This letter was posted as an ad in a recent issue of The Wilkes Journal Patriot by a long-time Democrat and Wilkes County Democrat supporter, Paul Barelski. Thank you Paul, for putting to words what so many of us are thinking:
 Greetings to my friends and fellow citizens of Wilkes County!
To introduce myself, let me share that I spent my early years here in Wilkes County, attending Wilkesboro and C.C. Wright Elementary Schools, then attending Wilkes Central High School. After graduation, I was off to study Art, Psychology and later Accounting at the Universities of North Carolina at Greensboro and Chapel Hill, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Cum Laude in Accounting from the University of Charleston in Charleston, W.Va. My 40 year career included Office Management, Public Accounting, Finance and Information Systems (primarily in Surgery) at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, S.C. I am an enthusiastic supporter of education, social justice, a healthy environment, nature, art and animal welfare. I have recently returned to Wilkes County, where I have realized that “retirement” for me must include making a positive contribution to my community and this world we all share. I would like to express my gratitude to fellow Wilkes Democrats who have placed their confidence in me to chair the Wilkes County Democratic Party for the 2019-2021 term. Over the next two years, one of my goals is to continue the work of growing our Democratic base in Wilkes, increasing and developing our Democratic precincts, which represent the bedrock of our party. We know we cannot win elections without strong, organized Precincts! We must increase our outreach efforts to all of our Democrats and unaffiliated citizens who may feel forgotten or unrepresented in our county, including but not limited to, our Hispanic, African American and LGBTQ citizens. We must bring attention to the need for increased support for our public education system and our teachers, especially in light of the current administration’s attempt to divert funding to private and charter schools. We must shed light on the serious issues of poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness in our county. We must continue to seek opportunities for the economic development of our municipalities and county. We must continue to find, support and elect qualified individuals who will represent us all, including women and minorities, at every level of elected office in this county. We must preserve and protect our air, land and water, so that future Wilkes citizens will be able to thrive here. We must do all that we can to protect the voting rights of all individuals and to advocate for fair and non-partisan redistricting. We must support comprehensive healthcare for all, for seniors, women and persons with disabilities, as well as those who have fallen into the Medicaid Gap and cannot get affordable insurance coverage. We must demonstrate our support for the rights of all working men and women to be compensated equally for the same work. It is critical that we hold our elected officials accountable for their actions, and make sure ALL of the people of Wilkes County are represented. Under the current administration, we have seen an alarming rise in hate and division that tears at the fabric of our society. We must continue to stand in unity against these destructive forces. I will continue to remind myself and others of the pledge we have repeated throughout our lives, “allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Voting is critical, but “just voting” is no longer enough! Like anything worth having, a strong democracy requires work, rolling up our sleeves, going to meetings, making phone calls, knocking on doors, writing letters, working for good candidates, putting up signs, planning, collaborating, and earning some sweat equity! Participation in whatever way we can is absolutely necessary! I am looking forward to participating with and working with my fellow concerned citizens on these and other important issues that touch our lives! “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barack Obama So now, my friends, let’s Get to Work! Best regards to all, Kathryn D. Charles Chair, Wilkes County Democratic Party  "Let us take the high ground," Rev Richard Watts began as he spoke to the Wilkes Democratic Party at the annual County Convention on March 23rd, 2019. His talk focused on how useless it is to waste time with negativity. It detracts from the things we stand for, like education, a sensible foreign policy, and welcoming and lifting all people up.
