Candidates pledge to make changes in Stokes County
by Amanda Dodson, Contributing Writer The Stokes News
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Amanda Dodson/The Stokes News Candidates for Stokes County Sheriff, Barry Conaway and Mike Marshall, both have over two decades of law enforcement experience and believe that developing a relationship between the community and officers is imperative.
For those who have seen the political signs lining the roads but wanted to know more about the candidates running for office, the King Chamber of Commerce hosted a Candidates’ Forum at the Stokes Family YMCA on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to introduce themselves and explain their reason for running. Board of Education incumbent Bill Hart, who is seeking a second term, relayed his passion for education. As a retired educator and son of a teacher, Hart recalled most of the conversations at his dinner table were centered on the public school system.
“It’s the only way to better your life. That’s the reason why I’m running,” Hart said.
There are currently three seats available on the Board Education and seven candidates vying for the positions.
Colon Moore, who is also seeking a second term, says he has always had a passion for education. He admitted seeing firsthand the difficulties the school system faced this year from the stretched budget to the need to update and build better facilities.
“Funding has been an issue but that just means we need to be creative,” Moore said.
Moore stated that he believes in the past Stokes County schools were looked down upon but that the tide has changed.
“We’re heading in the right direction, thanks to our staff of teachers and students. It’s a privilege to work in Stokes County,” Moore said.
Mike Rodgers of Walnut Cove is running for a seat on the Board of Education and believes the only way to fix what is broken is to get involved. He has two children in the public school system and is also actively involved in the South Stokes Sports Association where he has served as president. Rodgers wasn’t born in Stokes County, but says living here has become one of the best things that have ever happened to him.
“I love this community, and I want to make it the best it can be,” Rodgers said.
Jamie Yontz, the owner of Yontz Construction in Walnut Cove, chose to run for a seat on the Board of Education after hearing concerns from parents and teachers. He plans to bring his knowledge of business and common sense to the position.
“I’d like to see a transparent board, where the community knows where their money is being spent,” Yontz said.
Zollie Smith, a father of three who has seen his children go through the public school system and on to college, says he spent much of his time during those years “following his kids.” That led Smith to coach, become a Sunday school teacher, a Boy Scouts leader and president of the Band Boosters.
David Smith, another candidate running for a seat on the Board of Education, believes it’s imperative to have a strong parent and teacher relationship. He spoke passionately that all children, no matter what their background or social status, deserve an equal education.
Barry Conaway and Mike Marshall, who are running for sheriff of Stokes County, were in attendance.
Conaway, a Democrat with 26 years of law enforcement experience, said he would like to see Stokes County advance in their technology: “We’re a little behind; I want to provide our officers with safe equipment so they can be confident when they’re out on the road.”
As the police chief of Walnut Cove for 14 years, Conaway says he knows the importance of developing a strong relationship with officers and the community.
“It’s imperative,” Conaway stated.
Republican candidate Mike Marshall, who was born and raised in Stokes County, has been employed with the sheriff’s department for 23 years. He admitted to being aware of the budgeting issues, and he believes he can be a part of fixing the problems.
Marshall said his reason for running for sheriff of Stokes County is simple, “I want people to have a safe place to live, to work and raise kids.”
Marshall also plans on taking a strong stance on the increasing epidemic of illegal drugs.
District Court Judges Spencer Key and Angela Puckett, who are both running unopposed, also attended the community meeting.
Read more: The Stokes News - Candidates pledge to make changes in Stokes County
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