2024 voter guide: Research candidates on Lincoln, Gaston county primary ballots
Gaston and Lincoln county voters started marking their ballots Feb. 15 for North Carolina’s primary elections, with federal, state and local positions up for grabs.
In addition to top-of-the ballot races such as president and governor, voters will pick their candidates in races for county commissioner, the state legislature and Congress.
In North Carolina, registered Democrats can vote only in Democratic primaries and registered Republicans in Republican primaries. Unaffiliated voters can choose to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary, but they may only vote in one party’s primary race.
Early primary voting began Feb. 15, and Election Day is March 5.
Check your registration, see your sample ballot and find where to vote at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup.
In preparation for the election, The Charlotte Observer sent surveys to candidates asking questions about their backgrounds and platforms. They have been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.
North Carolina Congressional Districts
N.C. 10th Congressional District (Lincoln)
Voters can choose one of the five candidates. Charles Eller and Pat Harrigan didn’t respond to the Observer’s questionnaire.
Harrigan, who runs a gun manufacturing business, unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2022 against Democrat Jeff Jackson in the 14th Congressional District. Among other issues, Harrigan says he supports constitutional carry, opposes red flag laws, wants stronger border security, “defends women’s sports” and opposes widespread casino gambling.
Eller is a businessman who works now as a residential solar energy consultant. Eller wants to cut federal money to universities “that embrace CRT, DEI and cultural Marxism,” according to his website. Eller’s website says he also wants to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from buying farmland to build factories and put “God back in our schools”
Diana Jimison
District: 10
Political party: Republican
Age as of March 5, 2024: 51
Campaign website: N/A
Current occupation: RN Case Mgr
Professional experience: 19 years of case management and nursing
Education: Associate Degree in Nursing
What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? Write in for NC-10 Congress 2022
What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? Taxation, economy, and the border. Fight to repeal the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. Work to shut the borders down and end the senseless spending on non citizens when we have Americans suffering.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Only those who agree with democratic policies and poorly represent conservative values.
What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? Sending monies to other countries, giving $5,000 to non-citizens monthly.
Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? No
What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? Taxes should not fund abortions as they go against those who believe and serve God. This is a biblical issue and the government politicized it after instituting the law that churches could not support, endorse or oppose politicians. A devious move. . We need to look at ways to prevent pregnancies and I believe filling young minds up with a sexualized agenda stimulates increased sexual activity. Stop the perversion in the schools.
What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? Shut the borders. Build the wall.
What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? Studies show that cities with stringent gun laws have increased crime rates. Constitutional carry would reduce crime. Do not interfere with law abiding citizens protecting themselves or their family or any other individual. I defer my votes to patriot Brook McGowen to help keep more rich men from going to Washington.
Brooke McGowan
District: 10
Political party: Republican
Age as of March 5, 2024: 53
Campaign website BrookeforNC.com
Current occupation Political commentator
Professional experience Conservative Grassroots Activist
Education Bachelors Degree
What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? I ran for state senate office in 2016. I was a City Council ad-hoc committee member appointee
What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? Covid response; necessary investigations to prevent another lockdown, secure border and execute an immediate deportation plan; 34 trillion dollar abyss, my district wants fraud investigations
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Ukraine; it appears to be a financial boondoggle and military industrial complex deals
What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? The recent outpouring of Covid money distributed at $560 Billion and no trace of it. All fraudulent
Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? BY NO MEANS! Clean it up! When the septic tank backs into the house do we raise the roof?
What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? None. It should have always been a state issue.
What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? Is there any immigration enforcement? It appears we are funding an invasion of our homeland.
What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? I support Constitutional Carry, but again, that is a state issue.
Grey Mills
District: 10
Political party: Republican
Age as of March 5, 2024: 57
Campaign website: greymillsnc.com
Current occupation: Attorney
Professional experience: High School Educator, Attorney, State Representative
Education: Appalachian State, B.A. Education Regent University, J.D.
What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? 4 Term State Representative
What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? The number one issue I hear about is the disaster at our Southern Border. I will finish the wall, fully fund border patrol, reinstate Remain in Mexico and oppose a pathway to citizenship. Whether it’s drugs, members of the terror watch list, or illegal aliens, we cannot wait to get serious on the border. In the State House, I helped strengthen the punishment for fentanyl distribution, and required that sheriff departments cooperate with ICE officials.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Spending. For too long, Republicans have joined Democrats in looking the other way on spending bills. This is a national security crisis and needs to be treated as such. We cannot spend money we don’t have, and we need to pass a balanced budget amendment. We expect every American to balance their personal budget, and every business to do the same, there is no reason DC should be exempt.
