2024 voter guide: Research candidates on Cabarrus County primary ballots

Cabarrus County voters will head to the polls starting Feb. 15 for North Carolina’s primary elections, with federal, state and local positions on the ballot.

In addition to top-of-the ballot races such as president and governor, voters will pick their political parties’ nominees in races for school board, the state legislature and Congress.

In North Carolina, registered Democrats can vote only in Democratic primaries and registered Republicans in Republican primaries. Unaffiliated voters can choose to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary, but they may only vote in one party’s primary race.

Early primary voting begins Feb. 15, and Election Day is March 5.

Check your registration, see your sample ballot and find where to vote at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup.

In preparation for the election, The Charlotte Observer sent surveys to candidates asking questions about their backgrounds and platforms. They have been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.

North Carolina Congressional Districts

N.C. 6th Congressional District

Voters can choose one of six Republican candidates on the ballot. Republicans Bo Hines, Mark Walker, Jay Wagner and Addison McDowell didn’t respond to this survey.

R. Christian Castelli

District: 06

Political party: Republican

Age as of March 5, 2024: 53

Campaign website: castellifornc.com

Current occupation: Retired

Professional experience: U.S. Army Officer, small business owner,

Education: B.A. Government, St. Johns University; MPA, Harvard University

What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement?: NC-06, 2022 Republican Nominee. Senior Military Advisor to Office of the Secretary of Defense. Command Inspector General, United States Army Special Forces Command.

What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? Securing the southern border, which is a national security and economic threat to the nation. We need comprehensive border policy review including budgets for US Border Patrol, funding for completion of the border wall, reinstatement of Remain in Mexico and Title 42. We should also revisit legacy temporary worker programs such as the Bacerro program.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? My disagreement with our party is all of the talk and little of the action to solve the challenges facing our nation, including spending, border security and projecting American strength, for examples.

What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Environmental Social and Governance.

Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? Absolutely not. Just like you have a credit limit on your credit cards that doesn’t automatically increase commensurate with your spending, the US Government cannot be allowed to have an unlimited spending capacity.

What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? The Dobbs case was finally, rightly decided by SCOTUS. I believe life begins at conception, and I look forward to the day when abortion becomes unthinkable.

What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? In addition to adequately funding Border Patrol and finishing the wall, I support ending chain migration, eliminating the visa lottery, and opposing amnesty entirely.

What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? The news media needs to stop promoting anti-law enforcement movements like “defund the police.” This is the dumbest slogan in history. We must support our law enforcement always to keep American families and communities safe.

Mary Ann Contogiannis

District: 6

Political party: Republican

Age as of March 5, 2024: 65

Campaign website: DrMaryAnnForCongress.com

Current occupation: Plastic surgeon

Professional experience: I have been practicing plastic surgery and providing medical service to this 6th District for 25 years. I have served in leadership positions in multiple medical organizations and have the expertise and experience to fix Medicare and our health care system. Throughout my career I have been involved in advocacy and legislative visits in Raleigh and Washington, D.C., and I am ready to sit on the other side of the desk to get results done in Congress. I am a small businesswoman and understand economics.

Education: Grimsley High School; Duke University (Undergraduate); East Carolina University (Medical School); East Carolina University (General Surgery residency); Univ. of Missouri-Kansas City (Plastic Surgery residency)

What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? Throughout my career I have been elected to the Board of Trustees/Directors of several medical, church and civic organizations. I have been providing medical services to this 6th district for 25 years.

What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? Compromised national & personal security due to a wide open southern border, the Fentanyl crisis deaths and human & sex trafficking that has reached NC as a result of poor immigration control by Pres. Biden. It will be a priority to close the southern border & re-establish our normal immigration policies/laws. Increased inflation with out of control federal spending-I will work to balance the budget, cut wasteful spending, reinstate fossil fuel policies & address supply chain disruption.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? No.

