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 Republican Primary Candidates for the Catawba County Board of Commissioners was held. The event went from 6-7:30 PM in the meeting room of the Catawba County Library in Newton.
All seven candidates were invited. Those present were (in ballot order) Dave Fontana, Eric Dunn, Sherry Edmonds Butler, Marla P. Thompson and Cole Terrell Setzer. Jay Moore (illness) and Nicholas F. Bellomo, Jr. were unable to attend.
The audience was keenly interested in and respectful of the candidates. There were also people viewing the event online.
During the evening, those in attendance submitted written questions that were vetted for appropriateness and duplication before sending to the moderator. This year, the public had the opportunity to ask questions via the League’s website ahead of the event.
The moderator for the evening was Virginia Annable, editor of The Hickory Daily Record.
There are three Democratic candidates running for the three open seats on the Board of Commissioners. They will move to the ballot for the general election in November.
Planning Reset
Everyone was sseemed slightly happy about the session's outcome.
On Friday, January 30, interested League members were present to review this year’s plans and see if there are any new ideas that should be considered.
Overall, the group was pleased about the election plans and public activities that are already in place. They did find one other aspect of League life—membership enhancement—that could be considered. Ideas associated with that will go to the Board for consideration in regard to the amount of time and cost associated with them. As soon as those are cleared, ideas will be shared with the members.
The event was held in the meeting room of the Mt. View/Southwest Branch of the Catawba County Library System. Complimentary lunch was provided. It was accompanied by hearing from the League observers of the four Catawba Valley County Boards of Elections.
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!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”