Shan Ash

by Eric Tiongson

White County News

After a few years away, Roy "Shan" Ash is looking to get back into local government.

Ash is running for the White County Board of Commissioners, seeking election as the commissioner of District One.

Previously, he had served as the mayor of Cleveland from 2016 to 2020, but always felt like he wanted to serve at the county level.

“It’s a tough job, and I appreciate anybody that steps up to do the job,” Ash said. “At some point, if you feel like you can make a difference, then it’s your time to stand up and do it, and I feel like it’s that time for me.”

Ash believes his brings an ideal mix of experience and youth to the table, hoping to properly represent a changing White County.

“Even though I’m 58 years old, I’m still a kid at heart,” Ash said. “I can still relate to the younger people because I know what it’s like to be younger and sometimes think that you’re not understood, because I’ve been there.”

Should he be elected, some of Ash’s biggest goals include managing the county’s growth, preserving the small town feel of Cleveland’s downtown square.

He said he wants to create a coordinated plan with the cities, businesses and the county to navigate the growth and change this area has seen.

Even with those goals, Ash recognizes it’s difficult to accomplish everything he and everyone else wants to.

“You’re never going to make everyone happy, that’s not possible,” Ash said. “But if you strive to help people and understand them on the other side of that table then you can make your decisions a lot better.”

During his time as mayor, Ash supported splitting Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, funds 60/40 for the cities of Cleveland and Helen. He also assisted in building a new water tank on Underwood Farm Road, obtained an Appalachian Regional Commission grant to expand water distribution along Hulsey Road, and expanded the wastewater treatment plant.

“Growth is important,” Ash said. “But it’s also important to have sustainable growth.”

Ash has lived in White County for practically his entire life, and has seen the area change a lot during that time.

“I have been here all my life,” Ash said. “I could have made choices to go other places and maybe make more money and do more things, but this place has a very special meaning to me.”

Ash can be found at Ash Brothers Feed and Poultry, a shop that he and his brother Brad run.