Candidate Q&As for March 3 primary

To our readers:

Four contested local elections are on the March 3 North Carolina Primary ballot, all Republican races:

— Randolph Sheriff (4 candidates)

— Randolph County Commission Dist. 3 (2 candidates)

— NC. House Rep. Dist. 78 (2 candidates)

— NC District Court Judge Dist. 37 Seat 4 (4 candidates)

One winner will be selected from each race and be put on the ballot for the November election.

Each was emailed an invite for an opportunity to take some time to make their case to Randolph County voters in this free offering. Those who reply will have their responses printed in this email and shared to the Randolph Hub Facebook page. They are listed here in each race in order of our having received their responses.

There is no time limit for replies to be posted in this email. However, candidates have until Friday to be also included in the print edition of Randolph Hub on Feb. 25.

Here are responses from those who have sent in materials. In each race they have been posted in the order I received them. Photos were also optional; not all have chosen to use one. Feel free to contact the individual candidates with questions as each has provided contact info. Finally, take advantage of your right to vote and vote early or on Election Day.
 

Randolph County Sheriff race

Name — Chris “Taco” Toriello

CONTACT INFO FOR VOTERS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Chris-Taco-Toriello-for-Randolph-County-Sheriff-61578485634654/
Email: toriello4sheriff@gmail.com

What in your background makes you a good candidate …

I have a very diverse portfolio of experience. I started as a volunteer in the fire service and EMS. I have 34 years of law enforcement experience all in Randolph County. From the local to the federal, I gained unique experiences in each area that I served. I am the only candidate including the seated sheriff that has this experience. I still teach. I am directly influencing the group of new and young officers that are coming into law enforcement. I have general and specialized teaching credentials. I am the only candidate that currently teaches in BLET. I am physically and mentally prepared to do this job. I have spent more than 30 years preparing. The sheriff should not ask his deputies to do things that he cannot do himself. Lead by example.

Why you …

I am the only candidate that has a diverse amount of experiences in all aspects of law enforcement. I have spent 34 years gaining knowledge, leadership skills, and hands on experience in nearly every division of law enforcement. My training has allowed me to make contacts inside and outside of Randolph County that will build a strong network of support for myself and the sheriff’s office. I am the only candidate that has multiple teaching certifications and continues to teach in the Basic Law Enforcement Training and Detention Officer’s School at Randolph Community College. The detention center is a special area under the sheriff’s office purview that requires knowledge and training to run. I was the Captain of Operations at the detention center as well as the Major over administration at the Detention Center, therefore I have the requisite knowledge to manage that very large portion of the sheriff’s office. I have an extensive background in drug enforcement as I was the DEA Task Force Agent for the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for multiple years until I was promoted to Lieutenant over the civil division. All of this experience is seated on a solid foundation of multiple years serving in the patrol division at three different agencies.

Why now …

I have spent 34 years investing into training, leadership development, and gaining experiences from a vast number of opportunities. I feel like all of these skills are necessary to become the Sheriff of Randolph County and to approach the position with any less would be a disservice to the community.

Your goals …

The first thing that needs to be changed is the culture. There needs to be a culture of appreciation but at the same time there must be accountability. The supervisors must be trained in leadership and that must translate down the line. It is up to every leader to create an environment where everyone has room to learn and develop. We must implement fiscal responsibility. We are spending the citizen’s tax dollars. We must critique every dollar spent and make sure that we are serving the needs of the county. We must get solid leadership in the detention center. That is another area that I have unique experience. I previously served as a Captain and Major in the jail administration. I am intimately familiar with the problems that are being faced. Again I am the only candidate with that experience.
We must repair and rebuild the relationships with the other law enforcement and first responder agencies in our area.
We have to create an environment that people want to work and serve in. This is why there is a deficit in the number of deputies employed right now. Again that starts from the top.
Commitment to the deputies and employees and commitment to the citizens do not have to be two different things. We can do both with the proper leadership.

