Alamance County Board of Commissioners candidates discussed the county’s growth, budget, zoning and collaboration with others during a forum Sept. 30 at Hugh M. Cummings High School.
The forum was hosted by Alamance Chamber of Commerce, Elon University and Impact Alamance. All candidates on the November ballot were invited to participate.
Four candidates are running for two regular seats on the Alamance County Board of Commissioners: Republican incumbents Kelly Allen and Steve Carter, and Democrats Ramona Allen and Sean Ewing. Two additional candidates, Democrat Kourtney Royster and Republican Samuel Powell, are running for a special election seat following the passing of John Paisley.
During the forum, candidates were asked to discuss their background, priorities for the county and how they would approach issues including growth, zoning, the budget and working with other commissioners.
A major topic discussed was how the city should manage growth. All six candidates said they support some form of zoning in unincorporated areas of Alamance County, which currently does not have traditional countywide zoning.
Ramona said it could help protect rural residents and their property.
“When someone wants to have a new development come in, you put yourself at risk of these people's privacy and their personal property being invaded,” Ramona said during the forum. “I think we need to be a zoned community.”
Royster specifically mentioned data centers as a development the county should approach with caution.
Ewing, a Mebane city council member, said his experience with municipal zoning has shown him how zoning can regulate residential, commercial and industrial development.
“We need this for smart development,” Ewing said during the forum. “We are one of the most prime areas for growth in all of North Carolina.”
Kelly said there should be town halls throughout the county before coming to a decision.
“We want to hear what you want,” Kelly said during the forum. “That's what we're here for is what your concerns are and what you know your problems are with having zoning or not having zoning.”
The county budget was also a major topic of discussion, with candidates offering different ideas about how taxpayer money should be spent.
Powell, appointed to fill Paisley’s seat, said that he supports the county’s $0.49 tax rate and highlighted the elimination of 60 vacant positions as a way the county reduced expenses without laying off employees.
Royster said education should be a greater priority. He said he would consider a tax increase if additional revenue was directly added to community needs.
“The reward that is going to come with that is going to be a funding school system, making sure that we have the social services to support our people, making sure that we have our libraries funded and other public safety,” Royster said during the forum.
Candidates were also asked how they would handle disagreements amongst a five-member commission and how they would work with people who hold different views.
Ewing said his military experience taught him to listen to opposing viewpoints and look for common ground. Royster said commissioners should create more opportunities for residents to provide feedback outside of regular meetings.
Ramona said that as a county commissioner, she has a responsibility to represent everyone, even if they have different perspectives.
Carter said commissioners should focus on solving problems rather than fighting over them and that he would be willing to work with whoever is elected.
The candidates closed the forum by highlighting their backgrounds and reasons for running. Kelly emphasized her experience in local government and community service. Ramona described herself as a voice for residents. Ewing called for “energy and change” while Carter and Powell focused on maintaining a low tax rate. Royster said he hopes to focus on honesty and trust in the government.
The election for three seats on the five-member board of commissioners is scheduled for Nov. 3, with early voting scheduled to begin Oct. 15.