County GOP meets on Saturday

Henderson County Politics

Sheriff McDonald joins Trump in White House school safety talk

President Trump held a lengthy roundtable discussion on school safety on Thursday, surrounded by local and state officials, including Henderson County Sheriff Charlie McDonald. Trump came out in support of denying assault weapon purcahses to anyone under 21 years old, said he supported allowing qualified teachers to carry concealed weapons in schools. "The day before yesterday I got a call from Congressman Meadows office that said,"Hey can you be here in Washington on Thursday. The president wants to meet with elected offiicials and law enforcement because he's trying to get togother ideas and get something moving on this school safey issue while everybody's focused on it.' I had no idea I'd be sitting next toJeff Sessions and (Florida Attorney General) Pam Bondi and meeting Kellyanne Conway. "I think what they're really looking at doing is to bring a lot of ideas and come up with a model that can be be used" across the country, perhaps with the help of federal grants. "I caught that there was a very serious commitment right now and in listening to (Trump) talk I got the impression that's he's commtted," he said in a phone interview from Washington. When he got to McDonald, Trump mentioned the congressman who had recommended the Henderson County sheriff for the school safety talks. “Congressman Meadows is a big fan of yours, that I can tell you, you know who I’m talking about,” Trump told him. "I've been very impressedwith a lot of the ideas I’ve heard and I do think mental health is a serious issue," McDonald said. "It’s affected us across the nation. I know it is in North Carolina. I appreciatre your courage to talk about the fact that I do think there is a place for properly trained people in certain areas as well. I think multilayered securities like an onion has got a lot of facets and I believe you’ve got the courage and leadership to bring all this together. I know there’s a lot of good ideas out there but it’s going to take a lot of courage on the part of leaders of this nation to bring the community together." Trump echoed that. "It’s going to take a lot of political courage," he said. “Some of it won’t be politically correct.” "My deal was that I appreciate the fact that he's got the commitment and courage to entertain some things that maybe people aren't that warm about," McDonald said later. One of only two law enforcement officials invited and the only sheriff, McDonald said he was honored to be a part of the discussion. "I appreciate the congressman" suggesting him for the roundtable, he said. "I told him really him I'm not intersted in something that's just a dog and pony show and he said 'I wouldn't send you there for that.' I was very pleased with the attention it's getting." Sheriff's Maj. Frank Stout said he did not have a lot of details about how the invitation came about but that Meadows, who is close to Trump and is a strong supporter of McDonald, had been a go-between. "It has been a very very short-notice trip," he said. "It was very good opportunity for the sheriff to be invited to Washington." THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. RETURN TO THE LIGHTNING FOR MORE.   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

Democratic House candidate raps 'unconstitutional redistricting'

Democrat Sam Edney filed for North Carolina House District 113 on Monday, saying the Republican-controlled Legislature is wasting money “defending unconstitutional redistricting” and "weakening our democracy.” A former Transylvania County School Board member, Edney has owned Pisgah Pest Control for 30 years. Since October he has been changing from work clothes and donned his signature bow tie to speak with voters. House District 113 covers Transylvania, Polk and southern Henderson County along the South Carolina line.Edney grew up in Henderson County milking cows and picking apples. With a degree from AB Tech he worked as an industrial engineer for 18 years, 12 of them at Ecusta paper mill. Since buying his pest control business in 1988, the company has grown to three branches with 24 employees. “The millions of NC dollars spent defending unconstitutional redistricting is more than a waste of tax money,” Edney said. “It’s weakening our democracy.” He believes now is the time to invest in public education. “It’s the key to bringing good-paying jobs back to our region. Unemployment may be low, but so are wages.” Edney wants to expand Medicaid in North Carolina, something Gov. Roy Cooper supports and the Legislature steadfastly opposes. “It will create thousands of jobs,” Edney said. “And we need to stop exporting tax dollars to other states. That money could be here at home, taking care of our own elderly and children.” “Also central to my campaign”, says Edney, “is every citizen’s opportunity for a good-paying job, and their right to clean drinking water. Taking care of our environment is vital to our mountain economy.” His Henderson County campaign kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at the Historic Courthouse. For more information visit www.ElectSamEdney.com or www.facebook.com/SamEdney4WNC.                 Read Story »

