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The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.net MEET THE CANDIDATES Wednesday, April 30, 2014 Seven vie for Democratic position in Coroner's race (Ed. Note: Seven Democrats are running for Cleveland County Coroner in the May 6 Democratic Primary: Randy Walker of Boil- ing Springs; Rick Garver of Lawndale; Tott Griffin, Bruce Arton, and Ovetta Young- blood-Griffin, all of Shelby, and Tommy Car- roll of Grover. The winner will face Republican Robbie Morgan of Fallston in November. Four of the candidates responded to questions from The Herald.) 1. Why do you want to be the Cleveland County Coroner? Rick Garver I have been actively involved in civic organizes all of my life. Going back to ea my childhood here in Lawndale, I recall well spending time with my father at the Upper Cleveland Rescue Squad. At an early age I became interested in S the life saving efforts 8 the dynamics that go into eine that type of first responder vol- unteer. During this time and as I grew into an adult - I recognized the need and the re- sponsibilities - and even the necessary training that a Coroner would need. They fill a very important position within our community. I wanted to be a part of that team. I wanted to participate in making a difference within my own community. Tommy Carroll I would like to have the opportunity to serve the people of Cleveland County in — this position because I feel that with my expe- rience and background I am the most qualified candidate. I have expe- rience in law enforce- | ment, experience as a m successful business owner, and I have ex- perience with dealing with grieving fami- lies at their worst time. I feel that with my experience as a business owner I will be able to continue running this office as a professional business. I feel that with my leadership skills, communication skills, and past experience, I would be a Coroner that Cleveland County will be proud of. As coroner I do not feel that you must be a li- censed funeral director, funeral home owner or an employee of a funeral home because to some circumstances I feel that this could cause a conflict of interest or even interfere with your day to day opera- tions. I am neither a licensed funeral direc- tor or an employee of a funeral home and this will make me more ready and avail- able to the people of Cleveland County in their difficult times of need. Robert S. Morgan My intention is to run a fair and cordial race with whoever is my Democratic chal- lenger. I truly feel that this office should be as un-political as possi- ble due to the nature of what it is. My qualifi- cations are the best of any candidate that has filed. Here is a synop- sis: EMT with Ruther- ford County Rescue and EMS, Shelby Res- cue and Kings Mountain Rescue. Para- medic with Cleveland County EMS. Attended Life University College of Chiro- practic with classes in Anatomy and Physi- ology including dissection of cadavers. Licensed embalmer and funeral director in NC and SC. Bachelors’ degree in Business from Gardner Webb University, ANSI Cer- tified Radiation Protection and ALARA Specialist with an active commercial nu- clear security clearance. Randy M. Walker I feel the coroners office is a service to the citizens Sof Cleveland County. I would grr | like the opportunity to 2 ne their time of 1 sorrow. I believe with | my experience and qualifications I am the | best candidate for the job. I am retired and : have the time and en- ergy to devote to the coroners office. 2. What are your qualifications for the job? Rick Garver I became a member of the Cleveland Rescue Squad in 1979 at a young age. I earned my certification as a EMT and spent the biggest part of 20 years working with the Rescue Squad and the Cleveland County EMS. In parallel with this, I have been a sworn Deputy Sheriff in Cleveland County since 1982. I believe that my emergency management background, along with my Sheriff's department background - qualifies me to perform the duties of this position that I am seeking. It is important that the Cleveland County Coroner have a good working relationship with Law En- forcement and Emergency Management personnel. Iam confident that I bring this quality to the table and this would only en- hance the good standing and team efforts required to do the job that Cleveland County residents require in this position. Tommy Carroll I have approximately 13 years in law enforcement serving in different capacities. I have 4 years experience in the funeral in- dustry as a small business owner by pro- viding a professional transportation service to funeral homes. I also provided 6 years of volunteer service to my community while serving as a volunteer member with Grover Rescue Squad as a EMT. I also volunteered a number of years with Antioch Vol. Fire Dept in Blacksburg, SC. Robert S. Morgan Owner of Robert S. Morgan, Jr. Funeral Service Licensee, LLC of Fallston, NC. My medical, funeral and radiological back- ground qualifies me significantly better than any other candidate to handle any sit- uation that may arise. My business skills also come into play in dealing with the everyday duties of the job. Randy M. Walker I retired from Cleveland County 911 Communications in 2013 with 25 years service. I’have a good working relationship in place with Police, EMS and fire depart- ments in the county. I was a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher and former North Carolina Emergency Medical Tech- nician. I have been an active member of the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue since 1977. 1 currently work part time with Cleveland Funeral Services. 