District 2
Cherokee County
Board of Commissioners
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Tell us about yourself: My name is Justin Hyde, and I’m running for your District 2 Cherokee County commissioner. I grew up in Marble and graduated from Andrews High School. I have been employed with Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services for 6.5 years and am also the chief of Valleytown Fire & Rescue. I have a beautiful 14-year-old daughter, who attends Andrews Middle School. I have been active in the community for the majority of my teenage and adult life and am committed to ensuring Cherokee County continues to succeed and prosper.
I’m excited for the opportunity to be “the voice for the people; all the people.” Too often I see decisions made based upon self and social interests instead of moral and ethical values. As a law-abiding citizen, it becomes frustrating to watch so many decisions made that are not made in the best interest of the citizens or what Cherokee County needs overall.
Remember, this is my home, this is where I am raising my daughter while also teaching her to choose right from wrong. I am teaching her that she can be anything she wants to be in her life, teaching her that opportunity exists, that the sky’s the limit while also teaching her there is accountability for her actions. As a parent it is my job to lead by example. To thoroughly think things through and consider the outcomes based on decisions prior to deciding. I do not follow the masses, and I make well-informed decisions prior to making them.
While I am not perfect and may make a bad decision, I am also human. Honesty and integrity are not just words to me … they are the foundation of trust. As your District 2 commissioner, I will strive to make the best decisions – not just for one interest group or party, but for all the people of Cherokee County. I am driven, I am disciplined and I understand the significant impact public office decisions have on the citizens and the lives of everyday people. I am an everyday person.
- If you have something in your record that is problematic, such as a felony conviction, please explain: I have no criminal background.
- What are your three points you want voters to know about your goals if elected or re-elected? Economic development: I would like to see the county’s involvement in economic development expanded to include bringing in natural gas from neighboring counties to the state lines, as well as other industries which will draw in industry in Cherokee County, which will in turn create jobs for the younger generations who otherwise will have to seek employment outside Cherokee County.
County fleet maintenance department: I would like to see the county create a fleet maintenance department and hire certified mechanics to maintain the vast county fleet of vehicles. The county spends tens of thousands of dollars with tire changes, oil changes and vehicle maintenance. Patrol cars and ambulances alone require oil changes close to once a month with the number of miles that are placed on the vehicles. I believe that this approach would provide a substantial return on investment over the current method of vehicle maintenance.
Recruitment/retention: Cherokee County has always had an issue with hemorrhaging qualified, experienced employees. Most see this issue as related to pay. Specifically, this issue is related to retaining employees. Entry level employees most often make very close to seasoned employees who have been here for 10-plus years. I believe employees should be incentivized to remain at Cherokee County, whether this is via shift differentials and/or stand-out employees being recognized publicly by the government.
- What area of public policy are you particularly focused on? With Cherokee County providing funding to the Valley River Humane Society, I feel they need to set aside ample space for emergency intakes needed by Cherokee County law enforcement departments.
- What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? As the fire chief of Valleytown Fire & Rescue I am responsible for $500,000 budget and over 30 personnel. The same passion that drove me to serve as a firefighter will also serve me as a responsible guardian for the best interest of my fellow county citizens.
- What is something that has been a struggle in your life? With the ever-increasing cost of living expenses, it has been an ongoing struggle as a single parent to maintain financial stability. This is why I’m passionate about Economic Development and drawing industry back into Cherokee County. The financial struggles I have faced are familiar to many other families in this county.
- What do you perceive Cherokee County’s greatest challenges over the next decade? Without an infusion of industry into this county, I fear that we won’t have the tax base to continue to provide and progress as necessary for the growth of Cherokee County. Industry fuels housing which fuels smaller business which equates to a larger tax base. A larger tax base means the government can provide more amenities for our citizens.
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Tell us about yourself. If you have something in your record that is problematic, such as a felony conviction, please explain. My name is Randy Phillips and I am running for commissioner in District 2 in Cherokee County. I have worked as a School Resource Officer for Cherokee County schools for 25 years and recently retired after a bout with cancer. An SRO is a sworn law enforcement officer, responsible for safety and crime prevention in schools. I wrote the first grant in 2001 to secure $1.5 million for SRO funding in Cherokee County, and public safety is one of my greatest passions, along with the youth of our community.
