will depend on what the new health care provider finds through a comprehensive study for this area. A few years ago the Commissioners had a feasibility study done on all of the county structures, with the Danbury hospital being the first one looked at. Once the findings were submitted to the Commissioners, it was clear that the second location needs to have a free-standing Emergency Room that is approximately 30,000 square feet in size, with 10 to 15 beds for overnight care. We also need to remodel the elderly two-story section that was built in the ’60s and bring up to date. I would also push for the larger health care providers to run and operate this facility. Update the Pine Hall site located on U.S. Highway 311 with staff and equipment that can handle minor healthcare needs that does not require an emergency room visit. But first, I would do everything I can to get the larger healthcare providers (Atrium or Novant) to run and operate these three locations for the citizens of Stokes, and let Stokes County get out of the hospital business. All citizens will need to be a part of this decision. The decision that needs to be made is one that best serves everyone with best possible health care in the county.
Wood: I am for a new hospital in Danbury and 24/7 Emergency rRoom in King. I have attended all eight town hall meeting and have used the hospital services all my life and I am a current patient. The 2021 population estimated for Stokes County Fire Districts shows King areas (includes Pinnacle and Sauratown) with 22,096 and the balance of the county with 23,731. Add visitors to Hanging Rock in 2021 of 900,102 and Dan River attracting visitors, plus the EMS travel to nearest hospital, is my reason for my position on the hospital.
Barneycastle: When it comes to education I’m behind it 100 percent. Our kids are the future of this county. I think we have great schools in our county and we need to make sure it stays that way.
Chandler: I will support the funding of our public schools along with researching and finding solutions for the challenges we have. Enrollment is tied to state funding, the county is showing some growth in the King area however in other parts of the county there is a decline in students enrolling. Our school facilities and equipment are aging. The Board of Commissioners should include schools in the assessment of county buildings and engage in a strategic plan with the school board. This should include planning for the future of school age children in the school system and what school they would attend
Collins: I will do all I can to work with the funding public education in the county.
Fulp: We need to push for more increase of federal assistance through policy change. Our Board of Education knows what is best for our students along with small class size and early childhood programs such as pre-K.
Morris: I am an ardent supporter of public education. My position is that we should fund the Current Expense Account used for school operations on par with other counties of similar population and structure as Stokes County. It is important to keep salaries for teachers and staff at a competitive level with surrounding counties to prevent the loss of personnel. On the Capital Accounts, it is important to provide adequate funding for school building maintenance and new construction when it is needed. It is also important that facilities such as running tracks and tennis courts be maintained where they are safe and adequate for competitive sports. Last of all, I would seek every opportunity to partner with the Board of Education to expand and improve Internet Broadband access to ensure all students and teachers have home access to this critical learning tool.
Nickelston: The kids are our future and I believe in having the best opportunity for them. As shown in the past three budgets, I am in favor of funding our schools as much as we can. I’ve always voted to put in as much as possible for more educators to help out the students. I also approved the funding for the firefighter program. This program will help allow young men and women to be fully trained to help with the volunteer fire departments. This has helped with the shortage of volunteers we have had in the past. I have also personally helped out with our schools over the past several years either financially or doing different types of work to keep the schools safe and keeping fields in playing condition. I also was big on getting our schools secured with School resource officers. This was made possible with moving some things around and the help of our previous Sheriff, Mike Marshall.
Oakley: It is the duty of the Stokes County citizens to make sure that our children have a proper and solid education. I do believe the citizens of Stokes agree with that, but over time our schools have fallen into disarray and are in needed of extensive repairs. Our ADM (student enrollment) have been decreasing to the point of which some schools are facing the danger of closure. All these issues need to be addressed in the very near future. The first thing that needs to take place is the county needs to do a feasibility study on all school buildings for the structural soundness. Second, the Board of Education needs to do a study on what, where and how our school system needs to be laid out across the county in a manor for which this education can be provided for our children in years to come. I will work with the Forsyth Technical Community College in providing more vocational courses for students.
Wood: Work with the school board on the budget and funding for improving our public education in the county. There are tough decisions to be made for the future of our schools but if we use common sense and work together and plan for the future, everything will be for the best.
