Forsyth voters to decide on new county Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor

Forsyth voters will pick a new supervisor for the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District on Tuesday/today.

The non-partisan position is one of five on the county’s Board of Supervisors, which is tasked with preserving the district’s natural resources. At monthly meetings, they discuss issues including water quality and soil erosion. 

This year, voters will choose between candidates Lei Zhang and Edward Jones.

Zhang, a physics professor at Winston-Salem State University, has served on the boards of Piedmont Environmental Alliance and Yadkin Riverkeeper. His priorities include sustainable land management and addressing the impacts of climate change, according to his response to a League of Women Voters questionnaire. 

Jones did not respond to that survey. In an interview with WXII, Jones said he pursued a career in the rap music industry before becoming a reverend. While he has no formal education in environmental science, he told the outlet he has previously worked on a farm. He says his top priority is ensuring projects are completed on schedule.

The winning candidate will serve a four-year term.