I chose a career as an SRO because I am passionate about the youth in this county. Working with children requires a skillset that builds positive relationships, trust and role models. A lot of these children have home lives that put them at high risk for self-destruction. I’m talking drugs, poverty, brokenness. My message to these kids is and always has been, “I will not give up on you.”
I have also coached many sports; wrestling, football, baseball and track. I started the shooting teams at Andrews high and middle schools because I am passionate about our constitutional rights – especially the Second Amendment. The shooting teams are more than just marksmanship. We promote freedom, gun handling, safety, and personal responsibility.
I have served as chairman of the local chapter of Friends of the NRA. This group raises funds that go right back into our community to promote freedom, education and participation in marksmanship programs.
My passion for the youth in this county is the reason I spent 20 years as a foster parent. I understand firsthand the struggles of neglect and poverty. I know how education, social services and law enforcement can work together for the greater good of Cherokee County.
My message for Cherokee County is, “I look forward to serving you, the people of Cherokee County. I ask for your vote on March 3, and I will not give up on you!”
- What are the three main points you want voters to know about your goals if elected or re-elected? Public Safety: When elected seeing through the completion of Station 1 EMS was a non-negotiable goal for me. Finally thanks to relentless advocating we were able to cut the ribbon on Station 1. We must support all areas of law enforcement, and continue to support the volunteer and municipal fire departments that are so crucial to this county.
Education: As Commissioners we are bound by law to provide facilities and operational support to the local board of education. The local board of education is elected and tasked to create the best plans for our youth. It is our job as commissioners to support the plans those chosen elected officials put forth within a balanced budget. We must continue to pursue grants and all funding possible because with a solid educational foundation, our county will not be a place for young families to move to or to remain if they are natives.
County support for residents through better services. The new senior/veteran/health center is going to be an amazing one-stop shop for county residents. We have to look to finding unique and creative ways to make sure our residents have access and the best support we are able to provide.
- What areas of public policy are you particularly focused on? What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? My skills and knowledge as a career law enforcement officer give me the needed perspective to understand and support policies relating to law enforcement. As a foster parent for more than two decades I been involved in the foster system with both good and bad experiences and I believe I have contributed to the improving of our programs with my personal life experiences.
- What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I really don’t like to talk about this, but it did change my entire outlook on life, so I’m going to share a little. I have always been a believer, but last year I underwent surgery for an issue with my heart and lung, and the surgeon immediately closed the surgery and told me I had just a few months to live.
One of my daughters, who I fostered, happens to live in Texas, so she and my son arranged for me to travel to where a surgeon was able to go in between my heart and lung and get all the cancer. Years ago when I took in my daughter, who knew but God that she would be used to help me find a solution that saved my life.
Every day now I wake up knowing that God has given me a gift and he has a purpose for me. I want to use my time to make everything better if I can, wherever God plants me. Right now that’s here. I know God will make sure that wherever I am, in office or not, I am grateful to still be here and I’m an open servant to his plan.
- What do you perceive to be Cherokee County’s greatest challenges over the next decade? Our educational system is the biggest challenge. Everybody is passionate and wants the best for our kids- how to get there and what plan is the best and what plan we can afford continues to be the struggle. But again, the school board has been elected by the people to come up with that plan and as a commissioner, it’s my role to support that if we can afford it.
- Wild card: Provide any additional information you deem relevant here. I just want to thank everybody who initially voted for me and put me here. I feel really great about so many things we’ve accomplished in this last three years I have served and I feel like this is where I was supposed to be. Recently having retired, I’ve had lots of time to think and contemplate on what’s important and the big picture of the way our county is growing and the type of community we are becoming. I’m resolved to give it everything I have. My convictions for loving God and this community are strong and, regardless of any outcome in March, we all need to respect each other, be civil and get along.
District 5
Cherokee County
Board of Commissioners
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Editor’s note: Alan Bryant was provided the same questions that other local candidates were provided. His responses did not fully address the questions. Here is what he submitted.
u Tell us about yourself. I’m Alan Bryant, a lifelong resident of this beautiful corner of the world we call home. Born and raised right here in Cherokee County, I’ve been a part of this community all my life, having graduated from Hiwassee Dam High School.
As a proud father of four wonderful kids and a devoted husband, my life is woven into the fabric of our community, from coaching and cheering on our local sports teams to being actively involved in our schools. And now, I’m ready to take that involvement to the next level as District 5 Commissioner.
