Candidates for local and state offices along with representatives of the N.C. Hispanic-American Caucus spoke at the March Democratic Breakfast on Saturday.

Joanne Chesley is running for the District 83 seat in the N.C. House of Representatives. Chesley emphasized two issues — education and women’s reproductive rights. For both, she said she is guided by her faith and used Biblical references as illustrations. Chesley is a retired educator with experience in K-12 and college.

For education, she spoke about the fact that N.C. ranks 43 in teachers’ salaries and 49 in per-pupil expenditures in our nation. She said that the state used to rank much higher when public education was a priority for the legislature, but now it seems legislators favor private schools as $500 million is slated for them this year. Over 50% of Rowan County public schools are designated as underperforming with more students per class, fewer teachers and lower supplements. Chesley said she believes that all children should have an excellent education. 

Chesley said since God gave free will to all, each woman has the power to choose the best possible path forward for herself. Using the Biblical story of the woman who had sinned and was brought before Jesus, Chesley said “morality should not be legislated.” She also advocated for protecting voting rights and access.

Shameka Jackson is seeking one of two open seats on the Rowan County Commission with the campaign slogan “Keep moving forward.” She said as a nurse for 14 years and a non-profit entrepreneur, her experience has enabled her to understand people with homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues. She also said she has experienced homelessness and knows the resources needed to enable others to acquire housing. She defined public service as working to support people in their daily lives, not just as a title or position held.

Jackson’s campaign issues are to eliminate wasteful spending and work to create more jobs and revenue for Rowan County; to advocate for women’s rights, affordable housing and resources for those with mental health and substance abuse issues; and to work for unity in the county. Her election to this important local office “would restore balance and offer a new voice to the commission,” she said.

Tangela Morgan, also known by her childhood name, Lucy Horne, is running for the District 33 seat in the N.C. Senate, which covers Rowan and Stanly counties. Her education includes graduating from Wake Forest University and Liberty University. She also worked as a teacher for 14 years and school counselor for 8 years. She said that because of that experience, two of her campaign objectives are to fully fund public schools and to pay educators a professional wage. 

Reared by her grandmother, Morgan said she watched as her grandmother made helping neighbors a way of life. As a servant leader, she learned that “it takes a village” and she follows her grandmother’s model.

With “Moving forward with Morgan” as her campaign slogan, she said she wants to “lift voices usually unheard.” On education, she stated “deliberate discrimination of our schools must be stopped.” On reproductive rights, she said “No woman can call herself free who cannot control her own body.” 

The final speakers were leaders from the NC Democratic Hispanic-American Caucus, including First Vice-Chair Adrian Maldonado, Chief of Staff Anna Rios. Both emphasized the importance of the Hispanic-American vote in the 2024 election.

Rowan Chair Geoffrey Hoy concluded the meeting with a reminder of the Rowan County Democratic Convention on Saturday, March 16. The convention will began at 10 a.m. at Democratic Headquarters. 

Speakers can be viewed on the Rowan County Democratic Party YouTube channel at  https://rowandemocrats.com, under the social tab.