Caldwell County candidates outline education, water and economic plans at retired-teacher forum

At a forum organized by the Caldwell County Retired School Personnel Association, candidates for county commissioner and the Caldwell County School Board presented competing priorities and answered written questions from attendees.

Incumbent county commissioner michael bros. opened by citing the county’s finances and local projects, saying the commission has "a 21, percent fund balance" and pointing to recent investments including new schools, EMS spaces and water infrastructure. "We're sitting on a 21, percent fund balance," he said, adding he opposes tax increases and wants to return money to citizens.

Other commissioner candidates emphasized different priorities. Donnie Potter highlighted mental-health and substance-abuse services, saying his regional board work has "allowed me to bring services and improve services to our citizens and our families here in Caldwell County." Jeremy Binge, a small-business owner, urged boosting tourism and proposed raising occupancy taxes (currently cited as 3%) toward what he said neighboring counties collect, to fund marketing and infrastructure that attract visitor spending.

School-board candidates focused on classroom-level concerns. Teresa Branch, running for reelection, said the board’s role includes approving budgets and hiring a superintendent and pledged transparency on curriculum and school safety. Incumbent BJ Fore faulted declining teacher pay and declining enrollment, arguing for long-range planning; Lisa Bollock Widener and Meredith Wilson emphasized classroom experience and equity, with Wilson proposing magnet programs and improved special-needs services to keep families in the county.

The forum’s question-and-answer session turned to several specific issues. Speakers discussed a proposed Charlotte-Mecklenburg interbasin water transfer from the Catawba River and said regional officials and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments are engaged in litigation and advocacy to block or reduce any transfer. Candidates also debated whether school districts should use remote-learning days in place of in-person makeup days after weather closures; several candidates said they prefer in-person makeup time while others noted remote options can benefit neurodivergent students.

Moderator and organizers asked the audience to stay after the forum for a few internal business items; there were no formal motions or votes recorded related to county policy or school governance during the event.

The forum gave voters present a direct comparison of candidates' priorities on education funding, teacher pay and safety, local economic development and a regional water dispute that could affect Caldwell County’s water supplies.