Blake Hart for Haywood County Commissioner

Blake Hart is the Executive Director of Haywood Christian Ministry and a native of the WNC mountains. With a long history in nonprofit leadership, and a proven track record of organizational management, Blake is an ideal candidate for Haywood County Commissioner. Blake grew up in WNC, has lived across the southeast and in South America and brings unique and diverse perspectives rooted in his Appalachian upbringing, his nonprofit background, and his education. Blake has a Bachelors Degree in Spanish and Religious Studies from Mars Hill University, a Master of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, and a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He was ordained into ministry by First Baptist Tucker, GA.

KEY PRIORITIES

1. Tourism that Gives Back
   Tourism is a key component of Haywood County’s economy. The problem is it is also a driver of many of our problems. We need to ensure that tax revenue from our tourist economy improves the lives of those who call these mountains home.
   
2. Jobs that Support Local Families
   We’ve lost a lot of jobs in Haywood County, especially good paying jobs that support Haywood County Families. We need to intentionally attract employers, work with HCC to promote worker pipelines that benefit Haywood County residents, and ensure that there is childcare that enables parents to work and support their families.
   
3. Farmland that Grows
   We need to both preserve farmland and ensure that farming is a viable economic option. We need intensive and collaborative partnerships, regional and local, that encourage the preservation of farmland and the growth of the food economy.
   
4. Intentional Development
   As our county grows, we need to make sure that we intentionally develop high-quality but affordable housing while preserving our rural characteristics and protecting our farmland.