Republican Alamance County Commissioner primary candidates in their own words

Isaac Groves, Times-News
·4 min read

There are two open seats on the five-member Alamance County Board of Commissioners, and five candidates – one Democrat and four Republicans. Since there is no primary opponent for Democrat Anthony Pierce, the Times-News will leave details about Pierce and his platform for later.

The board’s membership was stable for years with a couple of old hands literally serving for decades. That changed with a retirement from politics, the death of Commissioner Bill Lashley as he was about to retire, a member elected to the state legislature; despite these changes, though, there is still a lot of political experience on the board.

Republicans have dominated the board for years. They have owned it for the past couple of election cycles now holding all five seats, making the Republican primary all the more important. Registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Republican primary.

The Times-News asked the four Republican candidates the same three questions and for some biographical information. We let them know we would not edit for spelling or grammar, though we would edit out libelous and obviously false statements, and would cut them off at about 50 words.

We are presenting their responses in the order we received them. Unfortunately, Steve Carter was not able to respond in time for publication because of communications and scheduling issues.

Rudy Cartassi
Rudy Cartassi

Biographical information

  • Rudy Cartassi

  • 42

  • Firearms Manufacturer

  • Born Patterson NJ

  • 26 Years in Alamance County

  • Owner of RAD Industries LLC and RAD Range LL

Craig Turner, incumbent candidate in the May 17 Republican Primary.
Craig Turner, incumbent candidate in the May 17 Republican Primary.

  • Craig Turner

  • 48

  • Attorney, Fox Rothschild, LLP

  • Born Burlington, NC

  • 35 years living in Alamance County

  • I am an Alamance County native, member of Saint Mark’s Church, father of school-age children, attorney, and veteran, having flown F-14s in the Navy. I am currently a County Commissioner.

Robert Turner, Republican primary candidate for the Alamance County Board of Commissioners.
Robert Turner, Republican primary candidate for the Alamance County Board of Commissioners.

  • Robert Turner

  • 59

  • Owner of H&R Auto Repair and Ace Speedway

  • Born in Roanoke, Va.

  • 47 years in Alamance County

  • i am the average working man, that will stand up for the citizens of the county. My perspective is needed on the board. Lower taxes and Responsibile spending.

Steven Carter, Republican incumbent candidate for the Alamance County Board of Commissioners. File photo.
Steven Carter, Republican incumbent candidate for the Alamance County Board of Commissioners. File photo.

Steve Carter

  • Steven J. Carter

  • 71

  • Retired Commercial Banker with experience in financial analysis, commercial lending, residential, commercial real estate development and construction lending

  • Incumbent running for second term

  • Wife Judy; two grown children; four grandchildren; member of Grove Park Baptist Church

Question One: Why did you get involved in politics, and what is the number one issue you plan to focus on?

Rudy Cartassi

I am a Man of the People by the People for the People. I want to serve my Community for a Better Alamance for All. I plan to Focus on Safety, Opportunity, Small Business

Craig Turner

I want to ensure that government lives within its means; remains limited in its scope, but excellent in its work; promotes a growing economy; provides quality public education; and enforces the rule of law. The most important issue for government at any level is safety and security of its citizens.

Robert Turner

I am Not a politician !!! My job will be to run the Business of the people and Not the lives of the people!!!

Question two: In connection with the recent crimes in the area, do you believe that Alamance County's law enforcement could be improved? If so, what are some measures you plan to take in order to implement those improvements?

Rudy Cartassi

If the City’s, Don’t Start Cleaning up the Streets of Gangs, Drug and Human Trafficking. Fund the Sheriff todo it as the “Chief Law Enforcement of the County”. We also Need to Help Our Vet’s and Senior citizens.

Craig Turner

I worked closely with all county law enforcement agencies as an Alamance County prosecutor. Law enforcement officers do heroic work every day and night to protect county residents. We should focus on recruiting, retaining, and training our quality law enforcement officers. Agencies should stress working together to stop violent crime.

Robert Turner

Alamance Co is Blessed with a great Sheriff, and his entire department. My job will be to continue supporting them and make sure they have all the proper equipment to keep our citizens and businesses Safe.

Question three: What steps will you take to tackle climate change and keep the environment in mind as Alamance County recruits industry?

Rudy Cartassi

Small Business is the Key. We need to help small business. Build the First High Tech Park in Alamance County. Clean Water and Air is a must.

Craig Turner

Alamance County works with the Alamance Chamber of Commerce to recruit businesses that will provide quality jobs and will be good neighbors. All businesses must follow the existing laws and ordinances established to guide economic growth, protect the environment, and conserve the county’s natural beauty.

Robert Turner

Alamance Co is growing at a high rate. Depending on the Industry as to the environmental challenges. Each Industry will have to be studied individually to keep a balance of nature.

This article originally appeared on Times-News: Alamance Republicans vie in May 17 primary for 2 county commissioner seats