What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? I believe we need to do a 5% reduction across the board. The government has become so bloated that office buildings in DC have become breeding grounds for bureaucrats’ personal agendas at our expense. We need to abolish the Department of Education and the IRS. I also believe we need to reassess our position on Ukraine. We are sending them billions, but to date, no one has clearly outlined our goal or a path to victory.
Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? I do not and will not support any increase in spending that doesn’t come with cuts elsewhere. We are in this position because people are afraid to stand up and say no. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road. In Raleigh, we pass a balanced budget every 2 years because we cut out the waste, fraud, and abuse. Washington needs to take a page from Raleigh and get serious on spending. The way we do that is passing a balanced budget amendment.
What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? The overturning of Roe Vs. Wade has saved the lives of millions of babies. Right here in North Carolina, we reduced the window to 12 weeks, which I fully support. As a member of Congress, I will fight to ensure that federal dollars are not being used to sponsor abortions or agencies like planned parenthood and review legislation as it comes to my desk as I always have.
What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? First and foremost, we need to return to the Remain in Mexico policy of President Trump. We cannot continue to foot the bill for the travel and lodging of those who are coming here illegally as Joe Biden has done. This is not only a financial problem but a national security one. We have no idea who is coming in and what their intentions are. We cannot continue on this path until we secure the border.
What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? The more we empower individuals to defend themselves, the safer we will be. I believe we need to pass national constitutional carry so every law-abiding American citizen has the ability to defend themself and their loved ones from danger wherever they may be.
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N.C. 14th Congressional District (Gaston)
Voters can choose one of three candidates in the Republican primary for the 14th District. There are two Democrats running. Republicans Jeff Gregory and NC House Speaker Tim Moore have not responded to the questionnaire.
Lillian Joseph
District: 14
Political party: Republican
Age as of March 5, 2024: 56
Campaign website: www.lillianjoseph.com
Current occupation: Business owner
Professional experience 32 years working with children and families in nonprofits and state government (NC courts). Currently the owner of a small business based in NC - Lillian Rosh LLC.
Education BA in psychology, Wesleyan College, Macon, Ga. Masters in health administration, Pfeiffer University, Charlotte campus
What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? Worked as district administrator within the NC courts in Mecklenburg, Iredell and Alexander counties, director on nonprofit board (CAIAC), candidate for US House District 12 (2022), candidate for Salisbury City Council (2021)
What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? Border security: co-sponsor legislation to use all military and other federal government resources to secure our borders. Co-sponsor legislation requiring Congress to balance the national budget. Co-sponsor legislation to abolish the federally funded Department of Education.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue: 1. Republicans, the party of fiscal responsibility, have been spending and adding to our national debt. Strict measures need to be put into place to cut spending. 2. We signed a bi-partisan infrastructure bill but did not designate any monies for the current medical (bone screws etc.) and dental devices manufacturing companies based in NC. This industry has a large base in NC. These companies that are home-grown and NOT based in China should be supported and resourced by our government.
What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? There are countless bureaucracies that have “pork” built into their budgets. Audits/fiscal management and accountability needs to take place top down -- from the number of positions allocated for the DOJ all the way down to how CARES money that remains is being spent. Is building a bridge going to the Outer Banks at a cost of $110 million (through the infrastructure bill) a good use of taxpayer monies? What’s the return on investment on this project?
Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? No, it always must be debated. We must always question what, where and how we can cut spending. We simply cannot afford to lose our AAA rating in the global markets because of useless spending. Debt limit increases should NEVER be automatic.
What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? None. No federal funds should be designated for abortion purposes. The decision about abortions should completely be in the hands of the states.
What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? We need asylum vetting: tighten our asylum-seeking process according to USCIS rulings: are persons genuinely qualified to obtain asylum status? Immigrants should be thoroughly vetted to see if s/he is a threat to our communities/nation. Revoke visas and/or green cards from people who support known terrorist organizations (Hamas, ISIS, Lashkar-e-tayabah, white supremacist groups etc.) The option of military intervention for securing our borders should not be taken off the table.
What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? Train and hire honorably discharged veterans to become marshals in our schools. Provide mental health counselors and support staff in schools so teachers can teach. Secure our borders so that criminals and illegal drugs (which are often involved in violent crime) are not allowed into our country.
