Every election cycle, Moore County voters are asked to make decisions about the people who will govern their daily lives — their roads, their taxes, their public safety, their schools. Too often, those decisions get made with too little information.

The Lynchburg Times is committed to changing that. This election season, we submitted an identical set of questions to every candidate seeking office in the August 2026 General Election. The questions were designed to go beyond biography — to surface values, priorities, and the kind of thinking voters deserve to see before they mark a ballot. We asked about community connection, relevant experience, the single issue each candidate considers most urgent, where they might diverge from conventional wisdom, how they’d navigate a budget crisis, and how they plan to serve constituents who didn’t choose them.

The answers are published exactly as submitted, without editing or rewriting. What you read is what the candidate gave us. We’ll let you take it from there.

{Editor’s Note: The Lynchburg Times does not endorse candidates.}

The Times: Tell us about yourself and your connection to this community. How long have you lived here, and what has your involvement in local civic life looked like? In brief, how might voters know you?

Ross: My name is Brandon Ross. I attended Lynchburg Elementary School. I have been married to my wife Ashley Ross for 22 years. We have two children, Braden Ross (21) and Kallie Ross (18). This community is home for me, and it’s where I’ve built my life and my relationships. I stay involved through my church, where I teach Sunday school and help lead music, and that’s honestly where I’ve gotten to know so many families over the years. I also work as a Director of Automation at Asurion in Smyrna, Tenn., but outside of work, I’m just someone who cares about this community and the people in it. Many may also know my wife Ashley, as she is a teacher assistant at Moore County High School. Most folks probably know me from church, work, or from the ballfield where I coached both of my kids in baseball and softball.

The Times: What specific experience — professional, civic, or personal — has prepared you to serve in this role?

Ross: My career as an engineer and Director of Automation has given me a strong foundation in budgeting, problem-solving, leadership, and project management. I manage teams and make decisions that affect a lot of people, and I take that responsibility seriously. I regularly make decisions that require balancing resources, planning for the future, and ensuring accountability. Those are skills that directly translate to local government. In addition, my involvement in church leadership has strengthened my ability to listen, serve others, and stay grounded in the values that matter most to our community.

The Times: In your opinion, what is the single most important issue facing our community right now, and what concrete steps would you take to address it in your first year in office?

Ross: One of the most important issues facing our community is responsible financial management, especially when it comes to protecting residents from unnecessary tax increases. In my first year, I would focus on reviewing current spending, identifying areas where we can improve efficiency, and ensuring that tax dollars are used wisely. I would also advocate for transparent budgeting so citizens clearly understand where their money is going and have confidence in how decisions are made. People work hard for their money, and I believe the county should treat it that way too.

The Times: Is there an issue where your position differs from what many in your party or your predecessor might support? If so, what is it and why do you hold that view?

Ross: While I hold conservative values, I believe every issue should be approached with practical thinking and a focus on what is best for our local community. I am open to solutions that may not always follow a strict party line if they make sense financially and serve our residents well. My priority is not politics, but making responsible, common-sense decisions that benefit the people I represent.

The Times: Local government budgets involve real tradeoffs. If you had to choose between cutting services or raising revenue to close a budget shortfall, how would you approach that decision?

Ross: I would first look closely at current spending to identify inefficiencies and eliminate waste before considering either option. My goal would always be to protect essential services while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. If difficult decisions are necessary, I believe in being transparent with the community, carefully weighing the impact of each option, and choosing the path that best preserves both fiscal responsibility and quality of life.

The Times: How do you plan to stay accessible and accountable to constituents who didn’t vote for you?

Ross: I believe elected officials represent everyone in their community, not just those who voted for them. I plan to stay accessible by attending local events, being available for conversations, and encouraging open communication. I will listen respectfully to all viewpoints and make decisions based on what is best for the community as a whole. Accountability starts with being present, honest, and willing to hear concerns from everyone.

The Times: What do you want voters who don’t yet know you to understand about why you are running?

Ross: I am running because I genuinely care about this community and want to help ensure it remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. With my background in engineering and leadership, I bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving. I am committed to being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and making decisions that reflect the values and priorities of the people I serve.

The voter registration deadline for the upcoming election is Tuesday, July 7, and early voting will begin Friday, July 17, and extend through Saturday, Aug. 1. Absentee ballots must be requested by Monday, July 27. The Moore County General Election will take place Thursday, Aug. 6. •

About The Lynchburg Times: The Lynchburg Times covers Moore County elections as part of its commitment to community accountability journalism. This work is supported by readers, small business partners, and corporate underwriters.