Board of Commissioners candidates answer questions
Hopefuls offer stances on major projects, data centers and future of county
ELECTIONS 2026 | MCDOWELL COUNTY
This year, the Nov. 3 primary elections will decide several McDowell County offices. The early voting period will begin Thursday, Oct. 15, and end Saturday, Oct. 31.
Three Republican candidates and three Democratic candidates are seeking election to three available seats on the McDowell County Board of Commissioners. The Republicans are incumbents Tony Brown and David Walker and former Commissioner Chris Allison, and the Democratic candidates are Terry English, Matt Suttles and Stephanie Tenery.
The McDowell News asked each candidate to answer questions about themselves and why they are seeking election to the county board of commissioners. The following are their responses to the questionnaire.
Chris Allison
Address: Marion
Age: 43
Occupation: Life Safety Service sales representative
Education: High School diploma/electrical trades school and trade-associated certifications.
List any personal information you feel is relevant.
My name is Chris Allison. I am a husband, father, coach, and community member who is proud to call McDowell County home. My wife, Kristen, and I are raising our family here, and serving our community has always been important to us.
I previously served as a McDowell County commissioner from December 2020 through December 2024. That experience gave me valuable insight into county government, the responsibilities of elected officials, and the importance of making informed decisions that affect taxpayers and families.
I have coached baseball, basketball, and softball. Coaching has taught me the importance of teamwork, integrity, accountability, discipline, and respect. I believe those same values are essential in public service.
My experience as a commissioner and my involvement in our community have strengthened my belief that government should be accessible, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves.
I believe elected officials should listen to their constituents, communicate honestly, and make decisions based on what is best for the entire county; not just a select group.
My priorities include supporting public safety and county services, responsible infrastructure expansion, parks and recreation, economic growth and job creation, and collaboration toward a shared vision for McDowell County.
Above all, I believe public office is a responsibility, not a privilege to be taken for granted. If elected, I will work diligently to represent all citizens of McDowell County with honesty, integrity and respect.
What is the biggest challenge facing McDowell County now?
I believe one of the biggest challenges facing McDowell County is balancing responsible growth with protecting taxpayers and preserving the qualities that make our community special.
McDowell County has opportunities for economic development, infrastructure improvements, and stronger public services. However, growth must be carefully planned, and we must ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs to our citizens.
We need to attract good-paying jobs, support existing businesses, improve infrastructure, and maintain strong public safety and emergency services. At the same time, we must recognize that families, retirees and businesses are facing financial pressures. County government has a responsibility to spend taxpayer money wisely and avoid unnecessary financial burdens.
Transparency, honesty, and fiscal responsibility must be central to every county decision.
Before asking taxpayers for additional revenue or committing to major projects, we should thoroughly examine how the money we already collect is being spent. We should identify waste, unnecessary expenses, and opportunities to improve efficiency.
We must also listen to concerns about illegal drugs, transportation, healthcare access, animal control, and other quality-of-life issues.
Not every challenge can be solved by county government alone. Some require cooperation with municipalities, the state of North Carolina, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other agencies.
If elected, I will work to address the issues within the county's authority while advocating for our citizens on matters beyond it. Our challenge is moving McDowell County forward without losing accountability, fiscal discipline, or the community values that make it home.
The issue of data centers in McDowell County has come to the forefront. Do you support or not support having a data center in McDowell? What rules or guidelines should the county put in place for data centers?
At this time, I have not been involved in any conversations about a data center in McDowell County. Because of that, I do not believe it would be responsible to give a blanket yes or no without first understanding the specific proposal, its location, and its potential impact.
I understand that residents have concerns about water usage, electricity, farming, traffic, environmental protection, and the character of our communities. Those concerns deserve serious consideration.
I support responsible economic development, but development should never come at the expense of our citizens, natural resources or agricultural heritage. Any proposed data center should be evaluated on its individual merits, using facts and complete information.
Before approval, the county should thoroughly examine:
■„ Water resources: The project's water needs and its effect on agriculture, residents, and existing customers.
■„ Energy and infrastructure: Electrical capacity, utility demands, roads, and who will pay for necessary improvements.
■„ Environmental impacts: Noise, air quality, stormwater, wildlife, and surrounding properties.
■„ Agriculture and neighbors: Potential effects on farms, landowners, and rural communities.
„■Public safety: Traffic, emergency response, and any additional service demands.
„■Financial responsibility: Tax incentives, construction costs, long-term benefits, and potential costs to taxpayers.
■„ Transparency: Public access to information, meaningful public input, and a clear approval process.
Any county guidelines must comply with state law and be based on sound planning. My position is simple: we should examine the facts, listen to our citizens, and protect the long-term interests of McDowell County. I will advocate for residents and support decisions that are responsible, transparent, and in the best interest of our entire community.
The county is seeking to build a new department of social services building and a new animal shelter. What is your position on these major projects?
