Opinion

Supporters endorse in 2014 campaign

By Bill Moss, Published: October 31, 2014

For McDonald

To the Lightning: Twenty-eight years of service to the citizens of Henderson County. Executive level leadership positions held. Supervised 200+ employees and 100 volunteers. Managed a 17 million dollar budget. Solid relationships built with the County Manager, Commissioners, District Attorney, law enforcement and emergency service professionals. Pledged to rebuild and improve the Sheriff's Office. Listened and implemented employee suggestions for improvement and fairness. Leadership training provided. Employees involved. High standards of ethics and professionalism required of all. Tough decisions made.
Focused, data driven, agency-wide strategic plan implemented. Crime reduced in Henderson County. Residential break-ins reduced by over 28%. Time spent in the schools increased. Renewed focus on improving customer service. Community satisfaction survey completed.
The next four years: continue the previous focus and include reducing domestic violence recidivism; reducing prescription drug deaths; increasing the time spent providing school security; and enhanced community partnerships and county preparedness.
Experience. Character. Ethics. Ability to lower crime rates. Community partnerships. Vision for a prepared Henderson County. Endorsed by: Congressman Mark Meadows; District Attorney Greg Newman; former Sheriff George Erwin; and the NRA.
We have a proven Sheriff. Vote Sheriff Charlie McDonald.

Gloria J. Nock
Flat Rock

Griffin deserved better

To the Lightning: I read your article about Charlie McDonald and his views on the state of the Sheriff's Department. One issue stands out and although I don't want to cause any further problems for former Capt. Lowell Griffin I can no longer bite my tongue.
Griffin was demoted, per McDonald, for personal reasons. Let me tell you personally what I know about Griffin. He has served as a Henderson County fireman and EMT for over 30 years. His dedication to the people has meant routinely leaving his family and going without sleep to help total strangers in a crisis. Neither McDonald nor any of his staff have done anything to show this type of dedication to us that I'm aware of. Matter of fact the last deputy to show dedication to the people like this was retired demoted Lt. Tim Griffin.
Lowell Griffin has over twenty years with the sheriff's department and had risen through the ranks as both a patrol officer and detective helping many people along the way. He has worked patrol, investigated arsons to homicides and everything in between, and serves on the bomb squad. Griffin has also trained numerous law enforcement officers currently working in many different departments serving the citizens of Henderson County and its cities.
I question when McDonald made this decision and took Griffin off the front lines if was he looking out for the best interest of Henderson County or as he stated his personal interest? The Lightening should do a human interest story on Griffin and let the public see what they have been deprived of. Makes me wonder what else McDonald has done for himself instead of the county he is sworn to serve. Maybe one day we will see a public servant that will put the needs of the county ahead of politics.
Katherine Swanzy
Hendersonville

For Wood

To the Lightning: One of the most significant issues in North Carolina for this election is that of education. Despite some improvements such as a decent pay raise for some teachers, there is little doubt that education in general has suffered from the past few legislative sessions. It has reached the point where one recent study ranked North Carolina as the worst state for teachers in the United States. Between burgeoning class sizes, inadequate and outdated textbooks, losses of teaching assistants and other factors, teachers are facing severe problems in North Carolina. Some are leaving the state. Fewer students are entering the profession. There is a cost to all this, and the state will be paying it for years to come. Rick Wood is a candidate who understands these issues. As a lifetime educator, he appreciates the complex and difficult job of teaching and realizes the huge challenges which have been heaped upon our public schools. He could bring an enlightened and practical view to Raleigh which would help put North Carolina on the road to educational recovery and progress. Vote for Rick Wood, a man of integrity and vision, someone who truly cares about education and the future of North Carolina.
Walt Cottingham
Zirconia

For Apodaca

To the Lightning: This campaign season has unfortunately been the most negative I have ever seen. It is painful to watch any program on TV as the "knives are out" and the cutting continues 24/7. I know first hand how it feels to have millions of dollars aimed at defeating you, even by saying things that are not based in truth. This is not exclusive to one party, it is the norm for both. I accept it until it goes over the line and calls into question the honesty and integrity of a candidate. I have no patience with this and will not sit back and remain silent, especially when it's directed at a friend. Tom Apodaca is a good man, a honest man, a hard working guy that does not need to lie or deceive anyone. Tom has been my friend for thirty years and I am proud to stand by him. He is not perfect, no one is, and no one can please everyone. Tom Apodaca's accomplishments are impressive and they were achieved through hard work and determination. Stick to real issues, not vague and untrue accusations. We certainly have.
Jeff Miller
Chairman of Committee to Re-Elect Tom Apodaca
Hendersonville

For Apodaca

To the Lightning: Tom Apodaca is the best choice for the NC Senate. Let's don't throw away his 12 years of being in office and hard earned NC Senate seniority. Knowing how things work is how to get things done, and Tom is the master door keeper that all counties would love to have.

Tom is an unabashed advocate for Western NC. His willingness to help citizens in his district get through the maze of state government has helped many people including me. He has advocated for and helped Boys and Girls Clubs, St. Gerard's House, Children and Family Resource Center, Dept. of Social Services, Western Carolina University, Justice Academy and the state's new crime lab in Edneyville, Town of Laurel Park, City of Hendersonville, and many other organizations. He knows the halls of bureaucracy and can get action when needed. He knows the state budget complications, compromises necessary, and nuances of politics needed in order to get results.
Based on his record of getting things done, and his willingness to fight for the mountains, Tom Apodaca deserves to be re-elected to the NC Senate.
David E. Adams
Hendersonville

For Absher

To the Lightning: Michael Absher would be a major asset to our school board. He has the unique perspective of a recent graduate (East Henderson High, class of 2009,) where he served as Vice-President of the student body. Michael offers an understanding of the concerns and perspective of youth and is an advocate for underprivileged children. He has demonstrated the courage and knowhow to start a non-profit organization that combats childhood homelessness. He is an active member of our community, serving on several boards, including the Blue Ridge Community Health Center, the School Advisory Board, the Henderson County Homeless Coalition and Relay for Life. Michael has the initiative, the passion and the courage to fight for better education in Henderson County. We need him and he deserves our support.
Julie Gordon
Hendersonville

For McDonald

To the Lightning: I have had the opportunity to work with Charlie McDonald over the past 27 years and know him to be a person of impeccable character that has a heart for the community and the personnel with whom he serves.
Over the past 25 years as a Deputy Sheriff and 2½ years as Sheriff, Charles McDonald has committed himself to establishing a more professional Sheriff's Office, reducing crime and improving the overall quality of service for citizens in this county. Sheriff McDonald has led the development and implementation of a strategic plan for reducing crime and focusing resources to better serve and protect Henderson County. One result has been a reduction of more than 26% in residential breaking and entering crimes. In addition, he holds himself and other agency leaders to the highest level of accountability.
On Tuesday Nov. 4, you have an opportunity to cast your vote for Sheriff. This vote carries a tremendous amount of weight in terms of the future safety and security of our community. I ask that you join me in voting for Sheriff Charles McDonald.
Jerry Rice
Hendersonville