Commission Chair Richardson will not seek re-election

Alleghany Board of Commissioners Chairman Ken Richardson announced last Tuesday that he will not seek re-election. He stated, "I have been a candidate in 12 political campaigns for county commissioner. Right now I have the strongest support at any time and it would be an honor to serve another term. However, I have decided not to seek another term as county commissioner."

The move came during the regularly scheduled commissioners meeting, which had been moved from Monday to Tuesday due to the Martin Luther King Day holiday. The county offices were closed for the holiday.

Richardson said he had "requested this time to talk about my plans and goals for 2012." Richardson started by going through a list of his accomplishments, noting that he has served the people of the county since 1975—for more than 35 years, 20 of those as a county commissioner. Richardson began, "My role as businessman in this county began with the acquisition of the Firestone business on North Main Street in 1975." He said his career continued with "the establishment of the most complete sporting goods store in Northwestern North Carolina."

Richardson said he was active in the recruitment of a number of businesses, including the many establishments that are or have been located in Sparta Square Shopping Center since it first opened.

He said, "Over the years, Sparta Square has brought millions in real estate development to the county, has provided well over a 100 ongoing jobs resulting in millions in retail sales, and contributed thousands of dollars in property taxes."

He continued, "In my 30-plus years on the Library Board, I led the effort to relocate and create larger quarters on Main Street; (and) the start of the first Blue Ridge Mountain Fair during the 1976 Bicentennial.

"As former president of the Sparta Merchants Association, I take satisfaction in helping to create the Chamber of Commerce and the Sparta Revitalization Committee.

"As co-chair in the beginnings of the County Fairgrounds and construction of the Emerson Black Building, the planning and early efforts for the Wellness Center, the Business Development Center the Cascade Highlands, a regional tourism corporation and as co-chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee are other points of pride."

Richardson said in politics, "I worked hard to assure the needs and services for our county came first. My business experience taught me the importance of fiscal stability and the county's audit report record indicates a testimony to that business-like discipline." He added, "I have learned patience during service on 20-plus boards and agencies. A schedule that will average close to 300 meetings annually. This slow, persistent effort at the regional and state level has resulted in millions of dollars returning to or saved by our county."

 

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