SALISBURY — In a forum last week for a number of candidates, those vying for state offices had an opportunity to briefly express their thoughts on issues pertaining to the business community.

The forum, sponsored by the Rowan Chamber of Commerce, the Salisbury Post, Catawba College, Miller-Davis and Norvell Theater, was an hour-long gathering for those in the race for N.C. House, N.C. Senate, Rowan County Commissioner and Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education. The time constraints meant candidates were limited in their time to answer questions but they each had one minute to open and one to close out comments.

Those candidates running for state offices include Carl Ford and Tangela Morgan for N.C. Senate; Harry Warren and Alisha Byrd-Clark for N.C. House District 76; and Grant Campbell and Joanne Chesley for House District 83. Neither candidate for N.C. House District 77 participated.

Ford began the evening with his introduction, noting that he has served in the Senate for six years, but in the past he said he served in the House for six years, as a county commissioner for four years and several years on other local boards. He has four children, 10 grandchildren and said he enjoys family time and serving his church.

Morgan was born and raised in Stanly County but has spent much of her life and career in Rowan County. She has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree from Liberty University. She has been a teacher and a counselor in Rowan-Salisbury Schools and has raised her own two children as RSS students. She pointed out that she has always been an advocate for students and teachers and would like to take her advocacy to the Senate chamber in Raleigh.

Warren said he has served District 76 for 14 years and is “immensely appreciative” of that honor. “I am very serious about this position” and has worked hard to pass legislation for the good of his constituents, and hopes to continue to do so.

Byrd-Clark said she is a Salisbury native and a product of RSS. She has one daughter, an educator, and she herself has served on numerous boards including RSS Board of Education where she was chair at one time. She is focused on teacher’s pay, affordable housing and women’s reproductive rights.

Campbell has lived in Rowan for 28 years, delivering children as a physician and serving as well as a military trauma surgeon for special forces. He currently serves as the vice chair of the state board of the N.C. Community College System.

Chesley grew up in Maryland then came to N.C. where she received her graduate degree and where she has spent her career, teaching at every level including college. She is a strong proponent of public schools and believes investing in students results in an educated workforce.

The first question state candidates were given was about the proposed new interchange/exit off I-85 and how the candidate would seal state support for Rowan’s transportation projects.

“As a counselor, I am charged with removing barriers to success,” said Morgan. “Collaborating with stakeholders is vital in the general assembly” and while she said she could not speak specifically to transportation, she believes that working with those on the ground in the community is going to lead to the best solution.

“I’ve always worked with the chamber and the state,” said Ford, who added that “DOT is struggling with funding right now because the gas taxes are down. We need to find a sustainable funding source.”

Byrd-Clark said she “thinks the community is the key, working with aldermen and mayors to find the funding to be had. We need to determine how a project best benefits the community then seek funding.” She said once the need is determined, it is important to keep feet to the fire for funding.

Warren said he agreed with Ford’s answer but added he is aware of “the importance of the interchange to the development of North Rowan including Spencer and East Spencer, but we must find a sustainable funding stream.” He added that federal funding should also be explored.

Chesley said she would “go directly to my constituents, the city councils and the county commissioners, to see what has already been done, what options remain and to tap into as much federal money as possible.”

Campbell said it’s important to be sure a project is appropriate by being as proactive as possible. “The new businesses and residents are already there, on board, so I think we’d need to get the ears of the Appropriations Committee members as early as possible.”

The second question was how they would work to get more money for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to increase funding for workforce training, since community colleges are supplying more and more of the employees for local businesses.

Campbell said “there is not a system better equipped in this state to react to workforce needs with the new Propel NC model for community colleges.” He said the changing model would not penalize community colleges for growth, instead focusing on providing the educated workforce for high-end jobs.

Chesley said she believes in “working closely with fellow legislators, understanding that “workforce development is a partnership with the business community because we feed them directly” with students who become employees.

Warren said it is “no secret I support community colleges. They are the bellwether of the economy.” He said they need to be accessible and flexible for students and teachers need to be adequately compensated to retain the best.

Byrd-Clark said “the whole funding source needs to be re-evaluated. RCCC should get more funding and Early College should be a priority. We should properly allocate funds.”

Ford said the state “continues to increase funding,” and that community colleges “are doing a better job than the university system” in preparing students for the workforce. He pointed out that RCCC and Stanly Community College, with their truck driving and linemen training programs, are perfect examples.

Morgan echoed the sentiments of others, saying “we need to redirect funds to our community college system, especially in light of what has happened in western North Carolina. Schools need to be funded in order to rebuild, and we need to wrap around those communities with support.”

In closing, Chesley said she believes she “can make a difference. It hurts me to see the homeless, people who cannot afford housig or food. I see the sandwich generation, who are taking care of both children and parents.” She said she believes that she is just one person, but one person can make a difference.

Campbell said he “grew up in extreme poverty in an abusive household” and he became a physician and a soldier. “I don’t really care about platitudes, I’m only after results. I don’t want to keep problems going in order to make you mad so you will re-elect me. I want you to hold me accountable.”

Byrd-Clark said she is “not a politician, but a servant leader. I believe there is strength in embracing our differences, and in a collective movement for all Rowan residents. We all should be seen, heard and empowered to thrive. Let’s write a new chapter of shared success.”

Warren said “Rowan County is a wonderful place to live, and offering my time and energy is the best way I can give back.” His experience means he knows how to help, and being a senior legislator now means he can help bring a lot of money back to Rowan.

Morgan said “students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and schools are the cornerstone of our community.” She said if we want the economy to prosper, businesses to come, families to want to live in Rowan, we have to fund the schools.

Ford pointed out he is endorsed by the NRA and the N.C. Values Coalition among other organizations and said “the state is now in such good financial shape that we have a rainy day fund” which means help is available to western North Carolina and is indicative of good fiscal management.

The chamber of commerce will make the video of the forum available for viewing again before Election Day and will announce that availability as soon as possible.