Barneycastle: One of the most important parts of infrastructure in Stokes County is high-speed internet, which is something that we are continuing to work on improving. Every citizen should have access to reliable internet. I would also like to continue expanding water and sewer to help attract new businesses to the county.
Chandler: The availability of water and sewer is a major determinant of where growth can occur. Infrastructure investments should be prioritized to maximize and improve existing infrastructure, targeting planned growth areas.
Collins: More businesses small or big I will welcome both.
Fulp: Sewer and water, repairs to our county buildings such as the hospital, schools and other government buildings.
Morris: The most pressing infrastructure need in the county is the completion of the Internet broadband project to connect as many Stokes County residents as possible with a goal of 100% access to broadband. Stokes County will be signing a contract with RiverStreet Networks to complete the installation of Internet broadband during the next three years in the unserved areas of the county. Another critical infrastructure need is the upgrade of several of the county’s buildings including some of the schools.
Nickelston: The most pressing infrastructure needed is the Internet. From day one in office this has been one of the biggest challenges for our county. We recently awarded another contract to RiverStreet to hit some of the underserved areas of our county. I know some have a concern with this and seeing that nearly $3 million of the ARP funds will be going towards this project. I made the suggestion to not pay up front, but only when the work is completed and available to be hooked up for service. Unfortunately, the way the state has the areas of availability shown on the map, it’s not correct. It currently shows that if Spectrum runs past your road, you are considered covered. In my opinion, that’s unacceptable. We need to work with our state reps to get this situation fixed.
Oakley: Businesses require high-speed Internet accessibility to provide their services to the public. This technology needs to be put into place before any business will work with us. Water and sewer construction needs to take place in several key areas that has highway accessibility, which can also sustain commercial and industrial development. We need a county owned and operated water and sewer treatment plant.
Wood: Water and sewer. This is a must. Our county and towns cannot depend on other counties for this service. King and Walnut Cove services are running way behind and must be fixed. This will take working with state and federal get funds to fix these problems. This problem, along with the internet, is killing businesses from investing in Stokes County.
Barneycastle: As i said above related to infrastructure, I would like to see the water and sewer expansion continue through the county to help attract business and industry. I would also be open to discussing incentives for business and industry to make Stokes County a good option for their business.
Chandler: Follow the “Stokes County 2035 Moving Together” vision plan that was started in 2013 and completed in 2015. This is a comprehensive plan that involved five phases that should be considered a living document that can be updated as needed. One of the first steps should be the transition of the Stokes County Economic Department into a public-private, non-profit economic development corporation. This type of partnership has a lot of benefits to include being more effective at raising private funds and grants which allows the ability of the county to supplement public money.
Collins: Keep taxes as low as possible so businesses would come to stokes county.
Fulp: It takes a little of everything to attrach business, starting with infrastructure and a young work force. And then we may have to offer incentives and less regulations.
Morris: I would start by creating a Stokes County independent economic development corporation to address economic development opportunities and planning in the county. This group would consist of successful private sector business leaders working with local government staff to develop solid economic development solutions. This approach has been used successfully in other N.C. counties. I would ask this group to focus on attracting manufacturing and other related businesses to the southern part of the county where the most infrastructure is available and focus tourism, agritourism and retail activities to the north side of the county with Hanging Rock State Park and the Dan River being centerpiece attractions. This countywide strategy would maintain the scenic beauty and rural history of the county while providing additional tax revenue from business expansion to relieve the tax burden on individual taxpayers. I would also focus on adding more overnight accommodations for visitors to the county. I would strictly limit the presence of commercial solar farms in the county.
Nickelston: In the past few years, I have worked with our Economic Development Director Will Carter to talk with different businesses to locate here and helped retain some businesses. We currently have a water project about to start that will run through the Meadows area. I was on the Committee to pick the company for the grants and we ended up getting a 75% grant with the other 25% financed at no interest. With the help of Will Carter, Sen. Phil Berger and Rep. Kyle Hall we are getting another $18 million from the state. We will be able to connect Walnut Cove to Danbury and also update the current water lines in Danbury. This is a much -needed project due to the fact the current lines are bursting 4-5 times a year. With continued progress on this we will be able to attract more businesses in the future. I am also working closely with Vavina Lapham with the aquatic center looking to be built in King. This facility will help attract more hotels and restaurants in our county. As a current business owner, I am always looking for ways to grow Stokes County.
