Meet Owen
My name is Owen Carson, and I've lived in Brevard for over two decades. During that time I've experienced first-hand the struggle that young folks and families face to make this place their home. For years my family bounced from rental to rental, and from paycheck to paycheck, trying to find a way to persist in this wonderful part of the world. We are lucky to have finally gained a foothold here, but for so many others that's just not the case.
Since my days as a college student, I've been watching Transylvania become simultaneously more desirable yet less affordable, leaving everyday people like us behind. Wages remain flat and the job market stalls, yet our taxes and the cost of living continue to rise. Something has to change, and I want to be the catalyst.
As your Democratic candidate for county commissioner, my commitment is to serve the citizens and ensure that the future of Transylvania County includes all of its people. I believe that Transylvanians deserve broader representation at the county level, more transparency in government, and inspired leaders with energy, vision, and commitment to our economy as well as our natural and cultural heritage.
As your county commissioner, I will dedicate myself to listening to, advocating for, and serving the citizens of Transylvania, with the goal of creating a future that sustains all of us.
Improving Affordability
We can do more to promote affordability - from housing to wages, it is a commissioner's responsibility to take actionable steps towards helping citizens survive and thrive. I will lean into the new Housing Strategy and identify places where the county can move beyond planning and take real action to move the needle. We also need to address the steeply rising taxes that have been approved in recent years - we cannot tax our way into a balanced budget.
Widening Economic Opportunities
I support diversifying economic opportunities in the county, including the Ecusta Trail, but while outdoor recreation is vital and integral to our economic health, we also need to court industries that could help replace what was lost with DuPont and Ecusta. Taking action to incentivize local business is critical. I will also support investments into critical infrastructure that will allow for more industries to come here.
Supporting Schools & Educators
Fixing our schools is vitally important, as many still lack adequate resources, causing students and staff to suffer. But it is equally important to invest in our educators, some of whom are increasingly moving their careers to other counties or states for better pay and support. I will work with teachers and the Board of Education to address livability and promote retention.
My Platform
Preserving Appalachian Identity
Transylvania has always been characterized by Appalachian culture and tradition. As our region rapidly changes, the agriculture, music, dance, art, and sport that define us is in growing need of our attention and support. I strongly support farmers, preservation of farmland and working lands, and the traditions of hunting and fishing.
Protecting Natural Resources
Our natural resources and public lands are cornerstone to our identity and vitality; they should be fiercely defended, treated with utmost respect, and stewarded so that they can be enjoyed by future generations and continue to sustain our way of life. I support land conservation and keeping public lands in the hands of the people. I also support state and federal programs that fund land and water conservation. Finally, I support investing in and expanding public outdoor recreation opportunities.
Restoring Collaboration
In a rural county dominated by public land and with many infrastructure challenges, close partnership and coordination between the City of Brevard, Town of Rosman, and Transylvania County is imperative to producing sustainable, long-term outcomes for taxpayers. I will seek to improve intergovernmental relationships and build capacity with community partners. I'll also make time outside of public meetings to meet with constituents and hear about issues that are affecting their lives.
About Me
Our history helps define who we are and who we will become. Read below to learn a little more about my education, work experience, and extracurricular pursuits, so you can better understand who I will be as your leader.
Education
2004-2008
B.S. Environmental Science
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Concentration in Ecology
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Geology Minor
Brevard College
Attended Brevard College, studied environmental science and played soccer, was awarded both educational and athletic scholarships. Conducted controlled releases of predator beetles to save hemlocks; piloted the agroecology program; studied a federally listed orchid. Return annually to introduce rising juniors to careers in environmental science.
Employment
2007-2010
Manager - Produce Dept.
Food Matters Market (formerly Poppies)
2010-present
Ecologist, Team Manager, Co-owner
Equinox Environmental
Managed all aspects of the produce department, including internal obligations (inventory, revenue reporting, purchasing, sales, etc.), as well as managerial duties (hiring/firing, employee evaluations, opening/closing, etc.). Also maintained interdepartmental relationships.
Manage the Ecological Services Team at Equinox, an Asheville-based firm serving the southern Appalachian region, helping protect and restore land, water, and habitats, and helping people develop in an ecologically minded and responsible way.
Volunteering
2019-2024
2022-present
2018-present
2020-present
Transylvania Natural Resources Council (Chair 2021-2024)
City of Brevard Public Works & Utilities Committee
Conserving Carolina (2018-present: Stewardship Committee; 2024-present, Board of Directors)
Ecusta Football Club (TYSA) - Head Coach, U-12 Girls Academy
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