Profile in Politics - Barbara Beatty

Family: Single- 3 nieces 1 nephew

Education: Bandys High School 1969

Diploma Mitchell Junior College 1971

Associate of Fine Arts UNC Chapel Hill 1974

Bachelor of Arts Occupation: Marketing

Elected position: County Commissioner

Notable information:

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Member of Mt Ruhama Baptist Church

Catawba Valley Medical Center Board Trustees

Chairman Rural Transportation Advisory Committee

Greater Hickory Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors

NCACC Education Steering Committee

For more information: 828 320-0370 bgbeatty@charter.net

I am running for a seat on the Catawba County Board of Commissioners because Catawba County has blessed my family and I have a desire to giveback and make a difference in the lives in all Catawbans. Catawba County has experienced the best of times and the worst of times and we have all had to make sacrifices because of cutbacks and job losses. I have worked as your County Commissioner to help bring companies such as Poppelmann Plastics, Target Distribution Center, and Gregory Wood Products to Catawba County. They bring with them much-needed jobs that will employ hundreds of our work force. However, there is more work that needs to be done to replace the jobs that have been lost to overseas companies. I have the expertise and the desire to return Catawba County to full employment. I know that we are the county in North Carolina where corporations should locate their businesses. Catawba County- your home, my home, our future.

I am the best candidate to serve as your County Commissioner because:

1. I am totally committed to devote the time to do the job.

2. I have had 12 years experience serving on the Board Of Commissioners and I have served on over 20 County, State, Regional, and Federal Advisory Boards that help set regulations and policies that affect the everyday business of Catawba County.

3. I am in touch with the citizens of Catawba County. I listen to all citizens and groups and take their concerns into consideration when I have to make decisions for Catawba County that will affect all our lives. I work to find solutions that are in the best interest of everyone, not just a select few.

4. I have a broad range of work experience including cost accountant, internal auditor, sales executive, retail merchandising, and public education. My varied background has allowed me to travel all over the United States meeting many people from other parts of the country and learning from them how they have handled everyday situations that are common to us here in Catawba County.

5. Above all, I am a Catawba County native with a vested interest in what happens to and in Catawba County. My relatives were some of the Founding Fathers of Catawba County and I want to continue to be your County Commissioner so I can keep Catawba County the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

The biggest issue facing Catawba County is the restoration on economic prosperity. That can be accomplished by funding education initiatives that enhance the education and skill level of all citizens thereby enabling them to gain employment at a level that will allow them to afford a comfortable lifestyle and provide the best life for themselves and their families. We must create a business climate that is company friendly so existing businesses will continue to expand and outside businesses will relocate to Catawba County. This will be accomplished by maintaining low taxes, educating our citizens, working with regional economic partners, and continuing to show companies that Catawba County is the best place to operate a business.

I believe that Catawba County is poised to grow economically and socially at a pace not experienced before. Our regional partnerships with surrounding communities will continue to expand. Our excellent quality of life will continue to attract retires and executives alike. Healthcare in Catawba County will be on the cutting edge of technology, thus allowing patients to stay at home for healthcare that is equal in comparison to the larger medical centers. Water, a basic human need, will be available and clean for many years to come due to the foresight of our elected officials. Transportation needs will be met with the return of passenger rail service and the expansion of regional air service. In conclusion, Catawba County will continue to prosper and grow due to the hard work of all the citizens and businesses. We continue to attract new citizens while at the same time keeping our young people who chose to remain in Catawba County due to the excellent living conditions and advancement opportunities available. We are the best place to live, work, and raise a family and will continue to be that way well into the 22nd century.