Johnny Love said he is tired of the bickering between county government and municipalities in Rowan County.
Love, 46, is battling seven other Republican candidates this primary vying for the three commissioner seats opening up in November.
Working as manager of the county’s fair as well as a deputy with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Love said relationships need to be repaired in the county – specifically between the commissioners and both the city and school board.
“I’m candid. The first thing we need to do is mend our ways with the school system. Salisbury and Rowan County could do so many things if they work together for our county,” Love said. “We elected school officials – a school board. If you run for that position, you’re vested and have some interest. The school board should decide where they want to have the new central office.”
Love graduated from East Rowan High School and completed basic law enforcement training at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
The county does not provide a product, Love said, but rather a service.
“Education is very important, because that is the first thing corporations and large businesses look at. We need to work on the education system in the county, the pay, the conditions of the buildings and the treatment of the employees,” Love said.
Love said he doesn’t believe in standing up to sway the vote of some people in order to make them feel “warm and fuzzy.”
“It’s about making Rowan County the best it can be and having everybody proud of where they live,” Love said.
Love serves as a leader of Boy Scouts Pack 351, and is a member of the Masonic Lodge in Rockwell and the Oasis Shriners.
“There are too many egos at play, and people need to leave them at the door when they come in,” Love said.
Love and his wife, Beth, have two children and are members of Faith Lutheran Church.