By David Rogers. February 13, 2011. BOONE -- Blowing Rock News has learned that Blowing Rock native John Welch will file his candidacy for a seat on the Watauga County Board of Commissioners on today, at the Watauga County Board of Elections in Boone. Today is the first day for candidates to file.  Photo by Cody Andrews Photography

Currently serving as a member of the Watauga County Board of Education and the District 7 representative on the North Carolina School Boards Association Legislative Committee while employed at Appalachian State University (Athletics Department), Welch told Blowing Rock News on Sunday, "My vision for Watauga County is clear. Times are hard for almost everyone, but we have to keep moving ahead.  The decisions our county government makes today will have far-reaching consequences -- and for many people -- down the road.

"We've got to be smart and committed to the hard job ahead," Welch continued. "I will focus on open government and a renewed emphasis on our public schools.  Education must remain a top county priority."

Welch also expressed to Blowing Rock News his concern about two pressing issues: [1] the growing economic disparity in the region, as well as [2] the government's stewardship of taxpayer resources. "We need to work together to decrease poverty and the number of homeless children, in addition to supporting those resources that care for all Watauga County citizens.

"We need to be accountable to all taxpayers and good stewards of the public's money," Welch concluded in his remarks. "I pledge to be the hardest working and most transparent representative for Watauga County. I want our community to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family.  I will be a representative for ALL of Watauga County's citizens."

Welch has lived in Watauga County his entire life, attending Blowing Rock School and Watauga High School before his admission to Wingate University in 1997, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management in 2001. In 2011, he earned a Master's degree in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy.  He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Wingate University Sports Management department, the Wingate University Bulldog Club, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Catawba College Sport Management department.

In 2011, Welch was awarded the 2011 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Wingate University for his contributions to the High Country community and for upholding an exemplary life true to the University motto, "Faith, Knowledge, and Service". He is a member of Boone Optimist Club and during the summer he works as a counselor for the Broyhill Leadership Conferences, "...allowing me to help teach leadership skills to young people from all across the United States."

Welch and his wife, Christy (a counselor at Mabel School who, in September, was annnounced as the Watauga County Schools Counselor of the Year for 2011-12), teach Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church in Boone. Together, they coordinate the Pioneer Prom Boutique, which provides free prom dresses to Watauga High School students who cannot afford one, and Welch volunteers as a Watch DOG (Dads of Great Students) at Mabel School, where the Welches' daughter, Madison, is enrolled. The couple is expecting a second child in April.

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