Oakley: I would help to attract businesses and industry by providing the service stated earlier; the implementation of high-speed internet, water and sewer construction, and offering incentives that attract business and making Stokes more competitive in the market for businesses/industry base. Work with the state DOT on upgrading our road system. I would also work on developing a business/industrial park that has all the utilities need to attract companies our way. This will requires, water, sewer, gas/propane and high-speed internet.
Wood: Fix the problem above will be a start. We need to work with Forsyth Tech to offer classes for the trades that will needed for companies and small businesses that will feed the major business coming to the Triad: Boom Jet plant, Toyota EV battery plant, Nucor Steel Mill and VinFast electric car plant, just to name a few. We also will see an increase in tourism from people moving into the Triad to fill part of the thousands of jobs being created by this boom in new business. I would like to see a committee of businesspeople setup to investigate business parks for King and Pine Hall areas for new business to come but control the development to keep Stokes County the way that we love it.
6. What is your experience in financial matters? In preparing a budget?
Barneycastle: I have experience in financial with doing the Fire Department budget and serving for 10 years as a Fire Commissioner, help doing all the fire departments’ budgets. I worked for 44 years with Hanes and out of those years I was a manger for 30 years and had to deal with budgets there as well and had to set goals for the coming year and look for ways of cutting costs and saving money.
Chandler: In 1995 I was promoted to the rank of Captain with Fayetteville Police Department. One of my responsibilities was to make recommendations every year for the Division/District budget that I commanded at that time. I had to research the total costs of the budget request to also include re-occurring costs as a result of my original request. When I was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police, I was responsible for building and administrating the department budget, which was more than the total budget for Stokes County. I worked with the City Manager, Finance Director and the Budget Control Director from City Hall in revenue and expense projections and conducting audits of accounts in the Police Department budget. I was selected to attend the UNC School of Governments Municipal and County officers course in Chapel Hill. This allowed me to participate along with City and County Managers, Finance Directors, Risk Managers and other city/county personnel. This course provided in depth knowledge of how local government operated financially and the checks and balances that had to be followed by General Statute and why.
Collins: My experience in financial matters and in preparing the budget is make the most out of the least and make a little go along ways also needs and must have first and wonts later.
Fulp: I’ve worked in the automobile business, from repairs to fixing salvage vehicles, for many years. I’ve farmed tobacco, bought and sold properties, operated a oil delivery business, bought amd sold merchandise, started Hillside Dan River Tubing, purchased 311 Speedway and run it for 11 years, developed a few tracts of properties throughout the county – and I did it by starting with nothing. An old man once told me to always read between the lines and double-check your math.
Morris: I have a graduate level education in business and much experience in the field of program management where budgeting and finance are core functions. I managed military weapons system programs with multi-billion-dollar budgets. I later served as county manager for Stokes County and produced nine proposed county budgets for the county commissioners. I prepared those budgets working closely with the department heads and Finance Officer and I personally prepared comprehensive budget messages that provided detailed explanations of each budget. Other than the leadership function, budgeting was favorite aspect of the county manager job.
Nickelston: I have 20 years experience of running a business. Our oldest business has been around for 52 years and all of them continue to grow. I have dealt with estimating jobs, budgeting for materials and payroll. I have worked on the last three county budgets and was able to get those completed without a tax rate increase.
Oakley: I have extensive knowledge and experience preparing budgets and working with financial budgeting for over 35 years with the county total. The first fifteen years was spent supervising the mapping and addressing department and establishing a budget which consist of revenue and expenditures. During this time I oversaw the development Aerial Photography and countywide addressing program which established house numbers that took over route and box numbers. This consisted of a contract with the County and Westinghouse/Landmark Engineering Inc. of Cary. I spend 11 more years employed as the Stokes County Tax Administrator and budgeting Revenues/Expenditures for the tax office. During this time I was responsible for the assessment of the county property taxes that consisted of $18 million in early years to about $24 million in my last year as tax administrator. This assessment accounts for about half of the county’s revenue source. The last four years of my career consisted of me budgeting the entire counties budget for all operations as County Manager. I spent this time making sure the expenditures submitted fell within the county’s revenue source and the needs of county department were met and not their wants. I worked very closely with the Board of Education in their budget request as well.
