School Visit

Today on my first full day as Mayor I requested a visit and tour of Lexington Senior High School. Superintendent, Rick Kiesky and Prinicple, Travis Taylor were very welcoming to me and the council.

Economic Development today so relies on the quality of your schools and ability to educated your workforce. We must work to support our public schools and help in every way to allow our children to succeed in life.

Dispatch Article >>

Board and Commission Appointments

Our first action as a council were the nominations and appointments for the city boards and commissions. After being sworn in we named our Mayor Pro Tem, Wayne Alley and then moved onto appointments.

I was very proud to nominate Dr. Rev. Herbert Miller for the Planning and Zoning Board, Wilma Evans Fuller for the Housing Authority Board, Mickey Sharpe for Histrocial Preservation and I reappointed Mary Reid for the Human Relations Board. All of these nominations were accepted by the board and I know these individuals will do a great job at serving this city.

There were many other nominations, however, these were my Mayor appointments.

Congratulations to all for your appointments.

Swearing In.

After weeks of waiting the day finally arrived. Monday night, December 12th I was sworn into office by City Clerk Tina Lanier and then I turned around and and adminstered the oath to the one incumbent, Tonya Lanier and the three new guys Jim Myers, Frank Callicutt and Lewie Phillips.

It was a wonderful night and thank you to all the citizens that attended. I am truely honored to represent you all and very honored to have sworn in my fellow council members.

Dispatch Article >>

Congratulations

I wanted to send a congratulations out to the newly elected Lexington City Council members.

I look forward to working with you, the current members of the council and the staff.

We Won!

What a day. Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters for their help and to all the citizens casting their votes.

>> Dispatch Article - "Clark Elected Mayor"

>> Dipatch Article - "Three Newcomers Gain Seats"

Lexington Community Foundation

Two nights ago, Jennifer and I attended a reception at the home of Terry and Sandra Reynolds -- benefiting the Lexington Area Community Foundation. A foundation under the umbrella of the Foundation of the Carolinas.

Thank you goes out to Terry and Sandra for opening their home and hosting a wonderful, will attened reception. Also I enjoyed hearing Michael Marsicano, President and CEO of the Foundation of the Carolinas, speak on the foundation and how it benefits our community and the organizations it helps.

>> Website for Lexington Community Foundation

>> Website for the Foundation of the Carolinas

Jim Nance's Column

>> Dispatch Article - Jim Bo Nance

Thank you for the show of Support.

>> Dispatch - Letter to the Editor

H.O.P.E. Forum

This Sunday afternoon I attended the final community forum organized by community organization -- H.O.P.E. (Helping Organize People Effectively). I wanted to thank Connie Russell and the H.O.P.E. board for putting on a well organized event. We started on time and finished on time. Also, thank you to the citizens and other community organization for turning out to hear the candidates and showing their commitment to change.

Thank you again to H.O.P.E. and I look forward to working with you all soon.

>> Dispatch Article - H.O.P.E. forum

New Faith Full Gospel Fellowship Center

This past Sunday morning I was able to attend the New Faith Full Gospel Fellowship Center and visit with Bishop Kelly and his congregation. I can not thank you enough for such a warm welcome. The fellowship was great, the music wonderful (Perrell is amazing on the Sax), and Bishop Kelly's message was timely.

Thank you again for such a wonderful reception and I look forward to visiting again soon.

Election Day is Around the Corner!

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011!

Former Superintendent Writes In.

>> Dispatch Letter to the Editor

High School Students Speak Up!

>> Dispatch Letter to the Editor

BBQ Cook-off continues to gain Sponsors

During this campaign I have heard the need to continue to support Uptown and work toward an effort to build more festivals for the citizens and to help promote Lexington.

Last year, myself along with the Uptown Lexington Board did just that by adding a Cook-off for the Uptown area. I served as the Chairman of the Sponsorship committee and during the first year (2011) we were very successful. Let me thank all the 1st year sponsors and the committee, Tim Reagan, Michael Holhouser, Mike Turlington, Chad Hodges, Toby Prince and Jo Ellen Edwards -- just to name a few.

