The candidates — Republicans William Briggs and incumbent board members Vice Chair Jeremy Hensley and Alan Wyatt, as well as Democrats Shannon Dowler and Connie Molland, both of Marshall, and Mark Snelson, of Hot Springs — will take part in a forum at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Mars Hill University's Belk Auditorium.

Madison County Board of Commissioner candidates to meet in Sept. 22 forum

Madison's Snelson, Goforth remain chair, vice chair on 3-2 vote

On the Democrat side, Snelson served on the board from 2018-22, including as the board's chair from 2021-22. He is director of the county emergency medical services, where he has worked since 1990.

Mark Snelson is director of the county emergency medical services.

Mark previously served on the Madison County Board of Commissioners from 2018 to 2022.

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of September 2, 2026, Mark Snelson did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

Hot Springs native Mark Snelson finished some 140 votes behind Goforth. He said the primary campaign has opened his eyes to challenges some in the community face. “I didn’t realize the hunger problem in Madison,” he said, adding that if elected commissioner, he would work to secure sites across the county to help get meals to children in the summer and on snow days, when school lunches are not an option.

Primary results shakeup local boards in Madison County

Much of the testimony supporting AdventHealth came from rural officials, EMS leaders and first responders, who said a hospital in Weaverville would dramatically improve access for northern Buncombe County and neighboring counties such as Madison and Yancey. Mark Snelson, director of Madison Medic EMS, said approval of AdventHealth’s beds would be a “game changer” for Madison County, which has no hospital.

Public hearing highlights tensions over health care access in Asheville area - Asheville's 828 News NOW

Plans to work to secure countywide meal sites for children during summer and snow days.

Supports approval of AdventHealth hospital beds, saying they would be a “game changer” for Madison County.

- Plans to work to secure countywide meal sites for children during summer and snow days.
- Supports approval of AdventHealth hospital beds, saying they would be a “game changer” for Madison County.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

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Mark Snelson

As of September 2, 2026, Mark Snelson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Sahid Burgos

Buket Urgen

Alan C. Wyatt

C. William Briggs III

Connie Molland

Jeremy Hensley

Shannon Dowler

- 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.

Creates new laws and passes the budget for your county.