George Sutherland is running for Transylvania County Commissioner because he believes in the people of Western North Carolina. For over twenty years, he and his wife Kathy have called Brevard and Transylvania County home. George understands the challenges and opportunities our community faces every day.
A dedicated public servant, George brings real-world experience to the commissioner's race. He worked his way through college as a railroad brakeman. He earned a master's degree in Education and spent seven years coaching college football. He then built a thirty-year career as a financial investment advisor, helping families plan for their futures. His commitment to fiscal responsibility and integrity has guided every chapter of his life.
George and Kathy live in the Williamson Creek area with their black lab, Willie. George has served as a teacher at Schenck Job Corps and as a substitute teacher in local schools. He believes good government starts with listening to every voice in Transylvania County.
Learn more about George's personal story or reach out directly to share your ideas for a stronger Transylvania County.
George Sutherland is running for Transylvania County Commissioner to serve every family across our community. His platform is rooted in the values he has lived by for decades — integrity, hard work, fiscal discipline, and a deep love for Western North Carolina. Here is a preview of where George stands on the issues that matter most to the people of Transylvania County.
George will fight to expand affordable housing options for working families across Brevard, Pisgah Forest, Rosman, and the rest of Transylvania County. When teachers, first responders, and tradespeople can afford to live where they work, our whole community grows stronger — and our young families can put down roots close to home.
As a former financial investment advisor with a thirty-year career helping families plan their futures, George will manage the county budget responsibly and make every taxpayer dollar count. He will pursue alternative revenue sources to reduce our reliance on property taxes — protecting seniors and longtime landowners from being taxed off the generational land their families have held for decades.
George believes every young person in Transylvania County deserves a path to a rewarding career. From strong academics to vocational and technical training, he supports skills-based education that prepares our students for good-paying jobs right here at home, rather than forcing them to leave the mountains to find opportunity.
Every family deserves to feel safe in their home and their neighborhood. George will support our law enforcement officers, first responders, and the treatment and prevention programs that help build healthy, drug-free communities where children and seniors alike can thrive.
George will champion local entrepreneurs and work to attract industries that bring higher-paying, year-round jobs to the county. Sustainable economic growth keeps our talented young people in Western North Carolina and builds a tax base that supports the services our residents depend on.
George is committed to balanced, common-sense stewardship of the forests, rivers, and farmland that make Transylvania County special. He will protect generational family land and our cherished small-town traditions while ensuring responsible growth for the next generation.
Good government starts with listening to every voice — not just in Brevard, but across all 380 square miles of Transylvania County. Explore the full issues page to learn more, or reach out to share the priorities that matter most to your family.
George is committed to representing every community across Transylvania County's 380 square miles — from Brevard and Pisgah Forest to Rosman, Lake Toxaway, Cedar Mountain, Sapphire, and all the small towns in between.
Learn more about Transylvania County government and how your County Commissioner shapes local policy on taxes, housing, education, and public safety.
Share Your Ideas with George