Rowan voters picked two new county commissioners Tuesday — Democrat Raymond Coltrain and Republican Carl Ford.
At the same time, they ousted Republican Jim Sides, an unapologetic conservative who rankled some.
Ford, a China Grove broadcaster who has lost count of how many times he has run for commissioner, pulled out the biggest surprise.
Ford was the leading vote getter with 29,834 votes.
Coltrain, who narrowly lost in his first bid for commissioner in 2006, won this time with 28,180 votes, more than 600 votes ahead of Sides with 27,369 votes.
Laura R. Lyerly, the 29-year-old UNC-Chapel Hill political science graduate, came in fourth with 18,725 votes. Lyerly didn't campaign and didn't participate in any forums or campaign events.
Lyerly apparently benefitted from straight party voting, while thousands of voters apparently opted to cast single-shot votes in the commissioners race. The election totals showed 19,194 only voted for one candidate in the commissioners' race or didn't vote in that race at all.
The outcome of the race wasn't certain until around 10 p.m. Several precincts in the Kannapolis area remained out.
The 51-year-old Ford, who grew up in Kannapolis and worked at Cannon Mills for a short while, thanked his supporters for a lot of hard work and prayers.
"I hate to see Jim lose. I hate to see a lot of Republicans lose," Ford said, adding that Sides has helped him by getting him on the Planning Board and Social Services Board.
Ford acknowledged he is philosophically close to Sides on most issues. The major exceptions are the need for a land-use plan and incentives for prospective businesses. Ford supports both, and Sides does not.
Ford said he is ready to go to work and expects to spend a lot of time getting up to speed by the Dec. 1 start of the term.
Ford and Coltrain exchanged handshakes and congratulations.
Coltrain also thanked his supporters. "Candidates appear, people do the work, then their efforts are rewarded."
As the final results were displayed on a huge screen in the Cohen Administrative Office Building, Coltrain's victory drew a hearty round of applause. Dozens of people lined up to shake his hand and offer congratulations.
The 59-year-old retired superintendent of the Piedmont Research Station will be the second Democrat on the Board of Commissioners, the first time that has happened in almost two decades.
Democrat Tina Hall, a retired school administrator from Mount Ulla, won a seat on the commission in 2006.
Hall has generally lined up with Sides on most issues.
Sides said he may well be on the ballot in two years. He was going out to get his signs and have them ready for the next campaign.
"I make no apologizes. I feel I did what was right," Sides said.
He cited the strong Democratic run as a factor in his loss, adding that county employees and the school staff are not happy with him.
As the precinct totals were reported, Sides was down more than 2,000 votes most of the evening, finally narrowing the gap as Rock Grove, Kannapolis and China Grove precincts reported.
The 60-year-old owner of a wholesale T-shirt business served his first term on the board in 1980.
"It's time to concentrate on my business and family. I've pretty much forsaken them ," Sides said. "I can come back in two years."
Looking at the current economic times, Sides found a silver lining. "This is the right time to loose. With the economy the way it is, they won't be able to do what's promised. There's no money."
The new commissioners take office on Dec. 1.
Coltrain and Ford will join Hall, Jon Barber and Chad Mitchell.
Arnold Chamberlain, the current chairman, did not seek re-election.
How will the faltering economy affect Rowan County?
How will it impact how the county serves it residents?
Three candidates for the Rowan County Board of Commissioners focused on economic issues, taxes, jobs and services during Thursday night's forum.
Republicans Carl Ford and incumbent Jim Sides joined Democratic candidate Raymond Coltrain in sounding similar concerns and views on what the county must do if economic conditions worsen.
They all said the county must cut back on spending, hiring and travel.
"Grab your seats — I agree with Jim Sides," Coltrain said at one point, agreeing with Sides' view that county department heads are in the best position to find ways to cut their budgets.
Ford, who serves on the county Social Services Board, noted with Sides that the county faces increased demand for services as more people lose jobs. Both agreed the county can't cut Health Department and Social Services programs just as more families are needing help.
Ford cited substantial increases in the number of people seeking help during the past two weeks.
All agreed the county needs to be business-friendly and work to attract industry, including retail business. Sides suggested the county create a one-stop shop where those wanting to start a business can deal with planning and inspections.
An opponent of incentives, he suggested the county policy should be altered to direct incentives to companies that create jobs for local people.
Coltrain repeatedly emphasized the need to create a positive environment, appearing to indirectly criticize the way commissioners do business. "Be respectful in disagreements," Coltrain said, emphasizing that image is important.
Responding to questions submitted from readers of the Salisbury Post, the candidates touched on education, global warming and land use.
Ford and Coltrain agreed the county needs some type of plan. Ford endorsed the modified plan offered by Arnold Chamberlain, chairman of the board of commissioners. He termed it fantastic.
"The county can't afford to do nothing," Coltrain said, adding the county needs a plan and tweaking of zoning.
Sides said a land-use plan would lead to more control over private property. He noted the county has already spent more than $200,000 on land-use planning.
All three candidates sounded supportive of the schools but called for improvements.
Coltrain said commissioners must hold the school board accountable, but "not in a dictatorial role."
"It's not my job to tell them how to teach," Sides said, adding that when it comes to county dollars for buildings, he will be involved. He noted the 400 vacant seats at North Rowan High School. Sides said commissioners may need to take over the building program for the schools and let the school system deal with teaching and graduating students.
Ford praised the Early College at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College as one of the greatest things to happen.
Laura Lyerly, a Democratic candidate, did not attend. Since winning in the May primary, Lyerly has been a no-show at virtually all political events.
Notes- Mac Butner, an avid watcher of politics and sometime participant offered his assessment of the candidates.
Butner joked that Lyerly clearly had the best answers.
- Sides and Ford offered parting slogans.
Sides noted that life is full of decisions, and since people have to make decisions and take sides, "On Nov. 4, take this Sides."
Not to be outdone, Ford advised, "Put this Ford on the board."
- The forum at the Hedrick Theatre at Catawba College was jointly sponsored by the Salisbury Post, Catawba College and the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial:Don't kill land use yet - SalisburyPost.com
Once again the proposed land-use plan for western Rowan County appears to have breathed its last. County commissioners were set to consider the latest version of the planning document last week when Chairman Arnold Chamberlain pulled it from the agenda, knowing he didn't have enough votes to win its approval.
At issue is the difficult job of balancing opposing points of view. Area developers and some farmers want the county to take a hands-off approach and let the market dictate how rural property is used. If they'd had their way, Rowan would not even have zoning. Other farmers and preservationists advocate land-use guidelines that would protect farmland — guidelines that likely would strengthen zoning. As Chamberlain has found, putting together a compromise between those views is challenging.
