Brandi Buckner Young-Unaffiliated Candidate for Yancey Co Commissioner

68 days until the election

As a Christian, my faith deeply influences my values and actions, including how I treat others, even those with differing opinions. Upholding Christian principles means advocating for truth, integrity, and justice. Jesus exemplified this by showing compassion for the poor, sick, and outcasts, defending the vulnerable, breaking social barriers, and challenging religious and social norms. He spoke out against hypocrisy and injustice, as highlighted in Matthew 23:23.

At least that's what my Bible says.

Some of you know me well and others do not.

I have been at the lowest of lows. I have been to the point I didn't think God could love me. I know the power of God and the love of Jesus, personally.

But God. If He can love me, surely He loves every one of you.

If you don't follow Jesus, I respect your choice, just as you respect mine. God gives us freewill. I will not shoving my beliefs down your throat.

I am no better than anyone else. If you know me, you know that.

I am not implying that our current commissioners are not Christian men and women; I believe they are. So don't accuse me of that.

The hate I am seeing and reading from some of our Yancey Co folks...there are some very hard hearts...and I'm hoping that those folks just let their mouths (or fingers) get the best of them and they'll rethink some of the things they've said because, on November 6th, we're still going to be at the grocery store, the bank, the ballgame. We still have to live in the same place. I know it's easier to type behind a screen than to say it to someone's face.

The truth will stand when the world is on fire.

Let me remind you, that the “R” or “D” behind a name does not determine one’s entry into Heaven. Read that part again.

If someone is preaching that it does, from the pulpit or anywhere else, be very leery. I understand there are national and state politics to worry about too, but I'm talking about your local candidates in particular here. All of them.

If I were to guess, most of you reading this fall somewhere in the middle of the "R" and "D" national platforms. Maybe you’re a bit more left or right, but I’d dare say you aren’t hanging strictly to one side or the other. There are probably things you agree with, and others you do not.

Same with your local candidates. They're somewhere in the middle. All of them.

Don't make assumptions and spread untrue things. Just ask them.

I have a “U” behind my name because I am tired of the divisiveness. I used to have the "R", and I changed it. I still have conservative values, but I think residents deserve transparency and fairness, regardless of who they are or what they believe.

I've had some ugly things slung toward me. I mean ugly.

I've had family members of incumbents in my DMs. Some implications are that I'm not a Christian because I don't have an "R" after my name anymore. I guess that trip to the BOE erased my name out of the Lamb's Book of Life. I've been told that I've "turned liberal." I've been told I'm “not a patriotic Christian, but am a brainwashed socialist liberal that professes Christianity as a facade for my political/business networking hub”, by someone who claims on their profile to be a "Redeemed daughter of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ my Savior, and temple of the Holy Spirit."

People are flat out mean. When Jesus walked on Earth, He wasn't mean, hateful and spiteful.

Somehow because I want fairness I am no longer "on the good side?"

Is there a good side??

Good thing I've got thick skin, right?

When I announced my candidacy, a very well-seasoned person in the public spotlight told me, "You'll see people's true colors." Boy, was that an accurate statement.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Matthew 7:1-2

Why can't I just be for what's fair and just– for the residents of our county??

Isn't that what we all want? Isn't that what YOU want? Transparency and fairness?

Why do we put up with shady business anyway? For favors? I don't want favors.

It has been said that we have county employees and school system employees who have been threatened if they speak out against the incumbents; that they'll be "fired on the spot."

I DO NOT KNOW if that's true or not and I'm not saying it is because I surely hope it's not true, but I'm not okay with that if it did happen. I hope you aren't either.

This is not the mafia. If I win in November, and I do a sorry job, by all means, vote me out because I don't deserve to be there. I don't want power. Nobody in my family or circle wants a county job or contract.

I want transparency and fairness for our county residents. I want rules, policies, statues and laws followed and not ignored or overlooked. I am not a politician. I am simply a fellow citizen who decided to take a stand, even if I have to stand alone.

When you are deciding who to support, talk about, and vote for, it is essential to base decisions on data and facts, not merely on what you are told. I encourage everyone to research and critically evaluate public information, which is readily available. As a general rule, where there's smoke, there's fire. It may blow your mind. I've watched this stuff for several years and that's what led me to where I am right now-- ready to fight for our county.

If you need help obtaining this information, there are many who can assist. I have ample evidence to support my claims. Don't let someone spoon-feed you what they want you to believe.

We need a transparent and responsible county government that upholds laws and statutes to protect our community and taxpayers.

Making decisions that leave our county vulnerable to potential lawsuits is neither responsible nor protective.

Decisions and lack of action that force our residents even further into financial strain are not okay.

Please PM me if you need clarity on specific issues, and I will provide information. I refrain from posting it publicly at this time.

To each of you who have shown me support, I'm forever grateful. I'm doing this for you and for the future of our Yancey County folks.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.