Allen Thomas

Candidate for Hoke County Commission (Democrat)

• Why should you be a Hoke County Commissioner?

I should be a Commissioner because I offer a unique blend of qualifications. I care for the community, I understand complex government issues, and I know how to get things done.

• Would you support a plan to build a new high school, or add on to the existing high school? What if it means raising property taxes?

If growth continues, the Board of Commissioners will have to one day tackle the tough task of building a new high school. At this point, I would be willing to raise property taxes to support education if public input sessions are held. If these sessions make it clear that the citizens value better facilities at the expense of higher taxes, I would support such an initiative.

• Where do you stand on gun control, including issues such as banning or restricting the sale of certain types of weapons, allowing gun violence restraining orders, and instituting universal background checks?

This is a State issue. We don’t oversee gun sales on the county level. At this time, guns are not allowed in county buildings or in county parks.

• What would you do to support transparent government?

I have advocated for every meeting to be recorded for public viewing. I was pleased when we announced that meetings would now be viewable on our website. This was not an easy task. I fought hard to keep my promise on making Hoke County more transparent. It was a step in the right direction.

• What’s your plan for directing growth in eastern, western and southern areas of Hoke County?

I will continue working with our planning department to utilize smart growth tactics to ensure that developers want to build in Hoke County. The DOT has been engaged about keeping up with our growth by adding stoplights, medians, road widening projects etc. There are areas in this county where growth is not welcomed. I think about preserving the rural areas of the county as well.

• What needs are most pressing in Hoke County, and how would you address those needs?

Economic development and job growth are major concerns of mine. We rely too heavily on taxing our residents. We need to grow our tax base to take the weight off of the backs of our taxpayers. Our families also want more things to do here in Hoke County. We are slowly seeing progress, but I’m ready for more.

Education funding is also a major issue. I believe we need more funding for our children. Our school system is doing amazing work with the resources that they have, but they need more help. We need to push to decrease teacher turnover by increasing the local supplement for certified and non-certified positions. We also need to increase our per pupil spending. Scotland County gives two times more money per pupil than we do and that’s unacceptable. Lastly, we need to build the Recreation Center, Ag Building, and continue to increase resources to our Sheriffs Department.

• What is your stance on the ongoing SBI investigation?

I’m eagerly waiting the results from the investigation. People deserve to know what’s going on.

• What would you do to make Hoke County a safer place to live?

Continue to support DSS, the Health Department, Sheriff’s Office, enhance Emergency Management to become better prepared for a natural disaster, and continue supporting our wonderful 911 dispatcher employees.

• What’s your stance on the grassroots efforts to incorporate Rockfish and make it a city or town?

I’m neutral on this issue.

• What are some common complaints you hear from citizens or that you yourself have about the county, and how would you address them?

Dirt roads!I get a lot of complaints from people who want their dirt road paved. The county does not pave roads. The city maintains city roads and the state maintains state roads. I also get complaints about noise, gunshots, blight, rude employees, and water bills. My phone number is public information and I dedicate time each day to address the concerns of the public. I recommend that residents contact the county clerk with their issues. She is great with directing residents to the right Commissioner or department. Oftentimes an issue isn’t even a county issue, so our clerk will direct you to the appropriate people.

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