HomeTrust Park Opens to Fanfare: A New Era for Asheville Baseball

Election 2026: Candidates for Haywood County Commission Outline Visions

Update Candidates Vying for Haywood County Commission: Who Will Lead? As the November elections draw nearer, five candidates are stepping up to vie for three available seats on the Haywood County Commission. With a mix of incumbents and newcomers targeting the local governance landscape, the race promises to bring fresh perspectives and potential change for the county. Candidates Overview: A Diverse Pool Among those running are two-term incumbent Tommy Long, who has deep roots in the community, and David Burnette, a familiar face from the school board. Both have a history of public service, with Burnette emphasizing his life-long commitment to Haywood and his readiness to bring experience to the commission. Competing against them are Carly Pugh, a public school librarian advocating for sustainable growth, and Mike Sorrells, a former commissioner and small business owner who highlights economic development and housing affordability as his main priorities. Retired public works director Jeff Stines rounds out the slate, bringing decades of government experience to the table. Key Issues on the Agenda Candidates agree that there are pressing challenges facing Haywood County over the next four years. Affordable housing, economic growth, and flood recovery remain top concerns for many residents. Sorrells points to the need for ongoing support for public safety and education as vital for the community’s future. Meanwhile, Pugh contextualizes these issues within the need for sustainable growth, suggesting that without it, the county may struggle to meet the needs of its citizens. Engagement with the Community: Promises and Plans Community engagement is at the forefront of many candidates' platforms. Pugh emphasizes her commitment to approachability and open communication, catering to constituents of all political affiliations. Sorrells, likening his accessibility to the nature of his small business, promises to be visible and approachable, attending various community functions. Stines reflects on his ability as a “people person” who looks forward to engaging with residents on pressing topics. Budget Priorities: Balancing Growth and Responsibility When it comes to budget priorities, candidates share a vision focused on being fiscally responsible while supporting growth initiatives. Sorrells and Stines advocate for careful allocation of taxpayer dollars, underscoring the need for employee retention and support of essential services. Pugh reinforces the importance of maintaining low taxes while exploring efforts to generate revenue, proposing that local economic revitalization could lessen reliance on outside funding. The Value of Local Leadership: Making Your Voice Heard For Asheville citizens, understanding these candidates and their platforms presents an opportunity to engage in the electoral process actively. Consideration of these local issues and perspectives can significantly influence daily life within Haywood County. With the elections approaching, it’s crucial for voters to make informed choices about who they believe will best serve their interests and help shape the community's future. As we look forward to November, residents are encouraged to reflect on how the outcomes will impact their lives and the community at large.