Empowering Haywood County Residents
Your vote matters in local government
Empowering Haywood County Residents
Your vote matters in local government
Q & A
Learn More About Why I am Running
Question 1 – What made you want to run for HC commissioner?
Howards Answer: I came to Haywood County with my family in 1967. My father met the Kaufman and Rollman families, who founded Wellco Shoe Manufacturing in Waynesville. He worked with Wellco for 30 years and helped ensure the company remained both nationally and internationally relevant in the shoe manufacturing industry.I have lived in Haywood County, on and off, for my entire life. I am now semi-retired and live full-time in Waynesville. I believe Haywood County is one of the nicest and most beautiful places to live in the world. The people of this county have been very good to my family since 1967, and I want to give back by serving on the Board of Commissioners.I have had a successful 45-year career as a mortgage broker, lender, and real estate investor, with the privilege of living and working in both Haywood County and South Florida. I understand the challenges our community faces as we continue to grow. Prior boards have worked hard to meet these challenges, and I sincerely appreciate the efforts of both current and former commissioners.Having observed firsthand many of the difficult issues brought before the board over the past five years, I am confident that I can be a positive addition—bringing fresh perspective, practical experience, and a strong commitment to serving the people of Haywood County.
Question 2 -What do you think some of the problems are with the current board?
Howards Answer: I have served on many boards, and for a board to be effective, its members must work as one team. I believe every commissioner has the right to think independently and to voice their opinions on the challenges the board faces.The most important responsibility of the Board of Commissioners is to foster positive energy and work in a harmonious atmosphere. The business of the people of Haywood County is too important for the board to be distracted by unnecessary personal attacks.I understand that people cannot always agree on every matter, and that is what makes a democracy work. However, I strongly believe that every effort should be made for commissioners to work together peacefully and fairly.
Question 3 -Do you think the 3 minutes public comments should be increased? 
Howards Answer: Yes, I would personally like to see the time increased to five minutes. I am not certain whether state law prohibits this, but I strongly believe that citizens’ comments are extremely important. The board can learn a great deal from public input, which is why I place such value on it. When I decided to run six months ago, I reviewed 12 years’ worth of public comments from board meetings. I was fascinated by what I learned and take the people’s concerns very seriously.
Question 4 - What is one of the most important things you want to see happen for the citizens of Haywood County?
Howards Answer: I want the people of Haywood County and their families to be safe and to live in a clean, beautiful environment with good wages and opportunities to open new businesses. I also want to ensure that the Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, our municipalities, and all law enforcement agencies remain strong and have the resources they need.I am committed to making sure that the challenges facing our citizens and families are met with the appropriate support and services. Although I am a man, I want women voters to know that I understand and respect the sensitive issues women face, including caring for their children and families, and I am committed to ensuring women’s voices are heard.As a commissioner, I will always be available to everyone—regardless of political affiliation or gender. I promise there is no problem too small that I will not take seriously or do my best to help address.
Millionaire Businessman and Successful Real Estate Investor Howard Knepper (Republican)
I am a 40-year Haywood County resident, running for Haywood County Commissioner! I will try to stop the drug-addiction epidemic and save thousands of lives in Haywood County and North Carolina by lobbying for comprehensive drug rehabilitation bills at the state level to be passed into law.
I came to Haywood County in 1966. My father met the Rollman and Kaufman families, who founded
Wellco Shoe Enterprises in 1944 in Waynesville. My father was so impressed with the Rollman and Kaufman families and their ingenious shoe molds that he dedicated the next 30 years of his life to keeping Wellco nationally and internationally relevant in the shoe-manufacturing world. My father always told me that what truly made Wellco successful were the dedicated and hardworking Wellco employees in Haywood County. I have had a successful 40-year career as a mortgage broker. I also am the owner of the Philly Italian Pasta and Sub franchise corporation in Canton. I developed and constructed the building on my property in Canton NC, where the restaurant operates today. I have been a lifetime advocate and Guardian Ad Litem for the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, advocating and being the voice for abused and neglected children. I am also a lifetime supporter of all A.S.P.C.A. & all humane societies for the protection of abused and neglected animals.
Read Below About What All I Support And Believe In.
Knepper for Haywood County Commissioner
I want to earn the trust of Haywood County voters by clearly communicating some of my key positions, should I be privileged by you, the voter, to serve as a commissioner. I will represent everyone — Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
I care about each and every person and their concerns. The Haywood County budget is over $100 million a year. The Haywood County Board of Commissioners is responsible for overseeing where a large amount of that money is spent. This is why it is extremely important that voters choose the right commissioners, who will hold that seat for four years.
Haywood County District Attorney Ashley Welch Supports Any New State Laws That Could Help Save Lives
I had the honor of meeting with honorable Haywood County District Attorney Ashley Welch. I appreciated the time she took to listen to my concerns about the drug addiction epidemic, and the bill that I am going to lobby in Raleigh to be passed into law to save many lives. She truly cares about people, their safety and saving lives. She supports any constructive efforts to save lives from addiction.
I want the citizens of Haywood County to know that one of my primary concerns is the drug addiction epidemic in Haywood County and all 100 counties in NC. I have seen drug addiction destroy the addict’s life, their families, their careers. Its puts a major burden on the sheriff department, the healthcare system, EMS and the court system, but the worst outcome is the loss of the life of the drug addict individual.
Over the last four months, I have met with Haywood County employers, employees, department heads, representatives, voters, and non-profit organizations. I have listened intently and pledged to each and every one of them that if elected, I will address all their concerns. I also appreciated Haywood County Manager, Bryant Morehead meeting with me to answer questions that I had.