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The League of Women Voters of Dare County hosted a Board of Commissioners candidate forum October in the BOC’s meeting room at the county’s administrative building in Manteo.

Eight candidates gathered in the packed house, which was also live-streamed to Buxton’s Fessenden Annex.

Dare County commissioners are made up of one or two representatives from each of the four districts, plus an “at large” representative, for a total of seven.

As the candidates appear on the ballot: in District 1 (Roanoke Island, Dare County Mainland), Carson Creef is running unopposed and Mike Burrus is running unopposed; in District 2 (Nags Head, Colington, Kill Devil Hills), Katie Morgan is running against incumbent Robert L. (Bob) Woodard Sr.; in District 3 (Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck) incumbent Steve House is running against Dennis Zaenger; in District 4 (Hatteras Island) Aida Havel is running against Mary Ellon D. Ballance.

Candidates were given three minutes to make opening statements. In this time, candidates introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds, experience and the reasons they were running for office.

Next, moderator Tanta Luckhardt-Hendricks read submitted questions from residents. Questions were centered on the Miss Katie dredge, affordable housing, commercial fishing, and access to healthcare.

Candidates were given two minutes to answer each question. There was alignment among candidates regarding the need to address regulations for commercial fishing, and the importance of bringing sufficient health services back to the Outer Banks.

Candidates agreed that the Miss Katie needed to be running frequently to keep waterways clear, but disagreed on the reasons for her lapse in service.

There was some contention among candidates regarding affordable housing and the county’s management of the issue.

All candidates shared their passion and commitment to the county, as well as their ability and desire to serve its citizens.

The entire forum may be viewed at the League of Women Voters website and on Current TV.

Early voting runs October 17 to November 2, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in three locations: Manteo (Dare County Administrative Building); Kill Devil Hills (Town Hall); and Buxton (Fessenden Center). General Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Photo ID is required.

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