People who carry the banner for property rights will eventually have to recognize the need for some type of land-use plan in Rowan. Such a plan could help protect the value of their own property by helping the county make important strides forward. Commission candidate Carl Ford, a land-rights advocate, said at a forum Thursday he has learned at least one way a plan could help. He sat in on a meeting with a representative of the Division of Aviation recently to talk about getting funds to expand the Rowan County Airport, he said. Early on in the conversation, the man said he would need a copy of the county's land-use plan. "Everybody's jaw dropped," Ford said, including his own. Even if it's only a page, Ford said, Rowan has to have a land-use document to plan for transportation needs.
Jim Sides, who opposes land-use planning, says his fellow commissioners appointed the wrong people to the steering committee that developed the original land-use plan; too many of them had farmland preservation on the agenda. But when you're talking about land use in an agricultural area, the most interested citizens often will be those who want to preserve their rural way of life. One could just as easily question the composition of the planning board — also appointed by commissioners — that was willing to scotch the farmers' interests and leave the door open to any and all kinds of development.
The tug of war between advocates and opponents of land-use planning is not unique to Rowan County. It's classic, yet most counties find a way to reach agreement. Commissioners have now rejected two land-use plans in five years because they didn't like the results — results that were very similar. Both times commissioners blamed the process, flushing some $200,000 of county funds and untold volunteer and staff hours down the drain. The problem is clear. If citizens want a land-use plan that reflects the interests of people in the affected area, they need to come up with a new composition for the Board of County Commissioners. Let's hope a better board emerges from the Nov. 4 election.
Carl Ford Video Interview
Opinions on proposed land-use plan fly at political forum
Friday, October 03, 2008
Candidates for the Rowan County Board of Commissioners have different ideas about the need for a land-use plan.
Jim Sides, an incumbent who wants to keep his seat on the board, said he will vote against the land-use plan the Planning Board voted last month to recommend.
Carl Ford, a Planning Board member who voted to approve the plan, said he was pleased with the changes the board made to it. Before narrowly approving the plan, board members diluted the original proposition set forth by a steering committee.
The approved plan county commissioners will consider doesn't include most of the original language that would have aimed to preserve farmland and limit development.
Raymond Coltrain, who is also seeking one of two open seats on the county commission, said the plan is a "step in the right direction."
Sides, Ford and Coltrain participated in a forum Thursday evening sponsored by the Rowan County Farm Bureau. Fewer than 20 people showed up for the event at the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Salisbury.
Laura Lyerly, the fourth candidate seeking election, did not participate.
Much of the discussion focused on farming and land-use issues.
"It's no different than zoning," Sides said, emphasizing his belief that Rowan should not have a land-use plan.
Zoning rules, Sides said, determine what certain areas can be used for, like new housing developments or businesses.
Sides said he is not against farmland preservation. He's against it when taxpayers have to foot the bill, though, he said.
Coltrain said a land-use plan could help county leaders manage future growth.
All three candidates said county leaders will likely have to make tough budget decisions in the coming year.
In a slumped economy, tax revenues might not meet projections. Gov. Mike Easley has already called for budget reductions of state agencies.
Even so, Sides said he does not want to raise taxes. The issue, Sides said — and Coltrain and Ford seemed to agree — is spending.
"We can reduce taxes," Sides said. "We can reduce costs."
He said he thinks the county should enact a hiring freeze. And the construction of a $6 million office for the Department of Social Services could go on hold, he said.
But other than that, the three candidates said it's too early to say where they would want to cut funding if tax revenues aren't adequate.
"We're going to have to put on the brakes, if not slam on the brakes, on some of our spending," Ford said.
"You only do what you can afford to do," Coltrain said.
Sides said he expects county agencies will have lean budget requests this year, given the economic turmoil.
"I don't have any specifics at this time," Sides said of possible funding cuts, "but I'll certainly have some at budget time."
An audience member posed the question of what county commissioners should do with a hypothetical extra $250,000. Put it toward the school system or spend it on farmland preservation?
Ford answered quickly — schools. Coltrain suggested the county "leverage" the money between the two needs. Sides said he wouldn't spend it on farmland preservation, but he didn't say he'd give it to the school system, either.
Other candidates running for state offices were at the forum Thursday.
Lorene Coates, the incumbent Democrat in the District 77 seat of the N.C. House of Representatives, and her challenger, Republican Dr. Ada Fisher, spoke.
So did incumbent Republican Andrew Brock and his challenger, William Burnette, who are vying for the District 34 N.C. Senate seat.
Republican Fred Steen, who is running unopposed to keep his District 76 seat in the state House, was also at the forum.
Coates said she has been fighting in Raleigh for farmland preservation.
Fisher said she wants North Carolina leaders to look more closely at crop diversity and food safety.
Farming is important here, she said, and how land should be used becomes an issue.
"I realize we need to find a balance between the need for housing and the need for land," Fisher said.
Candidates also talked about high gas prices and what they mean locally.
Coates said oil industry officials have told local lawmakers the state can't do anything to combat prices.
"I think this has got to come from the national level," Coates said.
Fisher said she thinks oil companies are "manipulating gas prices," and lawmakers should examine "inefficiencies" in the system.
Candidates said they realize people are feeling the sting of a tough economy.
The economy will likely be issue No. 1 when lawmakers convene again, Brock said.
Brock said he tells the state appropriations committee, "If you think times are tough in the state budget, if you think times are tough in the federal budget, wait until you see the Main Street budget. Times are tough in the family budget."
Catawba students want votes to count
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
If voter turnout at Catawba College for homecoming court nominations is any indication of young people's interest in the democratic process, things might not be looking up.
Only about 25 percent of sophomores, juniors and seniors cast nomination votes last week, Catawba student Stephanie Hill said.
Usually, the college has about a 55 percent voter turnout for school elections, she said.
Even so, apathy wasn't apparent at a Catawba event Tuesday that featured a voter registration drive and opportunities to meet local candidates and learn more about the bigger races.
The Rowan County elections director spent almost five minutes convincing Catawba student Lauren Nejberger that her absentee ballot really would be counted.
Nejberger wasn't so sure.
"I would almost rather go home and vote if I know that's going to count," she said.
The 19-year-old said an angry guest speaker in one of her classes said his absentee vote was not counted in the 2000 presidential election.
"That kind of freaked me out," Nejberger said. "So I'm wary of doing the absentee voting. If I make one mistake, it won't count."
Other students seemed just as passionate about making sure their voices are heard in the November election.
Nineteen-year-old Travis Williams said he will go home to Mocksville to cast his vote.
And he wants to be sure he will make sound decisions when he does.
Williams, a registered Republican, said he will likely vote for John McCain. But he's undecided about other races, including the Bev Perdue-Pat McCrory gubernatorial contest.
"I need to educate myself before I start answering these questions," Williams said.
He said he wants to learn more about local candidates.
"You see signs every day, but don't really know," Williams said of campaign advertisements. "If you don't do your own research, it (doesn't) do a lot of good to me."