As we work to grow this event the Lexington Tourism Authority continues to be a partner and we thank you. Here is a link to one of the latest articles about the cook-off and LTA's sponsorship.

>> Dispatch Article - Cook-off

KOOL 1440AM 99.9FM

This morning I had the opportunity to extend on some of my vision and ideas from last night's forum with "Politically Correct" on KOOL, formerly WLXN. Max and Steve were very welcoming and I appreciate the radio giving candidates the free area time. It's surprising that not all candidates took advantage of this opportunity.

Thanks guys - it was a lot of fun and I look forward to returning soon.

>> KOOL website

Chamber Forum

Last night I attended the fourth forum during this campaign and this one was the largest to date.

I want to thank the Lexington Chamber for hosting, Phillip McGirt for moderating and Chamber Ex. Burr Sullivan for organizing a well run forum.

The exchange of ideas and the opportunity for citizens to see and hear from the candidates is always informative for voters. Thank you for the opportunity.

>> Dispatch Article

Dispatch Article on Candidates

The Dispatch recently asked me to submit my answers to several questions regarding our city's future. This was also asked of all candidates. Below are the links to those articles and the answers provided by the candidates.

>> Mayor Candidates

>> At-Large Candidates

>> Ward 5 Candidates

>> Ward 6 Candidates

Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy Steering Committee

Our bi-weekly steering committee meeting for the Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy (YVRCA) met last week and the plans are moving along. We are still scheduled to open the southern campus in Davidson County during the fall of 2012, with plans for the northern campus fall of 2013.

We have a wonderful team of educators, business leaders, parents and others working toward this goal and I want to thank all of those involved, especially my co-chair Barry Sink, our project manager Mack McCary, Dr. Fred Mock and Dr. Ashley Hinson.

This project can be one of the main economic drivers for our community for years to come.

>> Mt. Airy News

>> High Point Enterprise

Mark your Calendars - Chamber Candidates Forum

Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00pm

Location: Lexington Senior High Auditorium

I look forward to seeing you all out for one of the last forums organized by citizens and/or non-profits. All candidates have been invited and this is a good opportunity to hear from the individuals asking for your vote.

>>Dispatch Article

Anthony "Jabo" Knotts

I wanted to congratulate Anthony "Jabo" Knotts on his latest book, "You Can Be More." This past Friday I attended the Lexington football game and I was able to catch up with Jabo. Jabo was there promoting his book and giving part of the proceeds to the Lexington football team. Thank you to all that turned out and purchased Jabo's new book. I am enjoying reading it myself.

Congrats, Jabo and keep up the good work, while spreading the message.

>> Pastor Anthony Knotts

>> Book Link

Ward 5 Candidates Forum

Last night I attended the third candidates forum, thus far, during this 2011. This was the first forum attended by my opponent and I still do not know what his platform or vision is for our city. What is John's plan to reduce our 16% unemployment rate? What is John's plan to improve our city's low number of college graduates? What is John's plan to help improve quality of life? At some point you are going to have to speak for yourself and not let others speak for you.

The citizens of Ward 5 and the AME Zion Church on 4th street helped put together this candidates forum. I would like to thank, Rick Holmes and AME Zion for hosting and giving the candidates an opportunity to be heard.

It is through open and honest dialogue with citizens that we will be able to work out of our current economic situation.

North Carolina Center for Voter Education

Earlier today I was able to spend a little time with the North Carolina Center for Voter Education and I have provided a link to their website.

This is an online voter guide provided by the Center and UNC-TV. All Lexington candidates are listed; however, not all of the candidates have posted information for you.

Thank you to UNC-TV and the NC Center for Voter Education for providing this service. This is just another way to help inform our community voters, so that they can make an educated decision on the future of our community on November 8th.

