With the 2020 campaign season entering its final days, The Graham Star reached out to all 12 candidates that are running for Graham County Board of Commissioners and the Graham County Board of Education.
Early voting ends Saturday, with the general election being held Tuesday. Anyone that has not voted by Nov. 3 can visit their assigned precinct to cast their ballots.
The interest in this election seems to be unlike any other in the past and the numbers back that up. Graham County Board of Elections Director Teresa Garland reported that as of 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, 2,384 of the county’s 6,027 registered voters had already visited the polls, or around 40 percent.
The only two local races have six candidates each. Incumbents are noted with an asterisk and are listed in alphabetical order, per race. Board of Education Democratic candidate Lois Pressley Satterfield and Board of Education Unaffiliated candidate Marcia H. Hollifield did not respond to The Graham Star’s request for participation in this article.
Board of Commissioners
* Keith Eller*
About the candidate: I was born in Graham County, but moved to Gastonia and lived there from 1965-79. I then returned to Graham County and have been here since.
What is your political background? I have served on the Board of Commissioners for eight years. I also served as interim sheriff for a 4-month period, filling Melvin Howell’s unexpired term.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? I do the best I can for the people of Graham County. If someone calls me with an issue, I will begin looking into it immediately.
If elected, what are some of the key issues you will work to resolve? My main goal has been to try and create jobs, but that’s been tough.
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I appreciate everyone that supports me.
* Scotty Hooper
About the candidate: My name is Scott Ray Hooper. I am a 41-year-old, Christian-American, married to my beautiful wife Rebecca Crisp Hooper. Together, we have three wonderful children: Riley Crisp, 17; Payton Crisp, 16 and Melony Hooper, 10. I attended Robbinsville Elementary School, Robbinsville Middle School and graduated from Robbinsville High School in 1997. In the late 1990s, I moved to Detroit, Mich. for approximately 10 years, where I worked as a glass specialist and then relocated to Charlotte for another 8-9 years, prior to returning home to Graham County. I am currently a employee for Graham County at the sanitation department. During my time away from home, I received a degree in criminal justice.
What is your political background? Being a public servant in Graham County runs deep in my blood. My grandfather, O.W. Hooper, Jr. served as Clerk of Superior Court for many years. Tammy Holloway, my aunt, has served as Clerk of Court for many years and continues to serve today. Stephen Hooper, my father, currently serves as the Mayor of Robbinsville and in the past as an Alderman. This is my first time running for a political office at any level and look forward to what is ahead.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? I cannot and will not make any promises. However, I will make guarantees. The people of Graham County will get hard work, a voice that will not be harbored and a representative that will see members of our community, not political affiliates. If elected as your Commissioner, some of the key issues I will work to resolve is stopping the Democrat/Republican divide in this county, first and foremost. We are all in this together and must work together, not against one another. Second, I will break my back to do whatever it takes to keep our children here at home and give them a reason to actually want to stay here. We are forcing our young people to leave here and forcing them not to return by not making progress in regards to employment, opportunity and prosperity. Lastly, but definitely not least, the people of Graham County run this county; not just a handful of elites, or a board of five. It is not a dictatorship, or a he/she, says-so local government. The people of Graham County as a whole must be heard by allowing pressing issues and extremely important issues to be put to a vote as a county, not just a handful of residents.
If elected, what are some of the key issues you will work to resolve? Graham County, we are behind 50-75 years of every other county in this state. We are also considered to be one of the poorest counties. As much as we need and require state/federal assistance, it seems as though it has become a way of life versus assistance.
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We are strong enough both individually and together in this county to do better, be better and deserve better. We together must rise up, demand better and force those (possibly myself) to be held responsible for what happens and does not happen. We have been complacent for way too long. God bless you all and vote for the person, not the party.
* Jacob Nelms*
About the candidate: My name is Jacob Nelms. I am married to my wonderful wife Adarian and we have two children, Ella and Eli. I graduated from Robbinsville High School and also received a bachelor’s from Western Carolina University in forestry. There are lots of important things that make up our life. Ella keeps us busy playing softball and Eli would rather be fishing than anything else. We own the local pizza place – Papa’s Pizza – and we love spending time with friends and family. We try to live out our faith loving Jesus and others. I am guided daily by my conservative Christian values and will hold to them.
What is your political background? I have been lucky enough to have a seat on the Graham County Board of Commissioners for the past two terms, and am seeking another.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? Serving as a Commissioner is just that: a servant. It is the job of the Board of Commissioners to make decisions to bring the visions and needs of the citizens to a reality, for the benefit of the community as a whole. Serving the people of Graham County has truly been one of the highest honors of my life.
