Pickens Plunges Into Politics, Runs for Mars Hill Mayor

"Pick Pickens for Mayor" signs currently line the streets of downtown Mars Hill. On Nov. 3, Ryan Pickens hopes that the Mars Hill community follows the advice of his slogan.

Pickens, a business instructor at Mars Hill College, declared his candidacy for mayor hoping to bring the same enthusiasm to the job as he does the classroom.

"I care about Mars Hill and want to proactively move forward -- to do more to make it a more special place," Pickens commented in an interview with The Hilltop.

If voted mayor, Pickens said he promises that he "will take off my hat as teacher" when dealing with issues of the Mars Hill community as a whole.

"My core mission is to be an artist who creates community," Pickens stated.

After growing up in the diverse city of Atlanta, Pickens earned a bachelor’s in human and organizational development at Vanderbilt University. After college, traveling abroad allowed him to teach in boarding schools in England and India.

He received his master’s in organizational development and transformation in the San Francisco area just before coming to Western North Carolina 10 years ago.

Soon after moving to Asheville, Pickens designed the Group Dynamics class for the Mars Hill College business department. This fall marks his eighth year at MHC. Currently, he splits his time between a place in Asheville and a place in Mars Hill, he said.

Volunteer work takes up a significant amount of Pickens’ time.

"Service," Pickens said, "is doing something for the value of community."

Single-handedly, Pickens put 500 hours of volunteer work into creating the disc golf course located behind Broyhill Chapel. Records indicate that the course attracts approximately 500 disc golf player per month. Pickens said he thinks the course is a draw for people on and off campus.

In addition to the disc golf course, Pickens feels that more could be done for tourism.

"We could bring in fishing guides that take people along the French Broad River,” he said. “Tourism is a way for us to grow as a community."

However, Pickens' vision for Mars Hill includes much more than recreation.
He said he desires to see Mars Hill become a "sustainable economic development...a model in sustainable practices."

Pickens said that there is loss of revenue, as much as $38 million a year, being spent in surrounding towns that offer retail and services the Mars Hill does not.

He described Mars Hill as a "dormant town.” For him, the community of Mars Hill must start to restructure its current businesses activities and create new ones to bring in money and generate much-needed revenue.

"The leverage for change and transformation is organizational structure," he said.
Mayor John C. Chandler, who is running again, wants progress as well, but he emphasizes strong ties to the community’s history.

"We must also keep to our roots," he commented at a recent election forum held in the Mars Hill Town Hall on Sept. 24.

Chandler said he thought the city’s relationship has improved with the college in his time as mayor.

“Mars Hill wouldn’t be Mars Hill without the college. … The relationship should be intertwined,” Chandler said.

Until the night of the forum, the mayoral candidates also included Robert Pierce, the chairman of the Mars Hill Economic Development Committee. Unexpectedly, Pierce bowed out of the race that evening.

Pierce provided no explanation why he was leaving the race, but simply remarked, "This is the most important election in many years."

In regard to Pierce's renouncement, Pickens only said, "I was surprised by the timing of it."

Elected or not, Pickens hopes to continue serving Mars Hill through various outlets.
He plans to continue his service work through the college. Pickens feels confident that his good rapport with MHC can help strengthen the relationship between the college and the town.

"We have to work simultaneously, moving forward as a community . . . putting our strengths together, " Pickens said.

For Pickens, the town of Mars Hill is "a huge variable” when it comes to the kind of experience students have in their college life here.

"Our young people don't have anything to do," Pickens remarked at the forum.
He hopes to change that sooner rather than later with the revitalization of the old Mars Hill movie theatre on Main Street. Pickens owns the theatre and adjacent house and envisions "a versatile entertainment center."

Pickens wants to include food, retail, lodging and movies in the renovated space. He estimates the revitalization could provide 30 jobs for Mars Hill.
 