Brendan K. Maginnis
District: 14
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 5, 2024: 48
Campaign website: maginnis4congress.org
Current occupation: Homemaker
Professional experience: Financial Advisor
Education: BA in Polticial Science, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? Ran for US Senate for NC in 2022
What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? In one word: Jobs. How can I help bring more, good paying jobs to my district? I’ll promote any possibilities for direct federal investment in the district, direct funds to help improve infrastructure in my district for those companies who heavily rely on good infrastructure, and look to pass legislation on the federal level to counteract legislation from the state level that has had negative repercussions for employers looking to create new jobs, and those looking to bring more jobs here.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? The Democratic Party does a great job of identifying issues that impact Americans and bringing those issues to light. However, I think they do a bad job of coming up with solutions to the issues, most times addressing the effect and not the cause. This can be seen in issues like Student Loan Debt/College Affordability, Immigration, Taxes, and several others. Also, Democrats rely too much on regulation as a solution, rather then looking for ways to incentivize outcomes and natural market forces.
What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? The biggest waste of taxpayer money is Congress itself. The US House passes between 300-400 bills most years. The Republican-controlled House in 2023 passed only 27. Americans are struggling with inflation, immigration issues, and international conflicts that risk our national security, just to name a few. There’s a minimum amount of work a federal government needs to do to keep our country safe and prosperous. That minimum threshold isn’t being done by the current Republican-controlled House.
Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? No, though automatic triggers may be necessary. Congress knows how detrimental an American default would be and the terrible implications it would have on American families. We’ve seen the negative impacts that have occurred from just the possibility of default. We can’t continue to elect people to Congress who ignore these impacts, choosing political points over what’s best for the country. The worst case scenario is an American default. Ultimately, the solution lies at the ballot box.
What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? The first thing to address is the Equal Rights Amendment. We can continue to state and believe that women are equal in America but there’s nothing Constitutionally to back that, which is considerable since all legislation springs from It. Defining women as equal provides weight that they should enjoy the same body autonomy that men have. Thus, while codifying body autonomy for women may be necessary, the ERA would strengthen any legislation from the inevitable court battles that would ensue.
What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? The current system is broken due to a lack of effort by the GOP. To them, it’s an issue to campaign on. Any resolution would take that away. We need to fund border enforcement, and dedicate more funds to processing stations and the legal functions to determine asylum. We must work to stabilize the countries these immigrants flee from by diplomacy and encouraging investment there. Countries with stable governments, public safety, and paying jobs means less migration from their homelands.
What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? Universal background checks, waiting periods, and closing the gun show loopholes are all steps a majority of Americans believe are needed and will reduce mass shootings. In addition, it’s statistically proven that assault weapons bans decrease mass shootings, so implementing an assault weapon ban is vital to protecting our children from mass shootings. In addition, increasing federal funding to mental health facilities will help decrease gun violence in general, and mass shootings specifically.
Pam Genant
District: 14
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 5, 2024 : 57
Campaign website: www.pamgenant.com
Current occupation: Small business owner
Professional experience: Nurse, United States Army Officer serving during Operation Desert Storm. I now own a small business in Burke County.
Education: Bachelors of Science in Nursing
What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? Ran for Congressional District 10 in 2022. Was the chairman of the Burke County Democratic Party for 6 years. Prior to that I was the treasurer of the BCDP and sat on the State Executive Committee. I continue to train candidates and assist county parties. I volunteer with the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. And I sit on the Board of Directors of the Burke United Christian Ministries.
What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? The voters of District 14 (and all districts) should be choosing their elected officials, and not the other way around. We need to overcome voter suppression. This includes gerrymandering, continuing to limit early and absentee voting, as well as restrictions at the ballot box.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Yes, focusing political energy on urban areas overlooking rural voters. Focusing on one area continues to reinforce the rural-urban divide. We are all citizens, and need to work together for the benefit of all.
What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? If you read the Government Accountability Office report there are a lot of things the government is doing that are a waste of taxpayer money. One of the top items is removing ineligible family members from the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. The estimate is that this alone could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? Yes, we should pay our debts, and this should not be used as a political weapon.
What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? A woman’s reproductive healthcare decisions should not be controlled by legislators. I would support giving those decisions back to the women.
What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? Work to reform the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to improve oversight, ensuring they carry out their duties with competence and humanity. *Focus more resources on detaining and deporting those individuals who pose a violent threat to public safety. *Fight to end family separation at the border. *Promote closure of private immigration detention centers that focus on corporate profits. *Increase staffing, including judges, to clear the backlog of immigration court cases.
