The Graham Star: Commissioner, school board candidates greet voters

Connie earned an associate's degree from Tri-County Community College and graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Banking and Finance. She is an active member of Sweetwater Baptist Church.

Connie is currently retired. She worked in the financial services industry for 35 years, retiring from Western Southern Financial Group in 2007.

Connie Orr is currently serves a Graham County Commissioner. She was first elected in 2010 and is serving her third term. 

Believes that "further discussion with dumpsite community representatives, board of commissioners, county manager and recycling director Gavin Colvard to find the best path forward."

- Believes that "further discussion with dumpsite community representatives, board of commissioners, county manager and recycling director Gavin Colvard to find the best path forward."

Public Services

Intends to "seek any/every possibility to alleviate the tax burden on our citizens."

Plans to "increase revenues from visitors to our county, while providing safety (excellent law enforcement) and emergency services."

- Intends to "seek any/every possibility to alleviate the tax burden on our citizens."
- Plans to "increase revenues from visitors to our county, while providing safety (excellent law enforcement) and emergency services."

Economy

As of May 31, 2025, Connie Orr did not have a website or any information online.

Education

Wants to "get Graham Urgent Care fully staffed, and operational and available healthcare in our schools. To better serve the medical needs of all our citizens, save lives and provide job opportunities."

- Wants to "get Graham Urgent Care fully staffed, and operational and available healthcare in our schools. To better serve the medical needs of all our citizens, save lives and provide job opportunities."

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Connie Orr

Graham Star, Commissioner, school board candidates greet voters

Lynn resides in Graham County with his wife, children and grandchildren. He is a Christian. 

LinkedIn

Lynn is currently a finance officer at Fontana Regional Library. Previously, he worked at Beasley Flooring Product as a human resources manager, at Shaw Industries, and with the Graham County Government as a county manager. 

Open Campaign, Lynn Cody

Lynn Cody is currently a Graham County Commissioner. 

As of May 31, 2025, Lynn Cody did not have a website or any information online.

Wants to work on lowering costs for taxpayers.

- Wants to work on lowering costs for taxpayers.

Wants to improve the current healthcare system available to county citizens.

Wants to increase funding and resources for first responders.

- Wants to improve the current healthcare system available to county citizens.
- Wants to increase funding and resources for first responders.

Lynn Cody

Meggan is married to Rittney and has 2 sons. She earned a registered nurse degree and a master’s degree in nursing. She is Christian.

BPR: Voting in Cherokee, Clay or Graham County? Here's all the info you need.

Meggan is a primary-care provider at the Graham County Health Department. Previously, she worked at the local nursing home. 

Meggan Smith's campaign for Graham County Commissioner is her first run for politics. 

Said, "I would strive to use my nonjudgmental Christian views to love my community and to make decisions in their best interest."

Said, "I want to advocate for and ensure improved communication between leaders and our community. I want the community to feel involved and informed, especially before big decisions are made."

Said, "We want to welcome positive change, while protecting our rural heritage. We want to keep our roots alive, and remind folks of the big heart of our community and its residents. I am confident we can have growth and prosperity... while remembering where we came from."

- Said, "I would strive to use my nonjudgmental Christian views to love my community and to make decisions in their best interest."
- Said, "I want to advocate for and ensure improved communication between leaders and our community. I want the community to feel involved and informed, especially before big decisions are made."
- Said, "We want to welcome positive change, while protecting our rural heritage. We want to keep our roots alive, and remind folks of the big heart of our community and its residents. I am confident we can have growth and prosperity... while remembering where we came from."

Said, "I want the community to feel that they know how their tax dollars are being spent. I want to ensure proper growth and change. I support growth in our community."

- Said, "I want the community to feel that they know how their tax dollars are being spent. I want to ensure proper growth and change. I support growth in our community."

As of May 31, 2025, Meggan Smith did not have a website or any information online.

Meggan Smith

As of July 3, 2024, Michelle Crisp did not have a website or publicly available contact information in order for us to send them our questionnaire.

As of May 31, 2025, Michelle Crisp did not have a website.

Michelle Crisp

As of July 3, 2024, Thomas Menard did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

GRAHAM COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Thomas is a building inspector for Graham County. 

Thomas Menard's campaign for Graham County Commissioner is his first run for public office.

As of May 31, 2025, Thomas Menard did not have a website or any information online.

Thomas Menard

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners can create, change, or abolish offices, positions, departments that are not required by law. 
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms, with no term limits. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.