What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? The establishment and maintenance of the Department of Education, diverting funds to a poorly planned “Green Agenda”, the Inflation/Reduction Act and excessive use of government airplanes and overall travel expenses for members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to go on trips that have a minimum of official meetings and a lot of vacation time.

Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? No.

What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? I agree with the Supreme Court’s decision that this is an issue that should be handled on the State level instead of the National level.

What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? Closing the border immediately & processing all asylum claims as quickly as possible. Deporting immigrants who have entered illegally as they have broken our country’s immigration policies/laws. Reinstate the “Stay in Mexico” policy to process asylum claims in Mexico. Return to enforcing the immigration policies and laws that have already been established and allow proper vetting of Immigrant applications the “right way” which is how my parents immigrated from Greece.

What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? Unfortunately most people who have participated in mass shootings likely have mental health issues that have been ignored or not addressed properly-we need better mental health services in general for everyone. Violent crime needs to be prosecuted and punished properly to serve as a deterrent to not repeat their criminal acts- our current system in many large cities is too liberal and does not promote appropriate deterrents/punishment to the criminal so they will not repeat their violent crimes.

N.C. 8th Congressional District

Voters can choose one of six candidates in the Republican primary for the 8th District. There is only one Democrat running. Allan Baucom, John Bradford and Don Brown have not responded to the questionnaire.

Mark Harris

District: 08

Political party: Republican

Age as of March 5, 2024: 57

Campaign website: MarkHarrisforCongress.org

Current occupation: Pastor

Professional experience: I’ve held multiple pastoral roles across NC and Georgia. Most recently I was the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Charlotte before my current role as Senior Pastor at Trinity Baptist in Mooresville. Elected President of the North Carolina Baptist Convention from 2011-2013.

Education: Appalachian State University (BA), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, DMin)

What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement?: 2016 and 2018 9th Congressional District, 2014 US Senate

What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? We need to act swiftly to secure our southern border. As of November, 119,000 immigrants are here in Charlotte awaiting their hearing. We have to stop tinkering with small changes on immigration reform and finally get serious about border security. Close the border and enforce the laws we have on the books.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? None.

What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? Our national debt must be addressed. We should eliminate Dept of Energy, Dept of Education and Dept of Commerce and send those tax dollars back to the states.

Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? I do not support automatically raising the debt ceiling. At a time when most Americans are struggling to balance their home budgets, we must get serious in Washington and balance our budget.

What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision has handed the issue of abortion to the states. I support Senator Graham’s Protecting Pain-Capable Unborn Children from Late-Term Abortions Act.

What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? President Trump made 472 administrative changes to the US immigration system that were rolled back by the Biden Administration. Since Biden took office a record 7.2 million illegal immigrants have crossed our border -- and that includes 1.4 million “gotaways” that vanished into our country. We must first secure the border and enforce laws that are on the books.

What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? Progressive district attorneys are failing to pursue criminals. I support laws that allow state attorney general’s office shared authority to pursue criminals where a DA fails to act.

Chris Maples

District: 8

Political party: Republican

Age as of March 5, 2024: 53

Campaign website: MaplesForCongress.com

Current occupation: Entrepreneur; Director of External Affairs, UNC Pembroke (on leave of absence for campaign)

Professional experience: U.S. Navy Veteran; Former District Director for Congressman Dan Bishop and Congressman Richard Hudson; Public School Teacher; Legislative Liaison

Education: Bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2002 and 2010, respectively.

What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? U.S. Navy Veteran; Former District Director for Congressman Dan Bishop and Congressman Richard Hudson.

What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? Immigration and the lack of border security. I will vote to reinstate “Remain in Mexico” policy and end the “Catch and Release” policies of the Biden Administration. I will designate drug cartels as “International Terrorist Organizations,” and begin construction to complete the border wall.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I disagree that the U.S. should devise a quota system for determining who can immigrate to the U.S. I will encourage everyone to return to immigration policy inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. “Give of tired, your poor, your downtrodden, yearning to breathe free.” Some of America’s greatest accomplishments were done by the descendants of poor immigrants wishing to better their lives and the lives of their children.

