Many of Madison County’s local contested seats are on the school board. BPR reached out to all candidates on the state candidate list to fill out a short survey about priorities. If you are a candidate and would like to fill out the survey now, please reach out to news@bpr.org.
Madison County Board of Commissioners
Michael Garrison
Republican Party
Garrison currently serves as the vice chair on the Madison County Board of Commissioners. He does not have a campaign website and his campaign is not active on social media. Garrison did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Judy Major
Democratic Party
Where are you from?
I was born in Illinois
What is your top priority if elected?
Property tax fairness. Our recent process of property revaluation was seriously flawed, resulting in multiple errors, inequities in taxation and likely unrealized, much-needed revenue from many of our wealthier property owners. I am committed to exploring all possible avenues for achieving property tax fairness in the future.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
In my travels throughout the county, I am increasingly troubled by the number of people who know very little or nothing about county government and the role of a commissioner. One of my priorities will be to ensure transparency and more public input in government decision making.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
I have led a life of public service and intend to continue that service in my role as Commissioner, working hard to act in ways that will benefit ALL Madison County residents.
Where do you currently live?
I've lived in Mars Hill since 1978
Judy Major has a campaign website located here.
Matthew (Matt) Wechtel
Republican Party
Wechtel currently serves as the vice chair on the Madison County Board of Commissioners. He does not have a campaign website and his campaign is not active on social media. Wechtel did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Barbara Anne Zimmerman
Democratic Party
Where are you from?
Madison County
What is your top priority if elected?
Reconsider current county property tax evaluation process to determine a more fair distribution of the tax burden among property owners.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
Local government impacts people’s lives where they live and should be dedicated to pragmatic actions that enhance quality of life for all residents.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
As more and more people move to our beautiful mountains, we need a local government that will work to preserve our natural and cultural resources. Development must be carefully considered so as not to ruin the quality of life we have enjoyed here for generations.
Where do you currently live?
Laurel Township in Madison County
Madison County Board of Education District 1
Kevin Barnette
Democratic Party
Barnette currently serves on the Madison County Board of Education. He is the first Black elected official in Madison. He does not have a campaign website. He is active on Facebook. Barnette did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Tyler Dale Coates
Republican Party
Coates does not have a campaign website and his campaign is not active on social media. Coates did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Madison County Board of Education District 2
Tina Harris
Democratic Party
Harris does not have a campaign website and her campaign is not active on social media. Harris did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
John H. Bratz
Republican Party
Bratz does not have a campaign website and his campaign is not active on social media. Bratz did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Madison County Register of Deeds
Mary Jane Wallin
Democratic Party
Where are you from?
Marshall, NC
What is your top priority if elected?
Providing excellent customer service and taking the time, with compassion, to meet citizens’ needs daily.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
You can now request certified copies of Vital Records. Just go to madisonrod.net and click the Online Application link for a copy of Vital Records. You can use this link to obtain a certified copy of a Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate from Madison County.
Also, we have added a Fraud Alert Detection service for the property owners in Madison County. This service provides you with an email notification when a document matching your name is recorded in the Register of Deeds office. Click the Fraud Alert Detection link on madisonrod.net to register for this service. If you have any questions about either of these services, please call the office at 828-649-3131.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
I have served as the Madison County Register of Deeds for the past four years. I started in the Register of Deeds Office in February 2013 and previously became an employee of Madison County in 2000, having now served the county for a little more than 24 years. My previous positions were in the Finance Office and the Department of Social Services.
It has been an honor to be trusted by the voters to maintain and protect our land records in Madison County. I will continue to provide prompt, courteous, and efficient customer service.
I am asking for your support on November 5, 2024. Thank you!
Where do you currently live?
Marshall, NC
Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor
Jonathan C. Wallin
Non-partisan race
Wallin is running uncontested. He does not have a campaign website and his campaign is not active on social media. Wallin did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
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