Wrongful convictions and community accountability have also been Van Duncan's passion in his long career in public service and safety. He served on the NC Innocense Commission for 8 years and implemented the COPS Team program where he would help communities orchestrate initiatives to combat crime, which received a national award in 2013.

Affordable housing is also something that Van Duncan would say is common sense to address for Buncombe County. Whether it be a symptom of gentrification, or a more innate infrastructural problem does not matter as much as simple clarity on the facts. Who is holding who accountable for housing developments, and are we building consciously? Van Duncan is also pro-business and tourism and would like to see more pathways open for new businesses while also seeing sustainable growth of existing local businesses that honor the native heart of Buncombe County.

Van Duncan is a man you can trust to lead and protect the future of our communities. His executive leadership experience includes management of the largest county office of approximately 400 employees and the management of the Buncombe County Sheriff Department which held over a 40 million dollar budget. 

Van Duncan is enjoying his 59th year of life and welcoming three grandchildren to Buncombe County. However, rather than lay back, he is motivated to continue creating a safe community for those he loves and for all families. Van is noted for his somewhat blunt and humble personality; he is analytical and data-minded and believes firmly in fairness and effective solutions. He resides in Leicester with his wife Shana.