"Let's think about who WE are as a country. What makes our country great and our Democracy stronger? WE lift up people. Cooperation is better than conflict. Bridges are better than walls." He referenced former President Jimmy Carter, who is now our longest living president, as a wonderful example of of compassion and love for community, to which we can all aspire. Watts, a former teacher and current coordinator for Crosby Scholars in Forsyth County, in addition to pastoring at Rickard's Chapel AME Zion Church in North WIlkesboro, stressed the importance of public education in his speech as the single most important way to help the future of our country. "Good education is key," he claimed. "We have allowed the media and the current administration to tell us that public school and public education is bad," he elaborated, adding that an education with the same opportunity for every child is vital to a healthy community. "When people are just trying to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, and clothes on their backs, they don't have time to read to their kids," Watts said, stressing the importance of economic stability along with programs like Head Start to helping him and so many others to get the positive start on their education. Referencing that neither of his parents held a high school diploma, he urged us to protect public education. "We want EVERY child to have a free, quality education." Realizing that each student is different, Watts said "some of the quietest students have the best solutions." He referenced his early recollections of his 1st grade teacher Mrs. Pollack, a kind and powerful woman in his life. "We ALL must work together to make ALL students ready for college." He lamented that in 1982-84 when he was at Wake Forest, he and his fellow black students were protesting and fighting to stop "Old South" dress up parties and displaying the Confederate flag on campus. The same protests are occurring across college campuses today. The same battles have to be fought again and again. "We can not stop. They energize their base, and we must energize OUR base." "This country is in a terrible spot," Rev Watts concluded. "But we can take it back again,...to reach greatness."  2019 is not a big election year,...except for here! This year we will elect new county party officers and precinct leadership. The precincts start first. The local voting precinct is the smallest subset of politics in the party, but definitely the most powerful. This is basically neighbors working with neighbors in their immediate community to organize and make change. 2019 is an election year for our local precincts, so each precinct will need to be organized and officers and delegates elected. Come to the monthly meeting to learn more about precinct organization and how to get involved. Wilkes has difficulty organizing all our precincts, so we need all current 28 precinct leaders or interested persons to come to the meeting if they need more information. Each current precinct chair should have already received a pdf with the organization requirements and their precinct's sustaining fund goal (based on the numbers of votes cast in their precinct for the last governor's election.) This packet included: 1) How many convention votes each precinct will get at the county convention to vote for Wilkes Democratic Party Officers at the Wilkes County Convention in March. 2) How many delegates you'll elect from each precinct (some precincts require as many as 7 to be fully organized.) 3) Your precinct's sustaining fund goal to the state NC Democratic party (goes to access for software use and other support) We will do a county-wide precinct organization meeting for maximum efficiency on Saturday, February 16th at 10amat the Wilkes County Agricultural building. It's a great time to get together with all of Wilkes County's precincts represented. If you are a precinct chair and did NOT receive this packet, please contact us immediately or pick yours up at the January monthly meeting.  Many Republicans have come to believe they will lose fair elections with high voter turnout12/29/2018
The following is an article in the Friday NYtimes Opinion by David Leonhardt
While much of the country was focused on Donald Trump’s shocking victory in the presidential election two years ago, Republicans in North Carolina were attempting a brazen power grab. After their nominee — the sitting governor — lost re-election in November 2016, Republicans in the state decided to weaken the governor’s office. The state legislature passed two bills stripping the governor of some powers, and the outgoing governor, Pat McCrory, signed them. In doing so, McCrory and his allies rejected the peaceful transfer of power that is essential to democracy. They instead chose the peaceful transfer of some power. In 2018, it became clear that this problem extended beyond North Carolina. Republicans in Wisconsin and Michigan followed the same strategy. Perhaps the most chilling aspect is that Trump had nothing to do with these power grabs. Most of the leadership of the Republican Party in each state decided that their overriding goal was partisan power. Along similar lines, Republicans in many states also pushed to make voting more difficult. They closed polling places, reduced voting hours and introduced ludicrous bureaucratic hurdles — like requiring Native Americans who have no street address to have one in order to vote. The struggle over American democracy is my choice for the year’s second most significant news story. It’s a struggle that goes to the core of American ideals and that will affect politics for years. Fortunately, it’s also a struggle that has now been joined. This country has the beginnings of the pro-democracy movement that it needs. In Florida, 65 percent of voters — which means large numbers of Democrats, Republicans and independents — approved a ballot initiative restoring the voting rights of people who had been convicted of a felony. In Missouri, 62 percent of voters approved a law to reduce corruption and gerrymandering. Pro-democracy initiatives also passed in a few other states. At the federal level, House Democrats have promised to make electoral reform the subject of the first bill they offer, after taking control next month. Voting fairness isn’t simply a Democrat-versus-Republican story. In New Jersey, state Democrats recently pushed for an inequitable new gerrymandering plan — until progressive activists beat back the plan. Gerrymandering remains a problem in other blue states, like Illinois and Maryland. Across parts of the West, meanwhile, Republican officials have supported an expansion of voting by mail. But if both parties deserve some blame, they don’t deserve anywhere near equal blame. The efforts to restrict voting (and the attempts at cheating) have come overwhelmingly from Republicans, while the efforts to expand voting access have come mostly from Democrats. The reason is obvious enough. Many Republicans have come to believe they will lose fair elections with high voter turnout. In 2019 and beyond, I’ll be rooting for more Republican leaders to decide they can win elections the old-fashioned way: By persuading more voters that they deserve to win. Until they do, I hope voters across the political spectrum will punish Republican politicians who decide they care more about power than democracy. They’re going down a very dangerous road.  Ground Gained From The Election
