CANDIDATES TO APPEAR IN FORUM THIS WEEK
Early voting starts next week in Lincoln County

By Jon Mayhew

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Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-10, left) is being challenged by Hickory resident Daniel Johnson for the 10th district U.S. Congressional seat. Both are scheduled to be at the Candidates Forum and Reception at the Lincoln Cultural Center.
Photos contributed/TCS.

LINCOLNTON -- Candidate for the U.S. 10th District, Lincoln County Commisison and Lincoln County Board of Education are among the confirmed guests for the Candidates Forum and Reception, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lincoln Cultural Center.

The event opens with a meet and greet, followed by a question/answer session at 7 p.m.

The forum is presented by the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

Confirmed to attend are Rep. Patrich McHenry (R-10) and his challenger, Daniel Johnson.

Also appearing are North Carolina Sen. James Forrester and N.C. House of Representatives cnadidate Johnathan Rhyne.

Lincoln County Commission candidates George Arena, Leroy Buff, Gary Eudy, ALex Patton, and Carrol Mitchem are also attending.

School board candidates Kelly Childers, Dean Foster-Bethea, Mike Burke and Matt Zmijewski confirmed their attendance. Candidates Maurice Moore and Ed Hatley have not yet confirmed as has incumbant Tommy Houser. Sitting LCS board chairman George Dellinger is planning to attend.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole has been invited, as has candidates Kay Hagan and Christophber Cole. Sources close to the Chamber say Elizabeth Dole may not attend, yet again missing an opportunity to speak to the voters of Lincoln County.

None of the North Carolina gubernatorial or lieutenant gubernatorial candidates have not confirmed they'll attend the forum as well.

One Stop Early Voting starts Oct. 16 throughout Lincoln County, with a location in East Lincoln (East Lincoln Community Center); Lincolnton (James W. Warren Citizens Center) and West Lincoln (North Brook Community Center).

Early voting starts Thursday at the James W. Warren Citizens Center. The other two locations open Monday, Oct. 20. Early voting ends on Nov. 1, and the general election is Nov. 5.