OCTOBER 2018
The Midterm Elections:
Meet the Candidates
Breaking Bread: Foie Gras
Healthy Living:
How Hard Can Medicare Really Be?
What’s Happening:
October Calendar of Events
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Word on the Street October 2018 Volume 18 n Issue 10 President Pam Tolen
Managing Editor/Art Direction Kim Cassell Advertising Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle Contributing Writers Kim Cassell Jackie King Contributing Photographer Michael A. Anderson Photography
Cabarrus Magazine is published by: Comfort Publishing Inc. 296 Church Street N., Hidden Plaza Concord, NC 28025 For editorial inquiries, call 704-743-7498 or email them to Kim Cassell at kcassell@ cabarrusmagazine.com. For advertising inquiries, call Kimberly Brouillette at 704305-7599 or Jason Huddle at 704-907-7847. Visit us at www.cabarrusmagazine.com. All rights reserved. ©2018, Comfort Publishing Inc., 296 Church Street N., Concord, NC 28025. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are trademarks of their respective companies. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Cabarrus Magazine or Comfort Publishing Inc.
Rachel Fesko
Publisher Jason Huddle
We, at Cabarrus Magazine, believe it is of the utmost importance, as well as our civic duty, to vote. All the grandstanding and protesting for change mean nothing if you don’t follow through with the task our forefathers mandated to every American citizen – to vote for those we wish to represent us in government. That is why, every two years, we take a break from our normal format and dedicate an edition to interviewing the local and state candidates representing Cabarrus County, asking them pertinent questions that directly concern our readers. We print their answers, verbatim, only editing for brevity when necessary. We do not endorse any political candidate or agenda. I am of the firm belief that, just because we buy ink by the barrel, it doesn’t give us the right or obligation to tell you whom to vote for. In that light, I encourage each of you to do as much of your own research as you can on every candidate. Don’t take the media’s word for it. We’re human. It would be naïve to think any reporter is completely unbiased one way or the other and isn’t, therefore, trying to steer you in one direction or another. Make sure the decision you make in November is yours and yours alone. Having said all that, I will add this. This country is infected with a cancer called division. I can’t remember a time we were more divided as a nation than now. In that respect, I ask you to vote for candidates that are seeking to fix what is wrong and preaching unity, rather than separation – striving to bring together our people, rather than exploiting what separates us. Vote for the candidate, not the D or R beside their name. Don’t take my word for it either. Look at where voting along party lines has gotten us over the past 20 or 30 years! Now get out there and vote! Vote! Vote! (But read this issue first.)
Best regards,
Jason Huddle Publisher Cabarrus Magazine
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This Issue... The 2018 Midterms: A Closer Look 6
The Midterm Elections: Meet the Candidates
26
Breaking Bread: Chef Bouali Dishes
27
Healthy Living: How Hard Can Medicare Really Be?
28
What’s Happening: October Calendar of Events
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By Kim Cassell
The Midterm Elections:
Meet the Candidates Election Specifics The general election takes place on November 6 and polling places will be open from 6:30am to 7:30pm. The last day to register to vote or change your address is October 12; one-stop voting begins on October 18 and ends on November 3; and all absentee ballots are due by November 6 at 5:00pm. Call 704-920-2860or send an email to elections@cabarruscounty.us for more information. Source: Cabarrus County Board of Elections
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“NOBODY WILL EVER DEPRIVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OF THE RIGHT TO VOTE EXCEPT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THEMSELVES AND THE ONLY WAY THEY COULD DO THIS IS BY NOT VOTING.” - FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
From gun control, to immigration, terrorism, health care, opioid abuse, sexual harassment and more, it’s a divisional time in the U.S. After a May 8 primary election that decided whose names will appear on the ballot November 6, it’s more important than ever to exercise your right to vote. Once again, Cabarrus Magazine has reached out to local and state candidates running for positions that impact Cabarrus County. These Q&A sessions make for valuable tools in familiarizing each of us with who will potentially run our state and local government, school system and sheriff’s department before we place our vote. To view the Candidate Filing List, visit cabarruscounty.us, then click on the Government, Departments, Board of Elections and Candidate Information tabs. Please note, Cabarrus Magazine did not interview candidates running unopposed or those running for Soil and Water Conservation due to space constraints. In addition, some editorial had to be edited for length. We thank everyone who took the time to participate in this special election issue.
UNITED STATES CONGRESS District 8 | Two-Year Term
Richard Hudson
their pockets because of lower tax rates. A typical family of four in Concord will see a tax cut of almost $2,100. With more take-home pay and a greater sense of job security, households are on a better financial footing.
those people who want to escape hardship and find a better life in the United States – that’s the American dream. However, we also have to punish those illegal immigrants who break our laws and take advantage of our system.
Q: Opioids are another major issue countrywide. Cabarrus County was Q: The benefits to the president’s Party Affiliation: Republican | Incumbent recently named one of the tax cuts (implemented in January Q: We asked those worst places in the state 2018) have been debatable over running for state offices of N.C. dealing with this the past few months. Do you stand about their stance on illegal epidemic. Do you have a in support of them? Is there any immigration. We ask you the plan to address this critical modification you’d like to see to them same question, along with problem? moving forward? your plan to address this A: As a leader on the Energy A: I’m a small business owner. complicated issue. and Commerce Committee, I support tax relief for small A: Working with President I am on the front lines of the businesses and for working families. Donald Trump, I’ve made it a Richard Hudson federal efforts to combat the Unfortunately, the recently passed tax priority to strengthen border bill prioritizes wealthy Americans by security, stop illegal immigration, better opioid crisis. I’ve also worked closely with the Cabarrus County government, granting permanent tax cuts to them enforce immigration laws and target Cabarrus Health Alliance, local officials and raising taxes on the working dangerous gangs like MS-13. and first-responders to ensure they have class. While the corporate tax cuts are I have also voted for billions of permanent, the tax cuts for average, dollars in border security for things like the resources needed to help families impacted by opioid addiction. everyday Americans like us in the 8th more boots on the ground, increased In June, the House passed the District expire in just six years. detention space, improved surveillance Substance Use-Disorder Prevention technology and a wall. Q: Opioids are another major issue that Promotes Opioid Recovery and countrywide. Cabarrus County was Q: The benefits to the president’s Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and recently named one of the worst tax cuts (implemented in January Communities Act. places in the state of N.C. dealing 2018) have been debatable over Included in this critical package were with this epidemic. Do you have a the past few months. Do you stand two of my bipartisan bills: the Safe plan to address this critical problem? in support of them? Is there any Disposal of Unused Medication Act A: Our 8th District has been the modification you’d like to see to them and the Securing Opioids and Unused hardest hit by the opioid epidemic of moving forward? Narcotics with Deliberate (SOUND) any district in the state. Fayetteville was A: We’ve helped build a better Disposal and Packaging Act. SOUND rated one of the most affected cities economic environment by cutting is a bipartisan measure to encourage in the nation, and Stanly, Rowan and unnecessary regulations and by passing and promote improved packaging Cabarrus counties have all been at the the largest tax cut in American history. and disposal methods with respect to top of the charts for opioid overdoses. Consumer confidence is at an 18-year opioids. This is a small – but critical – We have got to stop this mess with real high. Unemployment is at an historic step in combating the opioid crisis. solutions. That’s why I am proposing low of 3.9 percent. Here in North prosecuting drug manufacturers who Carolina, we saw more than 100,000 Frank McNeill lie about addictive qualities in their jobs added in the last year alone. Party Affiliation: Democrat drugs. I support the president’s I’ve visited countless businesses and Q: We asked those initiative to curb opioid manufacturers in our district and I’ve running for state offices addiction. Unfortunately, the heard how they have already invested about their stance on illegal very day after he announced their savings from our tax cuts to immigration. We ask you the his initiative, my opponent, expand, increase hiring, or offer more same question, along with Richard Hudson, took benefits or higher wages for their your plan to address this thousands of dollars in employees. complicated issue. contributions from drug I’ve spoken with families and workers A: I support finding a legal manufacturers. There are real across our district who are seeing direct Frank McNeill pathway to citizenship for solutions, but we’ll never benefits, especially with more money in
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fix the problem and save lives as long as money keeps influencing our representatives.
N.C. STATE SENATE
border control, we can work together to ensure reasonable, compassionate treatment for those already here and for those wishing to immigrate. Immigration laws and policy are set at the federal level.
more classrooms to share in the costs for building them. Developers need to pay their fair share of these costs. This is why I favor an impact fee for school construction instead of Senator Newton’s tax hike. We also suffer from uncompetitive teacher pay. We ranked 39th in the nation in education funding. Education is the biggest jobs program anyone could dream of. We need to address the escalating costs of our private colleges and universities and the burden of student debt. We grant these institutions tax-exempt status and they need to deliver on their end if they wish to remain tax-exempt. I want to put education back on the top of North Carolina’s to-do list. We need to recover our focus to do it well again.
Q: How do you feel about the proposed plans to redistribute Paul R. Newton sales tax monies earned by some Party Affiliation: Republican | Incumbent areas within the state to more rural Q: What is the single counties? biggest issue facing your A: I have opposed the idea district? What is your plan to of redistributing sales taxes address that issue? from Tier III counties to our A: School construction. Our more rural counties. population is growing and We should not punish the demands on our school prosperity. Instead, we should systems continue to increase – think of innovative solutions a great problem to have, but a to grow the economies of Paul R. Newton problem nonetheless. our rural counties. A great As a Tier III county, Cabarrus does example is the work being done right not enjoy many of the tools Tier I and now at the North Carolina Research Q: Illegal immigration is a hot Tier II counties have to facilitate new Campus in Kannapolis to develop topic in N.C. and Cabarrus County school financing. I do not like taxes, a pilot plant to scale up laboratory specifically. What is your stance on and will not vote to increase taxes on research that demonstrates our ability this issue and do you have plans to Cabarrus or Union County residents. to extract nutrients at the cellular level address it on a state level? However, I am supportive of allowing for greater nutrition. This work could A: We have cultivated a hospitality Cabarrus County the flexibility, lead to small manufacturing facilities industry in Cabarrus County and should it choose to do so, to reallocate being placed in the fields of more immigrant labor is a fact of life in ¼ percent of our existing sales tax rural counties to extract these nutrients that industry. Recent reports put from transportation to new school from vegetables that would otherwise employment in this industry at 4,580 construction, but ONLY if the voters have been thrown away because they people just in Cabarrus County. The decide to support that in a referendum. were not suitable in appearance for industry generates enough tax revenue Taking this approach should mitigate store shelves…but, inside, the nutrient such that, without it, our taxes would an increase or eliminate any increase content is exactly the same! increase $515 per household. in property taxes. Remember, much of Neither Cabarrus County nor Cabarrus County’s sales taxes are paid Mark E. Shelley North Carolina, acting alone, can by visitors, not residents, so this plan Party Affiliation: Democrat address this problem without doing further eases our residents’ burden. Q: What is the single disproportionate harm to Because we live in a great place, our biggest issue facing your ourselves. This has always need for new schools will continue district? What is your plan to been the case and that is one to increase. My proposed approach address that issue? reason immigration policies helps Cabarrus County leaders find the A: Education, in general, but have always been addressed resources they need while minimizing the immediate issue we face at the federal level. North our tax burden. is whether we will continue Carolina’s agriculture industry to raise taxes to fund school would also be crippled if we Q: Illegal immigration is a hot construction or if we will acted alone. Mark E. Shelley topic in N.C. and Cabarrus County adopt a 21st century approach. Obviously, if serious crimes specifically. What is your stance on We need new legislation in Raleigh, are committed by immigrants they this issue and do you have plans to allowing growing counties like need to be prosecuted and deported, address it on a state level? Cabarrus and Union to ask the people if possible, but we don’t need to A: I believe that if we can assure our who are creating the demand for duplicate the federal government’s nation’s sovereignty through effective District 36 | Two-Year Term
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general responsibilities and we don’t need to self-inflict economic wounds. Q: How do you feel about the proposed plans to redistribute sales tax monies earned by some areas within the state to more rural counties? A: It is the wrong approach. Cabarrus County needs stability and predictability in its revenue stream to budget in a reasonable manner. Our state constitution guarantees all North Carolinians a sound education, but many areas of our state are so poor they resemble second- and third-world countries. A lot of people in Cabarrus County do not know how fortunate we are. The state lottery was supposed to solve the school-funding problem, but the lottery has been mismanaged. Of lottery proceeds, 40 percent was supposed to go to school construction, but only 17 percent is actually getting there.
Currently, at state and local levels, we have the STOP ACT, HOPE ACT, Detox and Bridge To Recovery programs, just to name a few. These programs are designed to help an addict detox and get into one of the rehab facilities available. Statistics show that these programs are extremely successful, but the demand is far exceeding both the financial and physical thresholds. The next key component are programs such as Serenity House in Cabarrus County. This program takes individuals that successfully complete detox and rehab programs and assists them in rejoining the community. I feel if we do not take drastic measures to correct this issue, the emotional, physical and financial burdens will continue to spin out of control, costing taxpayers millions of dollars annually.
Q: Illegal immigration is a hot topic in N.C. and Cabarrus County specifically. What is your stance on this issue and do you have plans to address it on a state level? A: We must continue to support N.C. HOUSE OF the efforts to secure our borders and REPRESENTATIVES ensure the safety and protection for District 67 | Two-Year Term all citizens. We must enhance and Michael Finn continue to improve our vetting Party Affiliation: Libertarian process to give people of goodwill the Every effort was made to offer Mr. opportunity to earn citizenship the Finn an opportunity to participate in right way. this issue. There was no reply to our Illegal immigrants that commit requests. crimes must be deported immediately. We must continue to address and Wayne Sasser implement an effective and humane Party Affiliation: Republican alternative for people that may Q: What is the single have entered illegally but have biggest issue facing your proven themselves as decent district? What is your plan to and hardworking people. If address that issue? they truly want to remain in A: The opioid pandemic. our district and our country, Having been a pharmacist for they must be held accountable over 40 years, there are many to abide by our laws and must components that must be also be made to participate in Wayne Sasser properly addressed to provide all tax withholding programs. realistic solutions to the Q: How do you feel about the addicts and the families that are being proposed plans to redistribute devastated by this disease. sales tax monies earned by some
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areas within the state to more rural counties? A: The proposed plan has been in legislation for over two years. Although much discussion and many adjustments have been made concerning this proposal, I have not been presented a detailed plan for the redistribution of tax monies from one district to another, so I will refrain from commenting on this proposal directly until more information is available. I do feel that oftentimes urban counties have the opportunity to create more jobs and provide other opportunities that rural counties may benefit from. Rather than taking away from areas that are creating jobs and making good business decisions, I would propose to see state tax money allotted to rural counties for programs that have proven to boost rural economics.
Karen Webster Party Affiliation: Democrat Q: What is the single biggest issue facing your district? What is your plan to address that issue? A: My district runs from Harrisburg out to Albemarle, and up to Mt. Pleasant, so it’s wonderfully diverse. If there is one issue that every area faces, it’s matters of K12 education. In Raleigh, I would be in a position to help with the challenges which face our schools. Our towns and cities need the right to levy impact fees if it is decided, at the local level, that it is best for that community. To interfere with local government while not providing additional funds for schools is overreaching and unfair. Q: Illegal immigration is a hot topic in N.C. and Cabarrus County specifically. What is your stance on this issue and do you have plans to address it on a state level? A: Illegal immigration must be discouraged. We need to have a strong guest worker program that provides
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the labor that our farmers need and addresses the security of those who come to do the agricultural work that our state requires. Q: How do you feel about the proposed plans to redistribute sales tax monies earned by some areas within the state to more rural counties? A: My concern would be how the sharing would be determined. Until we can have a bipartisan, statewide committee look at distribution, it would be ill-advised to undertake such a plan. Equity must be assured.
N.C. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES District 82 | Two-Year Term
Linda P. Johnson
I do agree that my constituent’s property tax is an economic issue and should be as low as possible. My solution to this problem is a state school bond to give help to our communities to recover from the 2008 recession. I have and will again enter a bill for a state school bond. North Carolina has been great in subsidizing with hundreds of millions of extra dollars for construction, but the need from the recession is much larger. The other issue is the gap in education and workforce needs. I have been a primary sponsor of several workforce education bills and will continue to do so. I also was the primary on the articulation legislation that helps fill the education needs of our health care workforce, and know that this type of education works locally and statewide.
Q: Illegal immigration is a hot Party Affiliation: Republican | Incumbent topic in N.C. and Cabarrus Q: What is the single County specifically. What is biggest issue facing your your stance on this issue and district? What is your plan to do you have plans to address address that issue? it on a state level? A: I believe the greatest A: This is a federal issue need of our community to and federal law supersedes be education of our K-12, state law. I have contacted community college and our federal delegation on the university students. Linda P. Johnson need to expedite this issue. The state has addressed Currently, the state is servicing many of these issues, such as teacher the education, health care and social pay – giving a raise in all eight of the services needs for the illegal immigrant last budgets and bringing average pay population as we wait for federal to $55,000 – and increasing education legislation. funding by $1 billion. Currently, we are Q: How do you feel about the using 57 percent of our state budget to proposed plans to redistribute implement that education and millions sales tax monies earned by some of dollars from other departments’ areas within the state to more rural state budget line items, which I believe counties? equates to approximately 60 percent of A: I believe this to be a band-aide your state tax dollar. solution and do not agree. I believe in Our county does well in their local solving a problem at the root source budget in supplying the local education – the root source being no tax base in tax dollar, and ranks average. Some our rural areas and agriculture industry counties do not and recovery has been which lacks food processing. Food slow, which leads us to a need for processing is the largest dollar part of school buildings here and across the the agriculture industry. state. I ask myself how I could help my
constituents and the agricultural part of the state. Adding our resources (N.C. Research Center, N.C. State University Agriculture Research and our community college, RCCC, all based in Kannapolis) and the need in eastern North Carolina gave birth to the N.C. Food Processing Innovation Center. The NCFPIC is poised to revolutionize food processing and manufacturing in North Carolina. This initiative has already added jobs in Cabarrus, but in the agriculture areas it is projected to bring tens of thousands of jobs and a local tax base in less than 10 years.
A: Our state is better when every county and town is prospering, not just larger, metro areas. Right now, we have no real plan in place to promote our rural counties. Our economy is changing and we need an economic plan for Aimy Steele our rural counties that creates Q: How do you feel about jobs, boosts local economies the proposed plans to redistribute and improves the education systems. sales tax monies earned by some As a former principal, I have seen areas within the state to more rural the tremendous value that job training counties? laws in place, passed in 2015, and several of our counties, including Mecklenburg, participate in the 287-g program. I will do everything in my power to promote a federal solution while working within our current state laws.