Some local candidates and GOP and Democratic representatives were at the event Tuesday to talk to students.
Carl Ford, who is vying for a seat on the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, said he spoke with about a dozen students.
"You never know when you're going to get a vote or two," Ford said. "Every vote's important."
By about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, 12 people had registered to vote in Rowan County, said Nancy Evans, elections director.
Another eight people had registered to vote in other counties, she said.
Jim Sides, an incumbent commissioner who is trying to keep his seat, said statistics show older people are more likely to vote than younger people.
He was happy the college organized the event.
"I think it's great to have young people get involved in politics," Sides said.
Young people also had the chance to get their picture taken with life-size cardboard cutouts of McCain and running mate Sarah Palin.
Almost 50 students took advantage of the opportunity, said Melissa Eller, who volunteered at the event for the Rowan County GOP and Sen. Elizabeth Dole.
Eller said she hopes Catawba will have such an event before every election.
"A lot of (students) have a lot of good questions," she said.
Andrew Tamer, a 21-year-old junior at Catawba, said he will vote in November. And he's obviously looking beyond the basics when it comes to voter issues.
Tamer said he and his best friend had a discussion Monday night about lawmakers' failed plan to bail out the country's financial market, and how it will affect the election.
"It's made me lean more toward Obama right now," he said.
As for Nejberger, her worries about absentee voting won out. She decided she will cast her vote for McCain during early voting, or she will ask her mother to take her to Charlotte on Election Day.
Evans said absentee votes are counted just like regular votes. Voters need to be sure they fill out the paper work properly, she said.
Nineteen-year-old Catawba student Tyon Bennett said he will be sure to cast his ballot in the upcoming election. But who will get his vote for president?
"I can't tell you that," he said.
For information on voter registration, absentee ballots and other voting details, visit the Rowan County Board of Elections at 130 W. Innes St. or call 704-216-8140.
The deadline to register to vote in the November election is Oct. 10. Early voting begins Oct. 16.
Rowan No. 1 in state for August in Work First program
October 1, 2008
Rowan County has one of the highest participation rates in the state when it comes to the Work First program.
Nancy Brandt, service support program administrator for the Rowan Department of Social Services, said Tuesday the county had an 81.48 percent all-families participation rate for the month of August.
"That is spectacular," she said. "We were the No. 1 county in the state this month because of that."
Overall, Brandt said Rowan is one of the few counties in the state that regularly meets the required 50 percent all-families participation rate for the program — which provides short-term training and other services to parents on public assistance to help them become employed and self-sufficient.
Though there are no significant changes in the county's proposed Work First Plan for 2009-2011, Brandt advised the Rowan Board of Social Services of state policy changes in the program at its September meeting Tuesday night. Board members approved the plan subject to the addition of comments submitted in the public review period, which ends Friday at 5 p.m.
Social Services Director Sandra Wilkes said the plan will be presented to Rowan County commissioners at their Oct. 20 meeting for approval. Once it is approved, the plan will be submitted to the N.C. Division of Social Services for review.
All county plans become part of the N.C. Work First Plan.
Tuesday night's meeting was the first one to be recorded so board members and David Boling, the county's IT director, and Webmaster John Shaver could review it as a test run for televising future meetings on Channel 16, the Salisbury government channel.
Wilkes thanked Boling and Shaver for setting up the equipment, including two microphones on both sides of the room, early Tuesday afternoon and arriving an hour before the 6 p.m. meeting to make sure everything was ready to go.
Boling said he would send DVDs of the meeting to Wilkes to give to board members for review.
Vice Chairman Carl Ford, filling in as chairman in the absence of Dr. Nilous Avery, joked, "We may want to give them for Christmas presents."
Also at Tuesday's meeting, Wilkes reported that 13 general contractors are expected to submit bids on the addition and renovation to the Rowan County Health Complex to accommodate the Department of Social Services. "We think this is a very good sign there will be some healthy competition," she said.
Wilkes said she had been told that a project of this magnitude would usually only attract six to seven bids.
The base bid consists of renovating the existing 19,353 square feet and construction of a 27,065-square-foot addition.
Wilkes said a groundbreaking ceremony will be held some time in November.
County commissioner candidates express positions on several issues
Friday, September 19, 2008
Two candidates for the Rowan County Board of Commissioners agreed on issues ranging from incentives to illegal immigrants during a forum Wednesday night.
Republican Carl Ford and Democrat Raymond Coltrain answered more than a dozen questions at the forum sponsored by the Salisbury chapter of the NAACP.
Two other candidates, incumbent Republican Jim Sides and Democrat Laura Lyerly, did not attend. Sides said earlier Wednesday he planned to attend church. Forum organizers said Lyerly never responded to an invitation.
Ford and Coltrain agreed on the need for incentives to attract industry and create jobs.
Ford, owner of Ford Broadcasting in China Grove, said incentives are part of doing business. He noted that in his business, he gives incentives — a price break — to lure new advertisers.
"Incentives are the ballgame," Coltrain said, adding that county commissioners need to work with "not dictate to" the Rowan-Salisbury Schools to develop educational programs to meet the needs of industry coming to the county. He repeatedly stressed commissioners need to be business-friendly and project a positive image for the county.
Coltrain, the former superintendent of the Piedmont Research Station, cited his experience working in management in the N.C. Department of Agriculture.
Ford, who serves on the county's Social Services board, said the experience has "affected me in a big way É there are people hurting."
Coltrain and Ford agreed that illegal immigration is primarily a state and federal issue, but sounded a note of compassion.
Coltrain said many of the illegal immigrants are here doing jobs "that some of us feel too good to do the work. Maybe we need to look in the mirror É it's a societal thing."
Ford said he has heard that as many as 20 percent of illegal immigrants locally have gone home because of the poor economy. He said the county does provide services É "They are human beings."
Ford and Coltrain agreed on the importance of a new Interstate 85 bridge over the Yadkin River. Ford said efforts are under way to get federal funds through Homeland Security, noting the bridge is critical to the economy of the East Coast.
Both said they oppose forced annexation and would like to see the General Assembly change the state's annexation laws to the pre-1959 language that allowed for the affected residents to vote on annexation.
They differed over possible legal action. Ford said he would vote to hire an attorney if county residents requested help from the Board of Commissioners. Coltrain said he would do everything possible to halt a forced annexation, short of legal action.
Both said they favor consolidation of the administrative offices of the Rowan-Salisbury Schools.
A member of the audience questioned the potential impact on the town of East Spencer of losing the school office, if consolidation of the offices occur.
Ford said it could be a plus for the town, noting a school proposal to consolidate its maintenance operations at the Long Street site and possibly a central storage facility.
Ford also noted that Kannapolis, his hometown, was floundering when Pillowtex shut down, but it's now rising stronger than ever as a bio-tech hub.