Final thoughts for the voter …

I have invested 30 plus years into gaining the training, experience and abilities to be your sheriff …. a sheriff for every citizen of Randolph County. The citizens and the deputies of Randolph County deserve a sheriff that is invested in them and the future.
One that is physically and mentally prepared to serve…that is me.

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Name — Eric S. Hicks

CONTACT INFO FOR VOTERS

I believe a Sheriff should be accessible. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, reach out.
Message me here directly on Facebook.
Email: Hicksfor2026@gmail.com
Phone: 336-688-8114 personal cell 

Your voice matters to me.

What in your background makes you a good candidate …

I have dedicated my career to public service and law enforcement. I have worked the road, answered calls, supervised teams, and seen firsthand what works and what fails inside a department. I understand the responsibility of protecting families, supporting deputies, and managing a jail safely and professionally.

Leadership is not about rank. It is about responsibility.
It is about making hard decisions and standing by them.
It is about earning trust, not demanding it. 
I bring fifteen years of law enforcement experience, where I advanced through education, specialized training, and leadership roles focused on constitutional policing, crisis response, supervision, and officer development. My background includes advanced training in search and seizure, interviews and interrogations, hostage negotiation, crisis intervention, narcotics investigations, at both the state and federal levels.

Experience matters. Integrity matters more.

Why you …

Because I am not running for a title. I am running to correct what is not working.

When hiring practices fail, when inmates are mistakenly released, when morale drops, when cases stack up, when patrol presence is thin, that is not something we explain away. That is something we fix.

Accountability starts at the top. And I am prepared to lead from the front.

Why now …

Because public safety is not a learning curve.

Our community deserves leadership that is proactive, transparent, and steady. Citizens should feel protected. Deputies should feel supported. Schools should feel secure. Families should not feel ignored.

When trust begins to erode, the time for change is now.

My goals …

Increase patrol presence throughout our communities.
Improve investigative follow-through so cases are closed.
Strengthen hiring standards and internal accountability.
Address jail safety and staffing issues immediately.
Protect our schools through proactive safety planning.
Go after the drug dealers who are poisoning our streets and destroying families.
Build a department culture rooted in integrity, professionalism, and transparency.

If we stop the dealers, we save lives.
If we support our deputies, we strengthen the department.
If we operate with accountability, we rebuild trust.

I am not here to play politics.
I am here to serve.

My final words …

All CITIZENS please know I do not have to be here and my commitment to Randolph County has no loyalty to the “Good ole Boys”!
My mission is to uphold and advance public safety through principled leadership, sound judgment, and accountability, while strengthening the communities I serve. I am committed to protecting people and property, developing responsible organizations, and applying experience gained in law enforcement, crisis response, and business leadership to promote safety, stability, and long-term trust within the community.

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Name — Gregory J. Seabolt

CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER: 336-633-8046

What in your background makes you a good candidate …

I have been Sheriff for almost eight years, and during that time we have made significant improvements within the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. We have created numerous programs that serve the public and make a positive impact in our neighborhoods. These programs support school age children, and we also established our Elderly CALL Program where we reach out to seniors who do not have family in the area to check on them and ensure their well being.

We also started the Invictus Task Force, a proactive initiative that seeks out predators before they can harm our children. This task force includes three other Sheriff’s Offices as well as state and federal authorities working alongside us every day of the week. Since its inception, we have arrested over 200 individuals who showed interest in coming to our county to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

In addition, we have reduced property crimes by 23 percent and have continued our mission of removing deadly drugs from our county. I bring 38 years of law enforcement experience to this office, and I am never satisfied with results. I am always striving to improve and make Randolph County the safest county in the state.

Why you …

I have a proven track record of results, and no other candidate can make that claim. In eight short years, we have accomplished a tremendous amount and have consistently brought the concerns of our citizens to the forefront of our discussions and actions.

