Michael Owens (R) - Forsyth County Commissioner - District A
Q: How important is it for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to ensure citizens have access to healthy and affordable food? (1-5 scale)
A: 3
Q: When elected, how will you help combat food insecurity in Forsyth County? (open-ended question)
A: I think it's far more important for individuals of means and private organizations to help those in need. The government should always be a last resort.
Q: How important is it for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to take action against climate change? (1-5 scale)
A: 3
Q: As Commissioner, how will you address climate change in Forsyth County? (open-ended question)
A: If the Board is able to affect the climate, in a positive way, without disrupting the lives of the citizens, I will consider it.
Q:How important is it for Forsyth County to shift to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower? (1-5 scale)
A: 2
Q: As Commissioner, how will you increase the use of renewable energy in Forsyth County? (open-ended question)
A: In their current iterations, solar and wind energy are only marginally effective. I would support a nuclear energy production facility in the Piedmont Triad.
Q: How important is equitable, accessible public transportation? (1-5 scale)
A: 3
Q: How important is it for Forsyth County to design streets for people to walk, bike, bus, and drive safely? (1-5 scale)
A: 5
Q: As Commissioner, how will you advocate for equitable public transit and more multi-use streets? (open-ended question)
A: I will listen to the council of the transportation experts and make a decision at that time.
Q: How important is it for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to protect the quality and availability of its water sources? (1-5 scale)
A: 5
Q: In what ways can the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners protect water sources and make sure safe water is available to all communities? (open-ended question)
A: If water is unsafe, I will listen the council of experts and make a decision at that time.
Q: How important is it for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to pass policies that combat environmental racism? (1-5 scale)
A: 1
Q: As Commissioner, how will you address issues of environmental justice? (open-ended question)
A: If laws are being broken, it should be investigated and the offenders should be punished accordingly.
Q: How important is it for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to reduce landfill waste and achieve more countywide recycling? (1-5 scale)
A: 4
Q: As Commissioner, will you support the development of an industrial compost facility in Forsyth County? (yes/no)
A: [no response given]
Q: As Commissioner, what policy would you propose to incentivize recycling and reduce landfill waste? (open-ended question)
A: I'm not certain any more can be done. Every citizen has the ability to recycle, if they choose not to, there is little the Board of County Commissioners can do about it.