#LocalElectionsMatter: Davidson County Commissioner Candidates (Republish)
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on Thursday, May 5. Mandy Ellis Kiser’s answers were mistakenly omitted. They’ve been added to the original article and appear in this one.
Sidney Briggs, our first intern at Davidson Local, approached us a couple of months ago with an idea. As a soon to be high school graduate who will be voting for the first time this fall, being an informed voter is of utmost importance to Sidney. She also believes her fellow citizens should have access to information that will assist them in the voting booth.
For over a month, Sidney has been calling candidates running for Lexington City Council, Mayor of Lexington, Lexington City Schools Board of Education and Davidson County Commissioners to collect their email addresses. Afterwards, she has began the process of submitting questions to them in an effort to share their platform.
Today, we’re publishing answers from the County Commissioner candidates. Answers are verbatim.
We appreciate Sidney’s commitment to her fellow residents.
-KSL
*Editor’s note - Attempts were made to contact all candidates to provide them a chance to answer the questions below. Published answers were received by the deadline.
1) How do you plan to increase collaboration with other municipalities within Davidson County?
Democrat
Tonya Lanier: Have meaningful conversation about joint ventures and the need for working together. Promote that there is more that unites us than divides us......and if this is not true, determine why.
Republican
Zak Crotts: I worked hard to expand our parks while on the board. I will continue to support having better parks throughout the County if elected again. I believe all striving local economies have a strong parks and rec system.
Don Deal: I would be very receptive to collaboration with other municipalities within Davidson County. Davidson county is 1 big wheel with several spokes and those spokes have to work in unison in order to flow in an unimpeded manner. There needs to be cooperation and vision and i would support that in any way possible.
Mandy Ellis Kiser: Communicate. It’s that simple. But for some, that’s a struggle. To no surprise communication can be uncomfortable at times but it’s absolutely necessary. It’s important to pull in other key leaders in the community to cultivate a sense of unity which in turn will make this county stronger. A few other words- Be kind, show respect even when you don’t agree and always put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Fred Lankford, Jr.: I think that we could coordinate with all of the municipalities a system where we could piggy-back orders for fire trucks, police cars, heavy equipment, road repairs, and other big-ticket expenses. We would all benefit from volume pricing.
Robert Miller: As a commissioner, I believe that it’s important to meet with our local business owners, law enforcement, emergency services, and government officials on a regular basis. We must do more than just attend commissioner meetings, but instead, meet with and listen to the concerns of these fundamental pillars within Davidson County. I also believe that meeting with and listening to the concerns of our citizens is of the upmost importance. Whether it be in-person, by phone, or via social media, I believe that it’s important to hear directly from our citizens on a routine basis, while also keeping them informed and explaining decisions made. These routine discussions are necessary, and any concerns or issues raised must be brought to the attention of all commissioners for discussion, healthy debate, and collaboration on solutions. Transparency and accountability are key aspects of my campaign and will be core tenets of my tenure as county commissioner, if I’m fortunate enough to be elected.
Don W. Truell: There are five municipalities (and a part of High Point), located within Davidson County , and I have always experienced a high degree of teamwork in our working relationship with each governing body. To enforce our relationships, the manager and chief elected official (Mayor, Chairman) meet on a monthly basis to update everyone on issues within their various limits and to discuss programs that may affect working relationships. Also, the entire Board of Commissioners and all mayors and city councilmen meet quarterly to reinforce these relationships. Quite often, the entire Board of Commissioners and/or the board of city council members, may not be aware of any impeding problem and these monthly meetings is a way to bring more closure to potential misunderstandings.
2) What improvements in infrastructure do you support that would help with the expansion of Davidson County?
Democrat
Tonya Lanier: I can support any infrastructure that's needed for the growth and progress of Davidson County, i.e. streets, roads, public utilities, stormwater, zoning, etc.
Republican
Zak Crotts: I worked hard to expand our parks while on the board. I will continue to support having better parks throughout the County if elected again. I believe all striving local economies have a strong parks and rec system.
Don Deal: I would like to see first an increase in first responder employment. The sheriffs dept has lost 72 deputies. As well rescue squad and fire dept increased employment. This county is growing exponentially and we need more first responders to keep up with the increased demand. I would like to see first responders as well given up to date equipment. I would also like to see our county draw more companies in that will bring with them added employment. The key to any county flourishing is to have productivity, we used to have furniture factories however we need to expand our thinking to match or exceed previous productivity.
