Oct. 31 - Nov. 6, 2014
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Election Day, Nov. 4 by PATTI STOKES GUILFORD COUNTY – There is no shortage of choices on the ballot for the upcoming mid-term election and come Nov. 4, television campaign ads, mailers and speeches will come to a screeching halt – at least for the next year or so. In one of the most highly publicized races in North Carolina, Republican Mark Walker is running against Democrat Laura Fjeld to take over the seat soon to be vacated by U.S. Congressman Howard Coble, who has served the state’s 6th congressional district for 15 consecutive two-year terms. Proudly positioning himself as a political outsider, one of Walker’s campaign slogans is “People over Politics.” The former worship minister has a long record of community service and
wants to be a voice for the average citizen and small business owner. He seeks to either repeal or reform Obamacare, strengthen the economy through protecting businesses from “job-reducing regulations” and lowering corporate taxes, provide incentives to businesses that bring or keep jobs in the United States, and reduce the number of families dependent on taxpayer funding. Walker also supports a 12-year term limit for congressmen and senators. “I believe this is an effective way to reduce the temptation of selling out the American people,” Walker said. Walker and his wife Kelly, who is a flight trauma nurse, have been married for 21 years and have three children. Like Walker, Laura Fjeld has never held political office. For the last five years, the congressional candidate
has served as vice president and general counsel for the 17-campus University of North Carolina system. She has also been an active volunteer with several non-profit organizations and held professional leadership positions. Fjeld says she will prioritize education and support programs that reward innovation and creativity and allow students to develop problem-solving skills necessary for success. Fjeld also says she will focus on improving health care options for North Carolina families. Our nation’s resources are precious and she will be vigilant in protecting them, Fjeld says. Additionally, she says she will work to reduce the national debt, streamline government and address tax loopholes.
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IN THIS ISSUE News in brief......................................3 Your Questions ..................................4 Colfax Persimmon Festival ..............7 Honoring ‘Major B’............................8 Business Notes ................................10 Celebration .....................................10 Bits & Pieces ....................................10 Football Profiles...............................12 High School Sports .........................12 Student Profiles ...............................14
GREAT PUMPKIN EVENT PHOTOS For photos from this year’s event, see p. 15 and find even more photos at facebook.com/NorthwestObserver Crime/Incident Report ...................16 Community Calendar ....................17
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday, Nov. 1! Munching Monarch caterpillars ...18 Letters/Opinions ........................... 22 Grins & Gripes ................................ 24 Classifieds .......................................27 Index of Advertisers .......................31