A statement from Commission Chairman Jim Sides
♦ On Monday, February 10th, I filed for re-election to the Rowan County Board of Commissioners. It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Rowan County for the last three years. My promise to you, the citizens of Rowan County, is that I will not allow my campaign to interfere in any way with my duties to you as I complete my current four year term as your commissioner.
Over the last several years, I have fought tirelessly to represent all citizens of Rowan County in every decision I have made. If given the opportunity to serve you for another four years, I will make the same commitment, to fight against all special interest groups who would subvert your government for their own personal gain.
I will continue to fight to allow the Rowan County Board of Commissioners to pray before our meetings for heavenly guidance in decisions affecting all of you. We need leaders in Rowan County who have a personal faith in God that leads and guides them as they serve. I do not think it wise to settle for less.
I will continue to work to keep your taxes as low as possible. I have never voted for a tax increase in the past, because Rowan County has always been able to meet its needs without one. This year may be different. My pledge to you is, that if there is a tax increase this year, I will work to identify every possible way to keep that tax increase at a bare minimum.
I will work to repair and improve relationships with the Board of Education and the School System. I will not vote to give them everything they demand when it comes to funding capital expense or current expense. I will work with them to identify ways that we can improve the educational system within Rowan County at a minimal cost to the citizens. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss with any citizen details of current school funding by the Board of County Commissioners.
I will work with the County Manager and all commissioners to develop a master plan for the use of the old Salisbury Mall, which has been renamed the West End Plaza. This jewel of a piece of property will ultimately save the taxpayers of Rowan County millions of dollars when compared to the cost of new capital construction. It simply will not result in the massive tax increases for retrofitting that you have heard rumored, as improvements will only be made as needed.
I will continue to work to improve the facilities at the Rowan County Airport, which I consider to be the greatest economic development tool at our disposal. If you have not visited the airport, you need to do so. It is a first class operation, which has been much improved since Rowan County took control from previous fixed based operators, who operated the airport for their personal gain rather than for the benefit of the taxpayers.
I feel that I have always been honest and upfront with the citizens who elected me to represent them. I have made the tough decisions when they had to be made. I have willingly accepted the personal criticism that often comes with the job. If I am given the opportunity to serve you again, I give my pledge not to let you down.
I humbly ask for your support in the May 6th Republican primary for the office of Rowan County Commissioner. If you cannot find it in your heart to support me on that day, please go out and vote for the candidate of your choice. After all, it is your government.
God Bless you all and God Bless the United States of America.
Jim Sides, Republican candidate for Rowan County Commissioner
