Ahead of March 5 primary, incumbents and challengers ask for your vote
Amid the primary-voting cycle for the 2024 election, The Graham Star offered the 11 local candidates who are on the ballot a chance to greet their constituents and vie for your vote.
Local races being contested are three seats each on the Graham County boards of commissioners and education. Of the 11 candidates, only school board chair Rodney Nelson did not respond to the Star’s request for a Q&A. A Desert Storm veteran, Nelson was a school teacher in Graham County for 39 years and has been on the board of education since 2008.
The same three questions were asked of each candidate; what follows are the candidates’ responses, listed in alphabetical order for each race. Incumbents will be noted as appropriate.
Board of Commissioners
Aaron Bradley
-Introduce yourself to the readers. Hello, Graham County! My name is Aaron Bradley, and I am seeking candidacy for Graham County Board of Commissioners. This beautiful county holds a special place in my heart, and I am running to make sure our way of life is protected. I graduated from Robbinsville High School in 2008. Throughout those years, I was heavily involved in sports; football, wrestling and then onto track and field. These were some of the greatest memories in my life. Upon graduating, I joined the U.S. Navy and served six years onboard a Ballistic Missile Submarine. I served until 2016. After my tour ended, I chose to move back to Graham County, and started my own business, “BT Contracting.” My desire is for my children to enjoy the same experiences I had grown to love so much during my childhood. I have an amazing wife, Nicole Bradley, and two children, Liam Bradley and Lakelynn Drake. We are a competitive family, and our Black Knight Pride runs deep! We are active in a variety of recreational sports, to which I have helped coach football for three years, and in my second season of softball and baseball.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? My experiences in the Navy have prepared me to be a strong and forward-thinking commissioner. I have seen the good and the bad, and recognize the need for a strong leader. I do not wish to change our county, but instead, improve the lives of its residents by applying the problem-solving skills I have acquired through my tenure with the military. I will take these values, and the deep love of this county, to truly make our home a better place for our youth and all local families.
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? Prioritizing our youth will be my first order of business, as I believe they have been neglected over the years. We need safe places that encourage fun and fulfillment. After-school programs, more ball fields, public nature trails, etc., are all things we need. Investing in our youth is investing in our future. The lack of healthcare is another major issue we face. It’s imperative we bring another urgent care into this county. Currently, if you need immediate help, you are forced to drive to surrounding counties to receive those services. This results in a loss of revenue for our county, and a hardship on our residents. Families are forced to miss an entire workday to receive routine care, due to facilities being an hour away. When drive time is added to the extended waiting lists, a huge burden is created for working families. This leads to my next point. How can we provide economic help to our community? By lowering taxes and fostering business growth. We must get creative and find effective means for improving our local revenue stream. Without doing so, taxes will continue to increase, pushing many struggling families to their breaking point. We live in a beautiful area that tourists want to visit. We need to capitalize by hosting annual car shows, barbecue festivals, local music events, etc., which have proven to bolster economic growth in neighboring counties. Let’s invite them to sit a spell, spend a few bucks, and revitalize our economy. We have a county full of natural beauty, small-town charm, and hardworking residents. They need someone fighting to conserve their way of life, and that’s why I hope you vote Aaron Bradley, for Graham County Commissioner!
Lynn Cody (Incumbent)
-Introduce yourself to the readers. My name is Joey Lynn Cody, I go by Lynn. Joyce and I have been married for 44 years, Jennifer blessed us with three grandkids, and they have blessed us with four boys and a girl coming soon. I was born in Stecoah, attended school there, and graduated high school. Like everyone went to work for Burlington, which became Stanley, spent 31 years there and retired. I have not stopped working. I currently work for Fontana Regional Library as Finance Officer and Human Resources, overseeing Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. I am a volunteer for Stecoah Township Rescue, Fire and EMS services. I started classes in each of these fields. I went back to school got a BS in Human Health Services for teaching, then went back for BSBM/HRM and recently received SHRM. My mom and dad (Floyd and Willa Jean) taught me value, respect for my self and others, to help others, to work for what I wanted, and keep the faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have I gotten it right, no, but each day I give thanks and try to do the best I can.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? Being the best candidate is not always the best thing. If a person is elected, they then represent everyone, no matter who they are. Over the years, I have learned to listen to concerns and issues with people and our county. To be able to work and find a solution, find other paths to help correct issues. Continue to work together to make things happen. At times, a person must put themselves in someone else’s shoes to be able to understand. Work toward getting the best for the county and its people, try to do the best for each person. I do not always agree with everything, I have tried my best to understand. There are federal and state laws in place that we cannot go beyond or deviate from. A person needs to learn to work with others, and not be a candidate for personal gain. A person needs to work for all the people and do their level best. One person cannot do it all, they may think so, they must be able to work together and make it happen, do we get right not all the time. Try to do the best you can do.
