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Position/philosophy statement
I care deeply about the future of our community—not just today, but for decades to come. My focus is on preserving our quality of life and creating a safe, healthy environment where generations can grow, prosper, and feel secure.
Current Occupation
Retired
Age (optional)
65
Campaign Phone
828-338-9312
I believe my experience, leadership, and deep knowledge of county government make me well qualified to serve as a County Commissioner. I previously served eight years on the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, seventeen years on the Catawba County Board of Education—including three years as Chair—and nine years on the Board of Health, also serving three years as Chair. I am currently in my tenth year on the Board of Social Services and serving my fourth term as Chair. Additionally, I am in my ninth year as a Trustee of Catawba Valley Community College and my third year as Chair. Beyond public service, I remain actively involved in my community and church, including serving two terms as President of the Newton-Conover Rotary Club.
Growth is the most important issue facing our county—specifically how we manage it. Responsible growth is essential to sustaining Catawba County’s future, especially as we approach a time when retirees will outnumber working-age citizens. We need growth to ensure a strong workforce while avoiding expansion that is either too rapid or overly restricted. This requires quality education at all levels to develop skilled workers and the availability of affordable, well-built housing at all price points, particularly for first-time homebuyers. Meeting this challenge will require thoughtful short- and long-term planning and strong collaboration among state and local governments, cities, businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
North Carolina law requires counties to fund K–12 public education and community colleges, and Catawba County has consistently gone beyond those requirements. I firmly believe every child deserves equal access to a high-quality education, regardless of where they live, and that our schools must be places where students are both safe and feel safe. During my prior terms as County Commissioner, I took action by supporting school resource officers in all elementary schools, funding enhanced security measures across every school, and increasing per-pupil funding. Based on my experience and careful evaluation, I will continue to support decisive policies that promote quality education and expand meaningful opportunities for all students.
The strongest driver of a healthy economy is the availability of well-paying jobs. To achieve this, we must expand educational opportunities—particularly at the high school and community college levels—to better prepare a skilled workforce. I support expanding programs at Catawba Valley Community College’s Main Campus and establishing a campus in Sherrills Ford, including an Early College program for traditional and homeschooled high school students. I also support expanded programs for adults seeking new skills or career changes. These initiatives will strengthen workforce development, increase access to education, and help meet the evolving needs of local employers.
I would prioritize the efficient use of public resources, compliance with federal and state mandates, and stronger partnerships with faith-based and nonprofit organizations that already serve our community effectively. While government cannot and should not be all things to all people, it has a responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens and ensure access to essential services. Establishing a community services fund would allow local providers to apply for targeted support, such as housing stabilization and self-sufficiency programs for individuals experiencing homelessness. This approach leverages existing expertise, reduces duplication, promotes accountability, and improves outcomes without unnecessary expansion of government.
My motivation is both personal and professional. I was born and raised in Catawba County, and my husband and I raised our two sons here as well. Today, I am the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren, all of whom are growing up in Catawba County. Their future—and the future of our community in the decades ahead—is deeply important to me. I am committed to focusing on the priorities that will strengthen our county for generations, including maintaining a safe and healthy community, promoting economic development, supporting education, enhancing parks and recreational opportunities, investing in water and sewer infrastructure, strengthening arts, culture, and housing, and maintaining a low and responsible tax rate.
To help achieve these goals, I respectfully ask for your support and your vote in the Republican Primary on March 3, 2026. Thank you for your consideration, and may God bless our county, our state, and the United States of America.
Position/philosophy statement
My purpose in running for Commissioner is to be a voice for County residents, and to ensure the Board's decisions reflect the desires of the people who live in the County.
Current Occupation
Retired public agency attorney/Volunteer
Age (optional)
63
Campaign Phone
8288385478
As a former city and water district attorney I have broad experience in virtually every issue impacting Catawba County and Catawba County residents. I believe my experience will be useful in guiding my analysis of projects and issues, ensuring that I ask the right questions on behalf of County residents.
I believe the most important issue will be balancing the recent and future population growth with necessary services and facilities where they are most needed. This includes infrastructure, recreation, commercial areas, good-paying jobs, and schools.
The Commission must balance the school facilities and operational funding to ensure that all County students have the same academic and vocational opportunities, no matter where they live, and we should strive to enhance such opportunities for all. That role will guide my policy and funding recommendations.