Wood: The last 20 years with the current company I have helped manage the Carolinas area that has been one of the top areas in the company. With of Sales budget around $60 million required me to forecast monthly, to create budgets, quote and manage million-dollar contracts and work with all departments to meet schedules. This also requires working with engineers, general contractors to do value engineering to keep cost and time down.
Barneycastle: The only thing I would do on the county taxes is look for ways to cut them. I do not want to see any tax increase in this county. Remember, I’m a tax payer as well.
Chandler: My goal is to lessen the burden of property owners shouldering most of the cost with property taxes. This can be accomplished by retaining and growing our businesses currently here and by attracting new businesses. I will be honest with taxpayers and will never use a property revaluation to raise taxes, like was done in this year’s budget. I will always go revenue neutral and reduce the actual tax rate to match the increased value of your property.
Collins: Yes keep them low as possible and I will always be a no to higher taxes.
Fulp: Yes I would. The first thing I would recommend is that anyone 65 years and older should get a property tax discount on their home. I don’t like seeing commissioners salary going from $182.50 to $280 per meeting.
Morris: Yes, I would like to see some changes. I support the elimination of the dog tax that is currently levied by Stokes County. I would also like to lower the property tax rate in 2026 when the next revaluation occurs where property values are formally updated. I do not think the property tax rate can be lowered before then and I would like to keep it the same as it is now until then. I would look at the Fire Tax separately and make any adjustments to it based on the justifications submitted by the county’s Fire Commission. I would support a ¼ cent sales tax increase if the citizens voted for it in a referendum. My support for a voter approved increase in sales tax would be to help reduce the property tax. Sales taxes reduce the burden on landowners by collecting more tax from outside visitors to the county who also buy things here.
Nickelston: As stated before I like keeping our tax rate as low as possible and have that as a way of attracting more businesses to the area. We are living in a time that the inflation is the highest it’s been in the last 40 years. My promise has always been to keep the taxes as low as possible. I’m not going to lie to get your vote and promise to lower your taxes. If we could have lowered taxes in the past three budgets, it would’ve been done.
Oakley: The current tax rate has been the same for the past 10 years and to lower them now would take away from the funding used for the services that the county is currently funding. I dislike taxes as much as the next person, but we have a responsibility in providing services to our citizens, such as education, fire, EMS police, social services, health, etc. When I was County Manager I recommended to the Board of Commissioners that certain county departments should show their prorated tax rate that covers their services (break down on the tax bill), this was accomplished with our school board and county Administration with the 31 cent tax rate for each service – this allowed the citizens to see where their money was allocated. I think the tax rate should be listed on other departments as well, such as, medical services (EMS), Sheriff’s Department, and social services (DSS) with each one having their own prorated tax rate and allowing the citizens to see where their money is going in these areas as well. I want the tax payers to know where the money is going and how much is being spent. I also would consider revenue neutral during countywide revaluation which lowers the tax rate in re-appraisal years where property values may increase. If property values go up, the tax rate would lower to reflect the previous year’s revenue. Revaluation years are just another way of raising your taxes if revenue neutral is not considered. I also have been a big supporter of sales tax instead of property tax. Sales tax allows everyone to be a part of supporting county services, even those that are visiting our county. If any way possible I would push for the 4 cent Education Fund to be turned into a four cent sales tax for education. This would allow the county to maintain better schools, buildings and provide better education for our children with all of our schools benefiting through this source of revenue. One cent in sales tax is approximately four times larger in revenue than one cent property tax. This will take the approval of the state and county government.
Wood: I will work to review the budget to see if taxes can be lowered.
Barneycastle: I feel that the commissioners over the last few years have addressed major issues in county government such as the true overtime pay for EMS helping to both retain and attract qualified employees. I also feel the approval of the salary study and it’s implementation helped to bridge the gap between Stokes and other counties. As for current issues, I will be looking for ways to improve during this years budget process and will identify and issues and address those.