3. Give us some background information on yourself. Rick Garver I have lived in Lawndale all of my life. My two children (Dustin and Callie) were raised here. I am a member of Lawndale Methodist Church. I served many years on the Lawndale Town Council prior to becoming the Mayor. Iam currently serv- ing in my third term as Mayor of Lawn- dale. Ihave worked at Duke Energy for 30 years and am currently a Deployment Spe- cialist at the Kings Mountain Training Fa- cility for Duke. I am a member of Lawndale Lodge #486 and am proud to be a Oasis Shriner. I have spend most of my life because of my own passion for build- ing a good future for our young people. Tommy Carroll I am 35 years old and this is my first time pursuing a public office. I have lived in the Kings Mountain/Grover area for the last 15 years. I have a 8 year old son that attends west elementary School in Kings Mountain, NC. I feel that with my past ex- perience and qualifications, I am more than qualified to lead the Coroner's office into a new direction, under new professional leadership, and in a way that the citizens of Cleveland County will be honored and proud to call me their Coroner. I am not a professional politician and I will not make any promises that I can not uphold. If se- lected on May 6, 2014 to continue on to the general elections in November, I pledge to all citizens of Cleveland County to continue running a professional cam- paign that reflects my visions and plans. Robert S. Morgan Most of my competitors are friends and will remain that way regardless of election outcomes! I ask you to simply look at the facts and make the best choice for Cleve- land County in November 2014. Randy M. Walker I live in Boiling Springs. I married Renee Blanton in 1981. I am an active member of the Flint Hill Baptist Church. My wife and I own and operate Boiling Springs Florist and Lock Tite Storage. CaroMont Community Challenge set for May 17 Walk, run or bike your way to better health & wellness CaroMont Health has an- = students skills in science, ‘nounced the inaugural Car- technology and math. oMont Community “Health and wellness is Challenge that will take place on Saturday, May 17 at Forestview High School, 5545 Union Road in Gasto- nia. In partnership with a number of community groups in Gaston County, the run, walk or bike event aims to inspire the commu- nity to be healthier in a fun and enjoyable way. Proceeds will benefit Gaston County Schools’ robotics program, a school initiative that teaches our mission at CaroMont,” said Doug Luckett, Presi- dent and CEO. “We want to lead the charge in taking health and wellness to a higher level for our commu- nity through a fun, interac- tive and educational experience.” Poor health is no stranger to Gaston County, 79th out of 100 counties in North Carolina according to new health rankings in the 2014 County Health Risk Assess- ment. The growing number of obesity rates, as well as high levels of type II dia- betes and other chronic dis- ease, show there’s still is a lot of work to be done to get the community healthy. “Taking care of your health is so important, but we understand in order to motivate people to change behavior, you have to make it accessible, attainable, and worthwhile,” said Luckett. “We want to take this same philosophy out into the com- (Chris & Donna Keeter Missionaries) Auction? Saturday, May 3 «- 10am Yard Sale All Day Friday - May 2 - starts at 8AM 706 E. King St. (Hwy 74 Bus.), Kings Mountain All Proceeds to Benefit the Honduras Mission Program First Baptist Church of Kings Mountain TR Arriving Daily! Check out some of these items at www.auctionsunlimited.us for more info call 704-600-5495 munity.” The Community Chal- lenge offers a one-mile fun walk, 5K, 39- and 50-mile bike rides, and family- friendly festival all rolled into one. Regardless of any- one's activity level or inter- est, there is a portion of the event for everyone to enjoy. Each race will start and finish on the campus at Forestview High School. The bike rides will start the Challenge off early at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. and the one-mile fun walk at 10 a.m. To train for the Chal- lenge, CaroMont is offering a Couch to 5K running and walking program every Sat- urday at 8:30 a.m. at Martha Rivers Park, 1515 Neal Hawkins Road in Gastonia, from now until May 10. The training programs are de- signed to get anyone from the couch to running—or walking—a 5K in just nine weeks. While the running portion is already underway, people can join a walking session on any Saturday. To learn more about how to train for a 5K or for more information about other training programs being of- fered, visit caromontcom- munitychallenge.org. Registration fees are $20 per person or $75 for a fam- ily rate (4 or more) for the 5K and $25 for the 35 or 50- mile bike race before April 15, with rates increasing thereafter. The one-mile fun walk is free to all partici- pants and is not timed. Race registration is available on- line at caromontcommunity- challenge.org or can be mailed to CaroMont Com- munity Challenge, 1700 Camden Rd., Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28203. Bike participants get a t-shirt and virtual goody bag. Cycling shirts will also be available online for purchase. The event is expected to draw a large a crowd, so vol- unteers are welcomed for a number of positions— reg- istration, water station, bike ride sweepers and more. Volunteers should register in Spy PBirdlday Mary Wiad! Then, and now, you will always be our ‘birthday girl’! We love you advance online at caromont- communitychallenge.org. Designated sponsorship opportunities are also avail- able online. To learn more about the CaroMont Community Challenge, please visit car- omontcommunitychal- lenge.com or the event Facebook page, www.face- book.com/events/48515067 Crabb in concert May 15 Grammy award winning Gospel artist Jason Crabb will be singing at Daystar Family Worship center, 115 Industrial Park Dr., Lincol- nton at 7pm on May 15th. Tickets are $10 with limited availability and can be ob- tained via the church web site www.daystarnc.com Hot Rods for Honduras Chapel Grove Baptist Church will sponsor Hot rods for Honduras Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for benefit of its Honduras mission trip. All vehicle types are welcome. There will be food, door prizes, 50/50 drawings, vendors, music, crafts and more. New this year is a SK run for Honduras starting at 7 a.m. For more information call Gary Gregg at 704-913- 3223 or check the website for more details: www.chapelgrove.com. The church is located at 716 Camp Rotary Road in Gas- tonia.
The Kings Mountain Herald (Kings Mountain, N.C.)
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April 30, 2014, edition 1
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