Russ Lunn
Candidate for County Commissioner, Macon County, District 01
Background
- Occupation
- Retired; former construction company owner
An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he worked 26 years as a reconnaissance pilot with the National Security Agency and later opened a construction company in Sylva; he has lived in Macon County for about 10 years.
Documented positions
Public safety
Supported defunding the county's Flock license-plate cameras
He said he would consider automated license plate readers again under tighter limits on data retention.
ReportMacon commission candidates talk local issues: See where the five challenger candidates stand on data centers, Flock cameras, and moreNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Sep 16, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“He also supported defunding the county's Flock cameras.”
Environment & parks
Supports the strictest data center rules state law allows
The Smoky Mountain News reported he wants regulations as strict as state law allows, citing water quality, land use and utility costs.
ReportMacon commission candidates talk local issues: See where the five challenger candidates stand on data centers, Flock cameras, and moreNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Sep 16, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“Bigger (energy) demand means bigger bills, and people can't afford that.”
Health & human services
Supports more county help for seniors, families and small businesses
ReportMacon commission candidates talk local issues: See where the five challenger candidates stand on data centers, Flock cameras, and moreNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Sep 16, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“Our seniors, families, and small businesses need a little more help,”
Government & transparency
Pledges more transparency and fewer closed-door sessions
ReportMacon commission candidates talk local issues: See where the five challenger candidates stand on data centers, Flock cameras, and moreNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Sep 16, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“They have a lot of closed-door meetings at these commissioner meetings, and the people aren't allowed to find out what was said”
Opposes adding at-large seats to the board
ReportMacon commission candidates talk local issues: See where the five challenger candidates stand on data centers, Flock cameras, and moreNews coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Sep 16, 2026 · smokymountainnews.com
“Lunn also opposes adding at-large seats.”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Russ Lunn on them.
- Taxes & budgetNo documented position found.
All sources (3)
- 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
- Macon commission candidates talk local issues: See where the five challenger candidates stand on data centers, Flock cameras, and more
News coverage · The Smoky Mountain News · Sep 16, 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.