The Department of Social Services and animal control provide important services to McDowell County. Our citizens deserve safe, functional, and appropriate facilities, and the needs of the people who rely on these services must be taken seriously.
However, major construction projects involve significant taxpayer commitments and must be evaluated carefully. I believe the county should provide the public with clear information before moving forward, including the total projected cost, financing, future operating expenses, and the long-term needs of each facility.
The county should also examine the condition of the existing buildings, consider alternatives such as renovation or expansion, and explain why a new facility is the best option. Independent financial and project reviews can help ensure that costs are realistic and that taxpayers receive the best possible value.
For a new Department of Social Services building, we need to ensure that employees have a safe workplace and that residents can access essential services in a secure, accessible, and efficient environment.
For a new animal shelter, I support humane animal care, appropriate housing, public safety, and adequate working conditions for animal-control personnel. The county should evaluate the facility's capacity, staffing requirements, operating costs, and long-term sustainability.
I am not opposed to necessary improvements, but I believe major projects must be justified by demonstrated needs and responsible financial planning. Taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and a complete understanding of the costs before significant public funds are committed. If elected, I will ask tough questions, listen to residents, and work to ensure these decisions serve McDowell County well.
Where do you see McDowell County 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I want to see McDowell County remain a place where families are proud to live, work, raise their children, and build their futures.
I envision a county with strong public safety, responsible infrastructure, good-paying jobs, thriving businesses, and opportunities for future generations. I want to see continued support for law enforcement, emergency management, local fire departments, and all county employees who serve our community.
I also want to see infrastructure improvements that support responsible growth, expanded parks and recreation opportunities, and county services that are accessible and responsive to all citizens.
Economic development should create meaningful opportunities while protecting our agricultural heritage, natural resources, and small-town character. We should welcome businesses and industries that fit our community and provide lasting benefits without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.
Most importantly, I want McDowell County to have a government that people trust.
That means transparency in spending, honesty in decision-making, accountability to the public, and responsible stewardship of every taxpayer dollar. Citizens should know how their money is being used and have meaningful opportunities to be heard. I believe the future of McDowell County should be built on collaboration among county government, municipalities, the state, businesses, community organizations and residents.
If elected, I will work to listen to the people, advocate for our county, and make decisions based on what is best for the entire community.
My vision is a stronger, safer, more prosperous McDowell County that preserves what we love while preparing responsibly for the future.
My commitment is simple: to serve all citizens of McDowell County with honesty, integrity and accountability.
Tony Brown
Address: Marion
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired N.C. general contractor, Brown Construction Co.
Education: Graduate of McDowell High School; master's degree in theology, Foothills Baptist Bible College
List any personal information you feel is relevant.
Born and raised in our small town of Old Fort, I am a retired North Carolina general contractor and U.S. Navy veteran who has spent my life working, serving, and investing in my community. I am married to Dawn Noblitt Brown, and together we have two daughters, five grandchildren, and a family deer farm. I am a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of Gideons International. I am also a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where I am in charge of security. I am a graduate of McDowell High School with a Master's degree in theology from Foothills Baptist Bible College. I am passionate about this community and the commitment required to maintain the values that have shaped McDowell County for generations.
What is the biggest challenge facing McDowell County now?
McDowell County has experienced tremendous growth and advancement over the past decade. I believe that growth brings both opportunities and responsibilities. As the county moves forward, important decisions must be made about affordable housing, infrastructure, schools, emergency services, property taxes, and the quality of life of the people who call McDowell County home.
I support continued investment in water and sewer systems, electrical infrastructure, telecommunications, and schools that need repair or replacement. I believe our children and grandchildren deserve healthy, safe, and supportive environments in which to learn and grow as an upstanding priority. For to invest in our children is to invest in this county.
Our emergency services deserve our support as well. The men and women who protect and serve McDowell County should have the resources, equipment, and support necessary to carry out their vital work.
I also recognize the importance of addressing the impact of increasing property taxes and exploring responsible ways to reduce the financial burden on local families and property owners.
The issue of data centers in McDowell County has come to the forefront. Do you support having a data center in McDowell? What rules or guidelines should the County put in place for data centers?
I believe we must put the safety, health, and well-being of our community first. I support an extensive study of data centers that examines both the potential benefits and any negative impacts they could have on McDowell County.
I will ask the same questions that members of the general public are asking, and I will settle for nothing less than fact-based answers. We know that a data center could bring significant revenue to the county, but I refuse to make such an important decision based solely on revenue.
The people of McDowell County will always be at the forefront of importance in any decision I make. Our families, our community, and the long-term well-being of this county must come before any financial benefit.
The county is seeking to build a new Department of Social Services building and a new animal shelter. What is your position on these major projects?
I support both projects and recognize that one possible way to achieve these goals is through grant funding from the state or federal government. We should continue applying for available funding, and I believe our legislators can help us pursue the resources necessary to address these needs.