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12 comments

once a college voter, and equally concerned citizen

Tue Nov 10 2009 16:16

I would like to address this question of college students and their right to vote since somehow it has been linked with Ryan Pickens. I believe that with citizenship in this country comes responsibility, especially when we are born into the privilege. And, part of that responsibility is your right to vote. With a national average of 30% voter turnout (and only 29% in this Nov 09 election), why have some decided to make voting so difficult. I believe that if you don't vote, you have no right to voice your opinion - you made your decision to not make a decision. But, that is my opinion, and not law. I can only encourage participation. According the the NC Board of Elections, "students may register to vote in the community where they are attending school, so long as they declare that their home is the community where they are attending school and they don’t register to vote elsewhere. Or students may register to vote in a different community as long as they consider it to be their home residence." You don't have to pay taxes or change your driver's license. I think the Supreme Court has already addressed this issue, so good luck changing it. I would also hope that each voter look at each candidate thoroughly before making any decision. Non-college students are just as guilty of making uniformed decisions.
When students are away from their parent's home for 8 or 9 months of the year, do you expect them to vote where their parents live? What happens when the parents lived in one county/city and moved to another? Do you want them to vote where they have not lived, or not vote at all? You can throw this idea around that students are not part of our community, but you also limit their involvement by not wanting their ideas. When do you consider someone a true resident? When they are not college students, when they live in Mars Hill for 5 years, 20 years, or is it their entire life? What about someone who has every intention of living in our town for the rest of their lives, but has to move only after living here for 2 years. Do they not have the same rights you do just because you were born in this area.
I encourage everyone to learn and educate themselves about their local, state and national elected officials. Vote. Do not leave those decisions up to 30% of your neighbors.

C. Schroeder (Class of '05, Business Administration)

Tue Nov 10 2009 14:23

Dear concerned citizens, fellow alumni, students, and faculty/staff-
Having spent years on the beautiful campus of MHC and living in the town, I appreciate the close knit, local feel that this Appalachian gem has. In fact, the town is one of the many reasons that I chose to attend Mars Hill. Having said that and with full support of keeping history alive, it is with a heavy heart that I read about Ryan's loss. Not because of the pure loss, that is understandable in politics, but due to the utter lack of due diligence exhibited by the "concerned citizens" listed in this blog.
I took classes from Ryan, in fact I was one of his first students. Regardless of your partisian stance, a man of his character and intelligence would be an asset to any public office. It is truly unfortunate that close minded ideologies and the vehement opposition to change outside of an Ingles and CVS (capitalism I believe it was called) has thwarted the efforts of a genuine member of the local society.
It was said that "MHC makes Mars Hill" and why shouldn't it? Without erudite men such as Pickens, times would become stagnant and, much to the chagrin of many of those concerned, progress would cease.
To Mayor Chandler, congratulations on the victory. I have seen many changes in and around The Town over the years and I thank you for that.
To Ryan, it's been a long time my friend, good luck.
And to all those who this may offend: I am from Greenville, SC and know what change can feel like in a small town. We in Greenville went from desolate streets and a crumbling economy to a thriving berg. This was not accomplished by having "real citizens" stagnate growth, instead it was brought forth by those citizens hearing ideas, being involved, and welcoming in the 21st century.

Relieved citizen

Wed Nov 4 2009 09:08

Nate, Our opinions were heard! You do not understand anything about small towns nor capiltalistic franchise successes.

Happy resident after election day!

Wed Nov 4 2009 08:51

The land-slide victory of Chandler proves which direction the Mars Hill community wants to go in. The Ingles, CVS, etc. are franchises that make their decisions based on viabile statistics. That was a result of pre-existing capitalism - not of candidates!! Chandler will continue to do a terrific job with strengthening relationships amoungst MHC and locals. He will help promote appropriate growth when and where it is needed....taking into consideration the town's history and charm. As for MHC students voting, I am for that if they claim residency, pay taxes, become involved in the community outside of school, etc. As for spending money in the town, it is their choice. They chose to attend the college. I spend money in Asheville and Johnston City but would never foolishly justify that being a reason to allow me to vote in those areas. Silly!

Nate Lockey

Mon Nov 2 2009 22:57

I was a foreign student at MHC and just graduated this past May. I spent the last four years living in the town of Mars Hill and was fortunate to witness the strides that the town has made over the past few years. I wish I was able to see what is going to happen in the future. Having said this, I also feel that good change in Mars Hill currently comes at too slow of a pace. Knowing Ryan personally, I will vouch that he would be great for the town. He has a brilliant outlook on positive growth and would definitely continue to make Mars Hill fresh. There is no Mars Hill resident who can honestly say that they don't like what has happened to the town over the past few years. ie the new Ingles, the new CVS, the car wash etc. Ryan will without a doubt amplify that positive growth in the community .
I also feel that students of MHC should have a big say in what happens in the town. They spend A LOT of money there every year, and if it wasn't for them being there Mars Hill would barely exist.
As for the concerned citizens, if you want your opinion to be heard and feel it necessary to criticize Ryan, you should at least post your name.
Vote Pickens tomorrow!