Mills River Politics

Stacey Caskey to run for School Board

Stacey Caskey, a Mills River resident, award-winning teacher, small business owner and college counselor, announced her candidacy for a seat on the Henderson County School Board. With over 28 years of educational experience, Stacey can bring the kind of fresh ideas, solid experience, and practical knowledge that will benefit Henderson County’s students and the community. In 1997, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani chose to visit Stacey’s classroom to open the school year after she was nominated for Microsoft Teacher of the Year. With a strong background in educational technology, Stacey also partnered with Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson at an educational conference that summer. Stacey has an undergraduate degree in Developmental Psychology and began teaching in New York City in 1990. She has since earned a master’s degree in education and two master’s certificates in mathematics and college counseling. “I was very lucky to move to Western North Carolina in 2001, where I taught at Claxton Elementary School for nine years," Caskey said. While teaching at Claxton, she was named Teacher of the Year in 2007. Stacey and her husband, Brian, who was elected to the Mills River Town Council last November, have a daughter, Allison, who is a freshman at West Henderson High School.  "I love my school, my friends, and my teachers," Allison said in a news release. "I would really like to see my mom on the school board. My mom is everyone’s ‘go-to’ for advice, not to mention she has great taste in music.”   An 18-year resident of western North Carolina, she is committed to a nonpartisan partnership with the other members of the School Board. “We must make better curriculum and fiscal decisions because these directly impact our kids,” Stacey said in a news release. She combines a track record of innovation in the classroom with a laser-like focus on the success of her students. Stacey can also bring the goods. “My grant applications have directly led to over $3,000,000 in donations from corporations to be used for technology in the classroom. Grant-writing is one of the keys to increasing resources without raising taxes.” She has written curriculum and numerous grants to improve the educational experience for all students in the community.  Stacey has been recognized as Teacher of the Year by two school systems and maintains professional friendships with many of her former students, celebrating their successes as they move into adulthood. She is also dedicated to the preservation and continued educational use of Henderson County’s historic landmarks, such as the iconic Stillwell Building at Hendersonville High School. Stacey looks forward to introducing a new voice to the Henderson County School Board. “Now is the time for the Board to focus on the needs of our young men and women, to ensure that they aspire to have the best possible future. We need people with real educational experience and practical know-how to enable our kids to reach their dreams.” Eight years ago, Stacey and Brian opened Biltmore Tutoring, where they have worked with over a thousand of Western North Carolina’s best students to improve their grades and college admissions test scores. Stacey also volunteers with ‘Path to College,’ mentoring high school students in Henderson County and helping them bridge the gap between high school, college, and career. “Although 93 percent of Henderson County students graduate from high school, only 28 percent go on to achieve a college degree and that is a huge disconnect. Strengthening our focus on college as well as vocational tracks will benefit not just our students, but everyone who lives here. A school board that understands and promotes that vision is imperative to Henderson County’s future.” For more information on Stacey’s campaign, please visit her website at www.staceycaskey.com or her Facebook/Twitter pages ( www.facebook.com/staceycaskeyforschoolboard/ and https://twitter.com/staceycaskey4nc/ ).   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