The working conditions in the old DSS building are inadequate, with employees working in a very small space with extremely limited room. Our animal shelter has also been overlooked for too long. We already have grant money and pledges from individuals that can cover much of the cost, and I believe we should continue working toward providing these facilities while remaining responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Where do you see McDowell County 10 years from now?
When I look at McDowell County 10 years from now, I can only imagine what will happen over the next decade. Our county has grown and advanced significantly over the past 10 years — more than it did during the previous 50 years.
As we continue to grow, I believe we must hold onto the moral and ethical values that our fathers and grandfathers built this county upon. We must remain true to those values as we make decisions concerning the growth and future of this great county.
If we seek the wisdom of our Lord, I believe He will guide us along paths that will make this county rich — not just monetarily, but also in the spirit of love and concern for one another.
I believe the future of McDowell County is something we build together. As we face growth and change, I want to help ensure that we never lose the values, sense of community, and concern for our neighbors that make McDowell County such a special place to call home.
Terry English
Address: Northern McDowell
Age: 66
Occupation: Farmer
Education: Did not answer
List any personal information you feel is relevant.
My family has lived in the Ashford community for generations always with a determination to thrive personally and a commitment to serve neighbors and community. I have served several terms representing the North Cove district on the McDowell Board of Education and the McDowell Soil and Water Conservation District all while operating the family dairy and crop farm enterprises.
What is the biggest challenge facing McDowell County now?
I believe that we have several challenges facing our county just now. Housing that is affordable to working folks, and jobs that offer a chance for people to live not just survive are two big areas of concern. Strong support for our school system and community college is necessary to support those jobs and would allow our folks the opportunity to become a homeowner rather than a lifetime renter.
The issue of data centers in McDowell County has come to the forefront. Do you support or not support having a data center in McDowell? What rules or guidelines should the county put in place for data centers?
I think that whether McDowell County is sought out as a potential site for data center development will depend largely upon whether or not there are local regulations in place to ensure that they are not a detriment to our communities and our county. Those local ordinances should address a number of concerns including noise, environmental concerns, water supply, power availability and tax issues that may be associated with a data center. McDowell County is a great place to live and we want to keep it that way.
The county is seeking to build a new department of social services building and a new animal shelter. What is your position on these major projects?
Both facilities are badly needed and I'm not sure that we can afford to do both at the same time. If that is indeed the case, I would support moving forward with a DSS facility as a greater priority.
Where do you see McDowell County 10 years from now?
I would hope to imagine a place that families, both young and old, can enjoy a pleasant life brought about by local leadership and local investment from those who came before them.
Matt Suttles
Address : Marion
Age: 49
Occupation: Currently, I supervise the prior authorization team for Mountain Area Health Education
Center. I will begin employment at Foothills Industries in Marion as chief of operations Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.
Education: Bachelor of Science – sociology
List any personal information you feel is relevant.
I have dedicated more than 20 years of my career to serving individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use needs. I managed the Community Access program for Goodwill Industries when the Marion store opened. If you drive around the building, you'll see a mural featuring David Lunsford, one of the individuals who came through that program.
Prior to that, I served as a community crisis clinician from 2011 to 2013, providing direct support to individuals and families during some of their most difficult moments.
Before that, I was the director of mental health services at Quality Mental Health.
Throughout my career, I've worked with sex offenders in the community, overseen licensed therapeutic foster care placements, and supported some of our region's most vulnerable populations.
Service has always been at the center of my work. I was raised in Clinchfield's mill village, and those roots shaped who I am. I don't come from the political left or the political right. I come from the bottom. I understand what it's like to struggle, to work hard, and to depend on people who care enough to help. That perspective has guided my career and fueled my commitment to helping others build better lives.
What is the biggest challenge facing McDowell County now?
I believe the biggest challenge facing McDowell County is affordability. It's becoming harder for working families to afford a home, pay the power bill, buy groceries, access healthcare, and still have enough left to live with dignity. At the same time, wages and opportunities haven't always kept pace with the cost of living.
We need economic development that works for the people who already call McDowell home, not simply development that looks good on a spreadsheet. That means workforce housing, good-paying local jobs, supporting small businesses and skilled trades, protecting our existing infrastructure, and making sure growth doesn't drive the people who built this community out of it.
The issue of data centers in McDowell County has come to the forefront. Do you support or not support having a data center in McDowell? What rules or guidelines should the county put in place for data centers?
I'm not opposed to data centers simply because they're data centers. But I am opposed to McDowell County making a decision based on the promise of jobs and tax revenue without fully understanding the long-term cost to our community.
If we consider one, the rules should be clear before anyone breaks ground: the developer must pay its fair share of infrastructure costs; demonstrate that it will not strain our water supply or raise utility costs for residents; meet strict standards for noise, environmental impact, and energy use; and provide meaningful local economic benefit through jobs, wages, contracting, and taxes. We should also require full transparency about water and electricity consumption and have enforceable provisions if the project fails to meet its commitments. And I would not support sacrificing farmland, residential neighborhoods, or our quality of life simply to attract a large corporation.
