Submitted

Rowan County Democrats held their annual convention on Saturday, March 16, at Democratic Headquarters. Chair Geoffrey Hoy welcomed everyone as individuals and then by precincts.

Granite Quarry Alderman Laurie Mack read the statement of inclusion, which included everyone regardless of gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

Local candidates who addressed the attendees were Alissa Redmond and Alisha Byrd-Clark.

Redmond, owner of Main Street Book Company, is running for Rowan County commissioner. She has worked in government for 15 years as a diplomat in India, Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Bolivia and served on local boards including Communities in Schools, Downtown Salisbury, CSI and the Literacy Council. She advocated for better education and healthcare with strategies for retaining educators and healthcare professionals.

As a county commissioner, she said she will work to “expand my advocacy for education and youth engagement while advocating for strategic growth and workforce development.”

Seeking the N.C. District 76 seat in the House of Representatives, Alisha Byrd-Clark has worked in human resources for 26 years. She is currently the chairman of the Salisbury- Rowan School Board, having served for eight years, and has been on numerous boards including Novant Health, Rowan Foundation, Rowan United Way and Rowan Chamber of Commerce. Owner of Byrd and Company, she founded Gemstones & COMPASS Leadership Academy, a nonprofit organization which mentors youth in the 9-12 grades and college students while also serving as a free food and toiletry pantry. Having the community in mind, she said she will listen to Rowan residents and address the issues brought to her. She seeks “to build bridges, not walls,” with her slogan “Building Tomorrow and Transforming the Community Together.” 

The group watched videos of candidates who were unable to attend.

Sarah Taber, with 26 years of experience in agriculture, seeks the office of commissioner of agriculture. Starting as a farm laborer, Taber currently advises businesses about food and clean water statutes as a farm and food systems trainer with Boto Waterworks. 

Allison Riggs is running to retain her seat on the N.C. Supreme Court. Riggs advocated for equal justice, a woman’s bodily autonomy and laws and policies for everyday voters.

Seeing her parents’ commitment to public service, Rachel Hunt, daughter of Gov. Jim Hunt and member of the N.C. legislature, is running for lieutenant governor to serve as “a voice for the voiceless.” With her experience as an attorney, college counselor and state legislator, she said she offers hope and equality for girls of the future.

Braxton Winston seeks to be the N.C. Commissioner of Labor. Serving for three terms on the Charlotte City Council and elected mayor pro tem by the council, he advocated for working families, fair wages, and the defense of workers’ rights.

With leadership experience as a superintendent in both Guilford and Mecklenburg schools, Maurice “Mo” Green is running for N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction. Endorsed by the North Carolina Education Association, he would focus on excellence in education by fully funding public schools, paying educators well and providing a safe learning environment for students, teachers and staff. It was noted that his opponent in the general election in November home-schooled her children.

Natasha Marcus, a N.C. senator for three terms, is running for commissioner of insurance. She advocated for voting rights, fair elections, reproductive rights and consumers’ needs with transparency and accountability to work for people, not rate hikes.

Jessica Holmes, appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to fill a vacancy, seeks to be elected state auditor, who may investigate the finances of any government agency. She has been endorsed by Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. 

A former soldier, legislator and prosecutor, Jeff Jackson is running for N.C. attorney general. As a public servant, Jackson stands up for folks. His opponent is the author of the “Bathroom Bill.”

Josh Stein seeks to be the next governor. As attorney general, Stein said he fought for people and families. He wants to build a better, brighter future for every person. “We are called to do our part and make a difference,” he said. He would fight to raise the minimum wage, to get good healthcare, to provide a good education for every student and to support teachers with a “real” raise. “North Carolina and its people are worth fighting for!” 

A motion was passed unanimously for the County Executive Committee to fill delegate positions for the district and state conventions.

In his annual report, Chair Hoy listed the party’s events of last year, explained his duties as chair, and urged local precincts to work to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. The meeting concluded with a potluck lunch.