What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? This list is too extensive to put into words. But I would begin by reducing funding and eventually eliminate agencies like the Department of Education. Education is a local issue and the federal government should stay out of it.

Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? No! The U.S. should adopt a balanced budget amendment and end deficit spending immediately.

What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? The Tenth Amendment requires all issues not iterated in the Constitution should be left to the states. Abortion is exactly this type of issue and should be addressed by state legislators. I would support NO legislation granting or extending rights to abortion.

What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? Reinstate “Remain in Mexico,” end “Catch and Release,” declare all drug cartels as “International Terrorist Organizations,” and complete the construction of the wall along the southern border.

What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? End “Gun Free Zones,” allow teachers to be trained and armed in the classrooms, and encourage gun safety training in high schools.

Leigh Brown

District: 8

Political party: Republican

Age as of March 5, 2024: 49

Campaign website: www.leighbrownforcongress.com

Current occupation: Broker/Owner - Community One Real Estate® and motivational speaker

Professional experience: Small Business owner, real estate broker, author, and public speaker

Education: BSBA Business Administration and Management - UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement?: I ran for NC House in 2014 and for US Congress in 2019. I served as VP for the National Association of Realtors in 2021 and was state president of the North Carolina Realtors in 2023. I’ve been appointed to the NC Housing Finance Agency board by Senate Pro Tem Berger since 2018.

What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? The open border crisis. The economic burden of what the elites have decided to spend on illegal aliens is MORE than what is being spent on our own veterans. In addition, we have a fentanyl crisis, with this drug coming over the border from foreign adversaries. We have a human trafficking crisis, with women and children being sold into modern-day slavery through the cartels. The border must be closed immediately, any illegal must be deported and we must enforce the laws on the books.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I disagree on the level of spending that is being approved in DC-and it has happened under both Republicans and Democrats. I would not vote yes on every continuing resolution or on foreign wars. I would speak for my constituents who should be the top priority of their own government. Our elected officials are saying yes to avoid tough decisions. In that vein, I’ll also press for term limits to stop the perpetual re-election cycle that keeps good officials from speaking painful truths.

What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? Let’s start with over $100B in spending for Ukraine with zero accountability and then look at the open funding of so many other foreign entities. We should not be funding illegal aliens’ lifestyles when they cross into this country-cash payments, free cell phones, free housing, free medical care, free schooling, free meals…yet the US citizens are being destroyed by inflation. This must stop. We’re in a financial storm and that means we are past due time to grow up and deal with it.

Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? No. Spending should be cut and the Fed needs to be audited. We have far too many federal employees and the government is a consumer of resources, not a producer. Return the resources to those who produce, and we’ll all benefit.

What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? I support life.

What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? End chain migration, end the anchor baby problem. Fully fund the border wall and empower our border agents to enforce existing law. Add more judges to process those who are legally following the process and can enhance our country.

What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? End the power of big pharma in DC. The root cause of many crimes is likely associated with the mass usage of SSRI medications -- a fact which has not been acknowledged and must be for the sake of our future. Any violent crime should, of course, be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Our safety crisis will not end until we put victims ahead of criminals.

North Carolina House of Representatives

N.C. House District 73 (GOP)

Voters can choose one of two Republicans on the ballot. There is no Democratic primary. The GOP nominee will face incumbent Diamond Staton-Williams in November.

Holly Edwards

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024:

59

Campaign website or social media page: VoteHollyEdwards.com

Occupation: General contractor

Education

RCCC, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Have you run for elected office before?

Served 12 years on the Cabarrus County Board of Education

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Cabarrus County Education Foundation, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Rotary

What are, in your view, the most important issues facing House District 73, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?

Economic development is like a bloodline for our communities and our state. We must continue to create and grow good-paying jobs, recruit new businesses, and strengthen our small businesses. Continuing to invest in our workforce is a key component to helping families, our local communities, and our state continue to thrive and be successful.