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? I want to continue working on getting the best healthcare system that will provide care to those who must travel outside the county to receive the care they need. Hopefully, specialists can see patients here in the county. Work on continuing finding funding through grants or other avenues to help our first responders and fire departments get the equipment they need. Work with other members of the board to help reduce costs to our taxpayers.
Connie Orr (Incumbent)
-Introduce yourself to the readers. I, Connie Orr, born and lived my entire life in Graham County, daughter of Wayne and Louise Jones. Graduate of Robbinsville High School, Associate Business degree from Tri-County Community College and graduate of University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Banking and Finance. I worked 35 years in the financial services industry, retiring from Western Southern Financial Group 2007, and am an active member of Sweetwater Baptist Church.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? I respectfully ask for your vote. It has been my honor to work for all the people of Graham since being elected in 2010. Thankfully, the Lord has opened many doors for me to assist in acquiring funding for payment in lieu of taxes, housing development, home repair for elderly and disabled, veteran benefits, childcare and the Graham County Heritage Center.
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? Get Graham Urgent Care fully staffed, and operational and available healthcare in our schools. To better serve the medical needs of all our citizens, save lives and provide job opportunities. Seek any/every possibility to alleviate the tax burden on our citizens. Increase revenues from visitors to our county, while providing safety (excellent law enforcement) and emergency services. Continue to develop workforce to attract industry. Local government transparency and citizen input (public hearing opportunities). Invite our legislators to discuss justice center plans with public. Trash disposal/recycling – one size does not fit all. Further discussion with dumpsite community representatives, board of commissioners, county manager and recycling director Gavin Colvard to find the best path forward.
Gina Shuler
-Introduce yourself to the readers. My name is Gina Holland Shuler. I’m originally from Lincoln (Catawba County). Married to David Shuler, we attend Yellow Creek Baptist Church and also reside on Yellow Creek. I have seven amazing children, who have blessed me with 20 grandchildren. My first and great love is the Lord Jesus Christ, along with my precious family. I attended Lincolnton High School, where I graduated in 1979. I then attended Gaston College, majoring in criminal justice, but I soon realized my passion for people and hairstyling. I then attended Catawba Hairstyling Academy, and now have been doing what I love for 40 years – 25 years of that being a salon owner. My husband and I have lived in Graham County for almost nine years. I enjoyed and love getting to know my cousins and family from here, where my grandfather and great-grandparents are from. My heart has found its place here in Robbinsville.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? As a business owner here in Robbinsville, I see and hear everyday the concerns of the people here in my salon. I hear their complaints, hurts and heartaches of what’s going on in our town and our county. After much praying and encouragement from my friends and family, I decided to run as county commissioner. As most people know, I’m not a politician. I’m just a person who sees and cares for this community. I feel as a business owner and taxpayer that I see first hand how we need to reign in wasted spending and address some crucial issues our county is facing. I also feel I would be an asset, working with others in trying to resolve some of these issues. I don’t believe being a county commissioner is something to take lightly. It’s a job that the people of our county put there. They depend and trust our judgement, so as a commissioner, I promise I would do my best to fight for you, the people of Graham County!
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? My first goal is healthcare and the urgent care. This has been a very big concern as long as I have lived here. Many times, my husband has had to have lots of treatment in other places. Makes it hard not being able to use a provider here due to insurance. We need doctors here and a place we can go to get care. I’d like to see a full running urgent care open back up. Next is taxes. We pay way too much money for our small county. We are one of the highest in the state. We need to reign in wasteful spending and not see our people suffer, because of this excessive and unnecessary spending. Finally, I’d like to see something for our kids here and to see new businesses come in. We need someplace for our children to come back to after going to college and/or a place for them to work and be able to raise a family, instead of our men being away from their children and spouses. Thank you for considering me for this position.
