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The
District 4 commissioners’ race will put at least one new face
in county government as incumbent David Blust has filed to run for
state senate and vacate the seat.
Republican
David Triplett, a former county commissioner, and Democrat John
Cooper have filed for the seat, with the filing period drawing to
a close.
Cooper,
owner of the Mast General Store chain, said he was running because
he wanted to help guide the county’s future “to the benefit
of all who live here.”
He
lists a background in business, economic development and charitable
causes, though he has little political experience. His most visible
public role was as one of the supporters of a scenic byway designation
for U.S. 421 east of Boone.
Cooper
acknowledged that the fate of the high school was a big issue, but
he wasn’t sure whether it would already be resolved by November,
since several options are under consideration.
“It’s
important to provide the best we can for our young people at the
best price we can afford,” he said.
Cooper
is also a supporter of a teen recreation center, and said if the
county could provide land and the public raised the money, it might
create a positive partnership.
He
said many other counties provided such recreational facilities.
Cooper
also said affordable housing was an issue, and the county should
spearhead an effort to address the problem. Cooper said now that
family members were taking on more responsibility for his business,
he had more time for public service.
Triplett
recently retired after 26 years as maintenance director for the
Watauga County school system.
He
served 10 years on the commission, from 1984 to 1994, and was chair
when the county passed an education bond referendum in 1992, which
he said was the only local bond passed in the county in the last
30 years.
He
said the county should not only fund facilities, but should pay
teacher and staff supplements comparable to those of other states.
Though
he supports renovation of the existing high school over new construction
at the same location, he said if the building is sold then a new
building at another site might be the best option.
Triplett
said the commissioners should take a proactive role in providing
affordable housing, and said law enforcement should be a priority
since it’s the county’s second-largest budget item.
Triplett
said he had experience that could serve the county now.
“In
order to get things done, both parties have to be of a like mind
on issues, or else they have to find a middle ground,” Triplett
said. “I’m not sure that’s occurring now.”
Regarding
school funding, Triplett said he thought the commissioners’
plan to raise $20 million and pay it off in 10 years was a good
plan, but “suddenly the budget for the high school more than
doubled.” He said that would lead to another tax increase and
a longer payback period.
The
filing ends on Feb. 28.
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