Here's the full announcement from Buncombe County Commissioner Carol Peterson:

Buncombe County Commissioner Carol Peterson has announced her intent to seek re-election to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners in 2012, stating: "It has been my pleasure to serve the Citizens of Buncombe County these past eight years and I would like to continue in this position for another term". Under the new system of electing commissioners, Peterson a Democrat who resides in Fairview, will run for a seat on the Commission representing NC House District 115. [click here for a basic guide to the new Buncombe County district election system]

As a retired educator with 30 years of experience in the area of vocational education and training, Peterson serves on the Board of Trustees of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and understands the need for a well trained workforce in order to attract businesses which will provide jobs for our citizens.

As a Commissioner, Peterson has been supportive of providing local funding for our public schools and A-B Tech to ensure that we attract and retain the best and brightest teachers, and that our students receive the best education possible.

Peterson was raised on a farm and currently she and her husband Bruce operate a working farm where they raise Polled Herford cattle. She realizes the importance of preserving existing farmland and works with farmers to secure these lands for future generations. Through her leadership Buncombe County has placed 4,000 acres of farmland in the conservation easement program.

Serving as the commission's representative to the Buncombe County Board of Health, Peterson supported and helped to implement Buncombe County's partnership with Western North Carolina Community Health Services which provides health care services to an increased number of Buncombe County Citizens at a reduced cost to the county.

As a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Peterson, is committed to protect the resources of the County and the customs, traditions, and heritage which make Buncombe County the ideal place to live. One of those traditions is the return of the highly successful Southern Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament in March of this year. The tournament is being organized and administered by the newly formed Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission of which Peterson is a founding member. The economic impact of this tournament will be tremendous.

Peterson states: "It is my goal is to make Buncombe County the best place to live, work, and raise a family."