PLATFORM OF THE GASTON COUNTY DEMOCRATS
STRONG SUPPORT OF QUALITY EDUCATION.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE.
GOVERNMENT MUST SERVE THE CITIZENS.
HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ELECTED BY TOWNSHIPS.

The Democrats of Gaston County are committed to the middle and working class and a playing field that gives every person in our community an equal opportunity to live the American Dream. Gaston County Democrats know that the American Dream depends upon a vibrant economy where good jobs are available for all who want them. We support strong, quality education and a high quality life where families remain together and our citizens are healthy. Good government requires leaders who are good stewards -- stewards both of our taxes and the trust placed in them by our neighbors. Gaston County needs women and men with no hidden agendas, people who work together to unite our community and do not divide it. Our county must have leaders who make decisions in the open and for the good all, not behind closed doors and in far away places. The Democratic Party of Gaston County is committed to thoughtful, caring leadership that provides the talent and energy necessary for Gaston County to be a wonderful place to work, live and raise children. The Democratic Party of Gaston County supports leaders who find common ground and who promote an open government.

Broad economic opportunity for our county residents depends upon a well-run government that promotes an environment where jobs are available for all who want them. Poorly run government neither attracts new jobs nor keeps the ones that are here. A strong economy in Gaston County requires the following:

STRONG SUPPORT OF QUALITY EDUCATION.

The future of our county depends upon well-educated people. Informed citizens lead productive lives, make better neighbors, and make our community strong. It is not acceptable that nearly 30% of the people in our county over the age of 25 have failed to earn their high school degree or equivalent. Current leadership fails this county when it allows this condition to continue. Gaston County Democrats are committed to strong early childhood programs, vocational track education in our high schools, quality after-school programs for children of working parents, and a library system that is widely available and open for children and adults to study and learn. Our students need well-maintained schools and should not be forced to study in trailers that masquerade as classrooms. Gaston County Democrats support an aggressive school maintenance and construction schedule. Gaston County Democrats strongly support our community college and programs that help workers stay up-to-date with rapid workplace changes. Well-educated citizens are essential to the health of Gaston County.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE.

Economic development requires countywide water and sewer and good roads - good infrastructure that supports the needs of people and business. More citizens depend upon wells in Gaston County than any other county in the state, putting them at risk of drinking untested, polluted water. It is not acceptable that we have schools supplying well water so foul-tasting that children have to bring bottled water from home. Gaston County Democrats are committed to real and measurable progress towards a countywide sewer and water system.

Economic development also depends upon the swift construction of the U.S. 321/74 Bypass. This road will provide Gaston County with another link to the economic growth taking place around the Charlotte airport. Our citizens deserve this road sooner than the 35 years it would take taxpayer funding to get it started. A road that charges direct users, while not perfect, is the best way to bring this much needed road to Gaston County as quickly as possible, particularly where there are other roads freely available for use. Gaston County Democrats believe strongly that the U.S. 321/74 Bypass should be a road where tolls are collected for only so long as is necessary to fund the construction and operation of that road.

GOVERNMENT MUST SERVE THE CITIZENS.

Government at all levels, as well as its leaders, must recognize that citizens are the customers. Gaston County Democrats are committed to a style of leadership and government that both listens and responds to the needs of its citizens. This means no closed sessions by County commissioners, except for personnel matters, and meeting agendas that result in meaningful decisions. In addition, taxpayers should not have to visit half a dozen government offices for permission to build a home or host a public event. Streamlined, one-stop permitting for homes and business must be the common experience, not the exception.

HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE.

Gaston County must offer residents the highest quality of life if families are to remain here living and working happily. This means setting aside more neighborhood parks, encouraging interesting things to see and do, and assuring a clean environment. To ensure clean drinking water and the continued use of our streams and rivers for recreation, Gaston County must take control of sedimentation rules that the state has been unable to enforce. Equally important, quality of life means Gaston County residents develop and maintain a mutual respect for each other.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ELECTED BY TOWNSHIPS.

A prosperous county depends upon government that represents the people it serves. Our current system has the entire county voting at large for the county commissioner who represents a particular township. In addition to commissioners who are elected at-large, each township should have the right to select its own commissioner without having the decision made by voters unfamiliar with important local township issues.

Gastonia and South Point Townships are underrepresented on the county commissioners. Gaston County Democrats are committed to adjustments so that the make up of the county commissioners reflects a balanced representation of the total population of each township.

Good government supports its citizens and helps them obtain the tools necessary to work for the American Dream. Gaston County Democrats believe that good government means accountable management of hard-earned tax dollars, fair play and open communication. Gaston County deserves no less.

For Gaston County elections-related information, go to www.co.gaston.nc.us/elections.
The Gaston County Website is www.co.gaston.nc.us. A person can get to any County Department of information by selecting the drop down menu from "Departments and Services."