By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
Von Coolidge Poston is one of six political newcomers who will be on the Republican ballot for county commissioner on May 6.
The 56-year-old Poston has a bit of a unique perspective on the county from his 18 years working on one block of Salisbury’s South Main Street.
The Rowan native is co-owner and operator of Salisbury Square Antiques and Collectibles at 111 South Main St, the former Belk building.
Previously he worked in sales at two other businesses in the same block.
He’s been active in Downtown Salisbury, serving on various committees during he past decade. And he is supportive of the Salisbury City Council which he believes is doing a good job.
With his roots in the downtown, Poston believes he could serve as a liaison between the city and county.
If elected, he would work to bring more businesses to the county and promote growth to increase revenues. He contends the county should offer more incentives and is critical of past decisions by the commissioners not to provide incentives.
“We need more jobs,” said Poston. “We need industry and retail. Industry begets money and people … and brings retail.”
Poston said his major concern is insurance fraud, which he contends is hurting the credit rating of many Rowan citizens.
He estimated that 60 percent of all Rowan residents have had collection actions instigated against them by medical providers ó in many cases because the medical insurance failed to pay and the patient was never notified.
He said collection action damages people’s credit and causes problems when they try to buy cars or major items that require financing.
Poston acknowledged that county commissioners have no direct role in insurance fraud, but he said it is an important issue to residents and he has contacted the N.C. Insurance Commissioner’s office.
A Salisbury resident, Poston graduated from North Rowan High School and received a degree in broadcasting from Career Academy in Washington, D.C.
Poston is on the board of directors of the North Rowan High School Alumni Association, and also working on putting together a 50-year reunion for the class of every class 1958-2008.
Poston may be contacted at v.coolidge@yahoo.com.
Other Republican candidates include: Ken Deal, Carl Ford and Mike Miller, all of China Grove, Patty Overcash of Landis, Donna Peeler of Rockwell, Harry Rivera and Jim Sides, both of Salisbury.