08/27/2026
IN KEVIN'S OWN WORDS:
Transylvania County stands at a critical crossroads.
As a lifelong resident, I’ve watched our community change dramatically — from the days when Ecusta and DuPont were major employers to the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Helene.
Those experiences have taught me that the decisions we make over the next four to five years will shape Transylvania County for decades to come.
For generations, manufacturing provided good jobs, a strong tax base, and economic stability. Today, much of our economy depends on tourism.
Tourism is important, and I am proud of the natural beauty that draws visitors here and of the work I have done in that sector. But relying too heavily on a single industry creates vulnerability.
When the economy slows, tourism can slow with it. When a disaster like Hurricane Helene strikes, tourism can come to a standstill, leaving businesses struggling and residents out of work.
This isn’t about choosing manufacturing over tourism — or vice versa. It’s about finding the right balance.
We need opportunities for good-paying jobs that aren’t tied to a single sector. Responsible economic development can give our children and grandchildren more reasons to build their lives here and strengthen the tax base that supports our schools and essential services.
Economic development, however, cannot happen without the necessary infrastructure.
Transylvania County faces serious infrastructure challenges. Vast portions of our county still lack reliable high-speed internet. Our water and sewer systems are at or near capacity. Our landfill is expected to reach capacity in roughly five years, while developing a new cell can take five to seven years just for state permitting.
Without adequate water and sewer capacity, we limit our ability to attract new businesses and to expand existing ones. Without reliable broadband, we limit educational opportunities, remote work, and small businesses’ ability to compete.
Without a responsible solid- waste plan, we risk leaving an expensive problem for the next generation.
If we fail to address these challenges, we risk becoming primarily a bedroom community for Hendersonville and Asheville.
Today, roughly 55% of our workforce works outside Transylvania County. I don’t want to see that number rise because we failed to create opportunities here at home.
Our schools are another critical element of this discussion.
Like school systems across North Carolina, Transylvania County Schools faces significant needs for repairs, investment, and quality staff.
This issue is personal to me. My mother, father, uncle, and wife all devoted their careers to educating children in Transylvania County and retired after 30 years of service.
I’ve seen firsthand how important our schools are to this community.
I’ve also seen how the decline of major manufacturers has changed our tax base. When Ecusta and DuPont were operating at full strength, our schools benefited from the property-tax base those companies provided as well as from their generous support.
That makes responsible economic development even more important — not only because businesses create jobs, but also because a healthy business community strengthens the tax base that supports our schools, public safety, infrastructure and other essential services.
The goal shouldn’t be to turn Transylvania County into something it isn’t. We don’t need uncontrolled growth, and we shouldn’t sacrifice the natural beauty and sense of community that make the county special.
We need thoughtful growth, responsible economic development, and infrastructure that can support our future. We need to protect our environment while ensuring our community receives a fair economic return.
Above all, we need to make decisions with the next generation in mind.
I have been fortunate to travel the world and see both its good and its bad. The simple fact is that I love Transylvania County because it is home. I want future generations to have the same opportunity to build a good life here that previous generations had.
I believe we can build an economy that balances tourism with manufacturing and other industries.
I believe we can make the necessary infrastructure investments to support that economy. And I believe we can preserve the character and natural beauty that make Transylvania County worth fighting for.
I’m asking for your vote this November because I want to help build that future —a future where our children have opportunities, our schools have the resources they need, our infrastructure is prepared for tomorrow, and all of us can continue to be proud to call Transylvania County home.
