Friend

MIDDLEWAY — Natalie Grantham Friend grew up in Jefferson County, attending Jefferson High School and Shepherd College.

Throughout her life, she has developed an interest in local politics, because, she said, her father was always interested.

“You don’t get more local than me,” laughed the Democratic candidate for the Middleway District seat of the Jefferson County Commission. “I am a farmer who definitely believes in “no farm, no food,” Friend said, as she shared that she is also employed by Mountain View Solar, where she designs and sells commercial and residential solar products.

She expressed her awareness that solar is a hot-button issue in the county currently, but she also added that the utility solar farms being disputed are different from what she does in her job.

“It is not the same as the utility solar, which is what the solar farms are,” Friend said. “That’s a mess.

She went on to say that with her background, she would be able to look at the solar farm proposals and have real questions.

“I would be able to negotiate more so than another person. There is a balance,” she said, as she explained that she is of one of those families with a farm, where it is now difficult to make a profit agriculturally. “This is about someone’s assets — their property.”

Along with the solar issue, Friend said that as a commissioner, she would focus first on civility.

“I am capable of listening to people and working with them,” she said.

She also added that infrastructure throughout the county must be a priority. This would include everything from roads to water and sewer to fire and emergency services.

“I want to make sure that we take care of the people that are here before we run our infrastructure, such as water lines, to new locations for higher density. I question the conditions of the infrastructure that is currently in place,” she said, as she stressed that while an influx in population can be beneficial, it is not something to push without dealing with all needed services for those here already, as well as those moving in.

Friend said that business is an important thing to look at as far as a tax base. However, she said she also sees businesses that are here that people are not supporting.

“People are trying for new ideas, but they are often having difficulty,” Friend said.

Infrastructure can help there as well, bringing proper internet service. That same internet service will help serve the higher numbers of individuals who now work from home, she said.

Friend said that she is basically running for this office, because she wants to know what is going on in the county and wants to make sure others know, as well.

“It seems like to me that often, the public is blindsided,” Friend said.

While everyone attaches themselves to the word “transparency,” Friend said she really does want to make sure people know what is going on and to work to preserve Jefferson County’s beauty. She wants to assist in working to preserve while also acknowledge that growth is essential.

“I don’t have any agenda. I just care about the county where I was raised and where I live,” she said.

Friend is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket in the primary election.