Why now …

We want to continue the success we have built in making Randolph County one of the best Sheriff’s Offices in the state. We have future goals we are determined to accomplish, including developing a rehabilitation program for those in our county who are battling addiction to deadly drugs.

Your goals …

My goal is to make our county safer each and every day. I want to serve the citizens in a way they have never been served before. A future objective is to establish a Christian based rehabilitation center here in Randolph County to help reduce the many overdoses we are seeing.

Final thoughts for the voter …

I ask voters to review my track record and consider the many accomplishments we have achieved in Randolph County over the past eight years. As I have said before, I will never be satisfied. I will continue working to reduce response times for citizens who need help as quickly as possible. My intention is to ensure the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office operates as a professional law enforcement agency that our citizens are proud of. We have made great strides, and we are not finished. We will continue to provide even better service to the people of Randolph County.

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Name — Avery Brian Arrington

ADDRESS: 4556 Racine Rd. Climax, NC 27233

EMAIL: abarrington3461@gmail.com

What in your background makes you a good candidate …

Rank:           Captain 
Employer:    Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (Retired)

Born in Randolph County and graduated from Eastern Randolph High School in 1989.

Work Experience:
— 1997-1998        Deputy Sheriff Bailiff Division
— 1998-1999        Deputy Sheriff SRO
— 1999               Deputy IV-D Officer Civil Division
— 1999-2002        Senior Patrol SRO
— 2002-2004        Detective-Criminal Investigations Division
— 2004-2016        Sergeant-Detective Vice/Narcotics Division
— 2016 to Retirement SRO/School Base Programs Supervisor and Division Commander.
— Over five years in county schools, with an average of 25 drug arrests per year. Have personally located 5 firearms in schools while serving as an SRO in Randolph County within those five years.
— An Investigator/Supervisor for twelve years in the Vice/Narcotics Division, with involvement in over 5000 drug investigations during that time span.
— 27.5 years of experience, in five different divisions, at the RCSO & have personally written over 225 search warrants.
— Have been deemed an expert witness in drug recognition in Randolph County District Court on three occasions.
— 2019 Promoted by Greg Seabolt to the rank of Captain over the Community Based Programs Division- Supervising the Criminal Apprehension Team, the School Resource Offices & CARE/DARE Division

While in the Randolph County Vice/Narcotic Unit here are our statistics from January 2005 to December 2015
— Marijuana = 6,728,374 grams or 14,833 lbs.
— Marijuana plants = 16,799
— Methamphetamine = 15,024 grams or 33 lbs.
— Cocaine = 222,558 grams or 490 lbs.
— Crack = 1,734 grams or 3.8 lbs.
— Oxycodone pills = 6,582 dosage units
— Hydrocodone pills = 3,887 dosage units
—  Alprazolam pills = 4,239 dosage units
—  Ecstasy = 852 dosage units
— LSD = 173 dosage units
— Meth Labs = over 25
— Firearms seized = 1,428
— Search warrants = 1,170 (entire unit)
— Seized currency = $3,648,317.00
 
Organizational Memberships:
• North Carolina Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (Lifetime member)
• Elected President of the North Carolina Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association in 2011 and a Board member from 2007 to 2015
• National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (2007) Virginia
• National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (2007-2010) Carolinas
• North Carolina Gang Investigators Association (2010-2014)
• North Carolina Juvenile Officer Association (2017-2018)
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) of Randolph County Board Member (2020-2024)
• Current North Carolina Association of School Resource Officers Board Member-NC Region 5 Representative (2022-Present)

Certification Held:
— Basic Law Enforcement Certificate
— Intermediate Law enforcement Certificate 2006
— Advanced Law enforcement Certificate 2010
— Clandestine Laboratory Certification (2011-2023)
— Currently Certified as Law Enforcement General Instructor (2007-Present)
— Current Field Training Officer & Certified Field Training Officer Supervisor
— Certified Field Training Officer Instructor thru NCJA
— North Carolina Justice Academy Certified Basic School Resource Officer Training Instructor thru NCJA
 