What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? Require all states to report to the NICS system and to regulate closely all federally licensed dealers or manufacturers. *Pass legislation that empowers law enforcement to confiscate firearms from those deemed dangerous by a panel of judges, enforce Red Flag Laws. *Stand up to gun manufacturers and their lobbyists and enact legislation that puts public safety above corporate profits.
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North Carolina House of Representatives
N.C. House District 110 (GOP)
Voters can pick between Republican incumbent Kelly Hastings and Esther Scott. There is no Democratic primary. Scott didn’t respond to the Observer’s survey.
On her website, Scott describes herself as a “strong constitutionalist.” She says new laws should only be implemented when clarity is needed about the Constitution and Bill of Rights or when people’s rights “are being infringed upon.” She says North Carolina should increase its minimum wage to a minimum of $10, that North Carolina should make sure “education is effective and available to all.”
Kelly Hastings
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024
63
Party affiliation and office you’re seeking
Republican - N.C. House - Cleveland & Gaston counties
Campaign website or social media page
Occupation
Realtor
Education
Bachelor of Science - Appalachian; Graduate Teaching Certificate - UNC Charlotte
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
I currently serve in the N.C. House of Representatives
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Learning to become a servant leader in the Jaycees is a civic highlight of mine.
What are, in your view, the most important issues facing your district, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?
We have ongoing issues in the 110th House District; we are making great strides since my investiture in 2011. We’re continuing to cut taxes, enhance Second Amendment rights, end partial-birth abortions, improve school choice and student learning, fight against illegal immigration and crime, improve election integrity, enhance economic and energy security, and work on other conservative issues.
Legislation such as the Parent’s Bill of Rights have made headlines in North Carolina and beyond. Should topics such as Critical Race Theory and gender identity be taught or discussed in schools? Why or why not?
In my opinion, parents and legal guardians, etc., should be allowed to be involved in the education of their loved ones. The education environment should facilitate an environment that awards merit and equality and that does not focus on our differences.
Can legislators of different parties find agreement and pass bipartisan legislation on major social issues such as crime, gun violence, health care, education and sexuality and gender topics? Why or why not?
I served as the lead sponsor on numerous bills that received votes on both sides of the aisle. Caylee’s Law/Report Missing Children, Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Act, and Respect Our Fallen Heroes are examples of bills I sponsored that became law with broad support.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
I disagree with anyone in the Republican Party who is moving toward leftist and “woke” ideologies.
What separates you from your opponent(s) and makes you the best candidate on the ballot?
My goal is to establish trust with my constituents, and I seek to provide the people with the facts that they deserve.
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Gaston County Commission
Gaston County commissioner (GOP)
Voters will have their pick of eight Gaston County commissioner candidates across three township seats. The South Point seat is the most competitive, with four candidates running.
Candidates who didn’t respond to the Observer’s survey include: Blair Hall, who’s running for the Crowders Mountain seat; Howard J. Collmar Jr., who’s running for the Gastonia seat; Tod Kinlaw, who’s running for the South Point seat; Jim Bailey, who’s running for the South Point seat; and Ronnie Worley, who’s running for the South Point seat.
Bob Hovis
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024
69
Campaign website or social media page
None
Party affiliation and office sought
Republican, Crowders Mountain
Occupation
Retired
Education
Associates Degree
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Yes. Mayor City of Bessemer City, two terms as Gaston County Commissioner
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Participating in numerous County Citizen Advisory Boards, representing the BOC on the CaroMont Board of Directors, active in all Bond Campaigns for Gaston County schools, Participating in North Carolina Association of County Commissioners state organization, Centralina Council of Goverment Executive Committee.
What are the most important issues in Gaston County, and your township in particular, today? And how do you plan to address them?
Pressing for needed transportation projects completion and advancement on implementation schedule, allowing improved mobility for our citizens.
How has recent population and business growth in Gaston County changed the county for the better or worse? Would you change anything about how growth has been handled?
Work force expansion is a positive, transportation a challenge.
What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Gaston County residents and visitors?
Continue to have success with attracting a diversified expansion of industry to increase and balance our tax base and employment opportunities.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?
Experience, vision, and common sense approach to leadership.