Every child deserves a quality education, and laws and policies should not be pushed down from the federal level. Education is over 50% of our state’s budget, and these decisions should be made at the state and local levels with parent involvement. Also, we must increase teacher pay at the state level in order for us to continue to recruit quality educators for our classrooms. I would like to see the teacher evaluations and certified staff versus non-certified staff formulas re-formulated.

Healthcare in North Carolina has made strides in the past several years, but affordable healthcare must continue to be a focus and priority. Affordable insurance that provides quality healthcare is an investment North Carolina must see as a return on the investment in our workforce and our families. I would like to see, on the state level, greater mandates on maximums for costs of services, out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles for insurance companies.

Local leaders are considering asking the legislature for assistance in addressing crime, particularly youth crime and recidivism. What can, and what should, the legislature do on public safety?

The “Raise the Age” law needs to be re-evaluated to address the rise in youth crime. Toughening the laws of release and increasing sentences for repeat offenders due to the rise in reconvictions.

What separates you from your opponent(s)?

I have 25 years of experience as a small business owner, making payroll and supporting jobs. I also have 12 years of experience as an elected official in our county, working with local business and community leaders and state legislators in many areas, including education, infrastructure, and workforce development.

I also have 30-plus years of community service in Cabarrus County.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?

Not at this time

What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?

As board chair of the Cabarrus County Board of Education, I created the Task Force, comprised of community and business leaders, educators, and board members who worked together in a cooperative effort and created the plan that got our children back in school after the COVID-19 shut down.

Jonathan Almond

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024

38

Campaign website or social media page*

jonathanalmond.com

Occupation

Controller

Education

BSBA in Finance and BSBA in Accounting from UNC Charlotte

Have you run for elected office before?

No

What are your highlights of civic involvement?

Audit Chair for CCGOP, church safety team member, youth soccer coach, and electioneered for candidates in the 2022 and 2023 elections.

What are, in your view, the most important issues facing House District 73, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?

The government continually wastes and mismanages our money. Then they ask for more and more. If you or I mismanaged our money as poorly as the government, no one would give us more or bail us out because we failed. I have an accounting and finance background that I will use to find wasteful spending. We must stop wasting the people’s money.

Local leaders are considering asking the legislature for assistance in addressing crime, particularly youth crime and recidivism. What can, and what should, the legislature do on public safety?

Keeping our communities safe is important. We need to make sure local law enforcement is fully funded. We need to stop letting repeat offenders out without bail.

What separates you from your opponent(s)?

As school board chair, my opponent voted to mask kids. During that same time period, I was fighting for parental choice on masks.

I will do the will of the people. I feel my opponent will, in her own words, “Take marching orders from Raleigh.”

Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?

No.

What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?

I held the controller position of a restaurant management group that operated 11 locations during the uncertain times of COVID. Worked with operations to navigate 40-year high inflation food cost and labor shortages after COVID.

N.C. House District 82 (GOP)

Voters can choose one of the two Republican candidates on the ballot. There is no Democratic primary.

Rep. Kevin Crutchfield

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 64

Party affiliation: Republican

Campaign website or social media page: VoteKevinCrutchfield.com

Occupation: CFO/ Founder - CASCO Signs

Education: College - UNC-Charlotte Alumni

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

NC House District 83 (now district 82) 2023-2025

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Freshman Majority Leader Founder and co-chair of the House Small Business Caucus Conferee for HB 259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. NC Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Jobs Champion. U.S. Term Limits’ Term Limits Champion Award. NC Sheriff’s Association 2023 Defender of Public Safety. NC Federation of Young Republicans 2023 Legislator of the Year.

What are, in your view, the most important issues facing your district, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?

Small business support, healthcare costs, protecting the unborn, protecting women in sports. Small government, constitutional rights of the people, fighting against human trafficking.