Magistrate challenges Newman for D.A. job

Henderson County Magistrate Mary Ann Hollocker announced that she will seek the Republican nomination for District Attorney of Judicial District 42, which covers Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties. With over a decade working as a Deputy Prosecutor in Hawaii, Hollocker has a background in prosecution and criminal law. Prosecuting all types of offenses from traffic tickets to murder, Hollocker also handled her own appellate work and argued before the Hawaii Supreme Court. In April of 2012, she relocated her family to Henderson County to be closer to her parents and to ensure her son, who was diagnosed with autism, received the services he needed. She was appointed to serve as a magistrate in 2014. Her strong knowledge of criminal law and procedure have earned her the respect of the legal and law enforcement communities, so much so that in 2016 she was reappointed to another four-year term. Hollocker sees opportunities to make changes in the District Attorney’s office. Currently assistant district attorneys are assigned to specific courthouses. Hollocker advocates for specialized assistant district attorneys to travel throughout the three counties dedicated to specific crimes. For example, teams might be focused on drug offenses, violent crimes, property crimes and domestic violence among others. “I would like to see specialized task forces consisting of Law Enforcement Officers and Assistant District Attorneys working together throughout the three counties on specific types of crimes,” she said in a news release. “The citizens and victims of crime are entitled to strong representation from the District Attorney’s office. I believe it is time for a positive change in our three counties and I am confident I can lead that charge.” Hollocker will face District Attorney Greg Newman, who is also a Republican, in the May 8 primary election.     Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

McDonald running on 'overwhelming accomplishments'