Chandler: The County Administrative area needs the most attention. The County Manager has a lot of responsibility in working with the Board of Commissioners and in leading the various county departments into successfully implementing the Board’s vision for the county. Some of the most baseline components of an effective organization are lacking in county government, starting with the lack of an organizational chart which shows/outlines who reports to who. For example, the Economic Director reports directly to the Board, not through the County Manager. The County Manager sets the standard for leadership to be innovative, transparent, critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate.
Collins: All of the county cause every inch of it has been forgotten about for years just look around at the building it has been forgotten about to long.
Fulp: The Board of Commissioners. Why? The shape of our county buildings and schools. To much talking and socializing on the taxpayers money. We need results.
Morris: A major concern of mine is the hiring process for Stokes County government jobs. I feel the most important thing we can do to ensure the taxpayers get the best value for their tax dollars is to hire the best qualified employees for every job in the county. That means selecting a person with the best combination of education and experience to match the qualifications advertised in each job description. It also means a fair hiring process that gives everyone an equal opportunity to compete for each job. It does not mean hiring family and friends instead of qualified people. The improved salary scale makes us more competitive with surrounding counties so from a pay perspective we should be able to attract the best and the brightest candidates for our jobs.
Nickelston: The one place that needs more attention is the opioid crisis. We need to continue working with our Sheriff’s office and trained professionals to get this under control.
Oakley: There are two areas in our county that needs our immediate attention: One being the medical services provided to our citizens; and the second being Internet services for the underserved areas within the county. Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital is in bad shape and is in much need of a complete rebuild and remodel. The cost for this construction will be paid through a $10 million grant from the state, along with the county having to finance a USDA loan for the remaining balance. The total cost of a complete rebuild and remodel will be determined during the RFP proposal (request for proposal bids). High-speed internet service for the unserved areas of the county is another high priority. This is currently being handled by the Commissioners through a recent contract approval, which allows this to be provided through RiverStreet. I have reviewed the RFP proposal and current contract and believe this can be achieved. I am hoping to have the opportunity to move forward in completing for our citizens.
Wood: Freedom of Speech. Stokes citizens and county employees should be able to express their opinions without fear of retaliation.
Barneycastle: I try to stay in contact with the citizens as much as I can. I have a county email and my phone number is on the county website as well. Feel free to contact me like I said I’m with the fire services and get to talk with people a lot in different areas of the county.
Chandler: I will make sure my email address and telephone number is available on the county website. I will make myself available to meet or talk with the citizens when it is convenient for them. I will arrive early for the scheduled time of a board meeting and will stay after the meeting concludes if anyone has any questions or comments.
Collins: Once I am elected I would say thank you to each and every one of you I will respond through meetings phone calls and messages or out in public.
Fulp: The first is: 336-413-0744. Call or text any time. Second: 4390 U.S. Highway 311, Pine Hall, 27042. Third is the place almost everyone goes: Facebook (but we must be good to each other from the start).
Morris: The primary way I would communicate with the public would be the commissioner meetings through public comments and discussions related to the agenda items we discuss. These discussions are live streamed and recorded for later viewing. I have always publicized my email and cell phone number to make it easy for people to contact me. I also have a blog that I have used exclusively for communicating with the public on local government issues and my opinions on them. It can be found at www.rickmorriscommissioner.com. When I was first elected, I held regular office hours at the government center to meet with the public. I had to cancel that because of COVID-19. I may resume the office hours at some point since COVID seems to be on the decline.
Nickelston: I currently communicate by phone, email, and set up meetings for the public to address any concerns. I also pushed forward with the live streaming of the meetings for the ones unable to attend the meetings can watch the whole meeting at any time.
Oakley: My communications with the citizens of Stokes County will be by phone, email or I will meet with them in person if any questions may arise concerning any vote or discussion I may have had on any topic. They also have the convenience of viewing all commissioners meeting on-line in the comfort of their own home. I do not have Facebook our blog my opinions concerning how the commissioners voted. This information can be found in the county minutes of how the entire board voted not just my opinion of how it should’ve took place.
Wood: I would have town hall meetings biannually so citizens can express their concerns and ask questions.
