Candidate Info - Reese Wamsley - Wake County Democratic Party

Reese Wamsley

Wake Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor

Reese Wamsley - Wake Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor

Candidate Statement:

At an early age, Reese was taught the importance of the natural world. Through his local cub- and boy-scout activities he learned the importance of conserving our natural resources not only for the health of the creatures in the fields and woods, but also for the health and well-being of all of us: the people. Reese continues these principles in his own home gardening and encourages others to be good stewards of our natural resources. Reese believes that by protecting our soil health and water quality, we can continue to live happy healthy lives for generations to come.

Importance of this Race:

As of the 2020 census, Wake County was shown as the most populous county and still is one of the fastest growing counties in our state. With this growth comes the challenges of protecting our drinking water, ensuring the continuation of our local farms, and protecting the natural wildlife around us. Balancing these needs is crucial to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of our growing community. As a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Board, Reese will advocate for all members of our community to continue having access to clean drinking water. He will work with local leaders to find a balance between our population growth and the needs of local farms. Reese will look forward to ensure our water, soil, and wildlife resources remain available for us and future generations to enjoy.

Office Responsibilities:

The District Supervisor establishes conservation priorities and implements programs to suit the district’s needs.
They engage with the community to promote awareness and education about the importance of conservation.
The District Supervisor is responsible for reviewing and approving contracts for conservation assistance programs available to farmers and landowners.
They partner with local officials and leaders to execute long term plans, ensuring clean drinking water and sustainable land management practices into the future.

Issues:

Protecting Our Waterways:

Our lakes and rivers are not just a source of relaxation and fun, but are an important source of clean drinking water. As our community continues to grow, the health of these water sources are threatened by pollution. Impervious surfaces allow storm water to collect pollutants and carry them into our drinking system. Impervious surfaces also contribute to flooding that damages our communities. As a District Supervisor, Reese will advocate for sustainable alternatives to help mitigate the growth of impervious surfaces and to protect our waterway buffer zones to allow the soil to perform its natural filtering ability.

Encouraging the Growth of our Native Habitats:

Wildlife diversity is a cherished resource that is quickly disappearing from Wake County. Native plants and animals are threatened by increased development and the elimination of native plants. Native species are crucial for the continuation of soil health and by extension the health of our water. A healthy tree surrounded by shrubs, grasses, flowers, helps the soil filter rainwater to ensure clean drinking water. Native plants also feed and provide homes for native animal life. Reese believes this is an important resource our community needs to ensure is protected. By encouraging native plants over important invasive species, our county can be naturally beautiful while providing places to learn, play, and relax.

Creating Good Stewards of our Resources:

Every resident should be given the opportunity to learn. Educational programs and events led by the Conservation Board are part of an overall plan to educate the county while bringing awareness to the reason the Conservation District Exists and why conservation is important. Reese plans on working to increase the availability of conservation programming. By educating our children and other residents about the necessities of soil and water health and the impacts on our own health, we can all learn how to be better stewards of the land on which we depend.

External Candidate Links:

Reese Wamsley's Website