Aimy Steele Party Affiliation: Democrat Q: What is the single biggest issue facing your district? What is your plan to address that issue? A: One thing I have heard time and again across our district is that health care costs are continuing to rise, and with no relief in sight. Right now, our state has one of the 10 highest premium rates in the country. The general assembly has refused to work with our governor to allow the Medicaid expansion into our state, which would cost North Carolina nothing and provide health care and cheaper rates for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians immediately. Q: Illegal immigration is a hot topic in N.C. and Cabarrus County specifically. What is your stance on this issue and do you have plans to address it on a state level? A: I’ll preface this answer by saying that most of our immigration problems are the responsibility of the federal government and not the state. That said, here in Cabarrus County our citizens are aware of the ongoing problem our country faces with this. The current immigration system is broken and this is something that deserves a bipartisan, state and federal approach to it. Here in North Carolina, we have anti-sanctuary city
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programs for our K-12 students can provide, which is an immediate first step we could implement before deploying our students into the workforce.
That’s what brings industries and highpaying jobs to our community.
CABARRUS COUNTY Q: Illegal immigration is a hot topic in N.C. and Cabarrus County COMMISSION specifically. What is your stance on Four-Year Term this issue and do you have plans to Thomas Hill address it on a state level? Party Affiliation: Libertarian A: While immigration is a Q: What is the single N.C. HOUSE OF federal issue and there is not biggest issue facing Cabarrus much to be done at a state REPRESENTATIVES County? What is your plan to level, I understand the concern District 83 | Two-Year Term address that issue? many in our community have. Larry G. Pittman A: The opioid crisis. I call America is a nation of Party Affiliation: Republican | Incumbent for the county to declare a immigrants. We are a land Every effort was made to offer Mr. public health emergency and of freedom and opportunity, Pittman an opportunity to participate immediately decriminalize which is something we all in this issue. There was no reply to our cannabis (marijuana) in the Thomas Hill take pride in. If you come to requests. county. In states with access this country and work hard, the sky to safe, legal cannabis, opioid-related is the limit and we should encourage Gail Young deaths have dropped at least 25 immigration policies that recognize our Party Affiliation: Democrat percent. Cabarrus County should be heritage. Q: What is the single on the cutting edge of compassion and We need to advocate for biggest issue facing your defend its citizens’ God-given right to compassionate policy to district? What is your plan to self-medicate safely. allow the thousands of address that issue? Q: What is your stance on utilizing undocumented immigrants A: It’s difficult to narrow a incentives to bring in companies to to continue working and district’s concerns to one single this area or keep existing ones? contributing to our state’s issue. But I will say that when A: Based on equality under the law economy. We need to talking with voters, educational and my interpretation of the U.S. push our elected federal Gail Young funding is probably the issue I Constitution, I morally oppose using representatives to work for hear most about. economic incentives to favor certain, solutions that are both in the best During this session, local elected politically connected companies at the interests of North Carolina and protect officials across the state, including expense of other local businesses. our immigrant workers. leaders in Cabarrus and Rowan It is not the role of government to Q: How do you feel about the counties, hoped to see a school pick winners and losers in businesses proposed plans to redistribute construction bond referendum added which are private in nature. I realize sales tax monies earned by some to the election ballot. my stance may cost me votes in the areas within the state to more rural I personally find it frustrating business community; however, I counties? that the state legislature focused on cherish standing on my own principles A: Unfortunately, there’s no easy adding six unnecessary constitutional more than I do winning popularity answer to this question. I recognize one amendments to the ballot, but ignored contests. Somebody should take a of the responsibilities of a legislator is requests to give local leaders the tools stand – might as well start with me. to proportion revenue and resources to they need to build schools. Interest Q: What is something the county is do the most good, for the most people. rates are relatively low, which makes I believe that for the state to prosper, all not doing that it should be? it a good time to borrow money, and A: The county should do a better must prosper. these construction funds are needed job of remembering the first charge At the same time, the voters of this here in our community. of any government, at any level, district rightfully expect their legislator At the very least, we need to raise which is to protect the life, liberty to protect their interests and fight for teacher salaries to the national average and justly acquired property of its their share of the resources. If elected, so we can retain qualified, dedicated citizens. This includes protecting the teachers here. Making sure our children I will do my best to find approaches that work equally well for the cities and environment and our natural resources have the support and resources they as we experience explosive and record towns of my district. need to get a quality education is vital. 12 Cabarrus Magazine n
to becoming a commissioner, I had the A: We must provide the capital opportunity to get an inside look into needs for our schools, provide all the world of economic development. mandated services and keep the county That experience taught me to be open government running smoothly, which to hear what is important to the needs obviously takes a significant amount of of companies that are considering funding. relocating to Cabarrus County. Then, Meeting these needs can make it Diane Honeycutt once we know that, evaluate the difficult to provide the desired needs. Party Affiliation: Republican | Incumbent impact this company could have on With the growth in the county, we are Q: What is the single our community and make the in need of parks, libraries and human biggest issue facing Cabarrus decision that is best for our services (in other geographic locations County? What is your plan to citizens and county. in the county), just to name a few. address that issue? So, absolutely, I am open A: It comes as no surprise to incentives where it makes Blake Kiger that managing the growth is a sense. When a tax incentive is Party Affiliation: Republican | Incumbent big challenge. granted, the company Q: What is the single As a commissioner, must pay its taxes biggest issue facing Cabarrus Diane Honeycutt finding the balance between prior to receiving County? What is your plan to providing services that our the incentive. So the address that issue? citizens want and deserve, providing county makes money from day A: Currently, Cabarrus mandated services, funding the capital one, knowing at the end of the County has 39 openings in needs of our two school systems and incentive we have 100 percent the public safety arena. This maintaining the capital needs of the taxes coming to the county. is a problem because, at its county while maintaining a low tax rate Since coming on board as a very core, government exists Blake Kiger is extremely difficult. commissioner in December to protect the rights of its We all know in our personal lives that of 2013, we have had 30 companies citizens. To live in a safe community is cost of living goes up every year, but for relocate to Cabarrus County, 3,700-plus of paramount importance. many taxpayers the expectation of the jobs as well as over $800 million in We are working on increasing pay, local government is that taxes should investment. improving the work environment and not go up. Of course, costs go up for the In addition, our citizens have access providing training sessions to improve county government also. On the other to quality jobs. With these jobs, our our competitiveness in a difficult hand, I have citizens tell me daily that citizens now have disposable income hiring environment. The legislature has we should raise our taxes so that we can to support their families as well as our provided more state personnel than our meet all of the county’s needs. local businesses. These companies, in courthouse will support. We currently many cases, prove to be good corporate have five judges and four courtrooms. Q: What is your stance on utilizing citizens, supporting local non-profits State law requires we provide the incentives to bring in companies to and contributing to meeting our building; therefore, the current this area or keep existing ones? community’s needs. board has hired an architect to begin A: Having served on the Cabarrus construction on a new courthouse. County Economic Development Q: What is something the county is Corporation Board of Directors prior not doing that it should be? Q: What is your stance on utilizing growth. Our water supply is under duress from overconsumption and pollution run-off. Therecently state government DECARLO performed Chez Francois Music Hall. hasatfailed in its duties and this places more responsibility on us, the folks who actually live here.
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incentives to bring in companies to plan, who knows because communities Amos McClorey this area or keep existing ones? within the county look the same way Party Affiliation: Democrat A: Our current board has they did 50 years ago. Q: What is the single dramatically improved the This county continues to have five biggest issue facing Cabarrus business climate in Cabarrus County? What is your plan to commissioners, just as it did in the County and, as a business 1790s when 5,000 was the population. address that issue? owner in Cabarrus County, Why not increase the commissioners to A: Cabarrus County’s I would like to continue this seven? single biggest issue won’t trend. subside, nor will it be fixed, In 2014, the Charlotte Jeffrey W. Phillips in the near future when Business Journal had a headline Party Affiliation: Democrat faced with increasing needs Amos McClorey that read, ‘Cabarrus County Q: What is the single for reinvestment is Closed for Business.’ This was due biggest issue facing Cabarrus in resources and services – specifically to the policies of the County? What is your plan to ranging from health and social previous board. By contrast, our address that issue? care, to education and fixing current policies have spurred economic A: It’s the growing pains infrastructure – when current growth and, since 2014, have led to 32 that Cabarrus County is sources of revenue are mainly companies, 3,700 new jobs and $800 experiencing at this moment. based on regressive taxation: million in new investment. Our highway infrastructure property tax, sales tax and user Jeffrey W. Phillips My goal is for us to continue to move fees. and our schools have not forward with a favorable business been able to keep up with the Not to mention, Cabarrus is climate. When we attract business, we growth in the last eight years. saturated with pockets of poverty-laden attract jobs that have higher wages than communities. Yet we see spending Being a former member of the Rowan our current county average. Higher Cabarrus Transportation Authority on building and parking places, wages also allow us to better provide Commission and a Harrisburg quickly changing Cabarrus to north important services that many citizens councilman for eight years, I have Charlotte. My plan when elected is to enjoy, such as parks and libraries. formed relationships with NCDOT rethink these sources of income and and town leaders, and I think I can take a serious look at where Cabarrus Q: What is something the county is cut through some of the red tape County’s needs are not being utilized not doing that it should be? with NCDOT to get roads developed, – on communities without timely A: I think Cabarrus County is doing bridges built, traffic lights installed. a good job of identifying programs that fire protection, communities without I helped build the bridge in police protection, neighborhood the local citizens want while balancing Harrisburg. I experienced eight years schools, etc. keeping the tax rate down in fairness of that. My first month of being a to all the property owners that pay the Q: What is your stance on utilizing councilperson, that’s when I found out lion’s share of the bills. incentives to bring in companies to they were going to expand the railroad The county is an administrative this area or keep existing ones? and close five roads. Growth is good, agent of the state legislature, so we are A: Company incentives are but we need to take a deep breath and given parameters in which to operate necessary to stay competitive for local just think a little bit about what we and services we are to provide. The government. I don’t know any specific need to improve and let our highways, county must then prioritize. There are incentives; however, I understand and infrastructure and schools catch up. areas that need attention, such as early agree with the incentives as long as childhood development. Q: What is your stance on utilizing they stay within reason. What makes Cabarrus County great incentives to bring in companies to Q: What is something the county is is that instead of just funding a new this area or keep existing ones? not doing that it should be? program, the leaders of the community A: I believe we need to just keep the A: Cabarrus County, in all its growth, work in collaboration to assess the existing ones and, possibly, temporarily continues to be a county that shies situation and try to determine the halt tax incentives and grants to large away from monitory leadership within best course of action. A new Early companies coming to Cabarrus. county government and appears to Childhood Development Task Force I truly believe the two-cent tax have no plans to change. was recently created with a broad increase that the county commissioners Left out of the ‘America Thrives Here’ spectrum of participants to help put on the residents this past year, and substandard housing – nothing provide leadership and solutions. they blamed it all on schools, which is is being done about that. If there is a true, but if Amazon and all these large
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companies would have paid their share of taxes, there would not have been a tax increase. If we’re going to halt the tax incentives to large companies, we can provide facade grants to large and small businesses so we can make their appearance more attractive within the county and we can draw smaller businesses and corporations to these buildings. A facade grant is for the front of these buildings…paint, new roof, new parking lots. We did that in Harrisburg and it worked nicely. It helped spruce up a lot of the older buildings on 49. Q: What is something the county is not doing that it should be? A: We need to better understand and patrol and prevent the opiate epidemic. Unfortunately, we’re number one in the state in opiate abuse, and we need to do a better job of preventing this and talking to residents and the drug companies that provide all this opiate medicine. Unfortunately, that’s a big item here in Cabarrus County. Another thing I worry about is mental health, not only here in Cabarrus County but nationwide. It’s one of those things that I don’t think we have a good understanding of…the impact of that. We need to work with our mental health folks.
