The Political Beat Candidate Guide: Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation Board

According to state law, three out of the five Soil and Water Conservation Board must be elected over two election cycles. This year, two of the three seats are up for election.

Incumbent Barbara Bleiweis is running for reelection. She faces Michael Betterly, Makenzie Pearce and Long Tran. Jillian King will also appear on the ballot, but her campaign has been suspended.

This is a nonpartisan election, so party affiliations will not appear on the ballot. Voters can choose up to two candidates for two open positions.

Neither Pearce nor Tran responded to our candidate guide questionnaire.

If we receive responses from either of them, we will post them here.

Barbara Bleiweis

Why are you running?

Seeking my 3rd term as Supervisor, Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District. In my 8 plus years serving on this Board, my team and I have accomplished a great Unanimous BOCC approval for our Farmland Preservation Plan and associated Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance. Establishment of an Agriculture Advisory Board, giving voice to local farmers to County lawmakers. We have expanded our conservation programs to provide conservation solutions to underrepresented communities and are actively installing practices at an urban, black owned farm in Charlotte. We are also converting our education materials to Spanish and will translate to other languages over time. There is still much to do and another term will help.

Does more need to be done in response to drought?

The District is not directly involved in drought programs such as the one in place through Charlotte Water. Our agriculture programs anticipate water quantity issues and provide funding for wells— a very popular and important program, by the way. The drought has highlighted farmers and their reliance on water— and as businesses- their livelihoods are impacted significantly should drought worsen. Drought also introduces the “why” for some forms of science that develop drought resistant seeds. So, for me, drought highlights agriculture in important ways and facilitates greater education on the science of growing food for a growing nation.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

I am similar and yet somewhat different from other candidates who are not so much as opponents, but as colleagues. We share a passion to protect our natural resources. What makes my candidacy different is simply put- experience- and specifically conservation experience learned and earned in 8 plus years as a public servant and Board Supervisor. District conservation work involves contracting with engineering firms and a host of project management task to ensure work is done correctly and within the legal framework of state programs. Our work gets complicated and exciting when we leverage that framework with grant funding that expands our reach and impact.

Michael Betterly

Why are you running?

I’m passionate about preserving our natural resources, and how that intersects with our local communities. I will be an ardent advocate for our environment. I want to work with current board members to support our county’s 200+ farms and to help build resilience in our stormwater management practices. Local farms face ever degrading soil conditions, tougher markets, and more extreme weather patterns. Building a prosperous local farm economy is key for Mecklenburg county’s future as improving farm viability improves our food resilience.

Does more need to be done in response to the ongoing drought?

Yes. Recent droughts and flood events demonstrate why we need to better prepare for more extreme weather events. The ongoing drought has amplified the need to improve stormwater programs, increase our tree canopy, and continue delivering resources to farms for soil improvement. We have tools to help mitigate these extreme weather events, and I aim to increase our efforts to best serve our communities.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

My work experience will be key in this role. Since 2010, I’ve helped many small to mid sized farms build their businesses, from providing them with regenerative soil products to consulting on their finances and business strategies. I’ve also worked on stormwater projects that require specific soil needs, so I feel I’m well-rounded for the task ahead. I’m a life-long environmentalist who’s looking forward to giving back.