Why you …

I want to become Sheriff of Randolph County because leadership matters, especially in law enforcement. After years of serving in this profession, I’ve seen firsthand how strong leadership protects not only the public, but also the men and women wearing the badge.
Randolph County is growing, and our challenges are changing. Experienced officers are leaving, and it’s not just because of money. Morale, support, communication, and trust within an agency matter just as much as pay. When seasoned deputies walk away, we lose valuable experience that cannot be quickly replaced.
I am running because I believe we need proactive, accountable leadership that supports deputies, strengthens recruitment and retention, and ensures every community receives professional, visible protection.
This is not about politics for me. It’s about service. It’s about accountability. And it’s about restoring confidence that the Sheriff’s Office is working ahead of problems and standing firmly behind its people.
I love Randolph County. I love the Sheriff’s Office. I believe in its people. And I believe it deserves steady, transparent, forward-thinking leadership.

Why now …

I’m running now because Randolph County is at a critical moment. Our county is growing rapidly and calls for service are increasing. At the same time, we’re seeing experienced deputies leave the agency and it’s not just about money. Leadership, morale, and support matter.
I made the decision to leave a high-ranking position because I believe this moment requires action, not silence. That wasn’t an easy decision, but when you see challenges ahead and know you have the experience to help lead through them, you have a responsibility to step forward.
This isn’t about timing for convenience. It’s about timing for need. I believe the Sheriff’s Office needs steady, experienced leadership right now, not later.
That’s why I’m running now.

Your goals …

My goals as Sheriff are straightforward.
First, stabilize and strengthen the agency. That means improving morale, supporting deputies, reducing turnover, and creating a culture where experienced officers want to stay. Not just for a paycheck, but because they feel valued and supported.
Second, fully staff contracted positions like Trinity and Ramseur and ensure resources are distributed based on growth and call volume.
Third, increase drug enforcement efforts and target those who are poisoning our communities. Drug activity fuels property crime, violence, and addiction, and we must be intentional and aggressive in addressing it.
Fourth, reduce wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Every budget decision should reflect public safety priorities and not unnecessary additions or misplaced focus.
Fifth, focus on proactive crime prevention by targeting repeat offenders and increasing visible patrol presence in growing communities before crime trends escalate.
Sixth, strengthen transparency and communication with the public so citizens know what their Sheriff’s Office is doing and why.
And finally, build leadership within the agency so the next generation of deputies is trained, mentored, and prepared to serve Randolph County with professionalism and integrity.
My goal is simple: a Sheriff’s Office that protects people, supports deputies, enforces the law aggressively where needed, and spends taxpayer money wisely.

Final thoughts for the voter …

With years of experience in law enforcement, I’ve seen what it takes to keep our communities safe and our deputies supported. I am ready to bring that experience, leadership, and accountability to the office of Sheriff. Randolph County deserves a Sheriff who is, present, prepared, consistent, and committed and I am ready to serve.

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Randolph County Commissioner Dist. 3

Name — David Allen

CONTACT INFO: 

dallen@rtelco.net
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=committee%20to%20elect%20david%20allen%20commissioner

What in your background makes you a good candidate …

I graduated from UNC – Chapel Hill with a business degree including a concentration in accounting in 1985. I subsequently became a CPA working in public accounting and in industry. I have served as controller and chief financial officer for closely held businesses, including the last 22 years of my career with ABCO Automation before retiring in 2024. My skills in finance, human resources, management, budgeting and problem solving honed over my career uniquely qualify me to represent the people of Randolph County. I also am a third-generation farmer and have lived in the county for the past 40+ years. During that time and my time spent on the Board of Commissioners, I have gained an appreciation for the people in the county and the issues that the county faces as we move into the future.