>> North Carolina Center for Voter Education

News is Spreading Nationwide

The previous Winston-Salem Journal article by Richard Craver about the Young Leadership Forum of Davidson County and Uptown Lexington's revitalization is spreading in webpost across the country.

>> Recent WS Journal Article

>> Houston, TX

>> Albany, NY

>> Bridgeport, CT

Ward 1 and Ward 5 Block Party

I wanted to thank the citizens from Wards 1 and 5 for dropping by our block party yesterday. Also, thank you to Michael Evans for providing hot dogs and Corey McMillian for providing music for the event.

This was a great opportunity to listen to the concerns of the citizens from these Wards. Also this gave me a chance to explain my plan and vision for this city.

With our citizens input and involvement we will start to move this city forward.

Thank you and I look forward to working with you all soon.

Governor's Visit

Last week I was able to attend a Small Town Forum at DCCC, along with several local citizens and others from around the Piedmont Triad. The forum was delivered by the North Carolina Rural Center, Golden Leaf and other sponsors. Our Governor, Bev Predue, attended and addressed the audience in a town hall type setting.

The governor answered audience questions, listened to success stories and requests from the citizens in attendance.

I am glad to see from the state level, especially in economic development, that they are starting to focus on small towns. For us to turn this economy around it will start at the local level and we have to work to support and advocate for these locally owned and operated businesses and entrepreneurs.

>> Dispatch Article on Governor's Visit

Mayoral Forum - Opponent Absent

I just returned from a mayoral forum hosted by the First Baptist Church on Village Drive here in Lexington. Let me first say, thank you to the church, congregation and community for the opportunity and secondly I thought it was a well organized event.

There were representatives from the NAACP, H.O.P.E, Focus on Leadership and the Lexington School Board among others.

However, no other mayoral candidate showed up besides myself. I had been invited to attend this event several months ago and had been told that one of my opponents, John Walser, would be attending.

Mr. Walser choose not to attend, citing that, "it was not in his best interest." To my knowledge there were no scheduling conflicts, especially since it has been planned for nearly 2 months.

When will the citizens actually get to hear from my opponent?

How can you lead if no one knows your plan, John?

"TO GOVERN - YOU MUST FIRST SHOW UP." -- Newell Clark

Town Hall

I wanted to thank all the citizens that attended our recent town hall. Also, thank you to my volunteers for organizing and making this possible.

I will be speaking this Saturday at a Mayoral forum at the First Baptist Church on Village Drive in Lexington, 4:00pm.

Thank you all for attending Tuesday night and I look forward to working for you all soon.

Congratulations Small Wall

On my way back from a meeting at High Rock Outfitters yesterday, I stopped by the newly opened art gallery, Small Wall.

As soon as I walked in I was welcomed by a great youthful energy from the Jimmy, Jason, Daniel and the gang. The smiles and display of colorful artwork were great to see from a family that actually owns several businesses Uptown - heard of Shotos anyone.

Congratulations to all of you and here is to wishing you continued success in Lexington and the Uptown District.

>> Dispatch Article Small Wall

Ground Breaking for Religious Service Center

Yesterday I attended the ground breaking for the new Religious Service Center at the Lexington prison. I have been serving on a steering committee made up of several citizens throughout Davidson County to help raise funds for this facility. We are about to reach our goal; however, we have raised enough funds to get the project started and we are on our way.

This center will help educate (GEDs, educational workshops, etc.) inmates as well as provide them with a place to worship. The goal is to help them transition back into the community as productive citizens.

Thank you to Max Walser and my grandfather, Ardell Lanier, for co-chairing this project and also thank you to all my fellow committee members. Well done.

>>Religious Service Center Article

Ward 6 Town Hall Scheduled

Our second in a series of Town Hall style meetings has been scheduled for next Tuesday, September 20th, 7:30pm at the Lexington Municipal Club. This Ward 6 town hall is open to the public, thus, you do not have to be a resident of Ward 6 to attend. All citizens are welcome.

