Carolyn Connor decided to run for Catawba County board of commissioners because she wanted to be someone who constituents could approach and feel comfortable with.
"My agenda is the people's agenda," she said. "I strongly believe in democracy, and I strongly believe in transparency. I think we need to fight hard for issues."
Connor is wrapping up her first term on the Catawba County Schools' board of education. She said it wasn't an easy decision to make the move to run for county commissioner.
"I gave it a lot of thought," she said. "With the economy like it is, small businesses can't get loans. People were talking, and seeing if I could step up and make a difference. People are looking for something that's real and true and approachable, and that's what I am."
Connor said if elected, she would like to work to revitalize the downtown areas in Catawba County, particularly Newton and Maiden. She also wants to help bring in jobs and help existing businesses.
"Banks should have their hands untied to get more money for small businesses," she said. "We also need to get a tax credit for existing businesses to hire people. And once we get business here, we must have jobs available to all people."
Connor also has three main priorities to improve the community: affordable housing, reducing gangs and crime in the community, and keeping kids away from drugs and alcohol.
"Gangs should be eliminated. We need to pump more money into mental health," she said. "Some of the youth have lived in an environment that was not filled with love. We need to help more non-profits. We don't need to just toss them into jail."
She also said she would like more programs in the court system to help teens who are caught drinking underage, rather than sending them to jail.
BIO BOX:
Name: Carolyn Jones Connor
Age: 58
Residence: Sherrills Ford
Occupation: inspector for the Western division of the N.C. Board of Funeral Service
Party: Democrat
Office: Board of Commission
Experience in public office: 4 years on CCS board of education
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement