Incumbent county commissioners Steve Blount and Frank Tadlock will seek re-election.
Blount and Tadlock made the announcement jointly after filing papers with the Rowan County Board of Elections Tuesday to set up a campaign and raise money.
The two Republicans are sounding similar themes of progress without raising property taxes.
Stopping short of saying they are running as a team, the men said they work well together and have similar values and attitudes.
Both worked closely to put together an agreement to construct a water line to serve southern Rowan and the building of a new South Rowan Regional Library.
Arnold Chamberlain, the third Republican incumbent who faces election this year, has not publicly announced his intention.
Chamberlain has disagreed with Tadlock and Blount on many issues, provoking several sharp exchanges and clashes during the past year.
“Citizens want a board that can work together with civility,” said Tadlock. He praised Blount’s leadership as chairman, his vision and his ability to listen and build consensus.
Both cited a pro-business stance and said they are committed to bringing more jobs to the county.
They cited a list of accomplishments: a dramatic increase in school funding, nearly 50 percent during the past five years; enactment of countywide zoning; park system improvements and opening of Eagle Point Nature Preserve; increased tax base, with the addition of two new power generating facilities; expansion and renovation of facilities for the Department of Social Services and the Health Department.
Blount, 47, of Spencer, is seeking his third term.
Blount’s concern about the public schools and education spurred him to run for public office nearly a decade ago. He failed to win a seat on the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education.
In seven years as a commissioner, Blount has made education his first priority. Blount said Tuesday it has been a learning experience. At first, he thought problems could be identified and quickly fixed. “Change, in fact, takes a long time,” said Blount.
Tadlock, 65, of Landis, cites school funding, including more money for classroom supplies and teacher supplements. He said he is committed to continue working for education and providing ways to retain teachers.
The school system finds itself at a juncture, with millions of dollars in construction needs, Tadlock said. “I want to be a part of the process to pass the bond and eliminate mobile classrooms,” he said.
Tadlock is seeking his second full term. He also served a portion of a term when he was appointed to fill a vacancy.
Both men cited their commitment to long-term planning and economic development. Commissioners will discuss farmland preservation and land use planning in-depth this year.
Tadlock and Blount support efforts to preserve farmland.
They also point out that commissioners will rely on a panel of farmers to set the land use tax rates for the upcoming revaluation.
Blount is president of Comfort Contractors, a Salisbury heating and air conditioning business. He is in his second year as chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
Tadlock is president of Corriher Beef & Sausage of Landis. He serves on the Rowan Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and for a period served as chairman of the Rowan Social Services board.
Tadlock and Blount said they expect several GOP challengers. They also expect Elizabeth Dole’s presence on the primary ballot to pull a lot of moderate Republicans to the polls.
Due to a court challenge of redistricting, the filing date for candidates has been moved from the traditional January period to Feb. 18.
Some candidates are opting to file campaign organization papers and begin campaigning before filing.
Mac Butner of Salisbury previously declared as a GOP candidate. Earlier this week, West Rowan High School Principal Henry Kluttz announced he will run as a Democrat.
Contact Jessie Burchette at jburchette@salisburypost.com or call 704-797-4254.
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