There will be a reception starting at 7:30pm with light refreshments and music followed by an 8:00pm Q&A.

I look forward to seeing you all there on Tuesday night.

Ward 6 Town Hall

Tuesday, September 20th

7:30 reception

8:00 Q&A

Files Chapel, Thank You.

I wanted to thank the minister, John Cade, and the congregation at Files Chapel Baptist Church for their warm reception today. I really enjoyed meeting members of the congregation and the message from Rev. Cade was powerful, especially on a day of remembrance like 9-11.

Thank you all again and I look forward to returning soon.

Candidate Forums - Save the Date

Candidate Forums are being scheduled -- be sure to attend and get informed about all candidates.

1st Baptist Church, 210 Village Drive

Mayoral Candidates Forum

Sept. 24th -4:00pm

Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Lexington Senior High School Auditorium, 26 Penry Street

Mayor and City Council Candidates Forum

Oct. 18th - 7:00pm

H.O.P.E., Tabernacle Church, 912 Dixie Street

Mayor and City Council Candidates Forum

Oct. 30th - 3:00pm

Thank you to the School Systems Educators

I wanted to thank the Lexington City Schools NEA organization for hosting a candidates forum tonight at the Senior High. The forum gave all candidates a chance to speak on their views for the city and any plans they have to better the community. After each presentation the candidates were apart of a Q&A. Not all candidates attended; however, the forum was a great chance for the candidates that did attend to showcase their plans.

Thank you again to the educators of the Lexington City School system. I was glad to be apart of this forum and I look forward to continuing to support the school system and our children.

Educational Forum

This Saturday, August 27th, all candidates (mayor and city council) have been invited to an educational forum hosted by the Lexington City Schools chapter of NEA. Each candidate will be given 5 minutes to speak on their views and possible plans for public education. This will be followed by an audience Q&A.

If you feel education is as important to our future, as I do, you should plan on attending to hear what the candidates have to say about our childrens futures.

Educational Forum

Lexington High School

Saturday, August 27th

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Mark your calendar! Election day, November 8th.

Be Apart of Your City's Direction.

What is the difference?

As the campaign is now in full swing, with the filing closed and candidates now putting up their signs. I have been energized to see such a response from citizens willing to serve and help their community move forward.

What I am now looking forward to, is hearing the issues. I have been meeting and talking to citizens for some time now and the response has been great, especially when they hear my plan and vision for our future.

Sure I am a candidate, however, I am also a citizen and voter. Thus, I am looking forward to hearing what plan of action, vision and ideas all the candidates have to offer. As well as seeing their ability to be able to reach those goals.

WS Journal Article

I wanted to thank the Winston-Salem Journal for responding to my letters requesting that they take a look at our community and counter a previous negative article about our town. Thank you, Journal, for telling the positive side about our city and featuring a group of hard worker young leaders in Lexington.

WS Journal Article >>

Young Leadership Forum Website >>

Young Leadership Forum on Facebook >>

Carolina Cancer Services -- Thank you.

I wanted to thank the Carolina Cancer Services for asking me to help with their fund raising event the past Friday. Your idea of a chef battle, a la "Iron Chef" was fun and unique for this area, very creative. I hope the event was a wonderful success for your organization, thank you for letting me be apart. Vanessa Lanier, executive chef from Sapona, was this years winner as scored by the judges and audience - Congrats to Vanessa. Her shrimp dish photo is included here.

Winston-Salem Journal to Features Local Entreprenuers

Several weeks ago the Winston-Salem Journal did an article on the decline of Lexington's population and how it has "rocked" the committee. The article as a whole did not send a positive message about Lexington.

Since the article I have been sending letters to the editors of the WS Journal inviting them to Lexington for a tour of our Uptown area. We have had several new businesses open and numerous businesses that this town has never seen. I wanted to introduce them to the a couple of the entrepreneurs in this community as well as send out a positive message about my hometown.