Why you …

I have the knowledge and experience of eleven plus years on the Board of Commissioners. My experience in business over my career has prepared me to make informed decisions in the best interest of the County, whether in managing expenses in budgets or making sound investments in the county’s future. Having the Toyota manufacturing plant on my front porch and farmland including a large dairy in my “backdoor” at my home in Liberty, I know first-hand the struggles that the county will be facing as it changes and grows. Managing the “urban/rural” divide by directing growth along major transportation routes by providing water and sewer access can allow for economic growth that limits the tax burden on the average taxpayer. To balance economic growth, we must make intentional investments in preserving our farmland and maintaining the rural character of the county. My record speaks to my commitment to agriculture through investments in our future through the Randolph County Agricultural Center which will provide needed education and resources to our farmers and producers while driving economic development through tourism and commerce.

Why now …

The position of commissioner has changed in the eleven years that I have served on the Board. The time commitment has increased tremendously given the ever-increasing complexity of managing local government including administration of legacy Federal COVID funding, strategic planning investments, opioid settlement funds and continuing unfunded mandates from the State and Federal governments. All that in addition to the essential mandated tasks of requiring a balanced budget and providing needed public services such as law enforcement, emergency services and school funding. At this stage of my life, I now have the time to fully devote my energies to serving the people of the county. Randolph County needs strong leadership to continue to prosper and is at a crossroads in its history with decisions now being made that will impact the county for generations. A strong, steady hand is needed to guide the opportunities and growth. My experience best qualifies me to be that leader.

Your goals …

The biggest issue is to manage the growth that is coming to the county over the next several years. That includes managing infrastructure improvements such as schools, providing quality public education for our children through adequate funding, maintaining and improving public safety where needed as circumstances change plus providing competitive salaries for county employees who are the county’s most valuable resource. My goal would be for the county to maintain its low tax rate while providing services that our county residents desire which make Randolph County such a unique place to live, work and play.

Final thoughts for the voter …

My experience as a commissioner for nearly three terms along with my professional experience as a CPA have given me the knowledge, skills and abilities to make the best decisions for all residents of the county. Having been awarded Outstanding Commissioner of the Year for 2025 by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners speaks volumes about my abilities to problem-solve, communicate and advocate for Randolph County in the county, region and state. My commitment to Randolph County is to be fully informed in making fair and intelligent decisions based on my Christian principles. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your commissioner. I respectfully request your vote in the Republican primary.

______________________________________________________

Name — Carrie Guess-Slatosky

CONTACT INFO: 

carrieslatosky@yahoo.com

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NC House District 78

Name — Mark Dutton

CONTACT INFO FOR VOTERS

mark4nchouse.com 
markdutton4nchouse on Facebook and instagram 

What in your background makes you a good candidate …

I spent 30 years serving the citizens of North Carolina as a State Law Enforcement Officer with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission retiring at the position of Assistant Law Enforcement Director/Major of Administration and Support Services. I was also the State Boating Law Administrator working with federal and state agencies on maritime law enforcement laws and safety. I worked extensively with state and federal law makers on wildlife, fisheries and boating law. I managed the operations budget, federal grants, and emergency operations among many other responsibilities. 

Why you …

North Carolina native, locally raised, deep roots, 30 plus years of public service and civic service including coaching and mentoring youth. Public safety and state government experience, support law enforcement, first responders, teachers, veterans, health care professionals, state employees. 

Why now …

My mission and purpose has always been public service and after retiring I wanted to continue to serve my community and state. 

Your goals …

Protect our children in homes and in schools 
Protect health care workers 
Strengthen drug laws 
Protect local control 
No state overreach 
Safe communities 
Provide care for veterans 
Stronger background checks on people in positions of authority or influence over children 
Remove legislative barriers and antiquated legislation 
Be a representative for all constituents 
Economic growth 
Sustainable infrastructure 

Final thoughts for the voter …

I am the candidate that is deeply rooted in North Carolina, locally raised, and has the experience working in state government. 

