Mountain Xpress, A look at the candidates running for the Buncombe Soil & Water Conservation District board and why it matters

 Blair is from Kansas. He lives in Swannanoa. 

Blair works as a farm manager at Warren Wilson College. He previously worked with the Buncombe County Soil & Water District. 

Blair Thompson's campaign for Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor is his first run for public office. 

THRIVING FARMER PODCAST, 176. Blair Thompson on Farming Education and Shaping Americ'as Food Future

Wants farmers to work together to develop broad ideas for the future of agriculture.

- Supports protecting farms.
- Supports adequate land management.
- Wants farmers to work together to develop broad ideas for the future of agriculture.

Energy & the Environment

As of June 2, 2025, Blair Thompson did not have a website or any information online.

Administration

Blair Thompson

Facebook

Stu is from Hendersonville and attended Hendersonville High School. He has a bachelors degree in urban and regional planning from East Carolina University and a masters degree in public affairs from Western Carolina University. 

Stu is retired, previously working as a land use planner for the City of Asheville. 

Stu Rohrbaugh's campaign for Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor is his first entry into politics. 

As of June 2, 2025, Stu Rohrbaugh did not have a website or any information online.

Aims to look for people who will voluntarily dedicate their land to conservation practices.

- Aims to look for people who will voluntarily dedicate their land to conservation practices.

Stu Rohrbaugh

- A soil and water conservation district supervisor is 1 member of a board of 5 supervisors that works to improve the soil and water quality in the county through education. 
- The board of supervisors provide technical and financial assistance to help land users maintain their land and surrounding ecosystems. 
- The board of supervisors design long term conservation programs that teach environmental care, pollution reduction, and provide incentives for using these practices, especially for agricultural workers. 
- The board of supervisors provide short term educational services like competitions, field days, and workshops to educate the public on conservation. 
- Soil and water conservation district supervisors are elected to 4 year terms in non-partisan races. However, 2 of the board members are appointed by the state soil and water commission. 

Member of board of supervisors that creates aid programs and educates people on environmental conservation. 