Sheriff Charlie McDonald filed for re-election as Henderson County sheriff on Monday, vowing to run "on my proven record of keeping campaign promises and the overwhelming accomplishments of our agency over the last six years." "It has taken six challenging years to bury once and for all, the 'good ol’ boy' system that leads to inefficiency and corruption," said McDonald, who ran as a reformer in 2014, two years after his appointment to lead a department tainted by scandal. "I have demonstrated the courage, integrity and the resolve to make the tough decisions. The Sheriff’s Office has responded with courage and enthusiasm and has reaped the reward of their hard work. We are equipping leaders for today and building leaders for tomorrow to better serve you." Lowell Griffin, a former sheriff's deputy and now a captain with the Polk County sheriff's office, also has filed for the seat and faces McDonald in the May 8 Republican primary. Here is McDonald's announcement: "The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is culturally, technically and professionally, much improved from when I became Sheriff in the turmoil of 2012. Our deputies, detention officers, telecommunicators, staff and citizen volunteers who refuse to settle for “good enough” have courageously accepted the challenges of institutional change and embraced the call to greater accountability from the top down.  Their commitment to integrity and their willingness to sacrifice what was comfortable for what is right, has made the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office exceptional.  "Our deputies and staff never cease to amaze me as they work and train diligently to provide responsive, innovative and compassionate service to our citizens. Unparalleled teamwork has enabled us to not only meet, but to exceed our stated crime reduction goals five years in a row. To fight drug abuse in our community we have increased prevention, education, enforcement and assistance to those addicted. Our leadership in partnering with various non-profits, volunteer groups and agencies in the region has allowed us to increase our effectiveness in working for a healthier and safer Henderson County. We have joined with others to address drug addiction, domestic violence, mental health concerns, and inmate recidivism to name a few. We are demonstrating how partnerships between law enforcement and the citizens whom we serve bring synergy, success, and hope to our community." "If you approve of my vision, my record for getting difficult things done and the quality and professionalism of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, then I would ask for your prayers, your support and your vote.  May God continue to bless Henderson County and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office." McCall files for Board of Commissioners Rebecca McCall, a Henderson County native and granddaughter of former three-term county Commissioner Clyde Jackson, has filed to run for the open seat on the Board of Commissioners. Tim Griffin also has filed to run for the District 4 seat. Both are Republicans.  McCall would be the first woman to serve on the board since 2002, when Marilyn Gordon her re-election bid to Larry Young in a Republican primary. Here is McCall's news release: Our current District 4 Commissioner Tommy Thompson will retire from this seat at the end of the year and I commend him for his years of service to the county, not only as commissioner for District 4 but for his many years as Clerk of Court. Tommy clearly serves with focus on what will be of greatest benefit for all citizens of Henderson County. If elected, I will endeavor to maintain this high level of knowledge and awareness of needs in our county and for our citizens.   County Commissioners are entrusted with the care and handling of county funds. As a former business owner and corporate professional, I strongly recognize the seriousness and transparency of this responsibility. Experience I bring forty years of practical working experience in areas of accounting, engineering, and business management. The past 25 years of my career have been with two major Fortune 500 companies (GE Lighting & Hubbell Lighting) where I received some of the best management education available. At GE, I graduated in the first leadership class of Six Sigma specialists, trained in the use of statistical analysis to solve problems and improve processes. With Hubbell, I led multiple problem solving kaizen events to identify major cost saving opportunities. I managed multi-million dollar projects in areas of product development and facilities construction. Currently, I work as Production Manager for Norafin (Americas), Inc, where I am tasked with managing the functional details for the new factory in Mills River. Along with my corporate experience and training, I earned degrees in Mechanical Drafting & Design from Blue Ridge Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Montreat College. I am a Henderson County native and graduated from East Henderson High School with the Class of 1974. It was my privilege to serve as Senior Class President. My grandfather Clyde Jackson, for whom Jackson Park is named, served for 12 years on the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. My other grandfather was William A Baxter, who held the office of Mayor of Laurel Park for many years.  I have been married to Ernest McCall (who also grew up in Henderson County) for 41 years.  Together, we have raised three children, Ernest Jr. (Bud), Erik and Katie (Lamb), who are all married, working and raising families in Henderson County. We have six beautiful grandchildren, four of whom are presently attending Henderson County schools. My family and I are all active members of Bethel Wesleyan Church in Flat Rock where I have attended for the past 41 years. As you can see, my roots run deep in Henderson County.  We have been incredibly blessed that our children were able to come back, find good jobs and raise their families here. We are also blessed that we live in an area where folks want to visit and move. And those are the reasons why I feel so compelled to give back my time and expertise to the place we call home. Our county has experienced tremendous growth over the last 40 years and our quality of life and strong economy make that a trend that will almost certainly continue. Those blessings come with challenges as they strain our existing infrastructure of roads, water, sewer, schools, law enforcement and fire fighters. And those are challenges that require leaders with the understanding of budgets, communication and collaboration; skills I have honed over the past 25 years in my professional and volunteer life. We must work in collaboration, with our School Board, Sheriff Department, surrounding municipalities and NCDOT to make sure that we are on the same page in developing solutions. We must continue to be proactive in recruiting business and industry to our area in order to create and maintain jobs that pay well. And we must continue to be proactive in creating and maintaining those green spaces and other public areas that add to our quality of life. As a native of Henderson County with children and grandchildren who live, work and attend school here, I have a desire to make sure that the business of the county is handled in the best interest of all citizens and that those decisions help design the future of the county for the best of all concerned.  