NOT RUNNING — Commissioner Graylen Blevins (left) and School Board Chairman Charles Joines (right) both opted not to seek re-election.

Two local politicians discuss their reasons for not seeking re-election

Two incumbent politicians, Commissioner Graylen Blevins and Board of Education Chairman Charles Joines, have opted not to seek re-election. Joines chose to step down after 12 years with the board of education (three terms), while Blevins chose to step down after one four-year term with the board of commissioners.

Graylen Blevins

Blevins, who was born and raised in Alleghany County, considered serving on the board of commissioners as another way to contribute to the community. He serves as pastor of Pine Fork Baptist Church, and is owner and proprietor of Home Town Fuel and Alleghany Motor Market, a Sparta BP service station and ice cream parlor.

Blevins stated he initially sought a seat on the commission in 2002 because, “I just felt it in my heart to give back to Alleghany County and serve in the most complete capacity that I could.”

As a public servant in local government, Blevins noted the importance of expressing views and concerns of the people.

“The state mandates certain things upon us that you have no control (over),” he said. “It’s the little issues that you do have to put your morals and personal beliefs into...Put your heart into any part of the government and it will be a better government.”

Blevins added further that a team effort, not an individual effort, would lead to more accomplishments on the governmental level. “You can accomplish a lot, but you cannot accomplish everything individually,” he said. “My one opinion does not count for it all. Everybody’s opinion together gets you the best answer for the county’s problems.”

During Blevins’ time on the board of commissioners, he has seen an increased demand on governmental services.

“There’s a greater need in education, there’s a greater need in service overall,” he said. “The demand is there and it’s the government’s responsibility to supply certain services. Our government should not be relied upon to carry the full load. The way we live our lives and the way we handle our lives can make a better life for us.”

Blevins stated he opted not to run for re-election because, “My schedule is demanding as far as being a father to my children, being a pastor in the ministry and doing what the Good Lord bids me to do, and business comes in last.”

As Blevins leaves the board of commissioners, he notes that although he won’t be a member of a board, he is a member of the community. As such,

“I will support — and I’ve made this known way before (that) I will support — in any means the school system and the board of commissioners. Before I support them, I’m still supporting the citizens of the county. Any issue that we can bring before the board as a group of citizens, I’ll be glad to be in that position. My presence will be there serving Alleghany County because concerned citizens are what keeps a county on its toes.”

If he were to offer any advice to his successor, it would be to “Come in and have a broad mind to listen and a mouth to speak.

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