While Republicans did retain control over both chambers in the NC General Assembly, Democratic gains broke the supermajority in NC and will provide Democrat Governor Roy Cooper with a more meaningful veto power. As a result, education supporters can expect greater collaboration between Democrat and Republican legislators, which is likely to produce a more moderate education agenda. While 4 of the amendments to the NC constitution passed, The Bipartisan Ethics and Elections Enforcement and the Judicial Vacancy Sunset Amendment both failed and were publicly criticized by former governors as unnecessary attempts by the legislature to limit the Governor’s powers. Anita Earls’ win on the NC Supreme Court was a triumph. The state’s party chairman, Wayne Goodwin, said the party was “incredibly proud of all that she has accomplished and all that she will accomplish as a justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court.” Democrats also won seats on the NC Court of Appeals, including John Arrowood, Tobias Hampson and Allegra Katherine Collins (the daughter in law of Ida Collins). And Claude Shew, Jr. won the Soil & Water Supervisor race (along with Brian Parker). Disappointments The voter ID amendment was one that passed and legislation has passed the lame duck General Assembly this week. The Senate voted 25-7 on Thursday to accept House changes to the measure and sent it to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, a voter ID opponent. Republicans in charge of the legislature can override a Cooper veto at their current numbers, as the super-majority is still in session.Senate Democrats urged GOP colleagues to delay the vote until an investigation into absentee ballot fraud in the 9th Congressional District is complete. The measure directs state election officials to set rules requiring mail-in ballot requesters to provide ID. The state passed a voter suppressive photo ID law previously in 2013 that was alive for a short time and was used in the March 2016 primary before a federal court threw it out. A federal appeals court panel overturned it as part of a package of election laws that reduced the early voting period by a week, ended same-day registration during early voting, eliminated pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds, and outlawed out-of-precinct voting. Local politics failed to recognize the talent of LB Prevette for County Commissioners, but we hope she hasn't been deterred from running in the future. Dianne Little and John Worth Wiles weren't able to win a majority, but both were strong candidates that worked hard in our area. Wes Luther did an amazing job with little time or resources in the NC Senate Race and earned 35% of the vote. DD Adams utlimately couldn't compete with Virginia Foxx's coffers, but still earned 43% of the vote Where Wilkes Contributed In Wilkes County specifically, Democratic candidates couldn't seem to earn more than 20-25% of the vote county-wide. However, remember that in state races, those votes counted towards the end goal and many of these races were so tight, so it did make a difference. In an interesting twist, however, Wilkes' North Wilkesboro precinct elected Anita Earls to the NC Supreme Court with 44.58% of the vote. LB Prevette also carried the North Wilkesboro precinct with 35% of the vote. We need to make more precincts turn to islands of blue in the sea of red that is Wilkes Out of 42,000 registered voters in Wilkes County, only 23% of them are registered Democrats, so the numbers are consistent with voter participation. And an impressive 53% of voter turnout means only 23,069 voters even bothered to participate in the midterm elections. In future months we'll work on getting more specific data breakdown by precinct and party. But in the end, don't lose heart, Wilkes Democrats. You contributed to important and key wins for our state. We need to continue to keep our ranks engaged going into 2020. Precinct organization, having enough great poll workers for our poll positions, educating people on these new ID laws and making sure everyone is properly prepared and able to vote are all of vital importance. To review and slice and dice the election results for yourself, visit: NCSBE Contest Results  Regardless of which of the 28 Wilkes County precincts in which you reside, we have a sample ballot to help you know how to mark YOUR ballot in the 2018 midterm elections. Be it early voting on on the day, you can print off this sample ballot and take it INTO the voting booth with you so you know how to vote. It's a great way to be sure you don't forget any of the races,...like that lil ol' Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor,...and insure that your voice is heard loud and clear. WILKES PRECINCTS: Boomer, brushy Mountain, cricket, fairplains, millers creek, moravian falls, mulberry, new castle, north wilkesboro, rock creek 1, somers, traphill 2 and wilkesboro 1, wilkesboro 2, and wilkesboro 3.This is the sample ballot for "D94" for precincts in the eastern and southern precincts of the county...   Wilkes Precincts: Antioch, Edwards 1, Edwards 2, Ferguson, Jobs Cabin, Mount Pleasant, Mulberry 1, Reddies River, Rock Creek 2, Traphill1, Union & Walnut GroveDistrict 90 with basically the northern and western Wilkes precincts...   EDWARDS 3 and TOWN of ELKINLast, but not least, this is the sample ballot for "Elkin" which includes the Wilkes Precinct of Edwards 3, as well as Town of Elkin. Yeah, we know it makes no sense, but here we are.   If you don't know what precinct you're in, you can type your address into the NC State Board of Elections Voter Lookup Tool and it'll tell you all your districts as well as your voting precinct. You can also use this tool to look up the precincts and registration status of your family and friends to make sure they're registered and know where to vote.