Well -- the editors responded and yesterday I was able to tour them through Uptown. After the tour, I arranged a lunch for the paper to have a Q&A with several of the new business owners making a difference in this current economic climate.

Once the article is published I will link it in the blog. Let's continue building a better Lexington, together.

Clark to judge Carolina Cancer Services cook-off

Carolina Cancer Services is having an "Iron-Chef" type of cook-off and I have been asked to judge. Many of you may be aware that I am a certified BBQ judge, licensed by the Kansas City BBQ Society. We will not be judging BBQ, but this should be fun. Come out and help raise some money for Carolina Cancer Services. The event is at Sapona County Club on Saturday, August, 13th - 5:30 until 9:30. See the article below -

Carolina Cancer Services Cook-off >>

Signs, Signs, everywhere there's signs. . .

I wanted to say "thank you" to all of the businesses that have been showing their support for me and my campaign by putting a sign up in their store fronts. It is truly a commitment to show a sign of support; however, it is your right and your freedom of speech to do so. I have been humbled by the citizens show of support and for this I say, thank you. Your commitment to me only makes me want to work harder to better our community. Let's continue to show signs of commitment to better our community together.

National Night Out

Last night I joined several of my volunteers and friends to walk Lexington's Main Street for National Night Out. This is a national celebration for our public safety officials, ie police and fire. Thank you to all the men and women that make our lives safe through their hard work. Also a thank you to Chief Lollis (police) and Chief Hartley (Fire) for their work, their departments and officers.

Dispatch Article >

National Night Out - National website >

YVRCA Steering Committee Meeting

Today I attended the by-weekly meetings for the Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy Steering Committee. In attendance were Barry Sink (co-chair), Mack McCary (project manager), Ben Ross (Ex.Director of Davidson Vision), Dr. Sandy Lee (Davidson County Schools, Assistant Superintendent) and Terri Mosley (Surry County Schools, Assistant Superintendent.)

We are preparing for a very large federal grant and we spent most of our time dealing with the grant application. The next biggest agenda item was preparing for the August 11th, Elected officials meeting in Surry -- Barry, Mack and I will be presenting.

I want to thank all of the individuals from the four counties for all their hard work in making this possible.

Below is a YouTube link of a video that describes the Academy in more detail:

YouTube Video >>

Clark to Host Hospice Benefit

I just received a visit from Laura Owen, Hospice CEO, and I have been asked to help host the 16th annual Friends of Hospice Benefit. My answer was "yes" and I am looking forward to working with Laura to help this benefit be a success.

I recently had a relative to pass and in his last days he was serviced by the Hospice organization and their staff. This facility is a blessing to our community and we need to do all we can to help.

If you have not given in the past or if you are a regurlar donor be sure to consider donating to the benefit - either by a simple donation or purchasing a ticket and attending the event. I have attached the Dispatch article below for you to read about the event. Hopefully, I will see you soon at the event.

Dispatch article >>

Congratulations to Lexington Native

I wanted to congratulate my friend and campaign supporter, Lexington native, Ross Coppley. He has just signed his first Nashville contract. Your hard work is paying off. We all wish you well and continued success. We look forward to your bright future.

Dispatch article >>

Supporters

I just received a wonderful photograph from a wonderful set of supporters. Thank you all.

Twitter and Facebook

I've started a twitter account so you can keep up with campaign news and some interesting community happenings that are affecting Lexington. You can follow me here: http://twitter.com/#/newellclark.

We've also started a Citizens for Newell Clark page for those of you on Facebook.

Filing

The filing period started today. I finished a little after 12:30pm. It was nice to have my family attend, as well as several members of my staff. Ruth Honeycutt and her staff do a wonderful job for the Board of Elections.