Lynn Shue Party Affiliation: Republican | Incumbent Every effort was made to offer Mr. Shue an opportunity to participate in this issue. There was no reply to our requests.
Horace Stainback Party Affiliation: Democrat Q: What is the single biggest issue facing Cabarrus County? What is your plan to address that issue? A: Gentrification. Our county is having a population increase that is both large and sociologically diverse. How to value both the more
and less wealthy population will be a challenge for this area. Harrisburg had the first highly publicized test. I believe they failed that test. Extreme foresight for the future of Cabarrus will be key to this area’s success for all.
based organizations and special interest groups. Currently, at the sheriff’s office, we have outreach programs such as the Community Watch Program and our Community Police Division that provide for meetings to allow for Van Shaw Cabarrus County citizens to Q: What is your stance have their concerns heard. on utilizing incentives to bring Open communication and in companies to this area or keep transparency need to be occurring on existing ones? a daily basis, and not only when there A: I believe in very limited use of is a crisis in the community. Working incentives because taxpayer money is together and communicating effectively other people’s money. Any incentives will not only help to address the granted should have solid, monitored concerns of the community, but will requirements with penalties if also create better relations with law agreements are not kept. enforcement and provide for a safer Q: What is something the county is Cabarrus County. not doing that it should be? Q: What approach to law A: Education should be fully funded. enforcement separates you from your The detention operation should be opponent? fully funded so as not to rely on A: I started my law enforcement commercial funding and practices that career with the North Carolina State unfairly, financially penalize the family Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and members of detainees.
CABARRUS COUNTY SHERIFF Four-Year Term | Non-Partisan
Gary L. Rodgers Every effort was made to offer Mr. Rodgers an opportunity to participate in this issue. There was no reply to our requests.
Van Shaw Q: Law enforcement relations with communities across the county have been strained in recent years. How do you plan to address this within Cabarrus County? A: During the 31 years of my law enforcement career, I have engaged with a broad spectrum of community groups and their leadership. I will continue to reach out to our community and faith-
Horace Stainback
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worked my way through the ranks to become the deputy director. Since retiring from the SBI, I have worked at the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office; I currently serve as the chief deputy. These years of experience allow me to have an approach that not only focuses on the daily delivery of law enforcement services to our citizens, but also to have a vision for the future for the agency and the county. Q: What experiences do you have that make you the best qualified candidate for sheriff? A: My law enforcement career began in 1987 with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation as a special agent. I was assigned to Cabarrus County and have resided here since that initial assignment. I served in various positions that dealt with an array of law enforcement issues, including criminal and drug investigations, special operations, budgeting and finance, and administration. In 2015, I came to the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office and supervised the Criminal Investigation Division, Vice, Narcotics and Gang Enforcement, Crime Scene Investigation, Sex Offender Enforcement and the Warrant Service Section. My opponent is a detention supervisor with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. He is not certified as a law enforcement officer by the State of North Carolina and does not have arrest powers. This experience and certification is critical.
CABARRUS COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Four-Year Term | Non-Partisan
Laura Blackwell Q: There is an obvious need for more schools in Cabarrus County, but how do you justify $72 million for one high school, knowing we need several more?
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A: Unfortunately, $72 be productive members of million was just the initial bid. society by giving them a The final bid accepted was $77 free pass on homework and million. Problems with the soil grading? Are we doing our on the site have meant that we children a favor by teaching have had to take an additional them how to score on a $860,000 from the contingency standardized test rather than fund. We have now had to real-life problem-solving Laura Blackwell delay the opening to 2020. In skills? Have we lost sight of addition, there will be multiple their comprehension and work orders and other technology what education should be? expenses that will inevitably come Teachers need the freedom to teach along with West Cabarrus High School. and be dynamic in their classrooms We have had to finance approximately for the betterment of our students, not $59 million. provide process-driven instruction to Knowing that most of the other high fill in circles with a pencil on a state schools are either at or above capacity, exam. spending so much money on one high Q: Safety in our schools is a big school is completely unacceptable. concern. What would you propose Cox Mill was built in 2009 for $44 to make our schools safer from gun million. The information available violence? regarding price and square footage on A: After speaking with Van Shaw, we the Cabarrus County Schools’ website believe that Cabarrus County would of the new high school indicates that benefit on multiple levels from basing we are spending about $320 per square the number of SROs on the layout of foot on West Cabarrus – 54 percent the school and the number of children more than the average. that attend. Being on the school board means We do have a current School being a good steward of taxpayer Safety Task Force that I intend on dollars. participating in if elected to the school Q: What is the single biggest issue board. We would like to individually facing our students today and how assess each location with members would you address that issue? of the task force that include school A: The biggest issue facing the administration, sheriff’s department students is the curriculum. Parents that and school board members. Through I’ve spoken with are losing confidence this assessment, we would determine in the education that their children are how many SROs would adequately receiving in the public school system. serve that location. It is estimated that there are 1.69 School resource officers are also million students that are currently supposed to be a ‘resource’ to the homeschooled and, according to children and parents of that school. research, is set to increase an average of It is extremely difficult for one officer 4 percent every year. to be able to be an accessible resource As a parent of two children in when there are so many students at one the school system, I have firsthand location. knowledge of the struggle that is Our mission in Cabarrus County is ‘common core’ mathematics. Worse, to raise the bar. We need to be doing tangible textbooks have become that by not only providing one SRO per obsolete. Children with real books are location, but by what is most effective retaining much more information than and in the best interest of our students those with online sources only. and their safety. Are we preparing our children to
Richard L. Bovard
The school system has been using a 10-year long-term planning Q: There is an obvious time horizon; however, need for more schools in considering it can take several Cabarrus County, but how years from the initial decision do you justify $72 million to actual construction, I dollars for one high school, believe a longer planning knowing we need several period should be used, more? perhaps a 15-year plan. A: I also have a concern Finally, future new school about the level of costs for a Richard L. Bovard projects should incorporate $72-million new high school areas for the potential future facility, particularly when the school installation of modular/mobile units. system has projected $400 million of Cabarrus Schools’ experience has additional school construction needs been that there will be a need for such over the next 10 years. additions to accommodate growing The school system does not have enrollments that outpace our ability to taxing authority and relies on Cabarrus add new schools. County to provide the funding for construction costs. Accordingly, it Q: What is the single biggest issue is important for school and county facing our students today and how boards to have ongoing discussions would you address that issue? about the status of construction A: Students need to see a link projects. Projects should also be between how they perform in school designed with flexibility so costs can today and having opportunities to be be reduced in certain areas if budget successful in their adult lives. I believe overruns are experienced. there are two key steps to helping
students see how their education has a direct impact on their future success. First, we need to ensure that all students are receiving effective counseling and mentoring. Some students are receiving the support they need at home from their parents and other mentors. However, some students are not getting that same level of support at home and need additional guidance/advice as they try to navigate our education system. Second, we need to realize that approximately 70 percent of our students are not going to attend college. However, currently, Cabarrus Schools has only about 25 percent of its students participating in career/ technical education classes. We should seek to expand career- and vocationalrelated education opportunities to 50 percent or more of our students. This will help them get a better start in the workforce after high school graduation. Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose
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to make our schools safer from gun violence? A: On a system-wide basis, continued training should be provided to school administrators and staff on school violence prevention, threat assessment to detect potential risks and how to effectively respond to incidents. At the individual school level, periodic independent reviews should be conducted of security measures and emergency preparedness plans. Cabarrus County schools are fortunate to have school resource officers assigned to every school. However, we should continue to look for ways to strengthen our working relationships with local law enforcement. With respect to potential internal threats, teachers should receive continued training related to early identification of potential threats, including mental health concerns. Schools are most vulnerable at the beginning and end of the day when students are coming and going. We should consider obtaining additional resources from local law enforcement for these parts of the days. Finally, I do not support any mandatory requirements for staff at schools to be armed with firearms. Rather, all staff should be trained on how to more effectively work with the school resource officer. However, if a school staff member (for example, a former member of the military) has a voluntary interest in being armed while at school, then I would be supportive of that with certain conditions being met. School staff members who volunteer to be armed would need to be subjected to rigorous background checks, complete extensive training that would be developed in conjunction with our local law enforcement agencies, and local law enforcement needs to be informed of all such voluntarily armed individuals at our schools.
