By Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

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.

By Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

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.

A second primary, if needed, will be June 24.

By Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

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.

April 9, 2008
By Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

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.