"If you can get us another David Murdock, we'll take it," came the response from the audience.
Friends and political allies Jim Sides and Carl Ford will be the Republican team on November's ballot for the Rowan County Board of Commissioners.
In a crowded field of eight candidates, Sides took 21 percent of the vote, or 3,670 votes, according to unofficial returns.
Ford came in second with 20.29 percent, or 3,546 votes, barely escaping a run-off with third place finisher Mike Miller, who tallied 2,696 votes.
Waiting for the final precinct to report, election officials did the math. Ford needed a minimum of 3,496 votes to avoid the run off. He cleared the hurdle with 50 votes to spare.
Sides was delighted the voters picked Ford. "Of all the candidates, Carl would be my pick for the second (open) seat."
Sides, 59, will be seeking his third term on the board. His first term was 1980-1984.
Between his T-shirt wholesale business, Today's Trading, and his work as a commissioner, Sides had little time to campaign.
"This election was not about me, it was about the people of Rowan County. I did no campaigning. I decided to do it on my record," Sides said. "It certainly speaks to the fact that people know what I stand for and agree with me to some extent."
Sides said he didn't say anything negative about any of the other candidates.
"If I had lost, I could go home happy," he said.
Ford, 50, credited Salisbury's ill-fated attempt to annex the N.C. 150 area with helping him and Sides win.
Some of the residents of the N.C. 150 west area volunteered to campaign for Sides and Ford.
Larry Wright, a Neel Estates resident, worked his first election.
"It was fun," Wright said. He wore a "Ford" hat and shirt as he watched election returns at the Cohen Administration Building.
Ford, president of Ford Broadcasting of China Grove, will be making his second consecutive bid for the Board of Commissioners. He narrowly lost to Democrat Tina Hall, a friend and politically ally, in 2006.
Miller, owner of Miller-Davis in Salisbury, was optimistic as the first dozen or so precincts reported in. He cited the high level of interest by voters.
When Ford's margin continued to grow, Miller congratulated Ford.
Miller, Ken Deal and Donna Peeler all finished within a percentage point of each other. Peeler, a longtime Republican activist, finished fourth with 2,530 votes, just ahead of Deal, the county's director of administration, who finished fifth with 2,259 votes.
Peeler, 60, of Rockwell, described her experience as fantastic.
"I met a lot of new people. É I had a great crew working for me," said Peeler, who was surrounded by supporters.
Chad Mitchell, vice chairman of the Board of Commissioners, watched the returns with his new bride, Allison, an English teacher at East Rowan High School. Mitchell also teaches at East and is the athletic director there.
An avid political watcher, Mitchell had predicted Monday that Sides would finish first and the next four or five candidates would be so close "you can cover them with a blanket."
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette@salisburypost.com.
Republican candidates for county commissioner are talking about schools, taxes, jobs, annexation and farmland preservation.
All support funding schools at the state average, which will be $1,565 per student for the coming year. Some say average funding is not good enough, but won't directly commit to a tax increase to hike school funding.
All of the candidates refused to take a no-tax-increase pledge at at GOP forum.
All of the candidates oppose involuntary annexation and support the county's effort to get a moratorium and to change the state annexation laws.
But much of the focus in the eight-candidates race is on Jim Sides, the lone incumbent seeking re-election.
His fellow Republicans aren't shy about directing barbs at Sides, a staunch conservative who repeatedly cites his reliance on his Christianity in making decisions.
Almost three decades ago, a young Sides and Jim Cohen won seats on the Board of Commissioners in 1980, creating an uproar with their conservative views and actions.
Sides served one term and turned his focus to supporting his family.
Twenty-four years later, Sides won his second term after winning the GOP nomination in a run-off primary.
Two years later, his public support of Democratic candidate Tina Hall got him in hot water with members of the party's executive committee. They tried to oust both Sides and Arnold Chamberlain, current chairman of the Board of Commissioners for perceived support of a Democrat.
The effort to oust the two failed.
Sides' opposition to giving incentives — tax rebates — to business or industry to locate in Rowan has been roundly criticized by Republicans and Democrats.
While Sides has become perhaps the biggest supporter of developing the airport as a way to attract business and industry, he has repeatedly said he doesn't believe it's the function of county government to create jobs. And he has repeatedly said he will never vote for an incentive.
Other candidates disagree.
"It bothers me that any county commissioner says it's not their responsibility to bring jobs to the county," said Von Coolidge Poston, a downtown Salisbury merchant.
Carl Ford, a candidate and political ally of Sides, has reversed course and says he will support incentives if it's a good deal for the county.
Sides has also drawn flack for using his religious beliefs as his guide in casting some votes, including forcing the biker rally Smoke Out to move elsewhere by prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on county property. That's riled the Rowan Fair Association and its supporters.
Some of his other efforts have gone largely unnoticed or drawn faint praise. Shortly after joining the board, he discovered the county wasn't getting various federal housing funds to help rehab and winterize homes for the elderly and those with low incomes.
Sides insisted the county get its share, and the county is now participating in multiple federal programs that have brought hundreds of thousands of dollars into the county, money which previously went elsewhere.
While annexation opponents are delighted with Sides and the county's stance, six of the GOP candidates — all except Ford — have soundly criticized Sides and the current board of commissioners for hiring an Asheville law firm to fight Salisbury's proposed annexation of the N.C. 150 neighborhood. The city dropped the plan.
When a prominent Salisbury businessman reportedly said he would spend $100,000 to get Sides off the board of commissioners, Sides welcomed the challenge, suggesting that it would be a business boost for the radio stations, newspaper and print shops.
"I think most people in Rowan County know me and the job I've done. I've made a lot of people mad, but I hope I've made enough people happy to send me back," Sides said last week.
So far in the campaign, there hasn't been any heavy spending. Instead, candidates are relying on the old-fashioned and less expensive methods of campaigning, talking with groups, working crowds wherever they find them and putting up signs.
The race has six first-time candidates — Ken Deal, Mike Miller, Patty Overcash, Donna Peeler, Poston and Harry Rivera — who are working to get their names and messages out.
Overcash, 48, of Landis is well-know in PTA circles across the county. She's served as president of the county PTA council for 10 years or more. She's a staunch supporter of schools and education and would like to put more money into the classrooms.
She favors increasing funding to schools, but doesn't want to hike taxes, especially in the current economic times. Her husband, L.A., served on the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education.
She says she is concerned about senior citizens and would like to find ways to ease their tax burden.
She admits that she doesn't have a lot of answers but is willing to work hard and do her best if elected.
Miller, 44, of China Grove, works with the schools, Rowan Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission and other agencies through his marketing and public relations business in Salisbury.
He believes the county needs to create a strategic plan for growth, finding ways to attract business and jobs. He would seek to improve schools through increased funding.
Miller said schools must be able to prepare students for jobs of the future — jobs that don't yet exist.
