By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — William “Bill” Feather, a Granite Quarry Alderman, filed Friday to run for Rowan County Commissioner for the second time.
Feather, 54, of 135 E. Kerns St. in Granite Quarry, is the owner of Concord Consulting Associates. He is a Republican and the sixth candidate so far to run for two open seats on the Board of Commissioners.
“This year, I think we’re seeing some change in leadership, and to me that’s a good thing,” Feather said. “Not that I’m opposed to the people in there, but I just think it’s been coming for a couple years now. I think progression needs to happen.”
He said there has been controversy between individuals on the board that has kept the county from moving forward.
“I think we can come together to work on a solution to promote growth and business,” Feather said. “We can improve relations with some of the municipalities. Some work with the county extremely well, while others have difficulty with that.”
Feather has served as on the Granite Quarry town board since 2003, and he was most recently elected in November 2011 with the highest number of votes in the race. He ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner in 2010.
He said one of his main priorities is to promote job growth by supporting businesses through infrastructure.
“We have a lot of empty buildings, and with the (Economic Development Commission) we could promote our buildings and fill them,” Feather said. “The county isn’t a real estate firm, but that helps to get business going in that direction and opening up here.”
Feather stressed future planning in several aspects of county government. He said he wants to increase public transportation ridership so the system isn’t as dependent on subsidies, to plan for upcoming health care needs and requirements and to look at the county’s tax rate in light of the next revaluation.
He also said commissioners need to consider the county school system’s other capital needs besides a central administrative office.
Filing began at noon Feb. 13 and will end at noon Feb. 29.
Also filing recently was Eric Troyer, a Republican who officially entered the race Monday for N.C. House District 76.
Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.
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William “Bill” Feather
Office sought: Rowan County Commissioner
Age: 54
Address: 135 E. Kerns St., Granite Quarry
Phone number: 704-212-2808
Party: Republican
Occupation: Owner, Concord Consulting Associates
Education: Windber Area High School, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Previous elected office: Granite Quarry Alderman, 2003-present
Community involvement: Member, Rowan Transit System Advisory Committee
Family: Wife, Kathy; Children, K.C. and Billie Marie.