On Outer Banks, candidates spar over economy

Four candidates, two Republicans and two Democrats, are vying for one seat in District 1 on the Currituck Outer Banks, and each has a different take on what the county needs most.

Longtime Democratic incumbent Ernie Bowden faces Democratic political newcomer Michael Cherry in Tuesday's primary. On the Republican side, Knotts Island native Vance Aydlett faces Corolla resident Keith Hill.

Bowden, a lifelong resident of the northern Currituck Outer Banks and a longtime commissioner, says the county depends too much on tourism for budget revenue. He supports recent efforts to build central sewer in Moyock, which could help attract industry.

"Tourism is soft money," he said. "My primary interest

today in this county is the diversification of the economy."

But Bowden has drawn criticism from his neighbors and constituents for wanting to create a service district to upgrade at least one major road in the four-wheel-drive area. Locals say an improved road would only draw more congestion to an isolated area and could cause further development where the wild horses roam. Bowden disputes claims the horses descend from Spanish mustangs but rather remembers them as farm horses freed some 50 years ago.

The county must plan ahead for development near the proposed midcounty bridge, Cherry said.

"The bridge is going to bring enormous change," Cherry said.

Planned for nearly 20 years, the midcounty bridge is expected to cross the Currituck Sound from Corolla to Aydlett and could cost $720 million. But the state is looking to private investors and tolls to help pay for it. The completion date is set for 2013.

U.S. 158 near Aydlett and Coinjock could see rapid commercial development near the intersection of the new bridge.

Cherry's father, Marshall Cherry, was the last person to beat Bowden for this same seat 20 years ago.

Hill gained a reputation for running a high-profile campaign, including billboards and professionally produced radio spots, when he opposed Currituck efforts to form a countywide unified government. The unified government referendum failed.

He also led a campaign against former commissioners Paul O'Neal and Paul Martin, running critical ads for their decision to buy a horse farm park in Point Harbor. Both commissioners were defeated.

If elected, Hill supports spending in the Outer Banks a larger percentage of about $8 million a year collected in occupancy taxes. He proposes more deputies, more development control and more fireworks abatement efforts in Corolla.

Aydlett's ties to Knotts Island could help him win a voting block there that in the past has felt forgotten by political leaders focused on the Outer Banks.

Aydlett's background in fire and emergency services could be valuable on the board, he said.

Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com