Ron Cummings (R), running for Chowan County Board Of Commissioners District 1
1. Why are you running for office?
Property taxes continue to increase each year, while the county schools lack the funding for repairs and updated equipment. Industries look at the schools, the education systems as a strong, solid foundation of a county. In order for the county to grow the tax base county commissioners and school board officials need to seek out grants and explore other avenues to acquire revenue to support school capital projects. We have great teachers that need a well functioning schools and the resources to teach the required skills to our children/young adults for them to be able to work in not only today, but also in the future work forces of the 21st century.
I want to work with the school board to bring in resources to improve our county schools.I want to seek way to grow the tax base that will bring real jobs to Chowan County. I want to find the means to reduce the county poverty level.
2. Why should people vote for you?
I have integrity, commitment and experience with multi-million dollar budgets. I will work to reduce property taxes. I believe that all elected officials, thru their actions, shall be committed to protecting the health, safety & welfare of all the county citizens. I will work toward improving the counties infrastructure that manufacturing industries need in order to operate in the county. I will encourage and support additional technical training at the high school & College of the Albemarle campuses. Technical training will provide the citizens greater opportunities to learn skills that attract new business to Chowan County.
3. What’s your favorite thing about the area you want to represent?
Small bedroom communities interacting with farms to create a family friendly county. The people are great, for the most part they want less government, less taxes and to be able to spend/save their money for what they want, not what the government dictates.
4. What is the biggest problem your area is facing, how will you fix it?
There is a double edge problem: Low tax base and a 27+ % of Chowan counties population below the poverty level.
By increasing the tax base ( growing jobs ), will help decrease the poverty rate.
I will work toward solving the problem by following thru with my statements #1 & 2 above.
5. Describe Donald Trump in max 3 words?
Businessman
6. Describe Hillary Clinton in max 3 words?
Another dishonest politician
7. What do you do for a living? Why do you do it?
I served 23 years in the United States Navy, Vietnam & Persian Gulf Veteran in several leadership positions. I joined the Navy after high school. I want to do my part to protect our freedoms, liberty and the people I love. Worked 6 years with Procter & Gamble as a Manufacturing & Utilities Manager.
Worked 16 years with Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corp. as a Production and Logistics Supervisor.
Retired and now serving as a member & treasure of the Beekeepers of the Albemarle ( 118 active members ). Served a term on the N.C. Workforce Development Commission. While visiting Community Colleges thru-out the state, I heard business leaders talk about the skills needed for young and older adults in the job market today. Active member of the Chowan Perquimans Habitat for Humanity. Worked many hours on the projects this year. Active member of the Edenton United Methodist Church.
The jobs, work that I have done over the years has been fulfilling, rewarding and enabled me to help others learn and grow. A person should always be teaching others, not only your own personal job, but also areas where they can continue to grow and to seek new knowledge as well.
8. You’re going to be marooned on a tropical island for a week, you can only bring 1 thing – what is it?
This being a tropical island, I would believe there is water, food and shelter. Then all I would need to take is a Bible.
9. What do you think of Colin Kaepernick?
A very spoiled and disrespectful young man.
10. Would you vote to fund light rail expansion in your area?
NO
11. Will you respect the outcome of the election?
There has been problems in every election that I know of since I became of age to vote ( 21 at that time ). So, who ever wins the election, there will be voter fraud. And until the media takes the time to researches and publish the facts, until the justice system remain blind to the who and seeks out the facts, there will always be voter fraud.
So, to answer your question – NO. Even if the person I vote for wins. There is still voter fraud that need to be fixed. Start with VOTER I.D.
12. Favorite TV Show?
Nascar, where prayer is given before each event, where the U.S. flag is still respected, where our Military and First Responders are still respected and treated as the heroes they are.