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Carolyn Carpenter
Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose to Incumbent make our schools safer from Q: There is an obvious gun violence? need for more schools in A: We are actually above the Cabarrus County, but how do curve in school systems; we you justify $72 million for have a safety officer assigned one high school, knowing we to all our schools. We need need several more? more SROs (safety resource A: I wasn’t happy, but we officers) in each middle and had the cost of steel being a Carolyn Carpenter high school. We can apply for real factor, the high cost of more grants to pay for that. construction and the cost of Every time a budget comes up, I talk timing…other construction going on about vestibules. We have them in at the same time. With new sites, we’ve our elementary schools. They give the had rain and soil drainage problems. people in the office the extra minute Knowing we need a lot more, we they need to check out who is coming might look into cloning schools. in. We need to finish putting vestibules Cloning is where we have built a into the middle schools and two school and we rebuild the same school (floorplan). We’d have to get legislation remaining high schools. We need to make sure all staff knows for that. We’ve done it before with what to do in the case of an event – not elementary schools. We could also just shootings, but fires, tornados. They look at trying to get COP (certificate of need to know the evacuation plan. participation) bonds or pay-as-you-go There are safety teams. We interview – get the lowest possible rates. principals and staff, asking them if they More than four years ago, I suggested practice their drills. We grade them on land banking. We are purchasing land it. One life is too many. I tell people to now; it’s cheaper to buy now. We’re trying to find a builder to build stay calm, know their surroundings and know their exits. and we lease it back from them…pay I have 182 hours of continuing them to build to our specs. We looked education so I will be equipped in at commercial property but it’s very doing my job better and will be able to expensive. So we’ve gone back to old help in these situations. Remember the sites, like Odell. We look at all options. six Cs: Carolyn Carpenter Cares about Q: What is the single biggest issue the Children of Cabarrus County. facing our students today and how would you address that issue? Cheryl Harris Curtis A: My biggest issue is making Q: There is an obvious sure our students are job-ready need for more schools when they go into the job in Cabarrus County, but market. We’ve already done how do you justify $72 some of this by adding million for one high school, our academies to all our high knowing we need several schools. The CTE (Career more? & Technical Education) A: On the local level, program offers internships Cheryl Harris Curtis funds for public elementary that we’re hoping to expand. and secondary schools Students can graduate and get a job usually come from property taxes. immediately. Thus, depending upon the wealth of I want to add more trades for a community, the budget for major individuals who won’t be going to school construction may be in excess college. RCCC has been a wonderful of the funding necessary to build, partner.
or, there could be a struggle to meet even minimum financial structural specifications that address community needs and desires. This is what is known in education as a funding gap. To mitigate funding gaps in communities where the monies from property taxes might not be as lofty as some areas within the same district, the communities and its members must work collaboratively to ensure that there are equitable means to finance major school construction projects – regardless of the zip code or the property values and taxes of a particular district’s residents. Q: What is the single biggest issue facing our students today and how would you address that issue? A: One of the single biggest issues is students being prepared to be viable citizens who live in a world where the jobs that they will need to perform to support society do not yet exist. Statistically, one of the single, greatest predictors of student success is the skillset of the teachers that are a part of that student’s educational career. Thus, professional development that affords teachers the supports and continued honing of their professionalism is necessary. As we become a more diverse community with needs that are forever changing, teachers that feel supported and who are allowed the growth to obtain the fortitude to provide students with a toolkit that includes higher level thinking skills, critical thinking skills, sticktoitiveness and the adaptability to meet the demands of whatever the future holds are a necessity. When teachers are better equipped to help our students, students will have the wherewithal to meet the challenges of a world unknown, but one in which they can thrive and prosper.
vigilance are the keys to thwarting world where gun safety is an issue. Our any destructiveness of those wanting preparedness will be the difference to harm our students. All school between having a safe school or having stakeholders, to include faculty, staff, schools victimized by violence. students, parents and community members, have to been trained in how Carol Hampton Gray to mitigate the potentiality of gun Every effort was made to offer Ms. violence happening in our schools. Gray an opportunity to participate in Additionally, we have to know what this issue. There was no reply to our to do should gun violence occur in our requests. schools. We all have to be hypervigilant in order to understand the signs that Holly Grimsley someone might want to do Q: There is an obvious harm to students or commit need for more schools in acts of violence on a school Cabarrus County, but how do campus. We all have to be you justify $72 million for aware of the steps we can take one high school, knowing we to make our environment safe need several more? and for all to feel protected. A: My first gut reaction is that The best way to prepare I don’t know if, as a school Holly Grimsley for gun violence is to make board candidate, we should sure that it never happens. be justifying that number. Thus, we have to be aware of what a But, at the end of the day, I know that soft target is and how we can prevent construction is definitely at an all-time our schools from being one. It is high. unfortunate that we now live in a At the same time, when I was on
Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose to make our schools safer from gun violence? A: Adequate training and hyper-
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the board, we had done construction standards. We did complete – from top to bottom – architectural profit, design profit, budget, how you select land... I’m a general contractor so I was a part of that. That was very important to me because, if that’s not your area of expertise, that’s one area that can get out of control very quickly. But then I found out they were not really using those construction standards when I came off the board in 2012. So I really want to see us reinstate those. I think that’ll put us back in line with the process of land selection and site development. I think there are a lot of areas in construction, especially in this new high school, that the construction standards would have benefitted. Q: What is the single biggest issue facing our students today and how would you address that issue? A: I think one of the most important, and it has been a problem for a long time, is this all-in social media/family factor. In today’s world – and I’m a working mom too and always have been – but the family unit works a little different. A lot of parents are headed to work and work a lot, and one of the worst things is that kids aren’t spending as much time as a family unit or not as much in the same capacity. So I would like to see more parents really chip in with their kids with the school system and to be more involved so there’s a good line of communication. I feel like every time we’ve heard one of these stories about shootings, it’s always been with kids with some type of disconnect from family. Home life is the real foundation of a child – how they react, how they respond, their behavior. We’ve got to get bullying under control. There’s got to be better enforcement, better reporting…I’m not sure exactly what the tell-all answer to that is, but I’m just thinking if we could get kids feeling better about school, get them to feel more involved. That’s why
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I’ve always supported athletic clubs, the boys & girls clubs. There’s a disconnect and that’s definitely one area I think we need to concentrate on. I think if we can make a connection with those kids in some manner that reaches them on their level, with whatever’s going on, we can really get some good answers. Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose to make our schools safer from gun violence? A: I really feel like it’s time that we start putting some metal detectors in place. I am not for teachers being armed with guns, for all the right reasons – even trained teachers. That’s a possible chaotic situation and things could go really bad, really fast. We have to keep the guns on the outside of that building. Once they’re in there, you have a very uncontrolled environment. You don’t know what you’d do until you’re presented with that situation. So my thought is this: It might take a little longer to get them checked in for school, we might have to change that process, the day might have to work a little different but, at the end of the day, keeping the guns on the outside of that building is our answer.
instructive for myself (if elected) and current school board members. What I would like to see is more thorough vetting of potential sites upon which we build new schools, and whatever company we contracted for this project should not be used going forward, as their apparent miscalculations have been costly. The problem with regards to the need for new schools is simple, though. There is not enough money in the treasury to meet the needs and, therefore, new money must come from somewhere. I favor working with what will hopefully be a new legislative delegation to get impact fees as a policy again. Short of that, we could look at a school bond; however, all projects – even in the proposal stage – must have a thorough review process. If elected, I will do everything to be sure that we, as a school board, do that and avoid debacles such as the problems with the West Cabarrus High School project.
Q: What is the single biggest issue facing our students today and how would you address that issue? A: The single biggest issue, from my vantage point, is ‘teaching to the test.’ It is my position that we need to rely less on End of Course testing – in Jeffrey King its state standardized form – and put Every effort was made to offer Mr. more power back into the local school King an opportunity to participate in and the individual classroom teacher. this issue. There was no reply to our The teacher knows the students best requests. and should be allowed to make the assessments. Darek Lamar McCullers With this type of system, there could Q: There is an obvious be standardized tests across need for more schools in the district at certain grade Cabarrus County, but how do levels to give the kind of you justify $72 million for aggregate data that is needed one high school, knowing we to steer educational policies need several more? and procedures. Giving the A: While it would not be teacher more flexibility to prudent to discontinue the control the classroom is the West Cabarrus High School Darek L. McCullers better way the ensure that ‘no project, the mistakes (in child is left behind,’ to use that my opinion) that were made can be program’s phraseology.
Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose to make our schools safer from gun violence? A: One of the best ways to ensure safety in the schools is to procure as much parental involvement with their own children as possible. If we are being honest, that’s where much of the problems originate. Since, however, children spend a large chunk of their day in school, by law we function ‘in loc parentis.’ As such, we must see that adequate protections are in place. Every school should have adequate equipment, such as shields in the administrative offices and doorstops in every classroom. While this is a funding issue, I certainly support taking a look at the feasibility of having one or two security officers in each school to supplement the school safety officers that are already present, thus allowing a more coordinated and efficient response to crisis emanating from both outside and inside the school environments.
when building a school, and especially a high school. Land cost in Cabarrus County is soaring and the state mandates construction standards with classroom sizes and number of students. A high school requires more land for all athletic activities and events. If the local school board was able to be more flexible, then I am sure it would be more cost-effective to build new schools. It is a beautiful building and I know the community will also enjoy using the facilities
made available to help our students become successful in preparation for their future goals. We’ve got to meet children’s needs. Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose to make our schools safer from gun violence? A: All parents and school staff want to know their children are safe at all times. As a retired counselor from Cabarrus County Schools, with 35 years of experience, I know every school has a crisis management team that works closely with our school resource officers. We need the funding for more resource officers and mental health positions to help in training staff, students and community in dealing with crisis situations. We need to be sure we are having enough drills in the schools for staff and students to feel prepared for any crisis. A child must feel safe before learning can take place.
Q: What is the single biggest issue facing our students today and how would you address that issue? A: Students deserve a quality education in a safe environment. We have so many children with different learning styles and individual needs to be met. Teaching is a hard job with long hours, and our teachers need to be treated as professionals so we can retain qualified teachers. Sometimes Hunter Moore teachers do not have the Q: There is an obvious necessary staff and services need for more schools in Catherine Bonds Moore needed to meet all Cabarrus County, but how do Q: There is an obvious the challenges in the you justify $72 million for need for more schools in classroom. one high school, knowing we Cabarrus County, but how do Every child is need several more? you justify $72 million for unique, with different A: I’m not sure I can justify one high school, knowing we abilities, and we spending $72 million on need several more? Hunter Moore need to make sure one school with the needs A: I know there have been we are meeting that we have, but I certainly some unforeseen issues that their social, emotional and wouldn’t say that the project is full have come about with the new Catherine B. Moore academic needs. We need to of waste. I view the school’s purpose high school. There are a lot of make sure appropriate resources are in two ways. One is to address new state guidelines that must be followed
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growth in the county, the other is to alleviate overcrowding that is currently impacting schools in the area. This will be a large school with options for more class space when time demands such space. My only substantial concern is the obstacles faced with the site itself that increased cost. It seems that some of the issues, such as the bad rocky soil, should have been noticed before we even decided on the property. To me, it shows that we as a system need to improve on doing our due diligence before purchasing a property. I would also note that I believe we should always be looking at the designs of our schools to find ways to utilize space more efficiently, which would save on cost.
testing; we should not add to that burden for the sake of our students. Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose to make our schools safer from gun violence? A: When it comes to preventing a student from becoming a shooter, the teachers and school resource officers (SROs) I have talked to all seem to agree that increasing funding for counselors and social workers would be beneficial. We currently have social workers stretched between two or three schools where they are limited on the time they can spend or the impact they can make. We need to make sure we have the people in place to identify students that need help, and that are qualified to help those students. Without that we will continue to have students fall through the cracks and encounter problems we could have avoided. In the event of a shooter being from outside of the school, I believe having an SRO is a great first step; however, I will not profess to be an expert. I would focus on working with our law enforcement community to discuss options that they as professionals feel will be beneficial, even if that would mean we need to take a new look at the way we design schools. I would not, however, try to force a narrative or idea without actually listening and learning from those who know much more on the topic than I do. The one commitment I can make is that I do NOT support arming our teachers.
Q: What is the single biggest issue facing our students today and how would you address that issue? A: I believe the biggest issue facing our students today is that they are being taken advantage of and being used as numbers, not recognized as individuals. Instead of focusing on students’ needs and development, the focus tends to be on testing. It is time we focus on students as the individuals they are by expanding on our program choice options like STEM, IB and the academics we have at our high schools. Offering a wide array of programs allows students to choose what works for them and interests them. As a result, we have more engaged and equipped students who are overall happier and more successful in school and after graduation. I would try to get the board to take Vince Powell another look at the MasteryConnect Incumbent program. In multiple Q: There is an obvious discussions with teachers need for more schools in they have indicated that Cabarrus County, but how do this program is not good you justify $72 million for for students because it one high school, knowing we requires more testing and need several more? less instructional time. The A: I cannot justify spending state and federal government what is being spent and I Vince Powell already mandate enough don’t agree with what we’re
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spending on high schools when we need so many schools. We don’t need to spend so much on amenities. We have a growing population of mobile units and that’s fine, but it has a big impact on the students’ playing environment. Each time we build a high school, we try to match it to schools we’ve already built. A lot of those schools have later been upfit with fundraisers. We don’t all of a sudden need to start with all those amenities. Northwest Cabarrus doesn’t have a track and their field house is very undersized. Q: What is the single biggest issue facing our students today and how would you address that issue? A: I would say it’s school choice (open enrollment). Students have so many options and choices. Sometimes that can be a struggle if you don’t want to go to your home school. Our students want for nothing. We have wonderful teachers, we have technology. There’s such a complex sort of plan, but all kinds of options. Even transportation is provided in some cases. Q: Safety in our schools is a big concern. What would you propose to make our schools safer from gun violence? A: We have SROs (student resource officers) in every building now. There should not be no-SRO accesses/exits. We need an armed officer on every campus, period. If we can’t do that, then we need to talk about options, whether it’s an off-duty police officer. We have grant money to put SROs in place.
Scott Irving Wagner Every effort was made to offer Mr. Wagner an opportunity to participate in this issue. There was no reply to our requests.
N.C. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE – SEAT 2 Four-Year Term | Non-Partisan
Juanita Boger-Allen
of the law is the reasoning behind why the law was enacted and what it was trying to achieve. As a judge, when ruling on a case, I will carefully consider the facts of the case and the letter of the law when rendering a decision and, when necessary, I will take the additional step and look at the spirit of the law.
fact that you’re not always going to like the conclusions you reach. If you like them all the time, you’re probably doing something wrong.’ Q: Do you lean more towards the “spirit of the law” or the “letter of the law?” A: The law should be interpreted according to its plain language – not a hyper-technical interpretation, but an interpretation that comports with common sense and the ordinary usage of the words used by the legislature. To look beyond the plain language of the law exposes its interpretation to the preferences and biases of the individual.
Q: What do you do when the law on the books conflicts with your personal beliefs? Q: Most judges claim to A: Sometimes when be “tough, but fair.” How do deciding the meaning of a you define that term and how statute/law and its application would you exemplify it? to a case, a judge is required to A: I believe that most reach a result with which he/ Juanita Boger-Allen people believe that being she does not personally agree. tough means to be mean. I However, it should make no difference disagree. I would define being tough as Q: Most judges claim to be “tough, what a judge’s personal views are. a judge as being able to make difficult but fair.” How do you define that Judges are charged to interpret the laws decisions with strength and grace. I term and how would you exemplify and to protect the constitutional rights would define being fair as a judge as it? of all citizens. Judges take an oath to being just in your rulings and treating A: The notion of ‘tough, but fair’ support the laws regardless of his/her people equally, without favoritism or implies that a judge should provide all personal beliefs. discrimination. parties with the due process guaranteed Everyone is entitled to a neutral judge Based on my definition, I would say by the Constitution and with a full and who has no predisposition to the facts that I am tough and fair. fair opportunity to be heard, but that of a case or the law. Each day, when the judge should also strictly enforce judges put on that black robe, it should James DeMay the law without any leniency be as though they are retaking their Q: What do you do or exception. oath of office, which is to fulfill their when the law on the books As judge, I will treat all constitutional duties and to support conflicts with your personal parties and attorneys with the laws as they are written and not as beliefs? respect and courtesy, will how they might wish they were written. A: A judge should fairly give full and thoughtful The job of writing and amending apply the law as it is written, consideration to all the the law belongs exclusively to the even if that application is in evidence and arguments legislature. As for amendments to our conflict with the judge’s own presented before me, and will state constitution, I, as a judge, get to James DeMay personal beliefs. To quote firmly and strictly apply the express my personal view alongside Justice Scalia, ‘To be a good law without any favor or bias. other registered voters at the ballot box judge, you must resign yourself to the and not on the bench. Q: Do you lean more towards the “spirit of the law” or the “letter of the law?” A: In general, I lean towards the letter of the law. However, after practicing law for nearly 20 years, I have learned that the letter of the law can be and is often interpreted differently for various reasons. In cases when the interpretation of the letter of the law is at issue, I believe that a judge should look at the spirit of the law. The spirit
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Michael Knox
and factors, if the situation warrants it, then the maximum sentence or consequence should be applied. Alternatively, in cases where lenience is warranted, that too should be given. Tough, but fair means taking all the facts and circumstances into account and then making a decision without fear of Michael Knox reprisal or disapproval.
Q: What do you do when the law on the books conflicts with your personal beliefs? A: The laws on the books are the law. It is not the job of a judge to interpret or reinterpret a law of this state in order to bring it in line with his/her personal beliefs. Personal beliefs are just that: personal. Every private citizen is free to have these personal beliefs and opinions, as is a judge in private life. However, a judge cannot and should not be allowed to force those beliefs onto others using the power of the office. That being said, if a law were to be in conflict with my personal beliefs, as a judge I would be sworn to uphold the law and Constitution and would rule accordingly.