Mandy Ellis Kiser: We are doing good now with new businesses coming and that is always important to continue. However, I believe we can revitalize existing businesses/properties etc and simply work with what we have to help the business that chose us also at one point or another. Talk about investing in your people- I’d say that’s what this would be all about. Don’t mistake my answer for a handout.
Fred Lankford, Jr.: I like the current plan to expand the airport. This is needed for continuing growth of businesses and jobs in the area. We also need to maintain and build any new road/roads for the new steel mill that has been announced. We need to do everything possible to bring manufacturing back to our area. Along this same line, we need to not hinder the ability for small business operations. After all, all big businesses started out as small businesses.
Robert Miller: First, whatever improvements we seek, we must ensure that we are considerate of the businesses that have generational roots in Davidson County. We need to take a closer look at utilizing buildings that are currently abandoned. If these buildings aren’t usable due to deteriorating conditions, then we must carefully consider options that would clear the space for potential new businesses, housing opportunities, and recreational facilities. We also must continue upgrading facilities in our county schools as needed. Finally, for expansion to occur in Davidson County, we must ensure that the conditions of our roads, highways, railways, and bridges are at a level that meets the challenges of continued growth. Change is always difficult, and we must take that into consideration with every project, but we also have a responsibility to ensure the continued growth of Davidson County that will last for generations to come.
Don W. Truell: Expansion in Davidson County is a very important issue to all county residents as local and county government is constantly striving to bring more industry into our community and to provide better and higher salaried jobs to every working family. Over the past 20 years, especially with the loss of our entire furniture industry, we have pushed economic development to offset our unemployment losses with expanded business and industrial park locations and with increased incentive offers to bring more industry to Davidson County. These incentives have worked to attract industry with bigger and better employment ; however, expansion has slowed tremendously due to a lack of sewer service to outlying areas of our county. We are now working to resolve this infrastructure problem with additional providers that may be included in any expansions. You must remember, Davidson County does not operate a sewer system and must rely on agreements with Lexington, Thomasville, High Point and Winston-Salem to treat our discharge; however, we have reached our capacity limits with most of these providers and must look at alternatives. Sewer treatment is expensive and we are “shopping” to find our best alternative and to continue our conservative management of tax payer dollars.
3) What is your opinion on the best way to support our homeless population in the wake of increasing poverty due to the Covid-19 pandemic?
Democrat
Tonya Lanier: A way to support our homeless population is to maximize Davidson County resources and ascertain if all that can be done.....is actually being done. Is transportation needed? Are citizens aware of what Davidson County has to offer? Are all stakeholders invested?
Republican
Zak Crotts: I see "help wanted" signs everywhere I go throughout the County. I believe we should work with nonprofits to help the homeless and unemployed find employment and get back on their feet.
Don Deal: I believe we must come together as a community and reach out to the homeless in a manner that leaves their pride intact. There needs to be a a 2 tier support system in place... support system 1 for the homeless that have severe addiction issues. This group needs guidance into programs that will help them move away from drugs and towards being a productive member of our community. System 2 for the homeless without drug issues we need to work to find them gainful employment so they can stand on their own two feet and work with them to bring them into a Christian church that has the resources to guide them and provide stability.
Mandy Ellis Kiser: I don’t believe we can blame our growing homeless population on the pandemic but that’s neither here nor there. I work with multiple non-profits currently that support and nurture our homeless population. We need to meet people where they are and most of us can relate to going thru hard times. My support would continue to be with the non-profits that get out there on a daily basis and not only feed them and keep them warm but also educating them to get out of their current situation.
Fred Lankford, Jr.: It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic is winding down. This is a tough question that has multiple phases. There are a lot of job openings in our area now. I wasn't in favor of shutting down our economy or paying people not to work. We need to get back to the basics of having people trained in the trades. People now days can make a good living by getting their hands dirty. This can be done through shop classes in our high schools and through the programs at DDCC. This would go hand in hand with bringing back manufacturing. I am really big on people starting small businesses. We need to address the homeless component by stopping the illegal drug problem that maybe fueling it as well as any mental illness issues that are contributing to it as well. We could use several tools to work on this problem at the same time.
