Grassroots coalition queries primary candidates in local races

Becky Johnson, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

May 13—Still undecided who to vote for in the primary election on Tuesday, May 17?

A local coalition of concerned citizens have made public the responses to a questionnaire posed to candidates in the Haywood County commissioner, sheriff and WNC Congressional race.

The questionnaire will primarily be helpful to those voting a Republican ballot in the primary. Only two Democrats out of all the races responded to the questions, but every Republican in all three races replied. The questions and answers have been posted at haywoodhappenings.org (click on "local election candidate scorecard).

The questions were developed by a coalition of concerned citizens that meet weekly to discuss local issues in hopes of encouraging public dialog and citizen involvement in local government. The group has grown to an email list of 100 people.

"It ended up being a meeting place for concerned citizens to discuss topics that are of interest to all of us," said Scott Wilson, who moved to Haywood two years ago.

Wilson found the questionnaire particularly helpful.

"Not being from here, I don't know anybody. This questionnaire helps me understand what some of their beliefs are and helps me make an informed decision about who to vote for," Wilson said.

Most of the questions address issues typically associated with the conservative platform. For example, commissioner candidates were asked to weigh in on issues like transgender athletic participation, gender identification for public restrooms, school choice, voter ID and Constitutional protection from government mandates. Questions also center on the drug and homelessness issue in Haywood County.

Wilson said the citizens group is non-partisan, however, and that the questionnaire should be helpful to any voter wanting to learn more about candidates.

"At least you have some transparency about what candidates believe," he said. "We are gathering information and go do with it what you want."

Those wanting to learn more about the citizens group can email haywoodcc2022@gmail.com.