I grew up in Connecticut, so yes, I'm "not from here" but I moved back here 10 years ago because I fell in love with this area decades ago. I spent many years making motorcycle trips here and lived in Sylva for several years as well.

About Russ Lunn

I have lived in Macon County with my partner, Carol for the last 10 years and this is where we plan on spending the rest of our lives. We are animal lovers and have a lot of pets including 5 dogs, 2 cats, goats, chickens and a very large Siberian Lynx (exotic cat). In my free time I enjoy fishing, hiking and flying model-remote control airplanes at Macon Aeromodelers club in Otto.

Russ Lunn grew up in Connecticut. He lives with his partner, Carol.

That's the age I started working and I have never stopped. I have been self-employed most of my life having owned many businesses I am very well versed in all aspects of business.

Russ has been self-employed and has owned many businesses.

John Shearl (Macon County Board of Commissioners District 1 ...

Russ is a first-time candidate for political office.

2026 North Carolina General Election

The Plan: Building for the Future

I am committed to moving past “temporary fixes” and starting a real, long-term plan for a Modern Macon County Senior Center:

• Fiscal Responsibility: By starting the planning process now, we can identify state and federal grants to offset costs, ensuring we build a legacy without placing an undue burden on local taxpayers.

Respecting Our Seniors | Russ Lunn

Plans to seek state and federal grants for a senior center to limit the burden on local taxpayers.

- Plans to seek state and federal grants for a senior center to limit the burden on local taxpayers.

Economy

The Plan: Building for the Future

I am committed to moving past “temporary fixes” and starting a real, long-term plan for a Modern Macon County Senior Center:

• A Modern, Accessible Facility: I will initiate the planning and site-selection process for a facility designed with universal accessibility at its core—no stairs, wide hallways, and automated entries.

The Plan: Building for the Future

I am committed to moving past “temporary fixes” and starting a real, long-term plan for a Modern Macon County Senior Center:

• Expanded Wellness & Connection: A new facility means more room for veteran services, health screenings, nutritional programs, and the social activities that keep our seniors active and engaged.

Why I'm Running

I was inspired to run for County Commissioner because I noticed the public being very vocal about many issues, but the Commissioner's don't seem to listen or discuss things openly enough, and I would like to change that.

"A Voice for Every Corner of Macon County."

Plans to begin planning and selecting a site for a universally accessible modern Macon County Senior Center.

Plans a new senior center with space for veteran services, health screenings, nutrition programs, and social activities.

Wants county commissioners to listen to residents and discuss issues more openly.

- Plans to begin planning and selecting a site for a universally accessible modern Macon County Senior Center.
- Plans a new senior center with space for veteran services, health screenings, nutrition programs, and social activities.
- Wants county commissioners to listen to residents and discuss issues more openly.

Public Services

As of April 6, 2026, Russ Lunn’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Housing & Urban Development

The Plan: A “Clean Macon” Initiative

I will lead a coordinated effort to keep Macon County beautiful through three core strategies:

• Utilizing Community Service: We have a missed opportunity to turn community service hours into a public benefit. I will work with the local court system to prioritize roadside cleanup for those fulfilling service requirements.

Keeping Our Home Beautiful—Together | Russ Lunn

The Plan: Strengthening the Safety Net

I am committed to a common-sense approach to animal welfare that supports owners and rescuers alike:

• Support for Animal Services: I will advocate for adequate staffing and funding for County Animal Services during the budget process. Our officers and shelter attendants need the tools to do their jobs effectively and humanely.

Compassion for Every Resident—Paws Included | Russ Lunn

The Plan: Strengthening the Safety Net

I am committed to a common-sense approach to animal welfare that supports owners and rescuers alike:

• Affordable Veterinary Access: I will work to bring mobile or low-cost veterinary clinics to our rural areas. By partnering with non-profits to provide accessible vaccinations and spay/neuter programs, we can reduce the number of stray animals and keep families together.

The Plan: Strengthening the Safety Net

I am committed to a common-sense approach to animal welfare that supports owners and rescuers alike:

• Collaborative Partnerships: I will push for a stronger working relationship between the county and our private no-kill rescues. By coordinating our efforts, we can maximize our “no-kill” potential and ensure no animal is left behind.

Plans to work with the local court system to prioritize roadside cleanup for people completing community-service requirements.

Advocates for adequate County Animal Services staffing and funding during the budget process.

Plans mobile or low-cost rural veterinary clinics, including vaccination and spay/neuter programs through nonprofit partnerships.

Plans closer coordination between the county and private no-kill animal rescues.

- Plans to work with the local court system to prioritize roadside cleanup for people completing community-service requirements.
- Advocates for adequate County Animal Services staffing and funding during the budget process.
- Plans mobile or low-cost rural veterinary clinics, including vaccination and spay/neuter programs through nonprofit partnerships.
- Plans closer coordination between the county and private no-kill animal rescues.

Public Safety

The Plan: Building for the Future

I am committed to moving past “temporary fixes” and starting a real, long-term plan for a Modern Macon County Senior Center:

• Streamlined Transit Solutions: We will design a dedicated, weather-protected transit hub at the new center, ensuring county vans can safely and efficiently transport seniors directly to the door.

Plans a weather-protected transit hub at a new senior center for county vans serving seniors.

- Plans a weather-protected transit hub at a new senior center for county vans serving seniors.

Transportation & Infrastructure

The Plan: A “Clean Macon” Initiative

I will lead a coordinated effort to keep Macon County beautiful through three core strategies:

• Civic Partnerships: I will establish a formal county framework to support local civic groups, scouts, and church clubs in adopting stretches of road. We will provide the coordination and supplies needed to make volunteer cleanup safe and effective.

The Plan: A “Clean Macon” Initiative

I will lead a coordinated effort to keep Macon County beautiful through three core strategies:

• The “Keep It Local” Campaign: We will launch a public awareness campaign focused on “Tarp Your Load” education for those hauling to the landfill, preventing accidental litter before it hits the pavement.

Plans a county program supporting civic groups that adopt roads for volunteer cleanup.

Plans a “Tarp Your Load” public-awareness campaign to prevent litter from landfill-bound vehicles.

- Plans a county program supporting civic groups that adopt roads for volunteer cleanup.
- Plans a “Tarp Your Load” public-awareness campaign to prevent litter from landfill-bound vehicles.

Energy & the Environment

Facebook

Russ Lunn

Supports initiating a long-term plan to build a modern, accessible Senior Center to provide dignity and safety for seniors in Macon County.

Supports animal welfare and access to veterinary services for all residents.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

John Shearl

- 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.

Creates new laws and passes the budget for your county.