Robert Miller: I believe that it’s imperative for our local churches and community-based organizations to assist in addressing this issue. If that happens, then it lessens the burden on Davidson County taxpayers, while also ensuring that our homeless population are receiving the necessary assistance. In addition, the programs currently in place must have a streamlined approach that provides easier access to necessary resources, such as job training assistance, GED programs, financial literacy programs, housing assistance, and identification replacement services. Unfortunately, we’ll never be able to completely eradicate homelessness in our communities, but our elected officials, churches, and community-based organizations have a duty to provide the necessary resources to assist those seeking help.
Don W. Truell: When we think of the homeless population, we often visualize the municipalities within our county; however, the poverty level extends throughout the entire region. Due to the close proximity of homes within a municipality and with most towns providing shelters for the unfortunate family, we have a clearer “up close” view of this problem. I would like to open dialogue with all the municipalities within our county to discuss a collaborative effort to merge our efforts and discuss a joint supportive role in managing these shelters and to offer additional locations the citizens feel are necessary. And we must make sure these locations not only provide shelter to the homeless, but provide opportunities for jobs, home ownership, and a proven way to move this population from the homeless ranks to again become the citizens they desire to become.
4) What is your plan to accommodate all three school systems through distribution of funds?
Democrat
Tonya Lanier: My plans for the three school systems would be to make sure every system is getting what they need and their fair share. Determine the wishes and desires of each system and what will be necessary for student success, teacher commitment and parental involvement.
Republican
Zak Crotts: State law mandates that we equally share school funds. We typically do this through a per pupil allocation. If we increase one system then we must do the same for the others. This hasn't been very fair because Thomasville and Lexington City Schools get funding from their City governments, however the County can not do the same for County schools. The only way to change this is to change the state law.
Don Deal: The only fair plan would be to evenly distribute funds to each school as closely as it can be taking into consideration the potential special needs each school may need. The board would need to come to some kind of mutual agreement on which needs are the most important.
Mandy Ellis Kiser: There is a specific amount allotted for schools and while the commissioners do have some say generally speaking, the largest portion is what it is. A few things always front of mind for me for our schools are teachers’ salaries, student learning supplies and the facilities themselves.
Fred Lankford, Jr.: As a fiscal conservative, I think we should look for and cut any waste or abuse in spending. After that, we could treat each system equally while reserving the ability to triage any unexpected expenses like major building repairs.
Robert Miller: As a commissioner, I will do my best to collaborate with my fellow commissioners on ensuring that our school systems receive funding that is needed, within the Board of Commissioners authority. The individual school boards are responsible for writing and presenting their budgets to the county manager, who will present the budgets to the county commissioners. I, along with my fellow commissioners, will carefully examine these budgets and determine, if necessary, needs are being met. I believe that the members of each school board understands that the trust and responsibility of their budget rests with them, and as a commissioner, I will rely on their expertise and research to guide my decision-making in regard to distribution of funds.
Don W. Truell: Most counties in North Carolina support one major school system; however, Davidson County is unique in this process with three different school systems for our citizens. Thomasville and Lexington offer support for city systems and our largest school system is supported by Davidson County. All systems are controlled by elected or appointed school boards and state funds are distributed to all systems under a “per student” formula. Any other operating funds are supplemental from county government, Thomasville city government and Lexington government. Although operating funds are formulated by the State Board of Education , Davidson County is also charged with supplying school facilities for all three systems. The funds to build new schools, add additions to schools and the yearly upkeep of all school properties are charged to county government and the taxpayers of our county. Our property tax rate in Davidson County is 54 cent and has not increased in over 20 years. With this low property tax rate, we have continued to build schools, and also provided all mandated services a county must provide. During the past 20 years, Davidson County has built more new schools, added new additions and renovations , and provided yearly upkeep and maintenance to all three school systems, than any other 20 year span in county history. We must continue with this program.
5) If you could choose one word to describe what you want your impact on Davidson County to be, what would it be?
Democrat
Tonya Lanier: Effective
Republican
Zak Crotts: Elevate
Don Deal: Uncompromised
Mandy Ellis Kiser: Revitalization
Fred Lankford, Jr.: Efficient
Robert Miller: Transformational
Don W. Truell: Progress. I want to see Davidson County grow and prosper; however, that cannot be accomplished by any one person. We would need teamwork. It cannot be seven commissioners alone. We must have that collaborative effort of county government and all municipal governments within Davidson County. And, it is do-able.
