Kerry Drake will work for you.
Kerry Drake, a Randolph County Native, is running for County Commission District 4 to werve you.
Petty politics have meant that your commissioners haven’t always worked for the benefit of the whole and Kerry aims to change that.
The changes in the job of Commissioner mean that they are no longer the “Road Commissioners” of old, but have expanded responsibilities to the residents of Randolph County.
Look to the future, not the past
Randolph County needs real leadership. If we want to have a world where our children can live and work here, we need to work together to futher the needs of everyone—good jobs, good pay, healthy communities.
FAQs
There are concerns about local roads and infrastructure under the current road commissioner’s leadership, affecting transportation and daily commutes.
Strategy:
Critique the inefficiencies in road management and advocate for new leadership or oversight in the road commissioner’s office.
Propose infrastructure improvements to make roads safer, more accessible, and better maintained.
Work with local and state agencies to secure funding for road and infrastructure repairs and expansions.
“Our roads should reflect the pride we have in our community. It’s time to fix our infrastructure and hold leadership accountable.”
Job Creation & Economic Development
Many young people, including Kerry’s own children, leave the county for jobs across state lines due to the lack of local opportunities.
Strategy:
Promote local economic development by working to bring businesses and industries into the county that offer livable wages and create a stronger labor pool.
Partner with local schools and colleges to establish job training and apprenticeship programs, ensuring youth have opportunities for career advancement within the county.
Develop incentives for businesses to hire locally and invest in the community.
Messaging:
“Our youth shouldn’t have to leave their home for a decent job. Let’s bring opportunities back to our county with livable wages and a strong local economy.”
Housing & Property Development
Many properties in the county and city are underutilized or owned by the local government, and affordable housing is limited.
Strategy:
Advocate for housing programs that help residents access homeownership by creating down payment assistance initiatives, especially targeting young families and first-time homebuyers.
Push for partnerships between local governments, developers, and nonprofits to turn unused properties into affordable housing options.
Host community forums to understand what housing needs residents have and promote transparent decision-making around property redevelopment.
“Our community deserves affordable homes, not vacant lots. Let’s turn our unused properties into opportunities for families.”
Youth Employment and Labor Pool Development
The current labor pool is not strong enough to keep youth employed within the county, leading them to seek work elsewhere.
Strategy:
Create partnerships with local schools, colleges, and businesses to develop youth employment programs that keep young people working locally.
Advocate for grants or tax incentives for businesses that invest in job training programs, apprenticeships, and internships for youth in the county.
Introduce policies that ensure businesses in the area offer competitive wages and career advancement opportunities to retain local talent.
“Our young people are the future of this county. We need to invest in them by creating jobs that keep them here, working and thriving.”