By the end of this week, I’d spent time in Belwood, Lincolnton, Shelby, Gardner-Webb, Lexington, and back home in Casar. Looking at my calendar, it seemed like another busy week of meetings and events. Looking back, though, that’s not what I’ll remember.
I’ll remember the conversations.
Thursday evening, a small group of us canvassed in the Belwood community. It was a warm summer evening, and we went door to door talking with voters and families. We didn’t expect everyone to agree with us. We simply wanted to listen, answer questions, and introduce ourselves. That’s still the best way I know to campaign.
Friday began with a workout and a swim at the YMCA before I headed to Lincolnton to deliver campaign cards to the Lincoln County Democratic headquarters. It gave me the chance to spend time with Stephanie Schou, Mary Morrison, Steve Killian, Shelly, and the other volunteers helping my campaign in Lincoln County. I left that visit grateful. A campaign that stretches across Cleveland County, Lincoln County, and the Cherryville area of Gaston County depends on people willing to give their time. I’m thankful for every one of them.
That evening, we gathered at the historic Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby for the Cleveland County Democratic Party’s annual fundraising gala. As county chair, I welcomed everyone before speaking about why I decided to run for the North Carolina Senate, representing District 44.
The theater was packed. The food was excellent, and a group of local pastors had the crowd singing along to Motown classics made famous by the Four Tops and the Temptations. Before long, I was out on the dance floor with Kim. It was one of those evenings that reminds you how many people quietly give their time and energy because they believe in their community and want to make it better.
Saturday morning found me at Gardner-Webb University for the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Association convention, where I was introduced as a candidate. Before the educational sessions began, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Melvin Clark speak. His remarks were deeply rooted in faith and set a thoughtful tone for the gathering.
Later that morning, I stopped by the Shelby Farmers Market. I picked up fresh produce, a few plants, and spent time talking with local vendors about their businesses. Saturday mornings like that remind me that supporting local businesses is something all of us can do. A visit to Democratic headquarters that afternoon has stayed with me.
I spent quite a while talking with a young woman who was frustrated with both political parties and held some very conservative views. On a few issues, we found common ground. On others, we were miles apart.
Neither of us changed the other’s mind, and that wasn’t the point. We listened, asked questions, and treated each other with respect even when we disagreed. We could use a lot more of that in politics.
Sunday took me to Lexington for the funeral of my former brother-in-law from my late wife’s family. It was a sad occasion, but it also brought together many people from our years in Mooresville and the Lebanese-American community that became part of my life for so many years.
There wasn’t any politics that day.
There were memories, stories, hugs, and a chance to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in years. I caught up with nieces, nephews, and cousins I remembered as little kids and moody teenagers. Now some are heading off to college, and others are raising families of their own.
Time has a way of reminding us how quickly life changes. It also reminds us how important it is to stay connected to the people who’ve shared our journey.
Monday didn’t go quite as planned. The YMCA pool was closed for repairs, so instead of swimming, I walked eight miles on the indoor track. Sometimes you just adjust and keep moving. That evening, I drove back to Lincolnton for a fundraiser supporting school board candidate Mary Morrison. It was good to reconnect with former colleagues, former students, and friends from my years teaching at West Lincoln High School.
One discussion centered on how little many people know about local and state government. That’s unfortunate because those offices often have the greatest impact on our daily lives. School boards, county commissions, and the General Assembly make decisions that shape our schools, roads, taxes, and communities every day. Helping people better understand those offices is one reason I’m running.
Tuesday gave me another chance to spend some time in the pool at the YMCA. An hour of swimming, covering well over a mile, has become one of the ways I stay healthy and clear my head during a busy campaign. Later, I attended an Impact Club meeting at the Children’s Homes of Cleveland County and enjoyed talking with Rotary President Judge Morgan about the proposed Peace Pole. Projects like these happen because people quietly give their time. Communities are stronger because they do.
Wednesday was another full day. I volunteered at Totally Free Clothing, attended Toastmasters, where I served as grammarian and gave the general evaluation, and found time for another swim before the day was over.
Another conversation that stuck with me came when I stopped by a local bookstore that sells hemp and THC products. The owner told me she believes House Bill 358 could cut her business nearly in half and force layoffs if it takes effect as expected.
Later that day, I spoke with a highway patrol officer about the same legislation. Instead of talking about business, we talked about enforcement and the practical questions officers may face in the field.
Those two conversations reminded me that every new law has consequences. We all want to protect children. At the same time, we have to think about small business owners, their employees, and the officers who’ll be asked to enforce the law. Those aren’t easy questions, and they’re worth talking about. I’ll have more to say about that in a future column.
Driving home after another full week, I realized something.
I don’t learn much about District 44 from campaign literature or social media. I learn it in parking lots after meetings, walking through the farmers market, sitting beside someone at a fundraiser, and talking with business owners, former students, old friends, and people who see the world differently than I do.
Every one of those conversations teaches me a little more about the district I’m asking to represent.
District 44 has been teaching me a little more every day.
I’ll keep listening.
I’ll keep showing up.
I’ll see you somewhere around District 44 next week.