Ashe Post and Times, 2024 Ashe County Commissioner candidates questionnaire

Ballotpedia, Russell Killen

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Russell is a lifelong resident of Ashe County. He and his wife Diane have two daughters.

Russell is the owner and auctioneer of Mountain Auction Company.

Russell M. Killen's campaign for County Commissioner for Ashe County is his first run for public office.

Said, "Programs that offer support to the health and well-being of the citizens are a priority to me."

Supports the creation of a recreational center.

Said, "As environmental concerns continue to grow, the county commissioners must work with the citizens to protect the environment and beauty of Ashe County."

- Said, "Programs that offer support to the health and well-being of the citizens are a priority to me."
- Supports the creation of a recreational center.
- Said, "As environmental concerns continue to grow, the county commissioners must work with the citizens to protect the environment and beauty of Ashe County."

Public Services

Believes commissioners should work with business managers to see "what support and incentives" the county can provide businesses with.

- Believes commissioners should work with business managers to see "what support and incentives" the county can provide businesses with.

Economy

Said, "Supporting education helps the county to be able to have better paying jobs. The county must have people that are qualified to fill positions that new businesses would bring."

- Said, "Supporting education helps the county to be able to have better paying jobs. The county must have people that are qualified to fill positions that new businesses would bring."

Education

Believes law enforcement needs to be funded enough to sufficiently cover all of Ashe County.

- Believes law enforcement needs to be funded enough to sufficiently cover all of Ashe County.

Public Safety

Believes trade programs need to be supported so that there will be more qualified workers in the construction industry.

- Believes trade programs need to be supported so that there will be more qualified workers in the construction industry.

Housing & Urban Development

Believes Ashe County needs "high quality broadband" to help businesses.

- Believes Ashe County needs "high quality broadband" to help businesses.

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Russell M. Killen

- County Commissioners create and pass 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.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners can create, change, or abolish offices, positions, departments that are not required by law. 
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms, with no term limits. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.