Legislation such as the Parent’s Bill of Rights have made headlines in North Carolina and beyond. Should topics such as Critical Race Theory and gender identity be taught or discussed in schools? Why or why not?

No, the complexities of those topics involve parental choice in how they want to raise their

children. The classroom is not the proper venue for such discussion, especially when parents are not involved.

Can legislators of different parties find agreement and pass bipartisan legislation on major social issues such as crime, gun violence, health care, education and sexuality and gender topics? Why or why not?

100% yes. No one in the legislature gets anything done by themselves. It takes collaboration in the House and Senate to move forward

Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?

There are members of my party who refuse to work across the aisle and do not think we should ever engage our democratic colleagues in any discussion. I do not subscribe to this idea, as I believe that there are numerous policies where we can find common ground.

What separates you from your opponent(s) and makes you the best candidate on the ballot?

I have raised a successful family, my 3 boys, and 9 beautiful grandchildren. I have 4 successful businesses, that I and my wife, began with nothing and today employ over 45 members of the community which allows me to serve in Raleigh. I know what it means to serve in office - it is not about standing alone for radical ideas or ego. It is about working together to do what is best for your constituents and the people of NC. I believe in service above self - not self about all others.

Brian Echevarria

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 46

Party affiliation: Republican

Campaign website or social media page: familyisourstory.com

Occupation: Financial Advisor

Education: Some College

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

State House

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

I am involved with my church and previously Chair of the Cabarrus County Republican Party.

What are, in your view, the most important issues facing your district, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?

Our website is full of great information on important issues our community faces. Familyisourstory.com

Legislation such as the Parent’s Bill of Rights have made headlines in North Carolina and beyond. Should topics such as Critical Race Theory and gender identity be taught or discussed in schools? Why or why not?

No. It is inappropriate for grades K-12.

Can legislators of different parties find agreement and pass bipartisan legislation on major social issues such as crime, gun violence, health care, education and sexuality and gender topics? Why or why not?

Yes. A little commonsense puts most people on the same side of important issues.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?

Some have been leaning towards gambling, casinos in family-oriented communities, and legalizing marijuana. I disagree.

What separates you from your opponent(s) and makes you the best candidate on the ballot?

I’m running because of what we ALL want life to be like in years to come. Our education system should be top ten in the nation. We want to walk safely down the street with our loved ones, our children and teachers to be secure at school. We want to keep more of the money we earn instead of being crushed by inflation and giving 10% of our personal income to state and local governments. While officials play political games, pop smoke, and fight AGAINST you, I’m answering the call to fight FOR you.

N.C. House District 83 (GOP)

Voters can choose one of the two Republican candidates on the ballot. There is no Democratic primary.

Grant Campbell

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 53

Party affiliation: Republican

Campaign website or social media page: campbellfornc.com

Occupation: Physician

Education

B.S. and M.D. from UNC-CH

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

No

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Combat veteran. Vice chair of the NC State Board of Community Colleges. Board Member of The Independence Fund and the UNC General Alumni Association.

What are, in your view, the most important issues facing your district, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?

Economy: Explore ways to lower taxes and fees levied by the government, expand educational options for high-demand vocations. Health care: Expand healthcare options for rural area, add more incentives for physicians to practice in rural areas, limit healthcare conglomerates and insurance companies encroachment on physician autonomy. Crime: Expand resources for law enforcement and demand prosecutors pursue accountability for criminals.

Legislation such as the Parent’s Bill of Rights have made headlines in North Carolina and beyond. Should topics such as Critical Race Theory and gender identity be taught or discussed in schools? Why or why not?

They should not. CRT has been expanded to promote judgement of others primarily based on skin color and promotes the falsehood that meritocracy is a racist concept. Gender identity is not under the umbrella for teaching of children and should be left to conversations between adults and healthcare professionals.

Can legislators of different parties find agreement and pass bipartisan legislation on major social issues such as crime, gun violence, health care, education and sexuality and gender topics? Why or why not?