Also today several new faces filed for at-large council seats. Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Hebert Miller and Frank Calicutt - both of these gentleman work tirelessly for Lexington and their community. I am glad they have decided to try and represent their home in an elected position. Good luck to all involved.

http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/filing

Lexington Passenger Rail Committee

We hold our monthly passenger rail meeting today in Lexington. William Deal, chairman, lead the meeting and briefed us on the current progress. The city has received a grant to do several projects in the depot district and I am personally excited about the possibilities. The expansion of this district and development of this area is key to Lexington's future. I would like to thank several committee members for their work on this valuable project - William Deal, Frank Stoner, Jo Ellen Edwards, Ken Davis, Commissioner Kepley, Jeanne Johnston, Ben Ross and Robert and Ramona Phelps - to name a few.

Antionette Kerr's Article

Thank you Antionette for a wonderfully written column on the future of Lexington. We need to do more for our current businesses and entrepreneurs, see the link included.

http://www.the-dispatch.com/antionette

Freedom Tabernacle Visit

After attending my home church, 1st. United Methodist, I visited Freedom Tabernacle and Rev. Donald Hill. What a great congregation and group of citizens. The music, message and fellowship were great. Thank you for the reception and opportunity to be with your congregation and addressing their questions. I look forward to returning.

1st United Methodist Men's Breakfast

I attended the 1st United Methodist Men's breakfast this morning and what a wonderful guest speaker. Pamela Harvey, as she is know around town; however she is also know as Pamela Adams- US Army Colonel retired after 30 years of service and Iraq veteran. She shared with us her one year tour in Iraq with photos and stories. What a wonderful spirit and patriot. I have the greatest respect for our men and women in uniform. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice for this country and her citizens.

Lunch with Terrance

I had lunch today with Terrance Gerald, Lexington Housing Authority Ex. Director. I must say that I am learning about the housing authority and it's role in the city for our citizens. In talking with Mr. Gerald we have challenges, but we can over come a lot of these challenges if we work together to accomplish a goal. The key here being that we work "together."

Meeting with State Superintendent, Dr. June Atkinson

Today I met with NC School Superintendent June Atkinson in Raleigh. Also in the meeting were Dr. Tony Habit and Dr. Dana Wallace of the NC New School Project. The meeting included a discussion of funding strategies and I was able to brief the group about the various memorandums of understanding that have been signed by school systems relating to the Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy. It was a very positive meeting and I look forward to continuing a good relationship with state officials as the Career Academy moves forward.

NC Tomorrow Meeting

Today I met with Betty Huskins about her organization, North Carolina Tomorrow. Betty and NC Tomorrow are working directly with the state on a strategic plan for economic development. North Carolina is currently reevaluating how it will support small businesses and entrepreneurs. It is wonderful to see the state making that part of its big picture economic development plan.

One of my major goals for Lexington is to strongly support the small businesses and entrepreneurs that give so much to our city. I will certainly work with the state to make sure we are doing all we can to help businesses in our community.

Summer Stroll, Uptown Lexington

The summer stroll this evening was a wonderful event. It was great to be in uptown Lexington visiting neighbors and friends in the community. I hope everyone had a great evening in our beautiful city! It is always great to visits our friends at High Rock Outfitters, Naples, Cafe 35, Backyard Retreat, Mission Pottery, Perfect Blend, All about Education, Jo Jo's Ice Cream, Black Dog, Lanier's and the Candy Factory - to just name a few.

Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy Site Visits

This morning I visited several potential sites for the Yadkin Valley Career Academy. We looked at a number of industrial buildings near highway 64 in Lexington, including the Lexington Motor Company facility. I continue to be extremely optimistic about the Career Academy and about the positive impact it will have on our community!

Meeting with Surry County Officials

Barry Sink, Mack McCray, and I presented the Yadkin Valley Career Academy plan to a group of local officials today. Among the group were Surry County Commissioners Stanley and Buck; David Hauser, the CEO of the North Carolina Logistics Center; Earlie Coe, the Surry County Board of Education Chairman; and Ashley Hinson, superintendent of the Surry County school system.

