Next week Jackson County voters have six Democratic candidates to pick from to fill the two vacant seats on the board of commissioners. Incumbent Joe Cowan is seeking re-election in the District 3 race. Challengers Darrell Fox and Brandon Stephens are also vying for the seat. Candidates running for District 3 must live in the area between Webster and Cullowhee.

In the District 4 race, which spans the area from Tuckasegee to Cashiers, incumbent Mark Jones is seeking another term as commissioner. Candidate Steven Foster also wants the nomination. Challenger Lynn Dillard has dropped out of the race, but her name will appear on the May 6 ballot.

There are no Republican candidates, so the winners of the primaries will make the board. Here is where they stand.

District 3

Joe Cowan, 74

Retired educator

Cowan’s been a Jackson County commissioner for six years and is seeking another four-year term. He was a commissioner when the county adopted its controversial land-use plan. He says the county’s steep slope and subdivision ordinances are the “salvation of this mountainous region.”

If elected Cowan says the county must help the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority expand its treatment capacity. He also says a master plan should be developed to help guide growth and update the county’s aging infrastructure.

Darrell Fox, 45

Executive director of Webster Enterprises

Fox is seeking a commissioner seat to address the county’s growing infrastructure and transportation demands. He was defeated by Cowan in the last election by a mere 21 votes.

Fox’s says the county’s steep slope and subdivision ordinances are too stringent. If elected, he wants the board to reexamine the ordinances to ensure they meet residents’ needs. He also believes the county should provide financial assistance to TWSA. He says without adequate water and sewer services the county cannot grow.

Brandon Stephens, 36

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal building construction manager

If elected, Stephens says the best way to address the county’s growing population is to develop a strategic plan to tackle infrastructure, housing and transportation issues.

He also supports the re-writing of the county’s steep slope and subdivision ordinances. Stephens wants the board of commissioners to become more involved with the planning board.

District 4

Mark Jones, 48

Facilities manager at High Hampton Inn in Cashiers

Jones is seeking another term as county commissioner. He too was a board member when the county passed its steep slope and subdivision ordinance. He believes the ordinances have not limited development or hurt the local economy.

Jones also wants to help TWSA with its budget and capacity problems. He wants to develop a list of long-term goals and projects for the county. He is also a proponent of developing a plan to address the county’s transportation problems.

Steven Foster, 65

Land surveyor

If elected Foster wants to re-write the county’s steep slope and subdivision ordinance. He says the ordinances are too “heavy handed” and infringe on residents’ property rights. He also wants to cut back on county spending. Foster wants to develop a comprehensive plan to address the county’s growth. He says communities should be ones to decide where growth should occur, not the county. He also supports developing a model for developers to follow.

Lynn Dillard, 61

Retired educator

Dillard decided to drop out of the race; however, her name will still be on the ballot. Dillard is a proponent of regulations that conserve and preserve the land and the environment. She too wants to re-write the steep slope and subdivision ordinance.