For 18 years, I had the privilege of working at John C. Campbell Folk School. Now, as a self-employed individual, I’m bringing all those lessons and experiences to serve the community better.
Seven years ago, I was saved and baptized, and ever since I have put all my faith in God. It’s not just a belief; it’s the foundation of who I am and what I stand for.
My motto, “I work for You!” is not just a catchphrase. It’s my promise to the community. I stand for what I believe in and will work tirelessly for the betterment of our county.
Together, with hard work and faith, I believe we can bring positive change to our community. I urge everyone to be in prayer for all our candidates and for the future of Cherokee County.
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Tell us about yourself: I grew up in Omaha, Neb., where we moved in 1967 after my dad’s retirement from the Navy. I joined the Marine Corps in 1979 and retired after 23 years of active duty. I met my husband Joe Griggs, who is from Marble my first year in the Marine Corps and have been coming to these beautiful mountains since 1979. He retired after serving 26 years of active duty. Joe and I will celebrate our 44th anniversary in April of this year. Upon my retirement in 2002, we moved back to Murphy full-time and have a farm raising beef cattle and harvesting hay every year. I served for 6 years as the Cherokee County 4-H Horse Club leader, 2 years as a substitute teacher, 4 years as a Teacher Assistant at Hiwassee Dam Elementary School, 7 years as the County Veterans Service Officer and am currently in my 1st term as a County Commissioner. I have served our country, county and communities my entire adult life and hope to continue serving as a county commissioner so that I may remain a public servant.
- If you have something in your record that is problematic, such as a felony conviction, please explain: I have absolutely nothing in my record that is problematic, not even a parking ticket.
- What are the three main points you want voters to know about your goals if elected or re-elected? I have always taken the comments and concerns of the residents of our county to heart before I make any decisions and will always listen to the residents of our county and provide transparency each and every day. I will continue to work toward a five year plan, broadband internet for the entire county, affordable housing, care for the seniors and children of our county so we can continue to look forward to our future. I will always serve with honor (integrity, responsibility, accountability), courage (do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons) and commitment (devotion to our country and county).
- What areas of public policy are you particularly focused on? We must have policies in place that protect the residents of our county. We need to complete our moratorium on high impact industry and make it permanent. We need a plan for the future growth of our county, to include workforce development and public safety.
- What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I have been in a leadership role and public service my entire adult life. I have always and will always listen to the people, because as an elected official you represent the county as a whole. As a county commissioner I am available 24/7, I answer all calls and emails and provide answers/responses. I have developed strong and significant relationships with residents in and outside the county. I have continually used impeccable judgment when making decisions for our county. Dependability is paramount and my word is my bond. My decisiveness allows me to make quick and effective decisions. I continually research all issues so that I am completely knowledgeable when making decisions that affect our county. My initiative has brought about numerous grants and improvements to our communities. My endurance has allowed me to make difficult decisions without caving in to others.
- What is something that has been a struggle in your life? My husband and I were both active duty Marines and on call 24/7 365 days a year. My husband was constantly deployed in harm’s way and often we would be deployed to different locations at the same time. It was unbelievably difficult to raise 2 children while on active duty but we persevered while working 80 hours a week with no extra pay.
- What do you perceive to be Cherokee County’s greatest challenges over the next decade? Our county is growing at a rapid rate and we need to have a plan in place for this growth. This includes the infrastructure, schools, seniors and the revenue to support our growth.
- Wild card: Provide any additional information you deem relevant here. I have been the catalyst for the county receiving the $3,350,000 grant from the state for a new senior/veteran facility, the anti-litter coalition, forming the needs and solutions advisory committee, hiring a grant writer and the annual volunteer appreciation month. I have also had a significant direct impact on the $500,000 PARTF grant for the Hiwassee Dam walking/hiking trail, broadband internet expansion, affordable housing, $1,200,000 grant for EMS station 1, $500,000 grant for EMS station 2, the airport becoming compliant and receiving a $1,500,000 grant for new lighting and renaming of Konehete Veterans Park.
Note to readers
Every candidate was given the same set of questions and same amount of time to turn them in. The Q&A with the two candidates for the Cherokee County Board of Education will be published in next week’s edition.
In order vote in the primary election Tuesday, March 5, North Carolina residents must register by Friday.
For details, visit the Cherokee County Board of Elections, 40 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
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