Meggan Smith
-Introduce yourself to the readers. My name is Meggan Smith, previously Meggan Orr before marriage. I have a wonderful husband of 10 years, Rittney Smith and two sons: Granger and Grayler Smith. My parents are Patty and Teddy Orr, and grandparents the late Leroy Solesbee, Pauline Beasley Solesbee, Tom Orr and the late Patricia Satterfield Millsaps. I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Graham County. I am a Robbinsville High School 2009 alumni. Prior to finishing my degrees, some may remember me working in various waitressing jobs in the county or as an home-health aide. I have been blessed to be able to obtain my registered nurse degree and eventually master’s degree in nursing, in the focus of family nurse practitioner. I have spent the last 15 years working in the medical field in our county to some extent. Initially, I worked at the local nursing home for 10 years (as CNA and then RN), and the last five years have been spent providing primary care as a family nurse practitioner to our community at the local urgent care, and now the local health department.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? I am the most passionate candidate. I am not necessarily a politician; I am simply a community member who has a great desire to serve and do anything in my power to make this a community that flourishes for the residents and our children. I remember where I came from and the work ethic it took to obtain my degree/career, so I am not afraid of hard work. I also feel it is important to mention that I have medical experience and knowledge, which will be helpful when dealing with contracts, medical providers, urgent care related dealings, pandemic decisions, the substance abuse crisis, and other medical-related business.
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? My greatest intention is to bring along my Christian values, morals and faith. When I set out to do something, I put my whole heart into it and powering my heart is my salvation and faith. I know the mixture of religion and politics can be viewed as voodoo, and I know that judgement from some has given Christians a bad name at times. However, in my heart I know that faith has helped me help others and I know it will continue to do so. I would strive to use my nonjudgmental Christian views to love my community and to make decisions in their best interest. I want to advocate for and ensure improved communication between leaders and our community. I want the community to feel involved and informed, especially before big decisions are made. I want the community to feel that they know how their tax dollars are being spent. I want to ensure proper growth and change. I support growth in our community. We want to welcome positive change, while protecting our rural heritage. We want to keep our roots alive, and remind folks of the big heart of our community and its residents. I am confident we can have growth and prosperity, all the while remembering where we came from.
Jeremy Wiggins
-Introduce yourself to the readers. Hello, Graham County. I’m Jeremy Wiggins. I’m the child of Dale and Dianne Wiggins. Grandson of Mildred and Vincent Adams on my mom’s side and Marvin and Jerline on my dad’s side. I grew up part of my life on Atoah and part of my life on Tallulah. I moved away for about three years in adulthood before I decided to pack it up and come back to God’s Country. I’m a Christian man. I believe that there is salvation in no other name than Jesus. I also believe that the Lord will return to judge the deeds of man. I’m a husband to a great wife named Ellie. I’m a father to three girls named Lyla, Ava and Zoe. I have been blessed to have a great family and a great place to spend my time with them. I’m a mechanic. I did 10 years with Ford before I left and became self-employed. Now I do specialty work, overhauls and diagnostic work. When I’m not working on vehicles or equipment, I’m working on my property, spending time with my Rottweilers, or spending time with my family. I plan to spend the rest of my days in Graham County.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? I believe that I am a good choice for commissioner. Of primary importance is the fact that I have no other duties in our government. I never have. I have no interest in being a government employee of any kind. I am self-employed, blue collar and I don’t foresee that ever changing. In the earlier days of our country, people didn’t make careers of working in the government and living on tax dollars. I think if the people that represented you had to earn their living in the private sector – instead of taking it through taxation – it would be a better world. Further, I am a good candidate because I know what I would like to see preserved here. My family has been here for generations, and I know what I love about Graham County and what I want my kids to love about it. Beyond these reasons, I am a hard worker, I try to be ethical in my business dealings, I am educated, I’m also self-educated, and I am just a regular person like all of you.
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? I gained an interest in local politics because I felt that our county was wasting money on the COVID shutdowns. Obviously, COVID didn’t last forever. However, the pattern of waste continues. We have wasted money on shutting down dumpsters and then re-opening them. We have wasted money through indecision on the new justice center location and design. I think it’s wrong and I would like it to stop. I am also interested in a local government that cares more about the wants and needs of people. I do not believe that our current representation understands, or possibly cares, about the issue of having no urgent care. Or about the fact that we have an increasing vagrant and criminal population. Or that we don’t want to become the next Bryson City. Lastly, I believe that the family is the most important unit of society. I would like to influence our county to promote this. Whether it be through finding ways to promote local employment, safer places for our families to go, or enrichment of the local community, this is what I care about. The primary is an important voting opportunity and I would appreciate your support in the upcoming vote. I hope to represent the people well and promote what is Godly and what is best for our town. Thank you all.
