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Bridging the gap

Group aims to bring candidates of both political parties together.

Robert C. Reed

Ray Cerda talks about the Unifour Unaffiliated IGroup.

WANT TO GO?

What: Candidate’s Day
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Union Square
Details: Rep. Patrick McHenry, Daniel Johnson, Mayor Pat McCrory, a surrogate for Lt. Gov. Beverly Purdue and more will be speaking.

By Sarah Newell Williamson | Hickory Daily Record

Published: September 2, 2008

HICKORY - Almost a year ago, the Unifour Unaffiliated IGroup was founded. On Saturday, the group will have its first big event, drawing candidates for U.S. Senate and House, as well as the state's governor's race.

Ray Cerda is chairman of the Unifour Unaffiliated IGroup. He founded the group after seeing there was no real support for people like himself, who didn't feel an attachment to either the Democratic or the Republican parties.

"I was looking for a bridge between the two major political parties in the hope to bring them to the center aisle and work together to solve some of the major economic and social problems facing America," Cerda said.

He looked online and found a national group, the Unaffiliated/Independent Center, which echoed what he wanted as an unaffiliated organization. He contacted the coordinator in Charlotte, and was able to establish an IGroup of the National Unaffiliated Voters Center for Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba county area. Cerda was eager to form an organization he thought others would be interested in.

"I wanted to offer unaffiliated voters and independents a forum that they can meet together, work together and plan together, similar to what Democrats, Libertarians, Republicans and Green party do for the greater good of our country. I think most people are unaffiliated because they're not happy with the status quo," he said. "The Unaffiliated IGroup offers a unique opportunity to bring elected officials to the same event."

The Unifour Unaffiliated IGroup will do just that on Saturday when it hosts Candidate's Day. Rep. Patrick McHenry and Daniel Johnson, the two candidates running for the 10th District seat for U.S. Congress, will speak, as will Mayor Pat McCrory, who's running for N.C. governor. His challenger, Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, has committed to sending a surrogate to speak in her stead, and may still attend, Cerda said.

Someone representing Kay Hagan, who is running for U.S. Senate, also will have someone speaking on her behalf, Cerda said. Her challenger, incumbent Elizabeth Dole, also may send a surrogate.

"If this goes well, we'll be interested in doing it every year, with the candidates running for local offices, as well," Cerda said. "We will never promote a candidate, try to sway an opinion on a proposal or tell members how they should vote. Our group is to help enforce the very nature of being an independent or unaffiliated voter."

However, he stressed Saturday's event is for anyone who wants to attend, particularly those who are not yet registered to vote.

And if anyone wants to become more involved with the Unaffiliated IGroup, Cerda said there are vacancies open.

"I want to have a point person for each of the four counties who would arrange a rotating quarterly meeting," he said. "The point person in each county would help drum up volunteers, as well. I'd also like to have a Webmaster for our Web site."

To contact Cerda for more information about the Unifour Unaffiliated IGroup, e-mail him at racerda@msn.com.