In an effort to spread his campaign platform, one of the 16 Salisbury City Council candidates may be alienating the base of supporters that initially brought him to political prominence.

Local attorney Todd Paris has recently turned to a conservative-leaning blog site to publish his own lengthy columns on various Salisbury-related topics. Paris is one of only two candidates for Salisbury City Council — the other is Kenny Hardin — who have been featured on the blog site. The conservative-leaning site endorsed Paris.

Before running for city council, Paris helped found the political group La Resistance. The group campaigned against former County Commissioners Chairman Jim Sides and current Chairman Greg Edds. In general, the group was also opposed to county government developing the former Salisbury Mall.

La Resistance, as a whole, was named the Salisbury Post’s newsmaker of the year for their efforts.

However, several people associated with La Resistance, which isn’t active in the city council race, have publicly and privately bashed Paris’ efforts to spread his message.

“I understand wanting to be heard, but this site only wants the destruction of Salisbury, a city you are running to represent,” said Jeremy Gardner, who served as treasurer of La Resistance during the campaign season, in response to an article posted by Paris.

Gardner also works for Salisbury City Councilwoman Karen Alexander, who is running for re-election.

Paris has said he wants to get his message out — that “mainstream media” isn’t giving him adequate coverage. His La Resistance peers don’t see it as simply spreading a message.

“Be careful Todd,” wrote La Resistance supporter Mike Martelli. “You are so eager to make new allies that you are completely alienating your old allies in the process.”

David Post not accepting campaign contributions

In campaigns for public office, money raised isn’t necessarily an indicator of success.

In the case of Salisbury City Council candidate David Post, any money that makes a difference will come from his own pocket. Post has said he won’t accept any contributions to his campaign and will self-fund his bid for city council.

Post is a Salisbury native. He worked for U.S. Senator Terry Sanford in Washington D.C. for many years. He is also an entrepreneur.

North Carolina to show off new logo during Labor Day weekend

Rowan County isn’t the only one going through a rebranding.

The state of North Carolina recently completed a comprehensive branding initiative, according to Gov. Pat McCrory. In a news release on Friday, McCrory announced the new brand.

The logo — the most prominent part of the state’s rebranding — features the letters “NC” in large print, with a pine tree situated in the middle. From left to right, the letters slowly change from green to blue. Underneath the letters, the state’s logo reads “Nothing Compares.” Next to the phrase are outlines of mountains on the left and waves on the right. The state’s name — North Carolina — sits at the bottom.

In his news release, McCrory said travelers would notice the logo and tagline “Nothing Compares” on more than 75 billboards across the state during Labor Day Weekend.

“In an increasingly competitive environment, it’s crucial for North Carolina to articulate at a glance all we have to offer,” McCrory said. “The new look and messaging are reflective of the people and the assets that make this state such an inspiring place to live, work and play.”

In his announcement, McCrory said the deep green and blue colors represent the state’s landscape from the mountains to the sea. The pine tree symbolizes the roots, growth and natural beauty of the state.

Rowan County’s rebranding began earlier this year and aims to develop a logo and comprehensive branding strategy for the entire county. No firm has been selected to oversee Rowan’s rebranding.

 Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.