Local Republicans hold open house at new county headquarters
Published 12:00 am Sunday, June 14, 2020
Members of the Republican Party gather Saturday at the new headquarters at 612 W. Innes St.. SHAVONNE POTTS/SALISBURY POST
Sen. Carl Ford, Rep. Ted Budd and Rowan Republican Party Chairman Don Vick talk during the grand opening of the Rowan Republican Party headquarters. SHAVONNE POTTS/SALISBURY POST
Nancy Vick, wife of Don Vick, the former chairman of the Rowan Republican Party, places balloons on signs outside the new headquarters in 2020. SHAVONNE POTTS/SALISBURY POST
By Shavonne Potts
shavonne.potts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — It was the first day in the new “home” for the Rowan County Republican Party as a group gathered at the new West Innes Street headquarters.
Chairman Don Vick said the building, located at 612 W. Innes St. in the space formerly occupied by Advanced Home Care, is by far the organization’s best location. He said it’s centrally located with lots of space that can also be used for meeting space and will facilitate office space for state Sen. Carl Ford and state Rep. Harry Warren, both of whom face challenges in the general election from Democrats. Mayor Pro Tem Al Heggins is challenging Warren. Political newcomer Tarsha Ellis is challenging Ford.
Lisa Cline brought her 8-year-old Augustus to the grand opening.
“I love it. I think this is a positive thing,” Cline said.
She and Augustus visited the “boutique” store that featured yard signs, banners, face masks and other items.
U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, who spoke with a few of those gathered, said the building was a well-designed location and a good use of funds. In addition, it’s a great way to be visible and show people how involved the Republican Party is, he said.
“This is a great representation of Rowan County,” Budd said. “It’s a great sign of our engagement in preparation for November.”
Also in attendance was Josh Dobson, who is running for N.C. commissioner of labor. Dobson, a McDowell County native, is currently serving as a legislator in the state House.
Dobson counted it an honor to be at the headquarters and was excited about the turnout and the presence of Budd.
The first unofficial event in the space will be June 21 for a “MAGA meet-up” to celebrate President Donald Trump’s birthday. It will be a small gathering in order to adhere to social distancing and attendance restrictions, said Ed Andrade, the field organizer for the NCGOP and Trump Victory Campaign in Rowan County.
“It’s a great location,” said Vincent Spillman, chairman of the Young Republicans Group.
He said it’s in a very visible location.