If nominated and elected to the board, Miller said his business would have to cease work for various county-funded departments or boards to avoid a conflict of interest. "I actually give more money to county agencies than I receive," said Miller.
Peeler, 60, of Rockwell, has spent years working in the party's organization and helping get others elected.
She contends that the county commissioners need to have a more business-friendly reputation and also wants to recruit more retail business, pointing to the potential increase in sales tax.
Poston, 56, co-owner of Salisbury Antiques and Collectibles, often talks about the potential for new industry and business. "We're sitting on a gold mine," Poston said. "We must bring more jobs."
Deal, 55, of China Grove has worked for the county for 22 years. As director of administration, he's effectively the deputy county manager. He plans to retire on Dec. 1, which is the date he would take office, if elected.
Running for office while working for the county has raised some questions.
An opinion from the the Institute of Government found no conflict. Under the federal Hatch Act, Deal would not be able to run if his job was tied to federal funds. The opinion by David Joyce noted that in one county, a building inspector ran for office and won a seat and was able to keep his job.
While Deal is ready to retire, he still wants to do public service work. "After 30 years in public works, I can give them the quality service they deserve. I can help make government effective and efficient."
He said last week that he has gone through at least 18 budget processes while working for the county. And he's seen nearly two dozen different people serve as county commissioners during his tenure.
At a candidate forum, Deal talked about the county government as a big business with 750 employees and a $130 million annual budget. "There's a lot of needs and not a lot of money," he said.
Rivera, 47, a native of Puerto Rico, has lived in Rowan County since 1992 when he came to work for Freightliner. He talks about falling in love with the county and hopes to see his grandchildren live and prosper here.
Salisbury's attempt to annex his neighborhood along N.C. 150 spurred him to join the political fray. Although the annexation effort has been dropped, Rivera is convinced he can make a difference.
A veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm while serving in the U.S. Navy, Rivera is troubleshooter and expediter for Freightliner. He believes he can use those skills to improve county government.
"People need to start helping people instead of hiding behind bureaucratic laws. We're seeing an overcrowded jail, schools not being properly funded," Rivera said. "Maybe I can make a difference."
Along with the six newcomers and the incumbent is a candidate who has run nearly a half dozen times — and he keeps getting closer to a seat on the board of commissioners.
In 2002, Ford finally won a spot on the Republican ballot. But he lost out to Hall, the Democratic candidate who is a friend and political ally.
This time, Ford is hopeful that he'll go all the way. He's tweaked his stance some, for the first time agreeing to support some incentives.
Ford, a friend and supporter of Sides, also differs on the issue of jobs. Ford believes commissioners do have a responsibility to help bring jobs to the county and puts creation of jobs as his top priority.
Ford also joins all other candidates, except Sides, in supporting a referendum to allow voters to decide on a one-quarter local option sales tax that could net $2.6 million annually.
The tax that would generate revenue equal to about 2 cents on the property tax rate.
Rivera takes it a step further, suggesting he would campaign for approval of the additional tax with the provision that 50 percent of the money generated would go for a county scholarship program to send high school graduates to colleges or trade schools. "This would give kids a reason to stay in school," Rivera said.
Sides is the only candidate who said he would not vote to put either the sales tax or 0.4 percent land transfer issue on the ballot. That tax could generate around $2 million a year.
Deal, Miller, Overcash, Poston and Rivera all favor putting both the land transfer tax and the sales tax on the ballot to let voters decide.
Ford and Peeler oppose putting the land transfer tax on the ballot.
The election is Tuesday, May 6. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.
Voters may cast ballots early at one stop sites, including the Elections Office at 130 W. Innes St., and also at the East and South library branches. Early voting ends Saturday.
The eight Republican candidates for county commissioner are struggling to grab voters' attention as the May 6 primary nears.Two candidates who aren't on the GOP ballot are shutting them out.
Most of the candidates feel like they are competing against Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the presidential candidates.
"This is a great big circus," said Harry Rivera, a first-time candidate.
Rivera never figured on a race like this. "People are not paying any attention to the issues in all this hoopla," he said.
He expects the circus to come an end May 6, but that will be too late for the local candidates trying to find support.
"The community is so focused on the presidential race, our race isn't on their agenda," said Ken Deal, director of administration for the county. He is also making his first run for office.
Carl Ford, a China Grove broadcaster who has run nearly a half-dozen races before, hasn't seen anything like this one.
"To hear people talking, they don't think they're voting for anybody else except Obama or Clinton," Ford said.
"There's not a lot of talk out there about the governor's race, county commissioner or other local races," said Patty Overcash of Landis. She's another first-timer. "I just hear about the presidential race."
Mike Miller, owner of the Miller Davis marketing firm, is concerned that Republicans won't turn out in high numbers because the party's presidential race is settled.
"Hillary and Obama have taken over É getting all the publicity, the news," said Donna Peeler of Rockwell, a longtime Republican party activist.
And there is the prospect that some who turn out may be disappointed.
"The Democratic presidential race will bring out more voters," said Von Coolidge Poston, a longtime downtown Salisbury merchant.
Poston said there may be some Republican voters who think they can vote for Clinton or Obama and find out they can't. "They'll be surprised," Poston said, adding that the presidential hype could carry over and produce a heavy Republican primary vote.
Incumbent Jim Sides is the only candidate among the eight who doesn't believe voters are distracted by the presidential race.
Voters are paying attention to Sides, who readily admits people either love him or hate him.
"The local races in Rowan County are getting a lot more attention," Sides said. "There are a lot of people working behind the scene to make sure I don't get it (the nomination)."
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette@salisburypost.com.
Jim Sides, the lone incumbent county commissioner running for re-election, drew some flak from fellow Republicans Tuesday night.
Several of the eight Republican candidates said the county shouldn't use tax dollars to hire an attorney to fight Salisbury's proposed annexation.
Sides didn't give an inch on his avowed stand against incentives and his opposition to increased zoning and tax-funded efforts to preserve farmland.
Sides said it's not the job of county commissioners to create jobs. Pointing to the 40 jobs promised at the planned Toyota Racing Development facility on Peach Orchard Road, Sides said none of those jobs will be filled by Rowan County residents. "Those job will be filled by outsiders. É We'll get to mow the grass and clean the bathrooms."
Donna Peeler, 60, a retired sales manager from Rockwell, said Toyota will use the services of local businesses and will impact the local economy.
Peeler, a longtime party activist, repeatedly stressed the need to add retail businesses and grow the sales tax coming into the county. She cited the loss of sales taxes as local residents go to Winston-Salem or Concord to shop.
Mike Miller of China Grove took issue with Sides' contention that giving incentives is taking money out of the taxpayer's pocket. Without the incentives, the businesses won't come.
Miller said an aggressive economic development effort is the best way to keep the tax rate down.