If elected, what are some key issues you will work to resolve? There are countless issues that face small communities like ours; so many things that sitting commissioners must consider and make deliberate, thoughtful decisions on how to combat and address. Things like availability of adequate employment, seeing the youth of our community leave – and never come back – and access to medical care are just a few of the many examples of problems our community faces. All are issues that we have undertaken and have made tremendous strides in many ways. Many of the issues that we face are aided by a thriving local economy. Infrastructure needs –like access to stable Internet service – has been on the agenda of Graham County and will continue to be a priority. We now have the addition of the Smoky Mountain Urgent Care – with state-of-the-art equipment available to our citizens – to close the gap of lack of access to medical care which we intend to see continually grow and provide more specialty care in the future.
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My family and I are born and raised in Graham County. We are rooted in our community and desire the best for it not only for the present but for our children and generations to come, laying a foundation that they can build on for generations to come. I have the experience and the desire it takes to help lead Graham County into tomorrow. I humbly ask for your support in the 2020 election.
* Connie Orr
About the candidate: Born and raised in Graham County. Parents: Wayne and Louise Crisp Jones. I have a son, Kevin Orr and a daughter-in-law, Tonya. I attended Robbinsville High School, Tri-County Community College and UNC-Chapel Hill.
What is your political background? I have served on the Graham County Board of Commissioners since 2010. Director for District 17, representing seven western counties.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? I will work fairly and impartially for all people of Graham County. Support total transparency on every dollar received, spent and every action taken by the Board and County Commissioners. Encourage input and listen to all citizens. Assist in bringing over six million in Veteran benefits into Graham County annually.
If elected, what are some of the key issues you will work to resolve? I support connectivity for every home, business and the Graham County School System. I will assure funding for public education. Support law enforcement. Reduce county taxes. Support training, rehabilitation and restoration of work force.
* Kent Williams
About the candidate: I, Kent Williams, am seeking the office of County Commissioner. For the last 34 years, I have been married to my wonderful wife, Francine Williams. Together, we have three successful children: Sebastian, Miah, and Tianna, who are all proud alumni of both Robbinsville High School and UNC-Chapel Hill. I attended Tri-County Community College, have a certificate from Southwestern Community for BLET, and am an honored graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Center.
What is your political background? After spending my career protecting and serving the people and community that I love, I am now a retired Federal Law Enforcement Agent. In retirement, I get to further serve my community by coaching and substitute teaching at Robbinsville Middle and High Schools. Graham County is – and has always been – home to me and I enjoy serving the people who also call this county home.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? We, as a collective community, need to work diligently to bring jobs and economic opportunity back to Graham County. This is imperative, so that our younger citizens can earn a respectable livelihood and remain here to raise their families.
If elected, what are some of the key issues you will work to resolve? Our youth are the future of Graham County, and we need to be able to offer opportunities for them that do not include loitering or trouble. I truly believe that if we work earnestly, we can find and incentivize companies to come here and provide jobs for our current and future citizens. It is important that we create an opportunity to grow and flourish as a community by keeping our hard-earned money within the county.
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The people of Graham County deserve the chance to create the life they choose and I can be trusted to work towards that ambition. I have dedicated my life to our community, as both a public servant and friend, and I hope to continue to do so as your County Commissioner. Your vote of confidence will be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing Graham County move forward in the right direction.
* Raymond Williams, Sr.
About the candidate: I am a lifelong resident of Graham County. I am married to Maryann Williams and together, we have a son, Raymond Williams, Jr. I also have one granddaughter and one grandson. I graduated from Mt. View High School and am retired from Alcoa, Inc.
What is your political background? All together, I have served 28 years as a commissioner, served for Graham County Transit on the Social Service and Health boards, and I have also served on the Southwestern Child Development, Graham County Library and the county’s Travel and Tourism’s boards.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? I have 28 years of political experience and 52 years experience of serving Graham County, with the Fire and Rescue Department.
If elected, what are some of the key issues in Graham County you will work to resolve? Be conservative. Be able to operate the county. I will work to resolve all issues as they arrive.
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I will always work for all the people of Graham County. I love Graham County and all of its people.
Board of Education
* Jonathan Allison
About the candidate: Born and raised in East Tennessee, I graduated from Morristown-Hamblen High School East in 2011. I moved to Graham County in 2012 and in 2016, I applied at the Graham County Jail, where I have been employed at the jail since then. I am blessed to be married to my beautiful wife Felicia (Campbell) Allison and we have five wonderful children.
What is your political background? This is my first year running for any elected position. I feel that the time is now and it is time for a change.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? I am here for the kids in Graham County, to challenge the state – or whoever it is – for the best interest of the kids and staff at Graham County Schools.
If elected, what are some of the key issues you will work to resolve? My main focus would be to attack the bully problem that we have at Graham County School. *
Thank you and always love like Jesus Christ.