During the meeting each attendee agreed to publicly support the Career Academy initiative. Furthermore, the Surry County Board of Education signed a memorandum of understanding to participate as a partner with the Career Academy.

The meeting was extremely positive and we are very happy to be working with such a wonderful group of partners. Thank you to all for your support!

Lexington City Council Meeting

I attended the Lexington city council meeting today as representative of the Uptown Lexington, Inc. board. The main topic of the meeting was the recent city census and its effects on city government.

As always I enjoyed working with citizens and city officials on the issues that impact our city. It is important work that I look forward to continuing in the coming months and in the years ahead.

Lexington Housing CDC Open House of Erlanger Village

The Erlanger Mill Village represents an outstanding effort by the Lexington Housing Community Development Corporation. They have done a wonderful job revitalizing a significant community asset.

I had a wonderful time visiting Erlanger Mill Village today with my wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Eleanor. Eleanor may have had the most fun of all playing on the beautiful swing set! Thanks to the CDC for their important work!

Tour Charles England/Dunbar for Academy Options

This afternoon I met with Dr. Fred Mock, Mack McCray and Barry Sink at the Charles England/Dunbar School site on Smith Avenue. Mack is the project director for the Yadkin Valley Career Academy and Barry is my co-chair. We toured the site on Smith Avenue as a potential future home for the Career Academy. The steering committee is strongly considering the Lexington area as they work through the site selection process.

The Career Academy will do much to bolster education and economic development in Lexington. I believe that our community will embrace the Career Academy and I look forward to its success in the coming years.

Lexington Strategic Planning Committee

Today I attended the second meeting of the Lexington Strategic Planning committee. We had a terrific turnout for the meeting and are in the process of developing a long term plan for Lexington. We were briefed by the city manager and assistant city manager on the role of the city government. I am very encouraged by the commitment of this group to the future of our city. I would like to specifically thank Amy McNeil, Dr. Keith Curry, Chad Hodges, Dan Briggs, Ann Hoffman, and Elizabeth Shive.

Uptown Lexington, Inc. Annual Meeting

Uptown Lexington had a wonderful annual meeting today. Several outstanding uptown businesses were recognized for their excellence. I am especially happy that Chris Phelps at High Rock Outfitters and Tommy Davidson at Mission Pottery for receiving awards. I have known Chris and Tommy for many years. I am very happy for them and grateful for what they bring to Lexington. Congratulations to all!

http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20110621/NEWS/306219950?p=1&tc=pg

Davidson County Home Builders Association

Today I was invited to give a presentation on the Yadkin Valley Career Academy to the Davidson County Home Builders Association. I briefed roughly twenty attendees on the history of the career academy and on our plans for the future. I was very happy to share the news that the Yadkin Valley Career Academy has been identified as one of 20 schools in North Carolina eligible for Race to the Top funds. The curriculum, funding plan and timeline for the career academy were received very positively by the members of home builders association. I am very thankful for the opportunity to present and answer questions about a project that I believe will be extremely valuable to Lexington.

First Baptist Fund Raiser Breakfast

This morning the First Baptist Church Brotherhood held a flapjack fundraiser breakfast. At the breakfast I was fortunate to spend several hours talking with members of the congregation and Minister Herbert Miller. I was very interested to hear about their citizens’ concerns for Lexington and visions for the future our city. I am excited to continue to collaborate with members of the congregation as we work to build a better Lexington.

HOPE Meeting

Citizens for HOPE Meeting

Citizens for HOPE is an wonderful organization working to address often overlooked issues in our community. HOPE works collaboratively with the community in order to improve quality of life in Lexington. Their current project is to build a community youth activity center in Lexington.

Thanks to Connie and Gerald for meeting with me this morning and briefing me on the organization and its goals. I am excited both about their current project and future projects in Lexington. I look forward to working with HOPE for years to come!

Ward Walks

We visited every ward in town today to meet voters and listen to their concerns.