Nate

Another VERY Concerned Citizen

Mon Nov 2 2009 10:52

I heard "directly" that there was hope for Picken's theatre on Main St. to eventually be turned into a brewery. I have enjoyed going to the many brewery's in Asheville and combined theater of one of them but do not want one in Mars Hill. That's why we live here and not in Asheville!! Mars Hill needs a full-time resident mayor and one that understands the town's history & charm!

Pick Pickens

Thu Oct 29 2009 17:35

You are entitled to think and believe what you want - one cannot control the beliefs, thoughts, attitudes and actions of others. When I read your comments I know that the only few sentences that really ring true to me are the last ones. Students should only vote if they want to vote, period!!! They also should only vote for who they think will best fill the position, period!!!

For the past eight years of teaching I have encouraged students to get engaged, get informed, and donate time to contribute to society. That is part of our mission at MHC and why I am committed to continue my service. I have focused my efforts for the Town of Mars Hill over the last four years on contribution. I find it really sad that individuals attack others who donate time and energy to make a positive difference in their society. And of course, you chose not to list your name for identification purposes - go figure, just like the other "concerned citizens". If you really spent time learning about me with an open mind and non-biased attitude you would be impressed and thankful for not only what I have done for this town but what I plan to sacrifice and do in the future for our community.

Pick Pickens

Citizen of Mars Hill/Alum of MHC

Tue Oct 27 2009 21:36

As a current resident of Mars Hill and a proud alum of Mars Hill College I feel like I need to comment on this article. I have been to the town forums and heard what each canidate is saying in the mayor election. I have spent time learning about both canidates and believe that people need to see Ryan Pickens for what he truly is- a dirty politician. I hear students talk about the fact that they were practically forced to register by someone who was campaigning for Pickens; someone who sat in front of the library and questions students over and over about being registered and even went as far as to tell them to vote for Pickens. I have heard the students say that they wished that had not registered but felt like they had to by those pushing them. I am sure Mr Pickens will say that he wasn’t the one asking the students, which is true. However I can’t believe that he did not know this was going on or that he didn’t condon this type of wrongdoing. If he felt like it was wrong he would have corrected those campaining for him. Is that really how he wants to win, by harassing students to hurry and register to vote just to help him win this one election? By “reminding” his students that he is running and hinting that they should go vote for him?

Ryan, be a responsible teacher and citizen; educate the students of Mars Hill College about the duties that come with claiming residency here, which includes paying taxes, registering their cars here, and updating their license.

I agree that students should be able to vote, its their civc responsibility. However students should be allowed to vote in the area that they consider home, where they go when they leave MHC. Some students do not know how long they will be here, much less during the whole time the mayor will be in office. I want the students to realize that if someone is pushing them to register and vote when they don’t want to, then that person is taking advantage of them which is wrong. The comments are correct, Mr. Pickens has property here but is the “palace” really where he considers home and his primary residence? I question that, but more importantly I question the morals of someone who is willing to do whatever he has to do in order to win, even if that means taking advantage of our young voters. What a bad example he is sending to our students and the town of Mars Hill. If we can't trust him to try and win this race honestly, how can we trust him with the fate of our town?

To those students who felt forced to register, remember that no one can make you actually vote; if you do not feel like you can make an informed decision on who deserves to win then don’t vote. Do not let someone take your civic responsibilty from you and make you do something that you do not want to do.

Pick Pickens

Tue Oct 27 2009 17:24

I won’t take your comments about my residence personal, both 70 and 94 N. Main Street could use some love. I don't have a magic wand, nor do I have a money tree and there are unfortunately not 48 hours in one day. If you came inside my home you would find some very nice features, like all the hard wood floors and the new heat system. I actually spent 55,000 dollars on the renovation of the inside of my house and had to stop there. Your perception of how often I spend the night in the house is most definitely wrong. I encourage you to question your assumptions before developing beliefs. I have copied the most recent letter I am sending out to residents at the bottom of this comment and encourage you to look at the facts of the matter.

