Profile in Politics - Kitty Barnes

Family: Husband, Dan; 2 adult children, Daughter Stacey and Son Chris

Education:

Ohio University, AA Degree in Interior Design

Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport, WV

Occupation: County Commissioner

Elected positions held: Catawba County Commissioner 1998-present

Catawba County Board of Education 1986-1998

Notable information:

President, NC Association of County Commissioners 2005-06

M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding Commissioner Award, 2007

NCACC Council of Community Programs (Mental Health) Leadership Award

2006 Woman of Achievement

Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs of NC Raleigh Dingman Award for Boardmanship

NC School Boards Association

1998 Member

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church

For more information:

Home phone: 828-478-2240

Email: kittybarnes@charter.net

1. Why are you running? Raleigh is a mess and status quo is not good enough for this District. I want to work for solutions to stabilize our economy, lower taxes, and have the state address the illegal immigration situation creating burdens for law enforcement and our schools. Just voting “NO” is keeping our conservative views from being considered in Raleigh. I believe, like Ronald Reagan, one must reach out to the other side. 80 % of something is better than nothing.

2. What qualities make you the best candidate? I am passionate about Catawba County and its citizens and am recognized for being persistent, especially in Raleigh. I believe strong candidates research issues, listen to constituents, and then form conclusions as I do. Being in elected office I have developed strong leadership skills and am able to build coalitions to accomplish goals. My experience with local budgets, unfunded mandates, and citizens gives me the ability to understand the impacts to the District. Few in Raleigh have this distinction.

3. What is the biggest issue facing the district? What would youo do to address it? Rebuilding our local economy in this global market is the greatest issue. Many facets need to be addressed at the State level: worker training and re-training, state taxation policy, infrastructure, and unnecessary regulations make the costs of doing business in NC greater than other states in the Southeast. I will be a strong, persistent advocate for all issues that impact the economy of this district.