Several of the candidates, including Peeler, said they would like to keep the rural nature of the county, preserving open space and farmland. Most suggested some type of public-private partnership.
Sides said the county's farm tax deferment is one of the greatest preservation tools. He added that if a farmer has 200 or 300 acres he wants to sell to David Murdock for million-dollar houses, that's the landowner's choice.
Harry Rivera, a native of Puerto Rico, talked about living in big cities where a piece of grass or a tree was a prized possession. "This land needs to be cherished," said Rivera, 46, an employee of Freightliner.
Because of the large number of candidates, all candidates didn't have the opportunity to respond to all questions.
On the question of annexation, four candidates — Ken Deal, Carl Ford, Mike Miller and Patty Overcash — all said they oppose forced annexation. But Deal, Miller and Overcash said they don't think the county should spend tax dollars to take Salisbury to court.
"That's not our dog, not our fight," said Miller, who owns Miller-Davis, a Salisbury marketing business.
Ford, 50, a China Grove broadcaster, differed, saying county residents asked the Board of Commissioners for help.
The same group of four split on whether the county should try to keep school funding at the state average, currently $1,477, or aim higher.
Miller and Overcash, 48, a teacher assistant at Landis Elementary, said the county should strive to provide above-average funding.
Deal and Ford said they would work to maintain the state average. Deal noted the number increases each year. Ford said education isn't purely about money. "If money was the answer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools would be turning out rocket scientists."
Von Coolidge Poston, 56, who operates an antique store on Main Street in Salisbury, talked about the growth all around the area. "We're sitting in the middle of a fortune. We're in the middle of a black hole."
Poston said incentives, better roads and better schools are needed.
Candidates got a final chance to make a pitch for support.
Sides promised to continue to work hard and speak up for those who have been overlooked. He drew laughter when he explained that his wife has never wanted him to run for office. Now she wants him to get re-elected.
Deal got in his slogan, "For the best deal, vote for Ken Deal."
Michael Bitzer, assistant professor for political science and history, asked the questions submitted by readers of the Salisbury Post.
The forum was held in the Crystal-Peeler Lounge at Catwaba and sponsored by the college, the Rowan Chamber of Commerce and the Salisbury Post.
March 13, 2008 By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
The Rowan County Republican Men's Club offered up a litmus test to candidates for county commissioner to see who are the real Republicans.
No grades were given in the forum at the Tadlock South Rowan Regional Library Tuesday evening, but the answers showed the local party has diverse views.
Mike Caskey, president of the GOP Men's Club, asked questions prepared by club members.
The eight candidates got 30 seconds each to establish their Republican credentials on a series of questions.
In one 30-second answer, they were asked to give their views on gay marriage, abortion and the 2nd Amendment, which protects the right to bear arms.
It was unclear if most of the candidates understood what the Second Amendment is -- or they chose not to answer that portion of the question.
Four of the eight candidates said they support a woman's right to choose, pointing out that abortion is legal. Those candidates included Ken Deal, Donna Peeler, Von Coolidge Poston and Harry Rivera.
"I hope this doesn't become a county issue," Deal said, drawing a round of laughter.
Four other candidates, Jim Sides, Mike Miller, Carl Ford and Patty Overcash said they oppose abortion. Miller cited an exception for rape.
Ford decried all abortions, wondering why there isn't an outcry against the killing of babies like the outcry against Michael Vick for killing dogs. "Babies are being killed every day. I don't see people screaming," he said.
Six of the candidates opposed gay marriage. Two others, Rivera and Poston, said it's an individual choice.
Overcash said she has gay friends and added that gays are not bad people, but said she is totally against gay marriage.
Peeler said she is working to get legislation passed to prevent gay marriages.
Only three of the candidates touched on the Second Amendment.
Ford, Deal and Sides said they support the right to bear arms.
Deal said he owns guns and hunts.
Sides left no doubt where he stands on a question about whether the candidates consider themselves conservative, moderate or liberal Republicans.
"I'm a true conservative. I've got it on my van," Sides said, in part joking about the white van he drives that resembles a moving election billboard. "I don't like moderates. I don't like liberals."
Rivera and Overcash labeled themselves moderates.
Miller described himself as a moderate conservative, saying he is tight on spending but agreeable to try different things.
Ford also labeled himself a true conservative, a believer in small government.
Deal weighed in as a a progressive conservative.
"A Barry Goldwater conservative," Peeler said.
"All three -- it depends on the situation," said Poston.
Candidates were also asked to choose who they would like to have as president today -- Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln or Jesse Helms.
All chose Reagan except Ford, who opted for Helms. Peeler answered, "Reagan-Dole," but didn't specify whether she meant Bob or Elizabeth Dole.
Candidates had a few minutes to make introductory remarks.
Sides said it's time to quit labeling people and work together on the local, state and national level. "Not all Republicans are good, not all Democrats are bad," he said. "We need to work together."
Among the 20 or so spectators at the event was Commissioner Tina Hall, a Democrat and Sides' closest ally on the current board.
"If the Republican isn't the best one on the ticket, he won't get my vote," said Sides, who noted later in the session that "if Rowan County has ever had a rebel, I'm that rebel."
Candidates for other offices spoke briefly.
Ty Cobb of Rockwell, a candidate for the 12th U.S. House District blasted Congress for having a terrible record.
He said that without new blood, Congress is "headed for a terrible train wreck."
Cobb said the country must deal with runaway spending and pay off the national debt, now at $9.2 trillion. He promised he would vote to raise taxes only to pay off the national debt, saying it's not fair to pass the debt on to our grandchildren.
Cobb talked about growing up poor in Oklahoma, depending on good people to feed his family after his father broke his back in a workplace accident.
Cobb went on to graduate from West Point and served in Korea and Vietnam.
He called the 12th district "the most screwed up, gerry-mandered district in the United States."
Ada Fisher, Democratic candidate for the 77th N.C. House District, said she supports immigration reform, affordable health care, and improved academics.
Sen. Andrew Brock, incumbent in the 34th N.C. Senate District, cited Winston Churchill's advice about great speeches marked by brevity, keeping his comments very brief. "I appreciate your support," Brock said.
Rep. Fred Steen, incumbent in the N.C. 76th House District, cited the ongoing effort to change annexation laws, saying he will need support and everyone working together.
March 13, 2008 By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
Eight Republican candidates for county commissioners tackled issues ranging from abortion to raising taxes during the first forum of the election season.
Not a single candidate stepped forward to sign a no-tax-increase pledge, and half of the candidates spoke up for a woman's right to choose on the question of abortion.
Republicans will pick two candidates in the May 6 primary for the Rowan County Board of Elections.
During the forum Tuesday night, candidates answered nearly a dozen questions each in a fast-paced session where answers were limited to one minute or less.
The forum at the Tadlock South Rowan Library, sponsored by the Rowan County Republican Men's Club, included a series of questions to gauge each candidate's Republican credentials.
