Fred Crawford In the News
Follow the campaign through local news coverage, interviews, letters, and conversations about the issues facing Swain County.
WNC Delegates Travel to Legislative Conference
Smoky Mountain News | July 15, 2026
Fred Crawford represented Swain County at the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature’s June General Session, where delegates from across Western North Carolina discussed housing affordability, aging in place, property tax relief, workforce development, and other issues affecting older residents.
Fontana Regional Library System Holds Annual Meeting
Smoky Mountain News | July 15, 2026
Fred Crawford urged Fontana Regional Library trustees to reconsider distributing surplus funds while the library system adjusts to Jackson County’s departure. He called for a clear financial plan for the remaining two-county system before making decisions that could affect its long-term stability.
Unaffiliated candidates test their mettle in WNC counties
Smoky Mountain News · June 24, 2026
Mountain News profiles Fred Crawford and other unaffiliated candidates running for local office across Western North Carolina. The story looks at Crawford’s professional experience, community involvement, petition campaign, and his decision to run for Swain County Commission Chairman without a party label.
Some NC Candidates Reject Parties. Here’s How They Get on Your Ballot
NC Local | April 23, 2026
NC Local profiles Fred Crawford’s campaign for Swain County Commission Chairman and the additional steps required to run as an unaffiliated candidate. Crawford discusses his decision to run independent of the two major parties, his professional experience, and his belief that Swain County is at an important crossroads.
Swain Public Hearing Brings Moratorium Support, Data Center Opposition
Smoky Mountain News | April 8, 2026
At a packed public hearing on high-impact data centers, Fred Crawford supported a temporary moratorium and recommended involving citizens in developing clear, workable regulations -without using county-wide zoning or infringing on private property rights. He encouraged county leaders to use the moratorium period to carefully research the issue and develop well-written standards.
Swain County Considers Temporary Ban on Data Centers
BPR News | April 1, 2026
BPR covered Swain County’s public hearing on a proposed data-center moratorium. Fred Crawford spoke in support of the moratorium and urged commissioners to carefully draft any future regulations, drawing on his professional experience as a land surveyor and examples from other counties.
Dodging the Honeypot: Local Beekeepers Feel the Sting of Counterfeit Honey
Smoky Mountain News | February 14, 2024
This feature on Western North Carolina beekeeping visits Fred Crawford at his farm near Whittier. Then president of the Smoky Mountain Beekeepers Association, Crawford discusses local honey, learning to keep bees, supporting local beekeepers, and the importance of paying attention to the natural world.