I would be honored to be your representative.  

______________________________________________________

Name — Neal Jackson

CONTACT INFO: 

neal.jackson@ncleg.gov

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NC District Court Judge Dist. 37 Seat 4 

Name — Geoffrey Crawford

CONTACT INFO FOR VOTERS

geoff-crawford@triad.rr.com

https://www.facebook.com/people/Geoff-Crawford-for-District-Court-Judge/61585346856230/

Randolph County has been my home for nearly all my life.  I attended school here, worked here and made lifelong friends here.  I’ve been married to my wife Tracey, who I met in junior high school, for 28 years.   We’ve raised three wonderful children, Shea, Sam and Jenna.  Family means a lot to me and I’m incredibly proud of the wonderful people my children have grown up to be.  I have likely shared with many of you a classroom, a workplace, or the bleachers of ball fields across the county while we cheered for our kids and their teams.   

My undergraduate degree was in Business Administration from Appalachian State University and my career prior to practicing law was working in manufacturing management.  I was blessed to work with and learn from many fine people across various industries in Randolph County.  At the age of 38, I went back to school as a non-traditional student and received my law degree from Elon University School of Law.  Since passing the bar, I have practiced both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, but, most importantly, I have served as a magistrate for most of my legal career.

This experience makes me uniquely qualified to fill the open seat as a District Court Judge.  In fact, I am the only candidate for the seat that has extensive experience hearing testimony, making findings and issuing judgements based upon the law as applied to the facts.  On any given day, I may deal with cases involving murder, domestic violence, child abuse, impaired driving, child custody, involuntary commitment and everything in-between.   Both magistrates and judges are sworn to administer justice without favoritism and faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office.  For nearly 10 years I have diligently applied these fundamental principles of justice to all cases and parties that have been brought before me.

I hope to continue my career in service to Randolph County as a District Court Judge by applying the work ethic, good judgement and integrity developed prior to my legal career along with the patience and judicial temperament refined through my performance as a magistrate.

______________________________________________________

Name — Chelsie Embler

CONTACT INFO: 

Phone: 336-308-0622
emblerattyatlaw@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/people/Chelsie-L-Embler-for-Randolph-County-District-Court-Judge/61584258254860/
 

What in your background makes you a good candidate …

I have more than thirteen years of experience each courtroom which a district court judge presides over whether it be civil, criminal, family, child support, DSS, juvenile, traffic, and domestic violence court.

Why you …

I am qualified to hold the position as I am the only candidate with more than thirteen years of experience each courtroom which a district court judge presides over whether it be civil, criminal, family, child support, DSS, juvenile, traffic, and domestic violence court. Specifically, a metaphor would be would an individual go to a mechanic if they needed a heart valve repair? The answer is no, they would go to a heart specialist to perform said procedure. Well I believe that the same can be said for Judges that we need experienced, qualified judges on the bench and I am the most qualified in all aspects of the law as I have been practicing in all of these areas for the past thirteen years.

Why now …

I believe that now is the time that I can start to serve the people of Randolph County in a different capacity and work on the bench to enforce the laws and constitution of North Carolina while doing what I love which is protecting children.

Your goals …

I have always believed that God called me to the legal profession to help people and protect children and I would be honored at the opportunity to serve as our next Randolph County District Court Judge. 

Final thoughts for the voter …

I am the candidate where Fairness meets Justice with thirteen years of legal experience in addition to life experience. Specifically, I have the qualifications as listed above, but I also have a lifetime of life experience wherein I have volunteered in our community to help Partnership for Children, Kiwanis, Domestic Violence Service Projects, Pro Bono legal and military service projects just to name a few.

______________________________________________________

Name — Jodi Allred

CONTACT INFO:

jodiallred51@gmail.com

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Name — Allison Layton

CONTACT INFO:

allison@allisonlaytonforjudge.com