Five Swain County commissioner candidates — Democrats Chris Reed and Erika Smith, independent Cynthia Womble, and Republicans Lisa Barker and interim chair Jay Kirkland — will compete for two open seats held by outgoing Republicans David Loftis and Philip Carson.
It’s a crowded race with a lot on the line, and candidates’ views reflect current issues: expansion versus repair, short-term action versus long-term planning, passivity versus engagement.
Lisa Barker declined to be interviewed.
