Angela Dreher, Gastonia City Council Ward 4 candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 4, 2025, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Angela Teresa Dreher
Age: 60
Campaign website or social media page: www.angeladreher.com
Occupation: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center.
Education: Licensed Clinical Social Work Master of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Charlotte Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Belmont Abbey College (Minor Business Computer Science) Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Gaston College
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held):
No, however, I have chaired political campaigns and currently serve on the Gastonia Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Gaston County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Gastonia Alumnae Chapter, Member Democratic Women of Gaston County, Member Diversified Business Association, Member NAACP, Member Past Board Member, Family Promise All American City Representative 2010 Chairperson, Gastonia Mayor’s Taskforce on Homelessness 2002-2005 Coordinator, Gaston Lincoln Cleveland Continuum of Care 2003-2005
What are the most important issues facing Gastonia today, and how would you address them? Homelessness & Lack of Affordable Housing – I would encourage collaboration between the government, local businesses, places of worship, etc. to develop various housing/shelter options. Commercial/Economic Development – Support soliciting business growth in downtown Gastonia and Gaston County to increase our sales revenue and to make Gastonia more attractive to tourist and new residents. Public Safety - early recruitment all high school, scholarships for education, an incentive for retention.
Controversy arose earlier this year after residents, a council member and the mayor declared a cooling station set up for homeless residents and others without adequate heating and cooling as unacceptable. What entity should take the lead on protecting Gastonia’s most vulnerable during extreme heat or cold, and how can city and county leaders, and partner organizations, better work together? Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland Continuum of CARE should be expanded to include both City and County Government representatives, local businesses including banks and local hospital, citizens (housed and unhoused), places of worship and agencies already providing homeless services, substance abuse and mental health providers to develop a comprehensive plan that includes development of shelters, tiny homes, shared living, a local room in the inn program for winter shelter and supportive services.
How should Gastonia address the growing need for affordable housing in the area? Gastonia needs more housing options that serve residents at all income levels. I will work to strengthen collaboration between the City of Gastonia, Gaston County, local businesses, hospitals, places of worship, and nonprofits to expand shelter options and long-term housing solutions. I will also advocate for new housing developments to include units dedicated to low- and moderate-income families, ensuring that all residents have a safe and stable place to call home.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
I have experience in government service, accounting, social work, nonprofit leadership, and education. I am also the founder of As One Ministries, which served more than 6,000 individuals in need through food, housing and shelter programs. My service has been recognized with honors including the Gastonia Citizen of the Year and the MLK Jr. Unity Award. With this experience and lifelong commitment to Gastonia, I am prepared to represent Ward 4 with integrity, accountability and heart.
