Mike Fryar

Mike Fryar (I), Republican
avl.mx/32k

Place of residence: Fairview

Occupation: Retired

Political experience: Buncombe County Commissioner since 2012

Endorsements: Did not answer

Amount of money raised: $17,000 through primary, and I am still actively working on raising funds through the end of the month. (See next campaign finance report.)  These are public record.

Top three donors and amount contributed: See campaign finance report when due at the end of October

Why are you running?
To continue working for the people of Buncombe County and [to] be cost-effective with their tax dollars.

What is Buncombe County’s best path toward creating more jobs outside of the service and tourist industries? And how do you plan on making it happen?
I am always in favor of working to bring jobs to Buncombe County and plan to continue working to do so as one of my top priorities.

Are you in favor of using economic development incentives? If so, what kind? If not, why?
As I have stated before, I have never liked incentives, but until the federal and/or state government addresses this issue, we are forced to make tough decisions to save and create jobs for Buncombe County residents.

North Carolina law states footage from the Sheriff’s Department body cameras is not part of the public record. Do you agree or disagree with this decision? Why or why not?
I believe that the Sheriff’s Department and the district attorney are more qualified to make this decision.

As infrastructure needs grow, would you consider using bonds to fund projects? Why or why not? And, if so, what type of bond would you pursue?
I am not usually in favor of bonds if it results in more tax increases.

Does HB2 highlight the state overstepping its bounds in regard to legislating municipalities? Why or why not?
It seems that with all of the good economic news resulting from the governor’s leadership, some only want to focus on the subject regarding HB2. There is nothing discriminatory about being concerned about the safety and welfare of our children, and when we look at markets in other states, Asheville has outperformed other places when it comes to growth and income rates.

As development continues to boom, how can the county help ensure affordable housing for its residents?
As long as demand is greater than supply, this issue will be challenging to find solutions and will need support from the public and private sectors.

Are the current zoning policies are adequate to deal with the pressures of increased development in the county?
I believe that they are more than adequate as there are 91 pages of zoning ordinances for Buncombe County.

What zoning designation that doesn’t currently exist would you like to see, or what is an existing, but underutilized zoning designation?
None that I am aware of.

What county-run service needs the most improvement, and how would you address it?
County-run services strive to provide the best cost-efficient services that they can and should continue to work toward doing so.

What is the most important issue facing Buncombe County, and how do you plan on addressing it?
We must prioritize three issues to create opportunity in Buncombe County: education, jobs and not increasing property taxes. But reducing taxes should be our main focus in order to provide residents of Buncombe County opportunity.

How do you represent a constituency with varied political ideologies?
Listen to everyone and try to make common-sense decisions.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I have worked to be accountable to the citizens of Buncombe County and provide valuable services and use the citizens’ tax dollars wisely.