* Rick Davis
About the candidate: My name is Rick Davis. I am a lifelong resident of Graham County, with the Davis family going back several generations as Graham County residents. My wife of 43 years is Sara Rogers Davis, daughter of Harry and Martha Rogers. Sara and I have two sons and daughters-in-law: Benjamin and Amber, and Patrick and Katelyn, and four grandchildren: Charlotte, Cora, Colin and Margaret. I am a 1975 graduate of Western Carolina University. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grade Education, with science and mathematics concentrations. Graduate work includes additional course work in high school science courses and a Master of Education in Educational Supervision and Administration. In 1988, I completed an Educational Specialist in Educational Supervision and Administration. I retired in 2008, after having worked for Graham County Schools and serving the students of Graham County for 33 years.
What is your political background? I have not held a political office in Graham County. However, I feel that I have an understanding of the educational system as the result of my service as teacher, principal, supervisor and superintendent of Graham County Schools. Additionally, my service as Executive Director of the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT) has provided me experience in a variety of areas that impact our educational system.
What makes you the candidate voters should go choose? My campaign slogan is ‘Experience Matters.’ I started my education career at Stecoah School in 1975 as a science teacher and retired in 2008 as Superintendent.
If elected, what are some of the key issues you will work to resolve?
* Educational Funding – It is critical to secure additional financial resources for our educational system.
* Support Personnel – Additional support personnel (counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses) are needed to help address the increased need for counseling, psychological, social and medical issues of our students.
* Broadband/Internet Connectivity – The need for greater broadband and internet connectivity has become very apparent as a result of the requirement for virtual learning during the COVID pandemic.
* Facility Enhancements – A continuation of new facility construction and enhancements to the existing facilities to meet changing educational needs and requirements is of high importance.
* Arts Education – While some students excel in academics or sports, there are many others who would excel in the arts (visual arts, music, theatre/drama) if provided the opportunity.
* Higher Education/Career Experiences – Continued emphasis on preparing students to enroll in an institution of higher education and/or gain skills necessary to enter the workforce.
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Graham County Schools is known as one of the finest small school systems in North Carolina. I want to provide my experience as a lifelong resident of Graham County, a retired educator and nonprofit director to continue this tradition. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to serve on the Graham County School Board and I would appreciate your vote. Thank you in advance for your support. Experience does matter.
* Pam Knott
About the candidate: I am Pam H. Knott, a candidate for Graham County School Board. I graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Community Service. After working as a 4-H and Community Development Agent with the North Carolina Extension Service I returned to Western Carolina and received my Bachelor of Science in Education. Family is a great source of pride for me. My son and daughter-in-law are Warren and Shannon Knott; two grandchildren, Raylee and Dane; and my mother Mildred, who is my biggest supporter.
What is your political background? Born and raised in Graham County, this will be my first time seeking a political office.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? I began working for Graham County Schools in 1982 as a teacher where I continued for over 30 years, working and staying engaged with my students. After retirement, I continued – and will continue to – serve as a substitute teacher and bus driver. I have belonged to a group of dedicated women in the Robbinsville Woman’s Club for over 30 years serving as vice president and president. We have worked to support many community projects, one of which includes a scholarship each year for a graduating senior at Robbinsville High School.
If elected, what are some of the key issues you will work to resolve? The coronavirus has had challenging and devastating results on our educational system. With safety as a primary concern, it is time to return to the classroom and resume participation in extracurricular activities. However, I do respect those parents who choose remote learning.
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I am a hard-working individual and take great pride in the work I do. I will always listen to your concerns with an open mind, but will always do what is best for our students and staff. I would be very honored to receive you vote in 2020.
* Rodney Nelson*
About the candidate: I am not a lifelong resident of Graham County, but I have been made to feel like one. I am a native of Knoxville, Tenn. I have lived in Graham County since August, 1982. I taught and coached in Stecoah for five years and in Robbinsville for 20 years. I have been married to Carolyn for 53 years and have two sons, Chris and Bryan. My wife and I are members of Panther Creek Baptist Church. I have an Associate in Arts degree from Hiwassee Junior College in Madisonville, Tenn., a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a Master’s in Education from Western Carolina University.
What is your political background? I am finishing my eighth year as a school-board member, and four as chairman of the board. When I retired after 39 years of teaching, I ran for school board.
What makes you the candidate voters should choose? Voters should vote for me because of my experience in education and my eight years on the board. But the main reason is my love for young people. I want all of them to succeed.
If elected, what are some key issues you will work to resolve? The governor has promised money to counties to pay for Internet access. We will push to get as much funding as possible. During the COVID crisis, many students have not kept up with their work, because of a lack of Internet access.
Our teachers have been teaching three classes each class period (face-to-face, virtual and paperwork for students without Internet). They deserve a big thank you, from everyone. Also, our principals have kept the boat afloat by leading in extraordinary circumstances. God has truly blessed Graham County.