I look forward to meeting and listening to as many of your as possible in the coming months. Please visit my website at www.rebeccamccall.com for updates and additional information about me and my campaign. McGrady live-streams filing Chuck McGrady has filed for office many times — from the Flat Rock Village Council in the early 1990s to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and for the N.C. House starting in 2010. When he filed Friday for a fifth term in the N.C. House of Representatives, he did something he had never done before. He live-streamed the process. McGrady walked up to the counter at the Henderson County Board of Elections, signed the paperwork for office, made an audio recording of his name for the elections board audio voting service and paid his filing fee — all while a campaign worker used an iPhone to tape the action. He said the live-streaming was the way for the public to see what the process was all about. In other new filings on Friday, Michael Edney filed for re-election to the Board of Commissioners and U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, the Republican incumbent, and Dr. Scott Donaldson, a Democrat, filed for the 11th Congressional District. Popular North Henderson teacher files for School Board On Thursday, Dot Case, who taught history and government at Edneyville and North Henderson high schools for 47 years,  filed to run for the Henderson County School Board. One of the most popular teachers at North for many years, Case retired in 2016 after 47 years in the classroom, first at the old Edneyville Union School and then at North Henderson High School. A native of Mills River and graduate of West Henderson High School, Case was a Presidential Scholars Teacher in 1983 and the winner of numerous other teaching awards, including regional teacher of the year in 2010, one of eight across the state. “Three of the teachers of the year from other schools are my own students,” Case told the Times-News at the time. “That, to me, is the fruits of my labor.” When Bo Caldwell was sworn in as Henderson County schools superintendent in 2016, he singled out Case for her wisdom and teaching by example when as a young math teacher he taught in a classroom next to hers. “There’s nothing you can possibly learn more from than teaching beside Dot Case,” Caldwell said. His math class at Edneyville High was next door to her class. “What she taught me in six months was more than I learned in six years of higher education,” he said. If she were to win a seat on the board, Case would join two other longtime county schoolteachers who influenced a generation of young people — Mary Louise Corn, a math teacher and principal, and Rick Wood, a history teacher and coach. Here are election filings: 11th Congressional District: Phillip Price, D-Marion, U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, Republican; Scott Donaldson, D-Hendersonville. 48th Senate District: Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock. 113th House District: Cody Henson, R-Rosman; Sam Edney, D-Brevard. 117th House District: Chuck McGrady, R-Hendersonville. District Attorney: Mary Ann J. Hollocker, Republican; Greg Newman, Republican. Henderson County Sheriff: Lowell Griffin, Republican; Charlie McDonald, Republican. Henderson County Register of Deeds: Lee King, Republican. Henderson County Clerk of Court: Kim Gasperson-Justice. Henderson County Board of Commissioners District 1: Michael Edney, Republican. Henderson County Board of Commissioners District 3: William G. Lapsley, Republican. Henderson County Board of Commissioners District 4: Rebecca McCall, Republican; Tim Griffin, Republican. Henderson County School Board (nonpartisan): Jay Egolf, Don Ward, Randy Ward, Dot R. Case. EARLIER COVERAGE Henderson County Register of Deeds Lee King claimed the first spot as filing opened at noon Monday for state and local offices. King, who is seeking a second term as register of deeds, said he's pleased with the achievements he's made in digitizing official records and wants to make more progress. "It's been a rewarding experience," he said. "We'd like to do more in digital preservation." He is hoping to add a service called "birth certificates now" that will enable people to immediately get copies of birth certificates. Meanwhile, former Henderson County Commissioner Don Ward and car dealer Jay Egolf became the first candidates to file for School Board. Both are challengers. Up for re-election are Colby Coren, Lisa Edwards and Amy Lynn Holt. Ward, who runs a tractor sales business, served on the Board of Commissioners from 1994 to 2002. "Having a son that coaches at West Henderson and a granddaughter at West Henderson I see firsthand and hear about the needs of our kids and teachers face each day," he said. As a commissioner, he served on a joint facilities committee that worked with School Board members to plan capital construction projects. More recently, he advocated for the building of a new Edneyville Elementary School, which members of the community believed had been neglected. He said also wants to focus on vocational education programs "to help our kids be ready for the outside world." He pledged to commit the time and energy for meetings, phone calls and school visits that the School Board job requires. County Commissioner Bill Lapsley filed later Monday afternoon. Also expected to file for re-election is county commission Chair Michael Edney. District 4 Commissioner Tommy Thompson announced last year that he is retiring. Former Henderson County sheriff's Capt. Tim Griffin, who narrowly lost a bid for the seat in 2014, has announced his candidacy for the board. Another candidate in District 4, Rebecca McCall, also filed on Monday. Also on the ballot this year are legislative seats held by Reps. Chuck McGrady and Cody Henson and Sen. Chuck Edwards, who filed for re-election on Monday. McGrady and Henson have announced plans to run for re-election. Henderson County Sheriff Charlie McDonald faces a challenge from Lowell Griffin, a Polk County sheriff's captain. County Clerk of Superior Court Kim Gasperson-Justice, who is also up for re-election, filed on Monday.   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

