Van is originally from Mitchell County and graduated Mitchell County High. He earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Western Carolina University. Van lives in Leicester, North Carolina with his wife, Shana. They have three sons and one grandchild.

Van currently works for the Biltmore Estate company police as an investigator.

Van Duncan previoulsy served as the Sheriff of Buncombe County. He served three terms from 2006 to 2018.

As of June 14, 2024, Van Duncan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Services

Believes the county's debt will become a burden.

- Believes the county's debt will become a burden.

Economy

Education

Asheville Watchdog, Former Buncombe Sheriff Van Duncan plans to run for County Commission chair

Opposes current county policies on jail reduction and homelessness.

- Opposes current county policies on jail reduction and homelessness.

Public Safety

Believes affordable housing is crucial for economic development and plans to remove "bureaucratic obstacles" that are restricting its creation.

- Believes affordable housing is crucial for economic development and plans to remove "bureaucratic obstacles" that are restricting its creation.

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

Van Duncan

Van Duncan is 59 years old and resides in Leicester with his wife of 30 years, Shana. They have three sons and one grandchild. He graduated from Mitchell County High School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University. Information about the church he attends is not provided.

Van Duncan started his career in law enforcement in 1987 and served as the Sheriff of Buncombe County for three terms, from 2006 through 2018. He is now running as an unaffiliated candidate for the Buncombe County Commission Chair. Duncan has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University and completed the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University.

Van Duncan served as the Sheriff of Buncombe County for three terms, from 2006 through 2018. He is currently running for the Buncombe County Commission Chair as an unaffiliated candidate. There is no mention of him serving on any appointments or committees.

Believes partnering police with medically assisted treatment programs can help address drug addiction and mental health issues. Supports evidence-based solutions for public safety.

Believes in addressing wrongful convictions and enhancing community accountability. As Sheriff, served on the NC Innocence Commission and implemented the COPS Team program to combat crime, earning a national award in 2013.

Opposes current county policies on jail reduction and homelessness. Plans to use the position of Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair to address these issues.

The candidate's website says, "Van Duncan is a man you can trust to lead and protect the future of our communities. His executive leadership experience includes management of the largest county office of approximately 400 employees and the management of the Buncombe County Sheriff Department which held over a 40 million dollar budget."

Supports addressing affordable housing in Buncombe County and promoting sustainable growth for local businesses.

- County Commission Chairs oversee the Board of County Commissioners, which creates and passes laws at the county level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- The County Commission Chair is responsible for maintaining order and proper conduct at Commission meetings, adjourning in emergencies, and calling for a brief recess if deemed necessary. 
- County Commission Chairs are elected to 4-year terms in county-wide elections.

Acts as the head of your county's governing board.

Buncombe

Policing

Quality of Roads

North Carolina

Energy & the Environment

County Commission Chair

Candidate website

Plans to use the position of Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair to address these issues.