Those questions revealed more differences among candidates than the questions dealing with taxes, schools, incentives and annexation.
All but one of the candidates said they oppose involuntary annexation.
Von Coolidge Poston, who operates a business in downtown Salisbury, said the city is following the law and he doesn't consider the planned annexation of the N.C. 150 west area forced.
Others, including Patty Overcash, of Landis, and Donna Peeler, of Rockwell, called for the county and city to sit down and resolve the issues. "I don't think it should be settled in court," Overcash said, referring to the county's hiring of an attorney to fight the annexation.
Mike Miller, a China Grove resident and Salisbury businessman, said the city is following the laws on annexation. He questioned whether the county will come to the rescue of other areas that may face annexation.
"We sat down with the city, they won't compromise," responded Jim Sides, the lone incumbent seeking re-election. He argued that courts will decide whether the city is following the law.
No tax pledge
One by one, candidates said they would not sign a pledge to not increase taxes.
"If I had signed it two years ago, I would have broke the promise," Sides said. While voting against an increase in the tax rate, Sides said the revaluation has everybody paying more taxes. Ticking off list of potential county projects -- a new jail, a new central office for the school system, new schools -- Sides held out little hope that taxes won't increase.
"There's tons and tons of money needed," said Carl Ford, owner of Ford Broadcasting of China Grove. "I'll do my dead level best never to gouge taxpayers."
"Doing business costs more," said Ken Deal, who is retiring as the county director of administration. A China Grove resident, Deal described the $200 million list of projects presented to commissioners last month as staggering.
Others suggested a wide range of ways to mitigate the tax burden. Overcash called for more retail. Peeler, who retired from retail marketing, suggested more public-private partnerships and thinking outside the box.
Poston offered a different perspective on potential tax increases. "You can't change yesterday. You can't predict tomorrow. ... Live in the moment."
Schools
All candidates lauded improvements in the Rowan-Salisbury School System, but split over whether merging Cleveland and Woodleaf elementary schools is a good idea.
Overcash, a teacher assistant at Landis Elementary for 20 years, said she likes small community schools but noted that commissioners will decide if money is available to build two new schools rather than one.
Miller praised current commissioners for increasing funding and said schools are making great strides under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom.
Ford and Miller said the school board should listen to the Cleveland and Woodleaf communities who oppose a merged school.
Peeler said bigger schools offer more technology and more benefits for the students.
Rivera said schools need to be kept small, stressing that children can get lost in big schools and big classes.
"I'm not running for the school board," said Sides, adding that he won't attempt to run the schools.
He said the county currently provides the schools $30 million a year for operations which is the state's job, and $10 million a year goes to pay debt on school bonds.
Incentives
All but one of the candidates supported incentives as a way of attracting business and industry. Sides, an outspoken opponent of incentives that rebate taxes, said he has never voted for such incentives and won't in the future.
Sides contended that keeping taxes low and offering a sort of one-stop shop to answer questions for business is the best way to attract industry.
Ford said incentives are necessary, but favors tweaking the county plan and putting emphasis on creating more jobs, rather than tax base.
Miller said incentives are essential in getting site consultants to consider the county. Without incentives, he said, the county will get 100 percent of nothing.
He went on to praise Sides and Commissioner Tina Hall for pushing for an impact study on the Wind Tunnel eXtreme project. Although the county's policy requires a study on each incentive grant application, the requirement had largely been ignored.
Deal said the county is on the brink of a lot of opportunities, particularly with the airport, and must make use of incentives.
Farmland preservation
All candidates appeared to support farms and their impact on the county's quality of life, but ran in many directions on whether tax dollars should be used to support farmland preservation.
Overcash, Sides and Ford said they would not support using tax dollars for farmland preservation. Sides noted several existing program, including the farm-use tax deferment, already provide farmers huge tax breaks.
Deal suggested that farmland preservation would require educating citizens.
Miller cited the value of farming for the environment and the economy, indicating he would support spending tax dollars for preservation.
Others talked about the benefits of farming, including Harry Rivera, who said his father worked on a farm in Puerto Rico and later in New York. Rivera who spent a decade in the U.S. Navy and now works for Freightliner, said more of the food produced in this country needs to be kept here.
Poston took a different view, linking annexation to farmland preservation. He suggested the county could stop annexation by preserving more farms.
Party officials announced several upcoming events, including the next Republican Men's Club meeting, which will be April 5 at 8:30 a.m. at Ryan's on Jake Alexander Blvd.
February 29, 2008
Two members of the Rowan County Republican Executive Committee receive awards for exemplary service
The Rowan County Republican Party held its annual Lincoln Reagan-Day Dinner Friday evening at the Wallace & Graham meeting facility on N. Lee St. Special awards were presented to two members of the Rowan Republican Executive Committee for outstanding service.
Carl Ford, 50, president of Ford Broadcasting and a Republican candidate for county commissioner, received the Republican of the Year award. Ford has been active in many Rowan Republican activities, donating his time and money to set up and promote registration booths at gatherings such as Farmer?s Day, Gold Hill Founder?s Day and the Rowan County Fair. Ford has participated in every parade in which the Republican Party has been represented.
He also takes an interest and is active in various community affairs, attending most county commission meeting. He serves on the county?s Social Services and Planning boards, investing a lot of time in learning about the issues and talking with the people involved. Recently, as a member of the Social Services board, he was an advocate for increasing the amount of payments to foster parents. He was a contributor for the annual Christmas party for foster families in 2007.
In addition to being a member of the Republican Executive Committee, Ford also belongs to the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Rowan Historical Society, the Community Child Protection Team and the Village Fest Committee in Kannapolis.
Ford and his wife, Angela, have four children and two grandchildren, and live in China Grove.
Celeste Ward, treasurer of the Republican Executive Committee, received the Noreen Foster Memorial award for Republican Volunteer of the Year. Ward retired in 2007 as a senior vice president from Bank of America Corporation in Charlotte.
She has spent the past several months setting up a new accounting system for the Rowan Republicans. That has included working closely with the NC State Board of Elections in complying with changes in laws concerning record keeping and accounting for political organizations. She also has volunteered to work with other Rowan Republican projects.
Ward and her husband, Bill, have four children and seven grandchildren, and live in Salisbury.
FEBRUARY 12, 2008
By Jessie Burchette Salisbury Post
Carl Ford has been running for the Rowan County Board of Commissioners for almost two years.
On Monday, the first day of filing for this year's elections, he was one of the first candidates at the Board of Elections. A Republican, he filed for one of two board seats up for election this year.
Ford, 50, president of Ford Broadcasting, announced plans to run following his loss by 205 votes in the 2006 general election.
Since that time, Ford has served on the county's Social Services and Planning boards and said he has invested a lot of time in learning about the issues and talking with the people involved.
"The main issues are growth, land use, jobs, education. They all go hand in hand," Ford said.
