Jobs are top issue for Davidson candidates

Economic development key, incumbents and newcomers say

By: By Michael Hewlett | JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: October 21, 2008

LEXINGTON

The four candidates running for seats on the Davidson County Board of Commissioners say that bringing jobs into Davidson County is one of their top issues.

That should not be a surprise in a county that has seen thousands of jobs disappear over the past few years.

Between 2000 and 2007, the county lost about 5,000 furniture jobs. Now Stanley Furniture Inc. is closing its only remaining Lexington plant, eliminating 350 jobs.

Rosa Terry, the only Democrat in the race, and Cathy Dunn, a restaurant owner, are new to Davidson County politics.

They face two incumbents -- Larry Potts, the chairman of the board, and Fred McClure.

Terry said she wants to bring some much-needed diversity to the board.

"When our county government starts to look like Davidson County, we have a better chance of recruiting businesses to our area and much-needed jobs to our residents," said Terry, who is black. "Davidson County is more than just seven white males. We are females, males, young and old."

Dunn, who owns two Biscuit King restaurants, said that her business experience is a plus.

Both said that the biggest priority is economic development.

"We're the 10th or 11th largest county in the state and we have the opportunity to grow," Dunn said.

As commissioner, Dunn said, she would push to have a 25-year strategic plan that looks at such infrastructure needs as water and sewer.

"Industry will not locate here without a reason to locate here," she said. "We need to provide a reason."

Terry, a judicial assistant in Davidson District Court who ran unsuccessfully for Davidson County Clerk of Court in 1998, said that the county should do more to emphasize what makes Davidson a good place for business.

"We have major thoroughfares such as (Interstate) 85," she said. "We're close to metropolitan cities. We have the buildings and the land that can accommodate new businesses and expanding businesses."

Terry also said she would work closely with the Davidson County Board of Education to improve education, but she did not offer any specifics.

Dunn also said she wants to improve education, especially helping to reduce the number of students who drop out.

She said she would also ensure that spending is under control. She said she did not have any specific ideas because she has not had a chance to study the budget closely.

"Our county is a very sound, strong county," she said. "We're in very good shape compared to so many counties."

Both McClure and Potts said they are running for re-election so they can continue to work on such issues as economic development.

McClure said he wants to make sure that the county stays fiscally conservative.

"We have a situation in this county where the impact of the taxes is 97th in the state," he said. "We're real proud of that."

Potts agreed.

"We've been fortunate to have fiscal conservatives on the board," he said. "The county is in good financial condition."

One issue that McClure is concerned about is replacing the aging bridge that carries I-85 over the Yadkin River.

Local officials want the bridge to be replaced, but they object to a proposal by the N.C. Turnpike Authority to use a toll road to pay for it.

Potts said he is most proud of the four schools that the county has built since he has been on the board, and he wants to see some other capital school projects completed, including the new Southmont Elementary School being built now.

■ Michael Hewlett can be reached at 727-7326 or at mhewlett@wsjournal.com.

Davidson board of commissioners

Rosa Terry, Democrat

■ Age: 53.

■ Lives in: Lexington.

■ Job: Judicial assistant, Davidson District Court.

■ Political/civic experience: Ran unsuccessfully for Davidson County Clerk of Court in 1998.

■ Top priority if elected: Economic development.

Cathy Dunn, Republican

■ Age: 59.

■ Lives in: Lexington.

■ Job: Owner of two Biscuit King restaurants in Lexington.

■ Political/civic experience: Served as chairwoman and executive board member of the Workforce Development Board, led effort to incorporate Southmont, first time running for public office.

■ Top priority if elected: Economic development.