Q: Do you lean more towards the “spirit of the law” or the “letter of the law?” A: I believe that the spirit of the law is always embodied in the letter of the law and you do not have to be entirely one or the other. In cases where there is inherent discretion in a judge’s ability to apply the law, I will do so with sincere consideration and appreciation for the unique people and circumstances of each case. Q: Most judges claim to be “tough, but fair.” How do you define that term and how would you exemplify it? A: Tough, but fair means different things to different people. Many think it means always giving the maximum allowed sentence in a criminal case. That is an easy way out for a judge. Tough, but fair also has application in civil cases. Each person and each situation comes with a unique set of facts and factors, which should always be considered fully and objectively, and the judgment or sentence rendered should always take these things into account. After considering those facts
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the statutes, applicable federal court decisions and state court decisions, a judge has a wide body of information to lean on when interpreting statutes and applying them. In addition, there is either a burden of proof or a burden of particularity that a judge can apply to every situation in determining which way to balance the facts and the law. The legislature’s intention should not be a large factor for a judge to use when interpreting or applying the law.
Q: Most judges claim to be “tough, but fair.” How do you define that N.C. DISTRICT COURT term and how would you exemplify it? JUDGE – SEAT 3 A: I believe that tough, but fair is an Four-Year Term | Non-Partisan appropriate motto for a judge. While Darrin Gamradt people are entitled to second Q: What do you do when chances, repeat offenders and the law on the books conflicts habitual offenders should be with your personal beliefs? treated appropriately. A: While it is important As a judge I would use the to recognize that we are all discretion afforded to the human and our personal office to show lenience and beliefs can play a role in how mercy when appropriate, and we operate, the ‘law on the show fortitude and toughness books’ is controlling. A judge’s Darrin Gamradt when necessary so as to job is to enforce the law that protect the community. the legislature has passed, consistent In a civil setting tough, but fair with the Constitution of the United also applies, as some parties require States, the North Carolina Constitution a firm hand in recognizing the truly and the North Carolina General important issues in their cases, and Statutes. assistance in preserving as much of a The law allows judge’s discretion in family unit as possible for the benefit certain areas, but not in others. Where of the family and children. the law allows discretion, I intend on being a fair and impartial judge, giving Steven Grossman full opportunity to the parties to Q: What do you do be heard and enforcing the law when the law on the books justly. conflicts with your personal Q: Do you lean more beliefs? towards the “spirit of the law” A: A judge must follow the or the “letter of the law?” law. All people have different A: I believe that a judge’s beliefs, but the law is the role is to enforce the law as it foundation of an ordered is written, and as higher courts society. Personal beliefs Steven Grossman have interpreted and applied must not conflict with the it. In areas where there is ambiguity in application of the law in cases. the law, there is a process for a judge to A good judge must apply the law determine how to apply the law. equally, fairly and justly to all cases, no Starting with the Constitution, matter who is involved. To do so, one’s
personal beliefs must give way to the application of the law. Q: Do you lean more towards the “spirit of the law” or the “letter of the law?” A: A good judge should follow the letter of the law and I would certainly do that. In a criminal case, one could apply the spirit of the law to sentencing, perhaps. For example, in a larceny case, one would not likely sentence the same way for the person who steals a loaf of bread to feed his children the same way one would sentence someone who steals electronics to play games. That is more the spirit of the law and what it was intended to control. One still shouldn’t steal, of course, but there is built into the sentencing authority some level of compassion for circumstances. The law must be applied equally to all, but the facts of each particular case must be considered as it applies to that person. More complicated are those domestic or family law cases where a judge has to follow the law as to how to decide the future of a family in turmoil. The law sets out the rules but the judge has to also apply the facts to that particular situation to do what is best to resolve those differences.
campaign. The most important part of a judge’s job is to follow the law. Many times that leads to ‘tough’ sentences. Each case must be decided on its own merits and the facts of that particular case. All judges are tough when needed, such as in a criminal case where one has multiple prior offenses. Their sentencing would likely be different than a first offender unless the case is particularly harsh. In family law cases, which make up a large part of the district courts, fairness is much
more important than being tough, in that toughness or being harsh is not particularly a part of that aspect of the law. n
The Cabarrus County Board of Elections is located at 369 Church Street N., in Concord, providing information about voter registration, precinct polling places, absentee voting, etc.
Q: Most judges claim to be “tough, but fair.” How do you define that term and how would you exemplify it? A: I’m not sure ‘tough, but fair’ is not just a political label used in a
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Sponsored by Chez Francois
Breaking Bread Foie Gras Francois Bouali was born into two cultures that are drenched in French cuisine: Tunisia on his father’s side and France on his mother’s side. Now an authentic French chef, Bouali makes his own bread, pastry, classic French dishes, and even his own cheese – selections that are offered at Chez Francois.
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INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons brown sugar 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1.5 pounds foie gras (duck liver) 4-5 plums (seeded and thickly sliced) DIRECTIONS Heat saute pan over medium heat. Add butter and brown sugar and heat until caramelized. Add balsamic vinegar and plums. Cook until slightly thick. Reserve. Heat pan over high heat, slice foie gras into 1/4-inch slices, and season with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook for 1 1/2 minutes on each side. When cooked, place on a paper towel to drain. Place plums on plates and top with foie gras. Drizzle caramel around plate and serve.Bon appetit!
Medicare: How Hard Can It Really Be? The 1970 No. 1 hit song by the Jackson 5 joyfully proclaims, A-B-C! Easy as 1-2-3. Medicare has parts called A, B, C, and even D, but no one would ever claim that it is as easy as 1-2-3. In fact, some trying to figure it out have found themselves loudly proclaiming, “This A-B-C is not as easy for me!” For this reason, I offer three steps toward making Medicare a little bit easier! 1. Not all people fit the same mold: Each person’s Medicare plan is chosen to suit his or her individual needs. Just because your friend is on a plan does not mean that it should also be your own plan. 2. Plans change annually: Each year, Part D (drug) plans and Medicare Advantage plans change. This is why it is so important to review your plan between October 15 and December 7 and choose your plan for the following year. Many people find that they save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars just by changing plans. 3. There may be less expensive options for your medications: Physicians want you to take your medications to improve your health status. If you stop taking yours because of cost, your health status continues to decline. This is not a win-win situation for you or your doctor. With a simple medication review by your pharmacist, he or she can recommend possible alternatives to the expensive medications to discuss with your doctor. If there are no alternatives, there may be patient assistance programs that can assist with the cost of the medications. Check with your local pharmacist for more information about this.
Medicare may never be as easy as 1-2-3; however, with a team of professionals that cares about your future in Medicare, the A-B-Cs, and
By Jackie King
Sponsored by Cannon Pharmacy
even the Ds, may fall into place nicely! If you have any specific questions about this, you may contact Jackie King at 704-933-6337, ext. 3008. n
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OCTOBER SELF-GUIDED HISTORIC WALKING TOUR Daily Downtown Concord • Take a step back in time with the touch of a button when you download the Concord Downtown NC App to your Bluetooth-enabled device. • More than 50 historic sites; follow along at your leisure. • 704-784-4208; concorddowntown.com EXHIBIT: IN THE OPEN AIR Through October 19 The Galleries 65 Union Street S., Concord • A group invitational featuring artists who work en plein air. Taking their painting process out of the studio and into nature, artists examine their subject through ever-changing light and weather. • info@cabarrusartscouncil.org A VET TOGETHER October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • 9:00-11:00am Carm’s Cafe 42 Union Street S., Concord • Join Cabarrus Veterans Coalition for free coffee and conversation. • 704-960-4394 OPEN STUDIOS AT CABARRUS ART GUILD October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • 10:30am-4:00pm Cabarrus Art Guild 11 Union Street S., Suite 202, Concord • A fun-filled day with other artists. Bring whatever medium you’re working with and enjoy the collaboration. • Bring a lunch or order from one of the many fine downtown restaurants. • 704-795-1901; cabarrusartguild.com BAGS IN THE BURG October 6 • 11:00am • Free Harrisburg Town Center 4100 Main Street, Harrisburg • Each fall, Harrisburg Parks & Recreation partners with Harrisburg Business Network (HBN) for a friendly, community-wide cornhole competition, raising funds for a different local charity. • 704-455-0724; smarble@harrisburgnc.org
