WHAT I BRING
The attribute that will serve Catawba County best now and going forward is understanding. I will work to understand the points of view of the other commissioners and gain from their experiences and wisdom, while also bringing an understanding of many in Catawba County that haven't felt heard. I am not an attorney and don't have decades of political connections or the funds that come with both, but have worked running a small plumbing business for the last three years while getting two kids out of high school and one into elementary. That perspective of day-to-day life now will diversify our honored board a little bit.
Acknowledgement of problems is the first step to solutions. I will be the champion of responsible growth, a voice for our struggling citizens now and in the future. We will leave no one behind, and I will work for education access, for affordable housing access, and for better access to public transportation. Investing in the people of Catawba County can open doors to bigger and better opportunities and ease into change.
Catawba County Management's response to Covid-19 has been very good. With the COVID-19 Dashboard online to keep up to date information on infection numbers, as well as resource announcements for those in need of help and case studies for reference, the duty to inform and support our citizenry has been well performed by our public servants. Sheriff (Don) Brown did the right thing in making sure there was no public legal pressure put on businesses that didn't want confrontation with patrons, and though I don't think politicized statements aimed at state government are any more helpful than redundant resolutions pandering to mostly unfounded fears here in the county, our board's actions have been appropriate for the situation.
As far as our people and what to do going forward, be smart, be considerate, be safe. If a business asks for masks, let's empower them the same as we do when we wear our shirt and shoes. I wear a mask when asked by policy or people. It's no threat to me and my individuality, but for those who are bothered by it I respect your opinion too and would hope that all people of differing opinions can move through this together with grace. Kudos to the people of Catawba County, because it seems we have treated each other with respect so far.
Covid-19 Statement
Fund Your Start-Up
Mission Convention Center, Austin, TX
Rob Eastwood speaks with Gabriel Sherwood about his campaign for Catawba County Commissioner. WHKY-TV, October 1, 2020
Local Farmers Needs
Wealth Inequality
More to Come
More to Come
Catawba County's farmers have taken a hit from the policies of the current federal administration, and our farmers are losing their livelihoods and/or are needing public assistance to make it in larger and larger numbers. Also, forecasts for local effects of climate change predict farmer's yields will fall even more over the next 20 years. Before any action can be taken, acknowledgement must come from those entrusted to solve these problems. I will be that voice on the board, as well as the voice for those suffering the inequality of access in Catawba County.
Our poverty numbers are also higher than the state average which heightens the inequality in our area as growth leaves too many behind. Once folks feel like they are out of the game they become apathetic to the outcome. Then despair and desperation can take over, while ownership in one's own community and success lapses.
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