A resident of Ketchie Estate Road in China Grove, Ford graduated from A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis. He completed additional studies at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and the N.C. College of Textile Technology in Belmont.
After a stint at Cannon Mills, he got into the broadcasting business.
Ford has long held an interest in county government and politics. He's run for county offices a half dozen times.
He recalled that Rowan County Sheriff George Wilhelm told him "it took him four times to get elected.
"I haven't stopped campaigning. Maybe I won't have to spend as much this time," Ford said, adding that he managed to save about 75 percent of his signs from the last election.
He's a member of the Rowan Republican Executive Committee, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Rowan Historical Society, the Community Child Protection Team and the Village Fest Committee in Kannapolis.
Ford and his wife, Angela, have four children and two grandchildren. He is a member of Truth Temple Church on Moose Road in Kannapolis.
JANUARY 25, 2008 By Kathy Chaffin Salisbury Post
The Rowan County Board of Social Services wants to increase monthly board rates and allowances for foster parents.
Board members voted 4-0 Tuesday night to ask Director Sandra Wilkes to look into adding a personal allowance to the standard monthly board rates and increasing the amount of annual gift cards given to foster parents when developing the 2008-2009 budget.
Board member John Blair said he would like to see the county add a monthly personal allowance of at least $5 to $10 to the standard board rate set by the state.
Blair said it's important for the department to show foster parents that they care about them.
Carl Ford said he would like to see the annual $35 gift card given to foster parents every May increased to at least $50. The board also agreed to consider giving gift cards to foster parents in May and December.
Micah Melton, foster care supervisor for the department, reviewed its payment plan for foster parents at last month's meeting at Blair's request.
Melton reported at the December meeting that Rowan ranks in the middle statewide when it comes to the recommended minimum supplements.
Blair said then that he would like to see a comparison between Rowan and counties of comparable size. At Tuesday's meeting, Melton distributed information about the supplements paid foster parents in Cabarrus, Catawba, Davidson, Iredell and Union counties.
"We stack up fairly well," Melton said.
When it comes to the board rate, Rowan, Cabarrus and Davidson pay the state standard: $390 a month for ages 0-5, $440 for ages 6-12 and $490 for ages 13 and up.
Union County pays the highest, the state rate plus an additional $50 for each age group. Iredell pays additional personal allowances of $5 for ages 0-5, $10 for ages 6-12 and $15 for ages 13 and up. Catawba pays additional personal allowances of $3 for ages 3-4, $10 for ages 5-10, $15 for ages 11-13 and $20 for ages 14 and up.
Melton said the state standard rate will be going up July 1 if state legislators approve a proposal by the N.C. Division of Social Services. The new rates would be $475 for ages 0-5, $581 for ages 6 to 12 and $634 for ages 13 and up.
Blair said the state has improved increases before, "but not that big of a leap."
In the area of clothing allowances, Rowan pays $100 initially and $150 three times a year for ages 0-11 and $200 a year for ages 12 and up. Catawba pays close to the same amount, and Union and Davidson pay slightly less.
Iredell County pays the highest with an initial payment of $200 for all age groups and monthly board payments of $40 for ages 0-5, $50 for ages 6-12 and $60 for ages 13 and up.
Cabarrus' allowances could not be compared because foster children are initially provided clothes from a donation closet. Allowances are paid monthly at the following rates: $35 for ages 0-5, $40 for ages 6-12 and $55 for ages 13 and up.
Davidson pays initial amounts of $100 for ages 0-5, $150 for ages 6-12 and $200 for ages 13 and up and twice-annual payments of the same amounts.
None of the counties pay supplements on a regular basis, but four, including Rowan, have paid occasional supplements for children with special needs.
Four of the six counties pay incentives to foster parents. Rowan gives them an annual gift card every May for $35. Iredell pays $50 to foster parents who refer another family which becomes licensed, and Union gives foster parents $25 twice a year.
Catawba offers an annual $200 "Foster Parent of the Year Award," with the Department of Social Services staff selecting the winner.
Ford responded, "They're all foster parents of the year. That's a job right there."
In the area of travel, four of the six counties help foster parents work out Medicaid reimbursement for out-of-county travel such as to a medical specialist. Rowan provides case-by-case assistance at the state rate.
NOVEMBER 29, 2007 By Kathy Chaffin Salisbury Post
Monthly statistics for the Rowan County Department of Social Services showed a significant increase in the number of applications for public assistance programs in October.
Director Sandra Wilkes pointed out some of the increases to the Board of Social Services at its November meeting Tuesday night. In the area of Family and Children's Medicaid, for example, Wilkes said there were 1,291 applications received in October, 323 more than in September.
In Adult Medicaid, 212 applications were received in October, she said, 34 more than in September.
Applications for Food Assistance and Nutrition Services, formerly known as the food stamp program, were also up in October. A total of 733 applications were received, 128 more than in September.
Jim Sides, who represents the Rowan County commissioners on the board, asked if the increase could be caused by rising unemployment.
Wilkes said yes.
Sides said he wonders if the monthly statistics released by the N.C. Employment Security Commission are an accurate indication of all the people who have lost jobs.
"It's always low," he said. "I'm afraid there are just a lot of people who are not on the radar."
Wilkes said another reason for the increase in October could be rising heating bills.
Board member John Blair said gas prices also went up during that time.
When gas goes up, Sides said, food items also go up to cover the transportation costs.
It's the domino effect, said Board Chairman Dr. Nilous Avery.
Sides said, "It affects a lot more people in Rowan County than we think."
Wilkes said the Low-Income Energy Assistance money may go faster this year because of increased fuel costs.
The department's Work First staff received 125 applications for the assistance on Nov. 5-16. The federally-funded program offers a one-time check -- usually in February -- to eligible, low-income families to help with their heating bills.
The amount of the checks is determined by the state after all applications are received from the county social services departments. In the past, Wilkes said the assistance has ranged from $35 to $80.
Sides said the amount used to be enough to pay for two months heating bills. "Now it won't even pay for one month," he said.
Wilkes said some companies won't even deliver fuel unless it's a certain amount.
Also at the meeting, the board reviewed plans for Saturday's annual Christmas party for the county's foster families. Each board member agreed to buy gifts for 14 foster children.
The county is picking up the cost of the pizza for the party. Board member Carl Ford is donating Cheerwine, and Social Services staff members are making cookies.
Poinsettias donated by Rockwell Farms will be given to each family.
Dr. Karl Hales, retired Catawba College speech and communications professor, will provide the entertainment. Gifts will be distributed by Santa himself.
The board will hold its December meeting before the party.
CONTACT / SUPPORT
Carl Ford
320 Ketchie Estate
China Grove, NC 28023
Sides was delighted the voters picked Ford. "Of all the candidates, Carl would be my pick for the second (open) seat."
Carl Ford