Barneycastle: I think voters should vote for me because i’m committed to make Stokes County better by supporting all of Stokes County not just one area. Im honest, fair kind, hard-working and have lived in Stokes County all my life. I have a level of expertise regarding fire and rescue that no other Commissioner has. I work well with other Commissioners and always try and hear everyone’s opinion before making a decision on something. I have everyone’s best interest at heart. I have compassion for those and the families of those struggling with addictions and have always been vocal about wanting to look for ways to help. I have not heard my name being bashing others they will not get us anywhere in this county. I try to focus on issues rather than trying to be a politician. I’m the same no matter who I’m taking to i try to respect everyone. Thanks for your support and vote.
Chandler: I am very experienced in local government and I am a proven leader. I have never been interested in running for political office until around a year and a half ago. Political discourse started raging on the national scene and started to emerge statewide, which was alarming to me. In February of 2021, in a Board of Commissioner meeting, there was a discussion on the proposed pay plan study for employees. The pay study went from a discussion to a sudden motion by a commissioner to adopt the pay plan and also to fix the compression pay at the same time. A comment made by the commissioner was that they had been dealing with this issue for way too long and he was tired of it. The motion carried and so almost $1.3 million were committed to a budget that was just four and a half months away from the new fiscal year (FY 22-23). That led to our current budget revaluation tax increase and not going revenue neutral. I have no personal agenda, only to make Stokes County a better place to live and work. Every time I attend a meeting or see a commissioner I always shake their hands and have a pleasant conversation. If elected I will always use my guiding principles to help me make sound decisions: strategic execution, vision, support community engagement, foster success and efficiency.
Collins: Honest no under handing dealings under the table I will always in my heart be for the people of stokes county and not for myself.
Fulp: I will not shut down a school and then turn around and give it away for free (maybe right in your eyes but not right to the taxpayers). I will not purchase a piece of propert that the head of County Economic Devdelopment finds (maybe nothing is wrong with it but it just don’t look good to the people). This primary has brought out the good and bad in almost every candidate running for office. You’ve heard this from the candidates: free speech, chrony hiring, reckless vote, lower taxes, build a new hospital, don’t build a new hospital, finish internet, attack drugs and overdoses, create a pro-business climate, build an emergency room in King, build a new hospital in Danbury, open and responsive government. I like all the things candidates are telling us, but once in office they seem to forget their promises. Every taxpayer can look at their 2021 property tax notice. Tell me, did your taxes go up?
Morris: I bring the best combination education and experience to the commissioner position. I have a bachelors and masters degree in business fields and much experience in both government and the private sector. I served as the Stokes County Manager for nine years where my team and I were responsible for building the county budget each year. I am a proponent of transparent government, fair hiring practices and support of the U.S. Constitution. Perhaps the best reason to vote for me is my voting record as a county commissioner. It is consistent and provides a clear contrast between me and my opponents on many issues such as hiring, free speech and budgeting practices. I stand behind my voting record and by analyzing it voters will get a good idea of how I will vote on future issues. I would suggest extra attention be paid to the votes that were 4 to 1 or 3 to 2.
Nickelston: For the past three years, I have put forth a lot of time and energy to move our County forward. I have made it very easy to contact me in any situation and have done my best to solve any problems. I am very reliable and knowledgeable and work hard for every citizen in this county. I will always do what is right, honest, and just for Stokes County. My heart is for the people of Stokes County.
Oakley: The voters should consider me based on my experience in County employment for over 35 years: Property Tax Mapper, 1986-1996; Supervisor Mapping/Addressing,1997-2007; Tax Administrator, 2007-2017; and County Manager, 2018-2021. This experience will allow me to better serve the citizens of Stokes County due to my knowledge in how government works: state and federal regulations; acquiring funding (grants); and the supervision of county employees and budgeting. Not only do I know of government, but I also am very familiar with the county itself. By personally knowing the county and how government works, I do believe I can serve the citizens better and that their best interest will be considered on all issues. My promise to the citizens of Stokes County is to serve you with conservative views, integrity, and honesty using a common sense approach that is based on guidance from God through prayer.
Wood: I have attended Commissioners’ meetings for the last 18 months and the citizens of Stokes deserves better leadership and respect. I have no personal agendas or special interests. I just want to work for the citizens of Stokes County.
Letter to the Editor: April 21 issue was great
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