John Shearl
Candidate for County Commissioner, Macon County, District 01
Background
- Occupation
- Macon County commissioner (District 1); contractor
Macon County commissioner for District 1 since his election in 2022, he is a licensed contractor and founder of Shearl Produce, Inc. in Otto and a retired Highlands firefighter and medical responder.
Photo: Macon County
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Opposes the quarter-cent sales tax increase on the ballot
At a February 2026 Republican primary candidate forum.
ReportMacon Republican primary candidates address issues ahead of Election DayNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Feb 17, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“Shearl and Willis indicated they were against the tax increase while everyone else raised their hand.”
Supports lowering property taxes when the budget is balanced
ReportMacon Republican primary candidates address issues ahead of Election DayNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Feb 17, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“it was asked whether candidates would look at lowering property taxes if the budget was balanced. Shearl, Willis, Burns and Culpepper were in favor”
Pledges to keep county spending within the budget
ReportMacon Republican primary candidates address issues ahead of Election DayNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Feb 17, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“I have fought every step of the way to live inside that budget,”
Public safety
Proposed dropping the county's Flock license-plate camerasIn office
The motion passed 5-0 at the July 15, 2026 meeting, as did his follow-up motion to remove the cameras as soon as feasible.
ReportDe-flocking Macon: County votes to let ALPR contract lapseNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Jul 22, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“Shearl made a motion to "de-Flock Macon County," which amounted to defunding the cameras by opting out of the contract once it's set to renew.”
Environment & parks
Voted for ordinance limits meant to deter data centersIn office
The amendment limits data centers' operating hours and adds a 750-foot setback; he also asked whether a moratorium could add protection.
ReportMacon County moves to restrict data centersNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Aug 19, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“Commissioners voted unanimously during their Aug. 11 meeting to amend the ordinance”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from John Shearl on them.
- Health & human servicesNo documented position found.
- Government & transparencyNo documented position found.
All sources (6)
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (Macon County offices and districts)
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- Get to Know Your Macon County North Carolina County Commissioners
Government record · Macon County · maconnc.org
- Macon Republican primary candidates address issues ahead of Election Day
News coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Feb 17, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
- De-flocking Macon: County votes to let ALPR contract lapse
News coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Jul 22, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
- Macon County moves to restrict data centers
News coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Aug 19, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.