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.
Bales has a good grip on the reality of what the responsibilities of the representative is. It is a fiduciary and ethical duty to act as representative of all constituents. After the election, no representative or its office should ask a constituent “did you vote for me or my boss.” Bales did a great job in Huntersville ensuring that improvements were made and that the improvements were for the good of all, not like some predecessors or those after her for the good or glory of themselves. The abortion subject has been put on the table by the democrats, remember the marches in DC with humans dressed as lady parts? Abortion is a personal issue, and that has been modified by the left saying my body my choice, no – there are two people involved in an abortion, the my body person who has another person growing inside of them. Who speaks for the unborn child. Who protects the child’s choice?
Posted by Reta Berman | October 15, 2024, 12:21 pmThese are the same Democrats that claim to own your children once they set foot into the Government run indoctrination centers known as public education. Spare us the lecture about privacy rights.
Posted by Mike | October 16, 2024, 10:56 amGerrymandered supermajorities do not represent the people or democracy as a whole. It doesn’t matter what political philosophy you follow, Gerrymandering should be illegal across the country and the people need to take action against it so our votes have meaning and purpose.
Posted by S Mumma | October 30, 2024, 11:44 amIf a political candidate thinks gerrymandering is democracy, then they are as poorly representing citizens in their attempt to control the medical decisions of women.(Stop dismissing my responses by saying I already said that.)
Posted by Karen Asche | October 31, 2024, 8:15 am