Oct. 30. During a polite, civil discourse of issues at the NC House District 98 Newsmakers Breakfast, it was the subject of abortion that clearly separated Melinda Bales, the Republican, and Beth Helfrich, the Democrat.
In response to audience questions on their position concerning state laws on abortion, Bales said she supported the change in state law pushed through the state legislature by her party which limits abortions at the 12-week mark, with exceptions.
Helfrich laid out a different approach. “Abortion is an issue which belongs between a woman and her doctor and/or medical consultants. It does not belong in the hands of politicians,” she said.
Early voting continues this week, ending at 3 pm Saturday.
Both candidates demonstrated an understanding of the major issues facing the House 98 district, where issues range from funding for public education to additional money for transportation.
In response to a question about citizens who are voting, Bales said there are many safeguards in place which assure that local elections are sound. “The Board of Election workers due an exceptional job and we should have faith in the voting process.”
Regarding transportation, both suggest that the manner in which the three towns have worked together has been constructive,
Responding to questions concerning political flyers mailed out this year, both Bales and Helfrich suggested that residents take note of the groups sending out the brochures. “I have a great deal of respect for my opponent” each said and they both planned to meet with each other after the election to further discuss the needs and issues of the district.
The majority of the brochures in question are being sent out by political parties, not the local candidates.
Background
Bales lives in Huntersville, while Helfrich resides in Davidson. NC House District 98 encompasses all of Cornelius, and the current representative is John Bradford, a Republican. However, in April 2023, the former Town Commissioner announced he would run for state treasurer, leaving his seat in the House of Representatives wide open.
Bradford
Republicans selected Melinda Bales, a former Huntersville mayor and commissioner, while Helfrich was the victor in a Democratic primacy.
Ironically, Bradford eventually redirected his political goals, dropping the run for state treasurer and instead running unsuccessfully in a primary for US House of Representatives in District 8.
District 98 includes Davidson. Cornelius and Huntersville,
Cornelius will not have a home town representative in House District 98, no matter who wins the election.