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HEALTHY SIDES COOKING CLASS October 6 • 10:00-11:30am • $10 October 10 • 6:00-7:30pm • $10 Cabarrus Health Alliance 300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis • Learn about healthy, delicious side dish recipes that include grains, rice, quinoa and vegetables. • Classes are open to all adults and children ages five and older. • To register or for more information: 704-920-1324; mark.allison@cabarrushealth.org PIEDMONT FARMERS MARKET October 6, 13, 20, 27 • 8:00am 518 Winecoff School Road, Concord • Open year-round. Fresh local produce, honey, free-range eggs, antibiotic and hormone-free beef, chicken and pork. • 704-425-5559; piedmont-farmersmarket.com THE CABARRUS QUILTERS GUILD October 8 • Doors open 6:00pm Forest Hill United Methodist Church 265 Union Street N., Concord • Meet & Greet/refreshments: 6:15-6:45pm • Featuring Gail Toliver • October 9 Workshop with Gail Toliver: Intro to Paper Piecing • cabarrusquiltersguild.org VETERANS BREAKFAST October 8 • 9:00am Mt. Pleasant Senior Center 8615 Park Drive, Mt. Pleasant • All military veterans/spouses invited • Sponsored by Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks, What-A-Burger #13, BrightStar Care and the BBB • Join us for breakfast, speakers and fellowship every month! • Call 704-920-3484 to RSVP. ADVANCE DIRECTIVE WORKSHOP October 11 • 5:00-7:00pm • Free Kannapolis Library 850 Mountain Street, Kannapolis • Review and complete your N.C. healthcare power of attorney and living will forms • Have your advance directive forms notarized free of charge • Learn what to do with your completed advance directive • CarolinasHealthCare.org/ YourCareYourChoice
NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS October 12-14 • 3:00pm • $20+ zMax Dragway 6570 Bruton Smith Boulevard, Concord • The fourth race of the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship. • Every ticket is a pit pass, giving fans access to the drivers and crews. • 704-455-3200; charlottemotorspeedway.com SHRINE CIRCUS October 12 • 7:30pm October 13 • 2:00; 7:30pm • $15 & Under Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 N.C. Highway 49, Concord • The Jordan World Circus is presented by local Shrine Centers and Clubs • cabarrusarena.com 2ND SATURDAY OPEN STUDIOS AT CLEARWATER ARTIST STUDIOS October 13 • 10:00am-4:00pm 223 Crowell Drive N.W., Concord • Several art studios on premises will be open with resident artists present to talk to, watch work, etc. • 704-784-9535; clearwaterartists.com FAMILY DAY AT CABARRUS ARTS COUNCIL October 13 • 1:00-4:00pm • Free The Galleries 65 Union Street S., Concord • Create your own art at our Creation Stations throughout The Galleries. • 704-920-2753; cabarrusartscouncil.org HARRISBURG ART WALK October 13 • Free Harrisburg Town Center 4100 Main Street, Harrisburg • More than 100 art vendors: paintings, pottery, metal work, jewelry, handmade bath soaps and lotions, bags, apparel and more! Food trucks on-site. • 704-455-0724; smarble@harrisburgnc.org KANNAPOLIS CRUISE-IN October 13 • 1:00-7:00pm • Free N.C. Research Campus, Kannapolis • This family-fun event brings out thousands of show cars and spectators. • 704-932-3808; cabarrusevents.org
MURDER MYSTERY MASQUERADE BALL October 13 • 6:00-11:00pm • $50 Cougar Run Winery 363 Church Street N., Concord • The Murder Mystery Company presents Midnight at the Masquerade. • Dinner from 2 Gals Kitchen; DJ Marty Medlin; silent auction; 50/50 raffle; cork pull • Wines and beer by fixed price donation. Masquerade attire strongly encouraged. Limited seating; no tickets at the door; nonrefundable. • 704-788-2746; cougarrunwinery.com ROCKIN’ THE BURG CONCERT SERIES October 13 • 5:00-9:00pm • Free Harrisburg Park 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg • Food trucks and live music featuring Jeremy Mohr, Trial By Fire • Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Leashed pets are welcome. No smoking; no alcohol permitted; no alcohol sold. • 704-455-7275; harrisburgnc.org RUN KANNAPOLIS - DUKE DASH & HEALTHFEST October 13 • 9:00am Downtown Kannapolis • Fun and healthy activities like line dancing, Zumba, yoga and face painting • Come early to cheer on the 5K runners as they cross the finish line in front of the Core Laboratory Building at 150 Research Campus Drive. • runkannapolis.com SOUL STREET DANCE COMPANY October 13 • 4:00-5:00pm • $5/$10 The Galleries 65 Union Street S., Concord • Take a fun, funky, fresh journey through the world of hip-hop. With original poetry and music, the floor is cleverly used as a canvas. • DJ spinning and crowd participation mixed with wit and humor – a must-see show for all ages • 704-920-2753 10TH ANNUAL N.C. MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY October 18 • 7:00-10:00pm • $45-$90 Gem Theatre 111 West 1st Street, Kannapolis • Commemorating the musical legacy of North Carolina’s greatest music makers. • Visit 2018induction.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets. Select number of tickets, then choose seats using the seating chart. • 704-932-5126; eventbrite.com
38TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MADE IN THE SOUTH October 19-21 • $7 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 N.C. Highway 49, Concord • Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food and diverse entertainment. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival. • 704-920-3976; madeinthesouthshows.com GOODGUYS SOUTHEASTERN NATIONALS October 19 • 8:00am-6:00pm • $20 and under (spectators) Charlotte Motor Speedway 5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord • Hundreds of retail hard part dealers; model and pedal car display • Goodguys Autocross, Kids Zone, live entertainment, competitions, awards program • 800-455-2367; good-guys.com SAMMY MILLER & THE CONGREGATION CONCERT October 19 • 8:00 pm • $35 Davis Theatre 65 Union Street N., Concord • Led by Grammy-nominated drummer Sammy Miller; on a mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring art back to the people. Joyful jazz – music that feels good. • 704-920-2753; cabarrusartscouncil.org FALL FESTIVAL October 20 • 3:00pm Village Park 700 W. C Street, Kannapolis • Come dressed in your costumes and enjoy games, treats, crafts and more! After sunset, join us under the stars for the feature film – Scooby Doo. • kannapolisnc.gov CONCORD LATIN FESTIVAL October 21 • 12:00-8:00pm • Free Barber Scotia College 145 Cabarrus Avenue W., Concord • A celebration of Latin American culture: live music, kids’ activities, arts & crafts and Latin American cuisine • All funds raised will be used to support El Puente Hispano’s mission, especially tutoring and ESL programs. • 704-493-2525; info@elpuentehispanonc.org
DRIVEN WORLD SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP October 25-27 • 3:00pm • $35 & under The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway 5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord • A three-day event putting eight divisions on center stage in pursuit of a purse in excess of $110,000 • charlottemotorspeedway.com HALLOWEEN MASQUERADE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER October 26 • 6:30pm • $60 Chez Francois Music Hall 9 Union Street N., Suite 200, Concord • Presented by The Murder Mystery Co.; includes dinner and entertainment • Reservations required; limited seating • 980-439-6602; chezfrancoismusichall.com TRICK OR TREAT IN THE PARK October 26 • 5:30-9:00pm Harrisburg Park 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg • Hundreds of costumed trick-or-treaters gather for costume contests, games, inflatables, trick-or-treating with local merchants and more • $3 per child for All You Can Play (cash only) • 704-455-0724; smarble@harrisburgnc.org SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY October 27 • All Day Historic Downtown Concord • Make a purchase at any participating business and enter into a drawing for $100 in Downtown Concord Dollars to be spent in participating businesses. • 704-784-4208; concorddowntown.com MURDER MYSTERY SCAVENGER HUNT October 30 • 4:00-8:00pm • $25 Downtown Concord • A murder has occurred at Red Hill Brewing and participants must uncover the clues hidden in downtown businesses in order to solve the mystery! Tickets include two drink tickets and the materials needed to solve the mystery. Pre-registration required! • concorddowntown.com CANDY CRAWL October 31 • 3:00-5:00pm Downtown Concord • Local merchants provide trickor-treating and family-friendly entertainment on Union Street in downtown Concord. • 704-784-4208
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At a Glance Churches New Hope Worship Center 452 Brookwood Avenue N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-786-0155 www.newhopewc.org
Pharmacies Page 13
Cleaning Services – Office Blue-J Serving Cabarrus County and Greater Charlotte Metro 704-589-3148 www.bluejcleaning.com
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Chez Francois Music Hall Page 32 9 Union Street N., Suite 200 Concord, NC 28025 980-439-6602 www.chezfrancoismusichall.com
Events and Festivals Page 11
Funeral Homes Wilkinson Funeral Home Page 23 100 Branchview Drive N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3168 www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com
Healthcare Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center Page 31 8110 Healthcare Loop Mint Hill, NC 28215 704-316-2310 www.NovantHealth.org/minthill
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Print & Technology Services Page 27
1706 S. Cannon Boulevard Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-6337
WTIX 98.3FM/1410AM 704-633-0621 www.memories983.com
1402 N. Cannon Boulevard Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-7948 www.cannonpharmacies.com
Political Candidates Laura Blackwell for Cabarrus County Board of Education Page 3 laurablackwell4schoolboard@gmail.com
Jim DeMay for District Court Judge www.demayforjudge.com Richard Hudson for Congress www.richardhudson.org
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Restaurants
Michael A. Anderson Photography Page 25 38 Union Street S. Concord, NC 28025 704-701-5908 mike@michael-a-anderson.com www.michael-a-anderson.com
Juanita Boger-Allen for District Court Judge 980-292-2726 www.juanitabogerallen.com
Modern Impressions Page 9 5029 West W.T. Harris Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28269 800-840-2554 www.modernimpressions.com
Radio Stations
Photographers
Event Venues
Carolina Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace 16445 Poplar Tent Road Huntersville, NC 28078 704-896-5555 www.renfestinfo.com
Cannon Pharmacy 760 Cabarrus Avenue W. Concord, NC 28027 704-788-6337
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Linda Johnson for N.C. House Page 2 www.facebook.com/Linda4NCHouse Amos McClorey for Cabarrus County Commission Page 15 www.mcclorey4commissioner.com
Chez Francois The Creperie Page 26 9 Union Street N. Concord, NC 28025 980-439-6602 www.chezfrancoisthecreperie.com El Vallarta Bar & Grill Page 11 1480 Concord Parkway N., Suite 305 Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2020 www.ElVallartaNC.com
Theatres – Live Old Courthouse Theatre 49 Spring Street N.W. Concord, NC 28025 704-788-2405 www.octconcord.com
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