I think they certainly can. Compromise has been inhibited by vitriolic over-generalization of the opposing viewpoint by both sides.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?

I support the NC Republican Party platform.

What separates you from your opponent(s) and makes you the best candidate on the ballot?

I bring the skillset of a physician and combat veteran to the legislature which is two very under-represented viewpoints currently. I have a long record of a results-based approach and ability to bring opposing sides together to work on common ground.

Cabarrus County commissioner (GOP)

Voters can choose two of the six Republican candidates on the ballot. Republicans Laura Blackwell Lindsey, Brent Plott and Larry G. Pittman did not respond to the Observer’s survey. There is no Democratic primary.

Ray Helms

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 66

Campaign website or social media page: rayhelms.com

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Self employed contractor

Education: Public schools

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Have participated in habitat for humanity projects in Charlotte in the past

What are the three most important issues in Cabarrus County today?

School safety

Park safety

Taxes

Cabarrus County has been the beneficiary of rapid population and business growth. What’s your view about how it’s changed the area for the better or worse?

Growth with proper planning always has a positive impact, but our growth has been with improper planning and has a negative impact on the infrastructure, water and sewer, school system, and our roads (Traffic)

What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Cabarrus residents and visitors?

Better planning and communication with the municipalities, school officials, and Sheriff’s department within the county making sure that we can provide the needed services

What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?

I am not political or indebted to any group or organization I have funded my campaign and not asked for or received any donations. I have been a resident of this county for over 49 years and for the last 2 years I have researched and viewed 13 years of county commission videos to learn from past to present issues that we have and are facing so I can be better informed and prepared to make decisions for the people and businesses of the county

Jack Lambert

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 23

Campaign website or social media page: Website: https://www.lambertforcabarrus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jacklambertforcommissioner

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Business Owner

Education: I am a proud graduate of Central Cabarrus High School and I hold a bachelor’s degree in the administration of justice from Catawba College.

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held):

I ran for Concord City Council in the previous municipal election.

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Current:

Board of Directors of the Historic Cabarrus Association.

Board of Directors Cabarrus Area Crime Stoppers.

Previous:

Vice Chairman - Cabarrus County Republican Party (2021-2023)

Board member - Cabarrus County Republican Party (2019-2023)

Executive Board member - North Carolina Republican Party (2021-2023)

Volunteer, member, or patron

Full Circle Rotary Club -Charter member

Residents of Historic Concord

Operation Decisive Victory

Cooperative Christian Ministries.

What are the three most important issues in Cabarrus County today?

1) Continued Economic Development - I will strongly support economic development.

2) Residential Growth - We must offset the strain residential growth has put on our infrastructure. We must attract well-paying commercial investment, to alleviate the tax burden off existing residents and provide more services.

3) The Opioid Crisis - I will advocate for more drug drop-off days, the increased availability of Narcan to the public, and more positive policing interactions across the county.

Cabarrus County has been the beneficiary of rapid population and business growth. What’s your view about how it’s changed the area for the better or worse?

As a lifelong Cabarrus County resident, I can attest to the fact that our county has changed dramatically over the years. This is in both positive and negative ways. On a positive note, it is now possible for folks who live here to also be able to hold a well-paying job without having to travel out of the county. On a negative note, residential growth has put a strain on our infrastructure, such as schools, water and sewer capacity, and public resources.

What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Cabarrus residents and visitors?

Residents - Hire and retain the best staff possible. Maintaining great staff who put people first is paramount to making sure our government is serving the people and meeting our resident’s needs.

Visitors - Continue the work of the Cabarrus Visitors Bureau. The CVB maintains strong relationships with local hospitality and entertainment venues. It also works seamlessly with other governmental organizations at every level to make Cabarrus a destination location.

What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?

My business experience sets me apart. I am a partner at my family-owned industrial metal recycling company. Making me the only person in the race who has experience in the heavy industrial side of business. I am also the only second-chance employer in the race. Which gives me insight into struggles at every level of the socio-economic spectrum. We service all levels of customers, from individuals, to large national corporations. All while maintaining a family-run, people-oriented environment.

