Meet George Sutherland — Transylvania County Commissioner

George Sutherland - Candidate for Transylvania County Commissioner

A Lifetime of Service and Hard Work

My wife, Kathy, and I have been blessed to call Transylvania County home for more than twenty years. I love this place. In many ways, it reminds me of the small town where I grew up. I was born and raised in Ottawa, a farming community in central Illinois, surrounded by cornfields and hard-working people.

From my earliest years, I learned the value of integrity, hard work, and looking out for your neighbors. Those lessons have guided every chapter of my life — from my time as a railroad brakeman working through college, to seven years coaching college football, to a thirty-year career as a financial investment advisor helping families plan for their futures.

Integrity

I will always listen to the voices of people throughout Transylvania County, not just in Brevard, and consider their input on every issue. While tough public service decisions won't please everyone, I am committed to open, honest, and transparent government.

Fiscal Responsibility

As a former financial investment advisor, I will manage the county budget responsibly to maximize every taxpayer dollar and seek alternative revenue sources to reduce the reliance on property taxes. I am committed to protecting generational family land so that seniors and young families aren't forced to sell due to rising taxes.

Business Knowledge

I will support local entrepreneurship and attract industries with higher-paying, year-round jobs to drive sustainable growth and retain young talent. Stronger wages and skills-based education will help our youth build thriving lives here and improve housing affordability.

George Sutherland with Willie on the porch

Family, Community, and Home

My dad was a school teacher and my mom worked hard to raise our family. Those were the people who shaped my belief in education, opportunity, and faithful public service. After earning a master's degree in Education and spending time in coaching, I built a thirty-year career helping families and small businesses plan their financial futures with care and discipline.

Today, Kathy and I live in the Williamson Creek area of Transylvania County with our black lab, Willie. I have served our community as a teacher at Schenck Job Corps and as a substitute teacher in local schools. I continue to be an active, engaged citizen who believes that good government starts with listening to every voice in Transylvania County.

I'm running because I believe our county's best days are still ahead — and I want to use everything I've learned to help us get there together.

Share Your Ideas with George

Ready to Serve Transylvania County

With your support, we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Transylvania County for every family.

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