Marc Seelinger
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024
34
Campaign website or social media page
Party affiliation and office sought
Republican, South Point
Occupation
Restaurant Owner - Marco’s Pizza
Education
B.A. Economics, UNC-Chapel Hill
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Previously served as Mayor of Belmont and served on the Belmont City Council
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
I championed two tax cuts while on the Belmont City Council and identified about $2 Million in cost savings in our budget. I also successfully pushed for changes to our land development process that ensure that new projects take into account traffic and impacts to infrastructure before they are approved.
What are the most important issues in Gaston County, and your township in particular, today? And how do you plan to address them?
Many of our residents are experiencing record-high tax bills as a result of the property reval that was done last year. The County needs to do a better job of cutting spending that is nice to have vs. have to have in order to keep tax bills affordable for our residents. The County also needs to do a better job of diversifying the tax base so that so much of the County’s taxes don’t fall on homeowners.
How has recent population and business growth in Gaston County changed the county for the better or worse? Would you change anything about how growth has been handled?
The County’s response to growth has not been proactive. We need to do a better job of accounting for the impact to things like traffic, schools, and infrastructure before new development is approved. There are so many people and businesses that want to be in Gaston County that we can afford to be more picky about the type of growth we bring in and ensure that it makes our community a better place to live. We don’t have to accept every project that comes to us.
What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Gaston County residents and visitors?
We need to make sure that we are supporting our teachers, law enforcement, and EMS with the support and resources that they need. There are critical needs for these services in Gaston County that have not kept pace with our growth, and we need to make sure those areas have the support they need from the County. Education and Public Safety are the most basic responsibilities of the County, and we need to prioritize the investments in pay and people for these services.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?
I am the only candidate in this race who is a small business owner, and that is a perspective that is desperately needed on the County Commission. Budgeting and finance is something that I do everyday, and I know how to run an organization efficiently to stretch the value of every dollar. We need someone on the Commission who is going to fight for the taxpayer and stand against unnecessary spending in order to make our taxes affordable for every resident in Gaston County.
Scott Shehan
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024
45
Campaign website or social media page
Party affiliation and office sought
Republican, Gastonia
Occupation
Self-employed
Education
Industrial Technology degree with minor in Secondary Education and concentration in Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Long time member of multiple civic organizations whose sole purpose is for the betterment of the lives of Men / Women / and more especially children of Gaston County and surrounding communities.
What are the most important issues in Gaston County, and your township in particular, today? And how do you plan to address them?
Land and property tax rates need to get under control to avoid residents having to sell their property and leave Gaston County simply because they can’t afford their tax burden.We must advocate for smart sustainable growth that does not surpass our infrastructure systems.We need to invest in and expand the Career and Technical Education class offerings available in Gaston County schools to ensure we have a future workforce that is adequately trained and excited to enter the workforce.
How has recent population and business growth in Gaston County changed the county for the better or worse? Would you change anything about how growth has been handled?
We must make immediate investments into our aging and failing infrastructure systems in order to have sustainable growth now and in the future.Our law enforcement and first responder agencies are already short staffed and still expected to keep our County safe and orderly despite the exponential population growth we have seen in our County. These agencies need funding for additional staff and equipment to allow our hero’s to safely and effectively perform their duties.
What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Gaston County residents and visitors?
I will provide full transparency and accountability. I would be a steward to the Citizens of Gaston County and a true voice to the people that matter the most...the hardworking tax paying citizens of Gaston County.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?
I’m a politically incorrect Conservative. My integrity will be showcased at every decision I make as County Commissioner. There are no hidden agendas with me. I cannot be bought, influenced, or persuaded by people of money or power.
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Lincoln County Commission
Lincoln County commissioner (GOP)
Voters can pick up to three of the seven Republican candidates on the ballot. There is no Democratic primary.
The following candidates didn’t respond to the Observer’s survey: Trent Carpenter, Anita McCall, Robert Avery and Glenn W. Fiscus.
Carroll Mitchem
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024
67
Campaign website or social media page
None
Party affiliation
Republican
Education
Self-taught commonsense. High school Catawba
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
I’ve served 20 years at the end of this current term.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Member of Hebrew Methodist Church. I’ve served on different boards for the county commissioners.
What are the three most important issues in Lincoln County today?
We’re Still trying to control growth in Lincoln County. We can’t stop it, but we’re we try to do a good job at it, slowing it down. One of the things that comes with that is traffic. So that’s a continuous factor that we try to encourage DOT to do things on. We also make sure we do everything we can to have a tight budget. Try to control the tax rate. I’m adamant in keeping the tax rates low.
