state politics
For the first time in a dozen years John Bradford is a private citizen
Jan. 13. By Dave Vieser. Beginning in January, former NC Rep. John R Bradford of Cornelius and his family will experience significant changes in their lives. In addition to leaving his seat in the House of Representatives, Bradford, 50, and his wife, Shea, will become empty nesters later in 2025 as their twins, Sophie and […]
Gov. Cooper bids farewell as 2nd term draws to close
Dec. 18. Gov. Roy Cooper delivered his farewell address today, outlining progress made building a North Carolina where people are “better educated, healthier and have more money in their pockets to live lives of purpose and abundance.” “We stand ready to welcome prosperity with open arms for generations to come,” North Carolina’s 75th governor said. […]
Cornelius in the NC Senate: One town, two senators
Dec. 18. By Dave Vieser. The two state senators representing Cornelius—Republican Vickie Sawyer and Democrat Mujtaba Mohammed—make decisions in Raleigh which could have more impact on our lives than those made in Washington, DC. Both scored big victories in November’s elections: Sawyer received approximately 67 percent of the vote, while Mohammed took it all as […]
New state law concerns Cornelius officials
Dec. 10. By Dave Vieser. A controversial state law passed by Republican state legislators–it reduces the power of elected officials such as newly elected Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson–contains other elements which have raised concerns for local officials. The matter arose at the Cornelius Town Board Meeting of Dec. 2, as commissioners were discussing legislative […]
New legislator will build relationships with colleagues, respond to constituents
REPRESENTATIVE ELECT BETH HELFRICH Dec. 4. After a tough campaign for NC House District 98, Beth Helfrich is looking forward to her swearing in next month in Raleigh. A newcomer to local politics, she defeated former Huntersville Mayor Melinda Bales 52 percent to 48 percent. Both campaigns sent out negative mailings, Helfrich’s tying Bales to […]
Cornelius resident joining Stein’s transition team
Nov. 15. By Dave Yochum. Governor-elect Stein has included former NC Sen. Jeff Tarte on his transition team. Tarte, a former mayor of Cornelius and a Republican, will help identify and interview candidates. His primary focus will involve Information Technology. Quotable “Josh is looking for experienced and skilled individuals to serve in his administration, regardless […]
With NC 98 flipped, GOP supermajority will end in Raleigh
Nov. 14. By Dave Vieser. [Analysis.] Most voters in Cornelius, as well as Davidson and Huntersville, are aware that, in the midst of a strong Republican vote this year, a Democrat, Beth Helfrich, won the NC House 98 race vs. Republican Melinda Bales. What they may not know is, as a result, the GOP will […]
Marcus will regroup after loss in insurance commissioner race
Nov. 7. Incumbent NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey defeated Davidson resident Natasha Marcus, a three-term North Carolina senator. Causey had 52 percent of the vote Tuesday to Marcus’ 48 percent, giving him a third four-year term. Marcus, a Democrat, thanked supporters who “believed in the vision we had for a North Carolina Department of Insurance […]
Beth Helfrich takes NC House seat formerly held by Tillis
Nov. 6. By Dave Vieser. After establishing a sizable lead in Early Voting, Beth Helfrich defeated Melinda Bales by 2,193 votes, or approximately 5 percent in the competitive race for the NC House 98 seat. The seat opened up earlier this year when incumbent Republican John Bradford decided not to run for re-election. “It was […]
Last call: RSVP for Newsmakers Breakfast Friday
Oct. 10. The deadline to RSVP for the Newsmakers Breakfast featuring the Republican and Democratic candidates for NC House District 98, Melinda Bales and Beth Helfrich, is 1 pm today. The open-forum Q&A with local people who make the news is strictly non-partisan. Anyone in the audience can ask a question of both candidates. There […]