Lexington Barbeque Cook-Off

The Lexington Barbeque Cook-Off last month was an enormous success. Lexington has such a rich barbeque tradition and it is very important for the city to celebrate that history. We are already working to make the next barbeque cook-off a bigger and better event.

I serve on the festival’s committee and today we met with the Lexington Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Recreation Investment Partnership. This group oversees parks, recreation and tourism in Lexington. We discussed the things that worked during the cook-off and ways that we can improve for next year. On the whole, the cook-off received very positive reviews and we are committed to growing the event and making it part of our city for years to come.

I had a terrific experience as a judge during the cook-off and look forward to the continued success of a great event!

NC Governor Bev Perdue in Lexington

Today I attended a reception for North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue at Cal and Elizabeth Cunningham’s home in Lexington. Governor Perdue spoke about the need to fight for public education funding in the new budget. The Governor has a long history of work with public education and is acutely aware of the need to improve public education, especially in North Carolina’s rural communities. As mayor, I will work with the state government to ensure that public education is a top priority in Lexington. Our children must have access to the best available education and I will work tirelessly to that end as mayor.

Governor Perdue also discussed a need for innovation in education similar to that of the Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy. We thank the Governor for her recognition of this important work in education and for her commitment to fighting for education in North Carolina as a whole. Many thanks to the Cunningham’s for hosting a terrific reception!

“Meet the Candidate”

Tonight I hosted the first of many “Meet the Candidate” events. Close to fifty people gathered at High Rock Outfitters on Main Street to discuss important issues facing Lexington this year. We met for nearly two hours and touched on issues ranging from family life to long-term plans for downtown development. We also discussed in depth many of the potential benefits of bringing a passenger rail to Lexington.

The evening was a resounding success. It is this type of frank and honest discourse that I will make a priority during this campaign and when I am mayor of Lexington. I look forward to hearing more of your ideas and working with you to implement them. Together we will build a better Lexington!

Surry County Education Roundtable

Today I was also part of a group that presented Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy at the Surry County Career Technical Education Roundtable. The meeting was vey well attended and all were receptive to the Career Academy and very excited about the benefits that it will bring their communities. We will continue to both improve the Career Academy and educate our neighbors about the benefits of a regional, career-oriented academic institution.

Lexington Strategic Planning Committee

Today I participated in a meeting of the Lexington Strategic Planning Committee. The Committee includes a diverse group of Lexington citizens who are dedicated to the long term success of our city. Our primary goal is to work with citizens and city planning experts to develop a 10 year strategic plan for the city. During the meeting we discussed what we love about Lexington and laid the foundation of a plan that will guide the city in to the future. The Committee benefited from the input of several members of our community including Antoinette Kerr, Al Armstrong, Greg Turlington, Michael Holhouser, Jane Whitehurst, Amy McNeil, and the Committee’s Chair Michael Turlington. Thanks to all for their hard work!

Davidson County Economic Development Commission Meeting

I was part of a team today that presented an outline of the Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy to the Davidson County Economic Development Commission. The Career Academy is an innovative new high school that both challenges students academically and prepares them for successful careers. The school focuses on job preparation and will help create an intelligent, modern and well-equipped work force in Davidson County. With the help of the Economic Development Commission, the Career Academy will be a major asset for Davidson County as it becomes once again an industrial leader in North Carolina.

First Presbyterian Church Fundraising Breakfast

This morning I attended a terrific fundraising breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church. I am on a committee that is working with the church to construct a Religious Service Center at the Davidson County Correctional Facility. We were joined this morning by George Holley, the minister at the Creggy Correctional Facility near Asheville. Reverend Holley spoke to us about the remarkable transformation that many inmates make through the prison ministry. Here in Davidson County we welcome many former inmates back to our community each year. I believe that a religious service center at the Davidson County facility will help inmates follow a more natural path to productive citizenry.

We thank Reverend Holley for his inspiring words and all members of the fundraising committee for their hard work and support! This is an important project that will make Davidson County a stronger community.