For more information on where to vote on Election Day, and a general map of the precincts, you can visit the Wilkes County Democrats' Voter Tools page on our website. If you don't know LB Prevette, you should. She is the Democratic candidate running for the Wilkes County Commissioners in the midterm elections, and she needs your vote. LB grew up on a chicken farm in Wilkes. She is a graduate of Wilkes Central Senior High, and began college at Wingate - which ended when her father died and she returned home to work on the family farm. She didn't think she'd return to Wilkes, but here she is,...after earning a degree from the University of Nevada and now working for Lowe's as a trainer where she motivates and inspires people as a part of her job. Prevette does tremendous work as part of the Millenial Action Council of Wilkes, and she is the first to admit she has strong opinions. When the New York Times first wrote the infamous article about Wilkes County before the last election, she was "riled" to action, inspiring her to work to restore the county's economic vibrancy with more opportunities for people here ready to work and young people interested in returning to Wilkes when they finished college. She's a believer that the resolve and entrepreneurial spirit that Wilkes had in our past is still present, it just needs the right leadership and investments for the future. Prevette believes in the power of building a stronger economy by giving more people "a seat at the table." "We aren't telling our story," she has said in the Wilkes Journal Patriot. "How can we change our image to make people want to live here? That responsibility lies with leadership." She says the economy has moved past the big production industry from Wilkes' past. It ends up only achieving limited wages with little or no corporate profits that stay in Wilkes. Small businesses and start-ups have enormous potential, especially those that utilize our natural outdoor beauty and resources, like our bike trails, W Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, the Yadkin Greenway, and Stone Mountain State Park. But it's not all about building a Farmer's Market or a downtown commons,...and Prevette is quick to remind us of the impact that substance abuse and addiction has had on our area. Poverty is a large contributor, but that is not the only factor as so many families are wrecked by addiction, regardless of their socio-economic status. The county would greatly benefit from LB Prevette on the County Commissioners Board. She is young and female. She would be the first female on the board in a decade, and the first Democrat in nearly that long. A democracy thrives with more voices, and those factors, combined with her youth, are an asset to the county. While you can vote for 2 candidates out of the three running, LB has a better chance of winning if you don't share a vote with one of the other two Republicans running. Vote for only one. Vote for LB Prevette. But don't take our word for it. See LB Prevette speak for herself at Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro the end of last month: Now the latest attempt to do something about the Taco Bell fiasco is to cover portions of it in black plastic sheeting. It’s a nice gesture, but there is still an eyesore on Highway 421. According to the Wilkes Journal Patriot archives, the sinkhole there dates back to February 2017. Soon the folks from the east will be making their way through Wilkes County to look at the fall leaves in the mountains. Imagine the impression left with visitors who are looking for beauty and passing what can only be described as a mess. Consider further the impression left with a potential investor in Wilkes County after multiple passes over the past year and a half! Since this blight on the County appears insolvable, maybe it’s time to route visitors around the blot on the landscape. The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, the EDC, the elected officials of Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro, and Wilkes County could do something revolutionary—cooperate--and re-route 421 traffic around the sinkhole. The west bound visitors on 421 can exit at the Community College and travel west on 268, which has the feeling of a boulevard. Visitors to the County will be impressed with what a lovely place this is. They can continue on Old 268 and Browns Ford Road and get back to 421. A barricade at that point can route east bound visitors onto the newly formed bypass. If this suggestion sounds extreme, is it any more extreme than the inertia of the owners of the property and our county leaders to let this problem stay unsolved for over a year? Last month, Wilkes Democratic party was saddened to lose two important people to democracy in Wilkes County, Earl Eller and Garland Hill. Godspeed to both of these men.  EARL ELLER Mr. Earl Thomas Eller, age 72 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018 at his home. Mr.. Eller was born March 28, 1946 in Wilkes County to Ernest A. and Geneva Faw Eller, who preceded him in death. He and two brothers, Larry and David, grew up on a farm in Millers Creek, N.C. Earl attended Millers Creek Elementary and graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1964. While at West Wilkes, he was co-captain of the football team his senior year and selected all conference for three years. After graduation, he attended Mars Hill College and played football for two years until an injury sidelined him. He graduated in 1968 and during his junior and senior years, he was the first student director of Mars Hill’s intramural programs  In 1968, Eller began teaching Biology, Health, and Physical Education at North Wilkes High School where he also started his coaching career, becoming the first head football