WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, Dist. #4
The NC State Legislature’s gerrymandered Watauga’s Commissioner districts last year. As a result, if you want to know which county commissioner candidates are running in your new district, you should first determine which County Commissioner district you live in by clicking HERE. (Scroll down to “Jurisdictions,” and look for your County Commission District number)
If you live in Watauga Commission District #4, below are your candidate options to represent you on the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.
NOTE: You may vote for one. Candidates are presented below in the order they appear on your ballot.
Reason for my Endorsement: Wallin is a strongly progressive candidate, knows the ropes, puts the time in, and isn’t afraid to stand alone in a vote. I believe he would serve his rural district far more effectively than would his opponent.
You can watch the Watauga County Commissioner candidates at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Candidate forum in the video below at roughly the 2:51:00 mark:
Ronnie Marsh (Republican)
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562106716418
Marsh began working in the Watauga County Tax Mapping Office after graduating college. He then served as the first Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator for Watauga County later as the first Fire Marshal for Town of Boone. He retired as Fire Marshal in 2014.
Marsh was a Democrat as recently as 2016 when he ran in the Democratic primary for the 93rd NC House district against fellow Democrat Sue Counts. Counts won that primary with over 72% of the vote.
In a recent Appalachian article, Marsh said the County needs to work with our state representatives to address affordable housing issues and that he supports the new gerrymandered commissioner districts passed by the state legislature.
Marsh did not respond to the Pam’s Picks questionnaire and is therefore not eligible for endorsement.
Charlie Wallin (Democrat)
https://www.facebook.com/wallinforcommission
Read Charlie Wallin’s full and unedited answers to the 2024 Pam’s Picks Candidate Questionnaire HERE.
Wallin is currently the Assistant Director of Food Services at Appalachian State University. He has also volunteered at many non-profits in various capacities including Oasis, Hospitality House, and the Hunger and Health Coalition. He and his family are members at Grace Lutheran Church.
During his tenure at ASU, Wallin has served on the Appalachian State Board of Trustees, on the committee that wrote the Strategic Plan for ASU, and as President of Appalachian State Staff Council. He’s been a member of the Diversity Celebration and Unity Festival Planning Committee, Chair of the Occupational and Safety Committee, and a member of the University Safety Council.
Wallin has served two terms on the Board of Commissioners, currently as Vice-Chair of the Board, and has spent eight years as the Vice-Chairman of the Watauga County Planning Board as well as on numerous other boards in the county both government and non-profit. As the vice-chair of the Watauga County Planning Board, he chaired the Planning Oversight Group which completed the Citizens’ Plan for Watauga County, the last comprehensive plan developed for the county.
On the county commission, Wallin has supported a very progressive agenda, including construction of the new recreational center and the building of the new Valle Crucis Elementary School.
If re-elected, Wallin would like to focus on the County’s infrastructure to support continuing additions and buildings for County Schools as well as for the County’s new Emergency Management/911center and Ambulance facility on 421 East:
“We are now in the planning phase portion so that we can start building a facility that will finally give those on the Eastern side the relief they need with an ambulance that doesn’t come from the other side of town when called. We will also be gaining a Emergency Management/911 center so that it will free up much needed space for the sheriff’s department as well as give us a 911 center that is got the room needed for Emergency Management and the call center.”
Wallin says the County’s foresight over the years to reserve funds as paid of in that the County is well prepared financially for new school facilities and upgrades. Wallin says there are, however, essential continuing budget needs to support teachers and staff as well as to provide resources for the Department of Social Services:
“It is ludicrous that the State of North Carolina and the legislature continues to sit on a 5-billion-dollar rainy day surplus fund when we have so much need. The reason we keep these line items is that they will not step up and fund what they have for years funded. In the case of education, it is Constitutionally mandated to fund the public school system to an adequate level. For DSS it is unfunded mandates that have led to increased staffing and expense costs plus the over 15-million-dollar reduction in mental health funding over the last 5 years.“
Wallin says while he fully supports a revenue neutral budget for the County in theory, he is proud that the past two County budgets were passed unanimously, indicating full bipartisan support to fund work needed in the county. He says the County cannot maintain its current funding levels and lower the property rate, and that there are pressing County needs:
“We have school needs that were punted under Republican control of the Commission for 6 years that we are still playing catch up with. We also have had to increase our pay to stay competitive and provide our employees with the quality of life they deserve without having to maintain two and three jobs. We also have county needs that need to be addressed such as the new Emergency Management and 911 building as well as the Eastern Watauga Ambulance base. Ambulance service is critical in all areas, and we continue to work through our plan to shore up all areas of the county.”
Wallin sits on the County Housing Taskforce which is working with the Town of Boone to provide water and sewer to a potential facility at Brookshire Park. The Taskforce has also been working with the High-Country Council of Governments and the UNC school of government to do site studies and with the school board on how they might secure a grant from the State Employees Credit Union to help with funding for housing for schoolteachers.
Wallin says he has advocated and lobbied for a rebate Homestead exemption for reduced property taxes for long-term local families living in Watauga County and would like to raise rates on second homes: “We have many out of state and non-Watauga residents who are profiting off their property but not having to pay for the added strain on our infrastructure.”
Wallin says it’s a “travesty” that the State Legislature’s redistricting of Watauga’s commissioner districts left over 20,000 Watauga voters without the chance to vote for candidates they want to represent them in local government for two years. He says it was a matter of partisan politics and that discussions took place behind closed doors with no consulting local officials and supports the Structure Change referendum on the ballot:
“This is yet another example of the Raleigh legislature overreaching and meddling in our local government. If they truly wanted to do this and get all the commissioners elected on a 4-year term, they could have left the districts as they are and then made the two positions that are truly up for reelection in 2026 be the one’s that would be exempt for this election. They also have taken the map drawing and completely ignored townships and precinct lines carving up the county and making it much more expensive to hold an election. In Brushy Fork alone we have to have 3 separate ballots since they split it three ways. “
Walllin says he was surprised his opponent had not read the County’s recent study on childcare needs. The study found that the County was 2600 shot in childcare slots. The study is well worth a read, and Wallin outlines its findings in detail in his questionnaire answers. Wallin also believes the County should address conservation and sustainability needs in the County by starting with its framework in the County’s “High Impact Landuse Ordinance” and strengthening it.