Steve Morris

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 69

Campaign website or social media page: stevemorrisforcommissioner.com

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: consultant/ former business owner

Education: BA in Business Administration UNCC

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

Have run for Cabarrus Commissioner successfully 3 previous times

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

The Academic Learning Center, Cabarrus Partnership for Children, the Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County, the Cabarrus Library System Trustees, the Cabarrus Transportation Advisory Board, The Cabarrus Mental Health Task Force. Rotary Club of Cabarrus County.Trustee of Rowan Cabarrus Community College since 2013. Board of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners co-chaired the statewide task force on broadband expansion, Connecting Counties.

What are the three most important issues in Cabarrus County today?

1-Growing our tax base and providing quality job opportunities that do not require our citizens to commute outside of Cabarrus County.

2-Addressing the issues of capital construction for schools and our rapidly expanding student population.

3-Providing resources for behavioral and mental health needs in the county

Cabarrus County has been the beneficiary of rapid population and business growth. What’s your view about how it’s changed the area for the better or worse?

I have been a chief advocate leading the effort to bring 71 companies to Cabarrus County since 2012 with over 7,000 new jobs created and over $3.5 billion in investment added to the tax base in this community. Growth creates challenges but given the choice between being one of the many counties in N.C. that are experiencing population loss and closing schools I will choose Cabarrus Counties thriving and growing economy.

What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Cabarrus residents and visitors?

Continue the emphasis on transparency, collaboration, communication and providing our citizens with opportunities to participate in the governmental process.

What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?

I have the experience, passion and enthusiasm to continue to make Cabarrus County a better place to work, live and play. I have no personal agenda to advance like many of my opponents. I place emphasis on solutions rather than problems. I believe that my record of public service stands on its own and I hope to have the opportunity to continue.

Cabarrus County Board of Education (GOP)

There are six Republican candidates running for four spots on the Cabarrus County Board of Education. Voters can pick up to four in the primary. There is no Democratic primary. Catherine Bonds Moore, Melanie Freeman and Amanda Wortman didn’t respond to the Observer’s survey.

Bubba Hartsell

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024:

39

Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Bubba Hartsell for Cabarrus County School Board

Occupation: Real estate broker

Education

Northwest Cabarrus High School. Rowan Cabarrus Community College

Have you run for elected office before?

Kannapolis City Council

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

I currently serve on the school improvement at Shady Brook Elementary. I coached wrestling and football in Cabarrus County Schools for 12 years. I am an active member of the Cabarrus County Young Republicans. Our group took home a community service award in 2023.

What are the most important issues in Cabarrus County Schools today, and how would you address them?

We need 100% transparency from all of our school leadership. We have to ensure proper spending and planning while considering the importance of our communities and neighborhoods. Cabarrus County Schools currently has over 200 vacant positions, most of which are support staff positions. We must appreciate our teachers and staff and find a way to pay them more.

What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the school board?

We have to give the students, teachers, and staff the support they need to do their jobs effectively. Proper leadership from administrators and parent support is a huge. We have to involve parents and our communities to ensure we are teaching our students skills that will be helpful in life.

What’s your opinion on school book bans or decisions to limit the audience for particular titles? And how would you approach the problem if a parent brought a book to your attention?

We have to make sure that no inappropriate books are allowed in our schools. If a parent were to contact me with a concern, I would diligently contact our school leadership and have it checked out and reviewed by the board.

What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?

I am the only candidate that is currently teaching in a classroom. I have worked in elementary, middle, and high school. I have served on my current school’s leadership team for three years. I also served on a community engagement team for Cabarrus County Schools.

Greg Mills

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024

51

Campaign website or social media page:

gregmills.com

Occupation: Marketing director

Education

Central Cabarrus High School

Have you run for elected office before?