coach. Earl inherited a tradition of winning because the Vikings were widely known for their basketball success, having won a state title. In his first two years, the football team played a junior varsity schedule with afternoon games on the baseball field. The Vikings played their first varsity home game in their new football stadium in 1970. In 1972, their third year of varsity competition, North Wilkes won its first conference championship. Coach Eller coached the football program for 13 years, participated in state playoffs for four years, and served as athletic director for 32 years. Coach Eller worked tirelessly to upgrade facilities and establish programs for young men and women, and because of his dedication, the field house at North Wilkes High School is named in his honor. During Eller’s tenure, North Wilkes athletics grew from two sports to 32 teams when he retired. Coach Eller started the weight program for all athletes and helped coordinate Athletic Booster Club projects that included: adding bleachers in the gym, baseball field, and football field; press boxes at both fields; handicap viewing area; and a concession building for football. During Eller’s career, a football facility was constructed along with a running track, tennis courts, and women’s softball field. Coach Eller’s vision along with county and community support made this possible. Eller was active in the North Wilkes community, Wilkes County Democratic Party, and across the state. He is a charter member of the Mountain View Ruritan Club, served on the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees, and volunteers as a lunch buddy for Communities In Schools. Eller’s entire life has been one in constant motion of helping, encouraging, teaching, and sacrificing time and resources to better the lives of others. Earl loved traveling and spending time with his daughter, Kristy and her husband Mitch, and three grandchildren, Gavin, and twin granddaughters Piper and Ellery. Mr. Eller is survived by a daughter; Kristy Jane Eller Tyndall and husband Mitch of Clayton, a grandson; Gavin Tyndall and two granddaughters; Piper and Ellery all of Clayton, two brothers; Larry Eller and wife Helen of Millers Creek and David Eller of Millers Creek. GARLAND HILL Mr. Roy Garland Hill, III, age 70, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday the 21st of September 2018 at Wilkes Regional Hospital. Mr. Hill was born July the 22nd of 1948 in Davidson County to Roy Garland (R.G.) Hill, Jr. and Muriel Barger Hill. His father preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother of Welcome, his brothers Tom Hill and wife Gail, Rick Hill and wife Debbie all of Lexington, daughter Kari Hill Brown and husband Jason of Asheville and grandchildren Madison and Jackson, son David Hill and wife Pamela of Charlotte, daughter Natalie Hill and wife Kim Hill of Deep Gap and grandchildren Ethan Call, Travis Hill and Katelyn Hamm, and wife Barbara Jean Hill of North Wilkesboro. Pa Smokey enjoyed his role as a grandfather immensely. He fondly called Travis “The Professor.” He was also a truly loving husband and father. He provided a moral compass, a listening ear and love without restriction. His sense of humor both intentional and unintentional left all those around him full of joy. Garland graduated from North Davidson High School in 1966. After graduation he attended Mars Hill College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. He taught science at North Buncombe High School and then earned his Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama in 1973. Garland went on to attend Appalachian State University to receive his Specialist in Education degree in 1983. Garland had a multi-faceted career working in both local and state education systems. Some of his many accomplishments included his work to desegregate the Goldsboro School System, as Chief Administer of a school for exceptional children, and as principal of an elementary school. He spent the last 20 years of his career as the Director of Testing and Accountability for the Wilkes County Schools. Upon retirement, Garland took up wood carving and achieved the level of a master carver winning multiple awards for his life-like bird carvings. Garland was a life-long learner. His mother always called him her “Genius Son.” He took up painting, guitar, bee keeping and tax preparation. He was an avid collector of baseball cards, coins, stamps and friends. He had an enormous intellect and appetite for knowledge. He was in many respects a Renaissance man. Garland was an active member of Wilkesboro Baptist Church for 20 years and served as an elder, Sunday school teacher and on numerous committees. He recently joined North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church where he was involved with congregational care and communications. Garland was an integral member of the Wilkes County Board of Elections for several years, representing the Democratic party on the board and working diplomatically with the staff and other party. He served a term as chairman when the political climate was favorable to a Democratic Governor - before the General Assembly usurped the Governor's power. He believed passionately in the democratic system of government and fought to make sure that every voter had a voice and that all elections were fair and honest. Both these men were involved, interesting, energetic and inspiring. But most importantly both of them were passionate about voting, making the right to vote accessible to all, and for the Democratic Party in Wilkes County. They will be truly missed. To honor them by voting and making your voice heard would be the best thing you could do to honor their memory. I know I'll be thinking about them both when I feed my ballot into the counter. |