Much of Catawba County is rural, and many people in the rural areas have told me they would like it to stay that way to preserve their way of life. I agree. Other areas have already been developed with commercial services we all use, such as grocery stores and vehicle services and the like. I would support development of industry with good-paying jobs in appropriate locations, so that County residents can work closer to home. There are locations in the County where I think such development could be compatible with both rural and urban concerns.
My wife Vicky and I have long supported and continue to support a number of organizations that provide care and services for those of us who are less fortunate. Some organizations are faith-based, and some are not. Children and adults with special needs, drug rehabilitation, paralyzed veterans, victims of disaster and war, victims of human trafficking, and more. I would support policies and funding that would help such people, whether by assisting volunteer groups or providing direct County services to those in need.
When I ran for County Commissioner in 2024 I received over 8,500 votes, for which I am sincerely grateful. As noted above, my purpose in running for Commissioner is to be a voice for County residents, and to ensure the Board's decisions reflect the desires of the people who live in the County. That is my pledge to you.
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Position/philosophy statement
We will "Stay On Target" by leading the fight to cut taxes & spending, build our infrastructure, attract new manufacturing jobs, and support our schools and law enforcement agencies.
Current Occupation
Life & Retirement Specialist
Age (optional)
51
Campaign Phone
828-217-1045
I've been dealing with the public since I started working in retail management for over 20 years. Learning how to deal with people from all walks of life, whether they are your customer's or employee's can strengthen your people skills for the better. After retail, I began my career as a Life & Retirement Specialist. This career, along with retail has helped grow my skills with working with the public. You can't be successful in these fields if you can't master the skill of dealing with people. I am the owner of Unifour Life & Retirement, a successful life and retirement business where I help people make their life insurance and retirement decisions on a daily basis. I am also a Sunday School teacher at Tri-City Baptist Church.
School Merger, Property Taxes, Home Evaluations, and Infrastructure.
As County Commissioner's, I feel we need to ensure our facilities are safe for our students and staff. We should also promote a healthy working relationship with the school board. I would suggest we have a strong Anti-Bullying program for our students. Bullying is becoming more of an issue than some may realize, and our students may find there's nothing more to do than deal with it. I would like to ensure our county government offices are working together for the benefit of the students.
I would like to work with the team of commissioner's to ensure we keep our property taxes down to a reasonable rate. Ensuring we have affordable housing available would be beneficial to attracting new families. Having proper planning and infrastructure in place for our projects before construction starts would help limit costly mistakes.
I would like to see what our policies are for financial and employment aide. When restructures or layoffs happen in our county, are there any good programs for citizens to seek help from? I would like to ensure we have those programs in place to assist folks with getting back on their feet, and letting them know they are not alone in the process. We can do this by building a strong network of support for our workforce.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Current Occupation
CPA and Financial Advisor
Age (optional)
39
Campaign Phone
8283440133
I bring a practical mix of financial, leadership, and local experience to the role. I’m currently a Catawba County Commissioner, so I understand how the county budget, departments, and long-term planning. Professionally, I’m a CPA, which means I’m able to read financial statements, ask tough questions, and focus on responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I also serve as an Army officer, including a combat deployment, and worked in disaster response efforts, which taught me how to lead under pressure, coordinate teams, and make decisions when the stakes are high. I was raised in Catawba County and built my life here, so I care deeply about public safety, strong schools, infrastructure, and keeping our community a great place to raise a family.
The most important issue over the next two years is managing growth while keeping services strong and finances stable. Southeastern Catawba County is growing quickly, and we must plan ahead for school capacity, public safety staffing and coverage, and long-term capital needs. If we don’t stay ahead of growth, we risk overcrowded schools, slower emergency response times, and higher costs later. My focus is responsible planning, clear priorities, and protecting taxpayers while keeping Catawba County a safe, family-friendly place to live.
The County Commission’s most effective role is to provide stable, responsible funding and strong oversight while partnering with our school boards to keep students safe and improve opportunity. North Carolina law requires counties to fund public schools and community colleges. I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education, no matter where they live, and our schools must be places where students are safe and feel safe. In my prior term, I supported school resource officers in all elementary schools, funded enhanced security measures across every school, and increased per-pupil funding. If elected, I will continue prioritizing school safety, fair per-student support, and investments that improve career opportunities.