Finally, people keep stealing my signs and the beer and wine vote passed 220 to 110 with a small percentage of people age 22 and under voting in the election. The community wanted that change and they voted for it, not the college population - call the board of elections, get the facts! And when you mention change, did you realize that it has been estimated through 1300 completed surveys by Mars Hill community members and market research that the town of Mars Hill loses approximately 38 million dollars per year in retail leakage. That means that the residents within a five mile radius are driving to other towns for food, shopping and entertainment and spending that amount of money. Of course this cost the consumer more time, more money for gas and pollutes the air you and I breathe in the process. The facts show that Mars Hill does want some change and if elected I will help make sure it is done in a way that only enhances our town.

Dear fellow resident of Mars Hill,

For the past four years I have been provided the opportunity to be an active volunteer for the Town of Mars Hill, donating my time and energy to better understand and take action towards enhancing our community. I am willing to continue to make sacrifices and be proactively engaged in our town, so that we can move forward as a community. I have extensive training and experience in leadership, authentic communication, organizational development, community building, management, meeting facilitation and action planning that will help me be a successful mayor if elected.
Through out this election process I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with many of the residents of Mars Hill. It has become apparent to me that some have questions concerning my residency. It is my intention through this letter to address those questions and concerns to all of the residents of Mars Hill by providing factual information regarding my place of residence, and to ensure that my political intentions are for the benefit of Mars Hill and the members of our community. It is important you know the following facts about me:

 I have owned both 70 and 94 North Main Street for over four years now and have paid approximately $7,784.60 in taxes to the Town of Mars Hill and Madison County and $102,480 dollars in loan/mortgage payments for my residence/commercial property – I am one of the largest property owners in downtown Mars Hill.
 Though it is not my ideal living situation, my wife and I share living space with roommates at 94 N. Main Street to compensate for cost of living. We do spend the night in our house.
 I have been working full time for the past eight years in downtown Mars Hill and spend a lot of time living/working in our immediate community.
 I have been a registered voter in Mars Hill since 2007 and have legally voted in three elections in Mars Hill.
 I have three cars registered in Madison County, two local bank accounts and my driver’s license has read 94/70 N. Main Street since 6/1/07.
 I own multiple homes in Asheville as well, all of which are occupied by one or more renters.
 I consistently travel 2-3 weekends a month for personal interest and professional development.

I am running for Mayor and asking for your support on November 3rd because I believe in this community and know if I am elected I will make an even bigger impact enhancing our town. I encourage you to Pick Pickens for Mayor on November 3rd for momentum in a positive direction.

I appreciate your support!!!

Rachel Connor

Mon Oct 26 2009 10:59

From the Editor:
In regards to the comment, "The first line of this article is just plain untrue and misleading," there are signs for Pickens along Main Street, not only in front of his property, but both north and south of the intersection. Secondly, the newspaper reserves the right not to publish unsigned comments. We are considering whether these comments will be removed.

Another concerned citizen

Fri Oct 23 2009 12:27

"People don't live in Mars Hill because they want to change it, we live here because we like it the way it is." So true. I don't think an Asheville resident, from Atlanta, who happens to own a piece of junk in Mars Hill solely for the pupose of claiming he lives there one day a year should be eligible to run for mayor. He helped get the beer and wine voted in (by the college students, who should not be allowed to vote here) in a very un-advertised election. What's next, maybe a strip club in the "palace"? Porn in the theatre? Mars Hill residnets (real ones) better get out and vote for Chandler.

concerned citizen

Mon Oct 19 2009 21:14

Well, the first line of this article is just plain untrue and misleading.
""Pick Pickens for Mayor" signs currently line the streets of downtown Mars Hill."
It's not true so let's not say it. There are 2 signs on Main St. and they are both on his properties.
I think it is hard for the public to trust that an individual that owns and maintains a home in the visually dilapidated condition of "the palace" could do a great job of helping run our city. I keep watching for a "condemned" sign to go up.
Lastly, his campaign statements make it sound like he wants to completely change the charm and nature of our small mountain town. People don't live in Mars Hill because they want to change it, we live here because we like it the way it is.

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