Jay Egolf announces run for School Board

Jay Egolf, a 1989 Hendersonville High School graduate who has three children in the school system now, announced his candidacy for the Henderson County School Board in November. "Having three children in Henderson County schools and receiving all 13 years (K-12) of my primary education in Henderson County schools, I'm truly vested in, and dedicated to, serving the students of the Henderson County school system," he said in his campaign announcement. "I have been involved in all areas of our family business since age 13 and have an excellent understanding of gross and expense which translates to tax revenue and capital/other expenditures. Also, working in car dealerships here plus Raleigh and Salt Lake City, I have dealt with negotiations and compromise daily with different types of people; skills absolutely necessary to reach agreements that are beneficial to all parties." The decision by the School Board and Board of Commissioners to build a new Hendersonville High School instead of renovating the historic Stillwell classroom building and auditorium is not what drove his decision. "That's what got me interested but I've always been interested in kids and giving them the best chance they can get," he said. "I think there are three things we have to look for if we're going to continue with the Stillwell building. You have to look at safety for the kids," particularly not mixing outsiders with the high school students. "You need parking and you need to find a way to have ongoing funding. If those can be solved I'm all for keeping the Stillwell building." "What I want to make sure people know is that even though I graduated from Hendersonville High School I'm not running because of Hendersonville High School. I want every child at every high school to have the best opportunity." An active member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, he helps teach the Merge class which has children in grade 1 through 5. "Henderson County has many school capital improvements plus other associated issues in the very near term and in future years. I would promote communication between the School Board, County Commissioners and all other invested parties to achieve the desired outcomes with expense control," he said. "I believe in a common sense approach. Finally, I am convinced the students in our county school system will make the world a better place and be productive members of society. They're our future teachers, leaders, employers, employees, mothers and fathers. Our school system determines their success and our students deserve the best we can give them!" His Facebook page is www.facebook.com/JayEgolf4HC/. He and his family operate Egolf Used Cars and City Tire Service in Hendersonville and Ford and Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealerships in Brevard. "I'm dealing with the public all the time every day," he said. "That gives me the communications skills, the ability to find a way to get answers to problems and negotiate. People don't work together enough." Filing opens Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 28. School Board members up for election this year are Colby Coren, Lisa Edwards and Amy Lynn Holt.       Read Story »

Politics Archive

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• Voters may resist giving up power to elect judges       Comments
• Meadows calls on Sessions to plug leaks or resign       Comments
• Lapsley to file for re-election       Comments
• McGrady 'very disappointed' with Buncombe over MSD vote       Comments
• Mills River Town Council elects Davis as mayor       Comments
• Edwards to run for re-election to state Senate       Comments
• 'No excuse' for slide that makes light of drug overdose, sheriff says       Comments
• Revised plans for Kanuga, Highland Lake pushed back to spring       Comments
• Board re-elects Edney as chair, Hawkins vice chair       Comments
• Thompson looks back on 40 years of service       Comments
• Guest column: For love of country, teach children to stand       Comments
• NIMBY NATION: Greatest hits of grassroots uprisings       Comments
• Moss column: The 'no grow' movement is winning       Comments
• NIMBY NATION: County has colorful history of citizen uprisings       Comments
• Edwards apppointed to judicial redistricting panel       Comments
• Tommy Thompson to retire after 40 years of serving Henderson County       Comments
• MILLS RIVER Q&A: Candidates tackle NC 191, police contract       Comments
• FLETCHER Q&A: Whiteside challenges Mayor Moore       Comments
• Candidates field questions on water, greenways, 7th Avenue       Comments
• SAMPLE BALLOTS: One-stop voting opens today       Comments
• Griffin to run for County Commission       Comments
• McGrady to seek re-election       Comments