K. Ray Bailey
Political party: Democrat
Residence: Fairview
Occupation: Retired president, A-B Tech
Education: B.S. Middle Tennessee State University; M.A. Western Carolina University
Political experience: None
Endorsements: None
1) How much money have you raised for your campaign? Who are your top three donors, and how much has each contributed?
Total: approximately $26,000
Top three: Janice W. Brumit $2,500, Charles D. Owen Jr. $750, Tammy McIntosh $600
2) What is your position on the Parkside condominium proposal?
“I concur with the commissioners’ offer to purchase the property.”
3) What most distinguishes you from your opponents in this primary?
“Forty-one years of administrative experience, 17 as CEO managing personnel and budgets. A common-sense approach to administration, with input from everyone connected to the issue.”
4) What do you consider to be your most controversial policy position, and why
“Nothing controversial that I know. I do advocate immediately for a strategic planning process so the commissioners, with input from citizens, can establish goals and priorities.”
5) What would you do to attract better-paying jobs to the area?
“Forge partnerships with all the economic-development agencies to place all of our energies in the same direction. Support small-business development, our economic-development future.”
6) Has the present board conducted its business with sufficient transparency? If not, what would you do to increase openness?
“I have always and will continue to do business in a transparent manner and will insist that we do so.”
7) Should the public-comment period before and after board meetings be televised? Why or why not?
“I am not familiar with the policy. I would need to understand both sides of the issue.”
8) What steps, if any, would you support to increase the supply of affordable housing in Buncombe?
“Encourage developers to create more affordable housing and encourage large employers to invest in work-force affordable housing.”
9) Should the cities and towns in Buncombe consolidate any services? Why?
“I advocate for consolidation that will reduce cost and provide efficiency in delivery. As a former chair of the Buncombe County Parks and Recreation [Advisory Board] for several years, I am convinced that the city and county can consolidate these programs.”
10) Are current slope-construction regulations appropriate? If not, how would you change them?
“I would review current policies with citizen input to determine if there are necessary changes.”
You are always transparent but you would have to study if you should televise public comment??????
What is there to study if you really believe in being transparent?
Mr. Yelton,
Mind your own business!!!