Board of Education
Jonathan Allison (Incumbent)
-Introduce yourself to the readers. I was born and raised in East Tennessee and graduated in 2011 from Morristown Hamblen High School East. I moved to Graham County in 2012 and began my tenure on the board of education in 2020. I am married to Felicia Campbell Allison, and we have five children. My hobbies include coaching youth league sports – football and basketball – and giving back to the youth of Graham County.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? My goal is simple protect our children and staff. Their safety is my No. 1 priority! If the children and staff is not No. 1 on your list, then what are we doing?
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? To enhance child and staff safety, and to make sure the kids are having fun and learning at the same time. Also, the amazing staff are not felt overloaded and ran down. A new elementary school is a must; this has to be in the near future, along with either rebuilding Big Oaks Stadium or looking at a new location. I also would like to put a putting green for the golf team to work on their skills.
Eddie Howell
-Introduce yourself to the readers. My name is Eddie Howell. I am 68 years old, and was born and raised right here in Graham County. My parents were the late Edna and Joe Howell. I attended Robbinsville schools for 12 years, and graduated with honors in 1973. I married my wife, Marsha, in 1975, and we will celebrate our 49th anniversary in June. We have a daughter, Jama Suzanne – now 46; and a son, Lee Edward, who will soon be 44. Both attended Graham County Schools through 12th grade and graduated with honors, and both attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. We have six grandchildren, ages 4-18, who live in Henderson and Rutherford counties. My grandparents were Ed and Bessie Collins, and Frank and Emma Howell. I have three brothers: Joe, Johnny and Charles. I was a heavy equipment mechanic and welded for almost 50 years until I retired in August of 2019.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? I honestly cannot say that I am the best candidate; there are some really good and well qualified people on the ballot with me, people that I have the utmost respect for. What I can say is I love Graham County and its people. I have never wanted to live anywhere else. I think I have shown that I care about the young people here, having volunteered most of my adult life coaching our youth. As someone that grew up in Graham County – and used the basic skills that I learned in auto-mechanics class under Mr. Ralph Jenkins, as a foundation for a career that I worked a lifetime in and supported my family with – I know the valve of taking something with you when your school days are over. Every child has value.
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? I have no agenda. I feel that, if I am elected, I would be able to use good judgment and work with the other members of the school board to resolve whatever issues we are asked to address. First and foremost in my life is my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I consider myself a Christian Conservative.
Pam Knott (Incumbent)
-Introduce yourself to the readers. I was born and raised in Graham County. I am retired from Graham County Schools as a teacher in the Career Technical education program. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University and worked as the 4-H and Community Development Agent with the N.C. Extension Service in Swain County, prior to beginning my teaching career. I currently hold my lifetime teaching license, with 38 years in education. My interests include volunteering for school-sponsored activities; and I currently serve as vice president of the Robbinsville Women’s Club. I have one son, Warren, who is assistant principal at Robbinsville Elementary School; and a daughter-in-law, Shannon, who is part-time CTE coordinator and teacher at Robbinsville Middle School. I have two grandchildren, who are my biggest joy.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? My goal is that each child deserves fair treatment – to have his/her voice heard. To have a district and its ability to teach all children at high levels. We must get back what COVID stole from our children, which kept them out of the classroom.
-If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? One of my main goals is to ensure that resources are used wisely and effectively, preventing waste – which I don’t believe has always been the case. Making sure all children have a safe, learning environment by collaborating with and utilizing all community resources. To make sure school staff and board members receive the necessary training available to insure improved student achievement, and that the school board works as a team with the superintendent with strong collaboration and mutual trust.
Corey Snider
-Introduce yourself to the readers. My name is Corey Snider. I am a native of Graham County. Brittany Snider is my wife, Carsan Snider is my son. My wife is an educator and basketball coach. My dad Lonnie Snider was an educator for 30-plus years, and my mom Mildred Snider worked for the school system for 30-plus years. I graduated from Robbinsville High School in 1995, and attended Western Carolina University for two years. I am store manager at CM Supply, Inc., and have been with this company for 20-plus years.
-What makes you the best candidate for the position? If elected, what are the top three issues you hope to address? (answer combined): I am looking to make Graham County Schools successful for our students, staff, sports and other programs (CTE, agriculture, etc.), that are just getting started. I know the importance of education, but also know the importance of training for trade jobs because of the need in our community and all over the country.
-Editor’s note: Only Republicans will appear on the primary ballot; Democrats and Unaffiliated candidates will be on the general ballot in November. Early voting can be completed at the Graham County Board of Elections (196 Knight St., Suite A).