To strengthen our economy, I will focus on growing well-paying jobs by building a skilled workforce. That starts with expanding educational and training opportunities at the high school and community college level. I support expanding programs at Catawba Valley Community College’s Main Campus and establishing a CVCC campus in Sherrills Ford. I also support expanding short-term training and certification programs for adults who want new skills or a career change. These workforce investments will help local employers fill jobs, attract new industry, and give Catawba County residents more opportunities to succeed.
I would focus on strengthening social services by improving coordination, accountability, and support for local partners who already serve our community well. I want to review of our financial and employment assistance policies so that when layoffs or plant closures occur, families know where to turn for short-term help and job retraining. I support stronger partnerships with faith-based and nonprofit groups that serve special needs families, addiction recovery, veterans, trafficking survivors, and disaster victims. Government can’t be everything, but it must protect vulnerable citizens and ensure access to essentials.
Thank you to the citizens of Catawba County for allowing me to serve. It has truly been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I do not take your trust lightly, and I work each week to be prepared, to listen, and to make decisions that protect taxpayers while strengthening our community. Catawba County is a special place to raise a family, build a career, and serve your neighbors. If you give me the opportunity to continue, I will keep focusing on public safety, responsible budgeting, strong schools, and thoughtful planning for growth. I would be honored to earn your support and to keep working to make our county even better.
Position/philosophy statement
I believe good government is about listening, collaboration, and making thoughtful decisions—not making promises.
Current Occupation
Retired; Wood designs
Age (optional)
63
Campaign Phone
828-302-5226
My experience in local and regional government has prepared me to serve effectively as a Catawba County Commissioner. I served two terms as Mayor of Long View, working collaboratively with a governing board to manage budgets, address infrastructure needs, and make decisions based on facts and long-term impact. I currently serve as Chair of the Valdese Economic Development Investment Corporation (VEDIC) and spent eight years on the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Policy Board and Executive Committee, gaining valuable regional planning experience. A county commissioner is one voice on a board, and I bring a collaborative, and fiscally responsible approach focused on transparency, thoughtful growth, and serving the entire county
One of the most important issues facing the County Commission in the next two years is addressing school governance and infrastructure needs while managing continued growth. Any discussion around a potential school merger must be guided by data, community input, and an objective, independent analysis to understand the educational, financial, and operational impacts. At the same time, growth is placing increased strain on roads, utilities, and public facilities. The commission must plan responsibly, coordinate with municipalities and school systems, and ensure infrastructure investments keep pace with development without overburdening taxpayers.
The most effective role the County Commission can play in improving local schools is to provide responsible oversight, stable funding, and strong collaboration with school boards. The commission should ensure capital needs are planned long-term, support facility improvements where growth requires it, and carefully evaluate funding requests using data and enrollment trends. Any major structural changes, including merger discussions, should be informed by independent studies and broad community input. My focus would be on fiscally responsible support for safe, well-maintained schools while respecting the authority of elected school boards.
To improve the county’s economy, I would support policies that encourage responsible growth while strengthening existing businesses. This includes investing in infrastructure that supports development, coordinating land-use planning with municipalities, and supporting workforce development aligned with local industry needs. I also believe in partnering with economic development organizations and community colleges to attract employers that fit our county’s strengths. Economic policies should focus on long-term stability, small business support, and ensuring growth contributes to the tax base without overextending county services.
To improve the quantity and quality of social services, I would support policies focused on coordination, accountability, and maximizing available funding. This includes strengthening partnerships with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and state agencies to reduce duplication and improve access. The county should actively pursue and support grants through North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, programs such as the Home and Community Care Block Grant, and local partners like Catawba Valley Community Foundation. Funding decisions should be guided by data and measurable outcomes, with emphasis on seniors, children, and vulnerable populations, while investing in services that promote long-term self-sufficiency.
I believe county government works best when decisions are thoughtful, transparent, and made through collaboration. My experience in public service has taught me the importance of listening to residents, respecting the roles of county staff, and working constructively with the existing board to find common ground. No single commissioner governs alone, and progress depends on preparation, mutual respect, and open dialogue. I am committed to responsible growth, fiscal stewardship, and data-driven decision-making that balances today’s needs with long-term impacts. My focus is on steady leadership, ethical governance, and serving the entire county with integrity, accountability, and respect.
