The Ashe County Commission meeting on July 21, 2025, focused on the importance of advocacy for rural communities and the need for greater representation at national decision-making events. A key discussion point was the experience of a commissioner who attended the National Association of Counties annual conference, highlighting the underrepresentation of rural areas, particularly Western North Carolina.

The commissioner expressed pride in living in Ashe County but voiced concern over the lack of participation from rural counties at significant national gatherings. He noted that Ashe County was the only representative from Western North Carolina among 140 attendees from the state, emphasizing the need for local government officials to advocate more vigorously for their communities.

He reflected on the challenges of advocating for rural interests, sharing personal experiences of traveling and the emotional toll of being away from family for advocacy efforts. Despite these challenges, he underscored the importance of telling the community's story and the long-term benefits of such advocacy, citing successful projects like Patty Mountain.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for local government colleagues to increase their presence and voice in national discussions, ensuring that rural perspectives are not overlooked. Additionally, the meeting included brief announcements, including a planned visit to the Stokes County animal shelter.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the ongoing struggle for rural representation and the commitment of Ashe County officials to advocate for their community's needs.