I ran for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in 2022

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Church youth group leader

Church deacon

Cabarrus Arts Council, volunteer

W.M. Irvin School Improvement Team

Cabarrus County Republican Party Volunteer

Concord 101 (course offered to Concord citizens)

Public Safety 101 (course offered to Concord citizens)

Concord United Committee member

What are the most important issues in Cabarrus County Schools today, and how would you address them?

Repair the relationship between parents and schools. Address parent concerns quickly, include them in the problem-solving process, and give them more opportunities to be involved in their children’s education.

Teacher recruitment and retention. Build a regional reputation as a district that hears and supports its teachers.

Spending. We will need new schools to address population growth. We can provide excellent learning environments while cutting some amenities and aesthetic features.

What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the school board?

If we can refine the mission of schools to the fundamentals that equip students to be responsible citizens and succeed in the workplace, then we will be better able to support teachers in achieving those goals. I will push back against state mandates and programs that intrude on classroom instruction time.

We should recognize that the students with the most growth potential are those with special needs. I will be a strong advocate for EC teachers like my wife.

What’s your opinion on school book bans or decisions to limit the audience for particular titles? And how would you approach the problem if a parent brought a book to your attention?

Students should not have access to sexually explicit/pornographic material in schools. Citizens with sincere concerns about a book are frustrated by a review process that may pass through multiple committees. It’s no surprise that they decide to skip all that and make their concerns known in school board meetings. I’d ask principals to proactively review books outside of the formal process before they become viral news stories.

What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?

You won’t find another candidate more invested in the success of our schools. My wife and I both graduated from Cabarrus County Central. Both of our daughters graduated from Mount Pleasant. My wife is a middle school teacher. My youngest daughter is currently studying to be a teacher. I was an arts education major myself. I have served in our schools as a substitute teacher. I’m well-positioned to advocate for changes that will make a difference in our classrooms and get better outcomes for our students.

Robert (Rob) Walter

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024

54

Campaign website or social media page

www.voterobwalter.org

Education

BS in business management from the University of Central Florida

Have you run for elected office before?

Yes. Elected to the Cabarrus County Board of Education in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

I’ve been serving on the Cabarrus County School Board since 2012. Former youth basketball coach. Leadership Cabarrus Alumni, Carolina Aviation Professionals Association Board member. Former Board member of the Cabarrus Education Foundation. Involved in numerous community service projects for my church.

What are the most important issues in Cabarrus County Schools today, and how would you address them?

Student achievement and engagement are our most important issues.

Growth in our county is a big challenge as we have more students coming each year that we can fund and build schools.

Staffing is another very important issue, attracting quality candidates for vacancies, and focusing on retaining the great teachers and staff we currently have.

Always, school safety is a top priority.

What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the school board?

Student achievement and engagement are always at the top of my list. We need students to be prepared to be successful adults when they graduate. In Cabarrus County, we are blessed with great teachers and administrators who take the school improvement planning process seriously. We have a Strategic Plan to keep everyone aligned to our most important goals. We have outstanding school choice programs in arts, aviation, computers, health sciences, manufacturing, and hospitality.

What’s your opinion on school book bans or decisions to limit the audience for particular titles? And how would you approach the problem if a parent brought a book to your attention?

Schools need to look at materials in the library and what is presented to students in the classrooms with educational value priority. There needs to be an accurate inventory of all materials available to students. If parents have concerns, we have developed policies for those materials to be promptly evaluated and actions taken as appropriate.

Many of these issues involve book companies promoting materials that are clearly not educational to our mission.

What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?

I’m the only incumbent running in the primary with experience (11 years and having served in the Chair and Vice Chair positions). I’m family-focused, respectful, and transparent, solicit and listen to stakeholder input, and vote for what I believe is best for students and our school system. I have a consistent track record, do my homework, ask questions, visit schools, and consider it a blessing to be able to serve as a board member. We are a better school system today than we were when I began.

This story was originally published February 13, 2024 at 6:00 AM.