Before the Primary Candidate Forum, this was happening.

Yes, the Candidate Forum Weathered the Weather!

On Thursday, January 29—in spite of the weather and because of the determination of candidates, attendees, the Catawba County Library Staff and LWVCV Volunteers, a forum for the Primary Republican Candidates for the Catawba County Board of Commissioners was held.

All seve candidates were invited.  Those present were Dave Fontana, Eric Dunn, Sherry Edmonds Berry, Marla P. Thompson and Cole Terrell Setzer.  Jay Moore (illness) and Bellamao were unable to attend.

The was the first time the League, a nonpartisan organization that neither supports or opposes a political party or candidate, had hosted a party primary forum.   The League believes that voters are empowered when they are informed. With 7 \candidates vying for three open seats and these potential Board members responsible for implementing a potential merger of the three school systems, the League wanted to offer citizens the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.  There are three Democratic candidates running for the three open seats on the Board of Commissioners.  They will automatically be on the ballot for the general election on November 3.

The audience was keenly interested in and respectful of the candidates.  In addition, there was a large number of people viewing the event online through the League’s website.

During the evening, those in attendance submitted written questions that were vetted for appropriateness and the lack of duplication before sending to the moderator.  This year, the public had the opportunity to ask questions via the League’s website.  Many of those questions were also asked.

The event was held from 6-7:30 PM in the meeting room of the Catawba County Library in Newton.

The moderator for the event was Virginia Annable, editor of the Hickory Daily Record.

The Primary is March 3 with early voting beginning on February 12.

League Book Club Turns Pages As It Begins the New Year!

The League’s Informed Voter Book Club met on Thursday, January 8 at Three Little Birds, Corks & More in Newton. The very focused discussion covered many of the impactful points made by the author, Joyce Vance in her book, Giving Ups Is Unforgivable. The group also added their own perspectives regarding the challenges to democracy.

There were both returning and new members of the group present. Luckily, there were also cookies and muffins available to keep the group energized!