Lincoln County has been the beneficiary of rapid population and business growth. What’s your view about how it’s changed the area for the better or worse?
Especially in the eastern end, it’s a great place and people to want to live there. People want to continue to come to Lincoln County, but sometimes that puts a lot of strain on the taxpayers to give people the things they want to go with it. Sometimes it causes issues with traffic and that type of thing.
What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Lincoln County residents and visitors?
We can be informative about what’s going on in Lincoln County. We have a website and have Facebook and have hired an information officer to help with that, but maybe we can be more informative so people know what’s going on.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?
Maybe not as much as what I’ve done for the people but maybe it’s more about what I’ve tried to stopped from happening. I’ve fought the battle for years to keep taxes low. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the time I’ve been on the county commissioners. Been good stewards of the people’s money. I’m committed. I have a record and I’m experienced.
Mark L Mullen
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024
49
Campaign website or social media page
Party affiliation
Republican
Occupation
Insurance
Education
Degree in Industrial Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Currently, I am in my third term on the Lincoln County Board of Education. I have served as the chair of the board for 6 of these years.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Current member and past president of the Rotary Club of Lincolnton. Board member of the Lincoln County Community Foundation. Board member of the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation. Past member and Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Lincolnton. Served as a deacon in my church as well as on the finance committee for several years.
What are the three most important issues in Lincoln County today?
Lincoln County’s exponential growth, economic development, and tax rates are three of the most important issues our citizens will face in the coming years.
Lincoln County has been the beneficiary of rapid population and business growth. What’s your view about how it’s changed the area for the better or worse?
With a friendly business climate, great educational opportunities, and low tax rate, partnered with our proximity to Charlotte and other surrounding metro areas, Lincoln County will continue to grow. However, growth is manageable if planned for and done carefully. We must make sure that we plan for smart growth.
What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Lincoln County residents and visitors?
First and foremost is recognizing a need for true customer service. Everyone that interacts with county government needs to feel valued and appreciated. In business, we have a choice with whom we transact and typically, we choose people that are kind. While we may not have a choice in government, respect for all should be front and foremost. Being kind and considerate does cost anything, but opens doors and ears for better conversation and development.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?
I have a great deal of experience with large budgets, from initial planning and forecasting, through implementation. I promise to listen to the citizens of Lincoln County and research every issue to make a decision that will be beneficial to all while striving to be a good steward of the resources of Lincoln County.
Alex Patton
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024
63
Campaign website or social media page
Party affiliation
Republican
Occupation
Retired-Was Director of Veterans Services for Lincoln County.
Education
Graduate of Lincoln High School
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
County Commissioner 2004-2016, Board Chair 2008-2014
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
15 Years Lincoln County DSS Board, Current member of the Lincoln County Adoption Committee, 3 Years Hesed House of Hope Homeless Shelter Board Chair, Past member-Lincoln County Hospital Board, American Legion Post 30 member. 2021 Lincoln County Veteran of the Year. Numerous other Boards and committees.
What are the three most important issues in Lincoln County today?
1.Managing growth in a responsible manner, realizing that all growth is not good growth. 2. Managing the tax rate in a responsible manner and not creating hardship on our citizens 3. Continuing our focus on economic development and industry recruitment.
Lincoln County has been the beneficiary of rapid population and business growth. What’s your view about how it’s changed the area for the better or worse?
The proximity to Charlotte and the lake will continue to drive growth in Lincoln County. While many new businesses now call Lincoln County home, the additional residential development has caused major traffic issues, especially in the East Lincoln area. We want to maintain that small town feel. We do that by managing growth in a responsible manner. Growth can be good as it brings new restaurants, and shopping choices to our community, but cannot be allowed to just grow without proper planning.
What’s one idea you’ve got to make county government work better for Lincoln County residents and visitors?
Government must be more user friendly and be able to act and react at a faster pace. Citizens should be at the top of the pyramid, not the bottom. As elected officials we work for the citizens. Government tends to forget that. Every dollar that is spent by Lincoln County government was gotten by taxing our citizens. We must be better stewards of those funds and make wise decisions like every dollar spent is coming out of our own pocket.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on the ballot?
I have a unique perspective that none of the other candidates have. I was an elected official for 12 years. I then spent the next 7 years working for the county as the Director of Veterans Services. I have the leadership skills, developed by 15 years of military service, 32 years of retail management , 12 years of elected service as a County Commissioner, and a lifetime of public service to draw from. Experience matters and integrity matters. I will put you the citizens first in all I do.
