news-record.com

KIRK PERKINS (i)

Democrat

Current office: First-term commissioner.

Birth date: Oct. 18, 1951.

Birthplace: Greensboro.

Lives in: McLeansville.

Spouse: Nancy Perkins.

Education: Northeast High School; Guilford College, bachelor of arts in Administration of Criminal Justice.

Occupation: Owner, Perkins and Associates, a real estate appraisal, construction and brokerage firm.

Political career: First elected office.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Perkins was elected the board's chairman in a 10-1 vote, which is uncharacteristic for a board that often makes decisions by narrow votes. Perkins also worked toward developing Northwest Park and Haw River State Park and pushed to quickly rebuild the burned Eastern Guilford High School.

ON THE ISSUES

Improve education by adequately funding schools but with more oversight over capital projects. Extend water and sewer service to unincorporated areas of Guilford County to stimulate growth and help replace old septic systems. Increase law enforcement and emergency services funding to create safer neighborhoods and provide better fire and ambulance services, especially for people in rural areas.

TRIVIA

Perkins calls himself an environmentalist, and is searching for more green building opportunities through his company. ... An Eagle Scout, he's also a member of the Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy and is on the board of directors for the Guilford County SCPA.

Full questionnaire

Hear from Kirk Perkins

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

EDDIE SOUTHER

Republican

Birth date: March 30, 1969.

Birthplace: Greensboro.

Lives in: McLeansville.

Spouse: Amy Souther.

Education: Page High School, 1987; some classes at GTCC.

Occupation: Salesman for Stock Building Supply.

Political career: Ran and lost in 2004 for the District 4 seat.

Current office: None.

Web site: www.eddiesouther.com

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

As PTA president of Brightwood Elementary School, he worked to help plan new construction there this decade, he says. As vice chair of the Guilford County Board of Adjustment, Souther says, he worked to help homeowners since June 2005, when he was appointed.

ON THE ISSUES

Add a conservative business approach to Guilford County. Improve education by working with the school board. Make Guilford County a safer place to live and work by helping law enforcement.

TRIVIA

Souther says he is an avid hunter, primarily for deer, squirrel and rabbit. He has taken his children along through the years to teach them gun safety and how to choose an animal well. On his 4-acre property he keeps ducks, goats, chickens and a miniature horse -- all as pets, though his family does harvest chicken eggs.

Full questionnaire

Hear from Eddie Souther