Warren files to challenge Coates

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By Karissa Minn

kminn@salisburypost.comHarry Warren, a human resource specialist for Tar Heel Capital Corp., filed Monday as a Republican candidate for N.C. House District 77.

Warren has lived in Salisbury for 11 years with his wife of 19 years, Catherine. They now reside at 201 Kingsbridge Road.

Though this is the first time Warren has filed for political office, he said his work uniquely qualifies him for the job. Tar Heel Capital Corp. is one of the largest Wendy's franchises in the brand.

"As a recruiter, I am seeing firsthand what the economy is doing to people's lives," he said. "I have people with M.B.A. (degrees) applying for a job to run a Wendy's fast food restaurant."

Warren describes himself as a man off the street who felt compelled to get involved with the state legislature.

"I have just been very concerned about the direction that the state is taking, in terms of resolving the issues that confront it," he said. "I feel there's a better way."

Warren said he wants to address the annexation and eminent domain concerns that have been front and center recently in Rowan County.

He also seeks to initiate taxation reform in order to make North Carolina more competitive with other states in the region.

"I think that if we address the taxation code, we can help improve things in the private sector, and this will grow jobs," he said. "I think that is one of the key factors that's going to help us turn this economy around."

Warren, 59, began studies at Kent State University in Ohio in January 1970, centering on pre-law and majoring in political science. He graduated in January 1972 with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration.

For the Rowan County Republican Party, Warren is a precinct chair, the 12th district delegate to the N.C. County Chairman's Association and a delegate to the N.C. GOP Executive Committee. He also serves on the Youth and Minority Outreach Committee.

Warren is an active member of First United Methodist Church, and he volunteers at Rowan Helping Ministries and Meals on Wheels.

He and Catherine have two daughters, Alexandra and Morgan. Warren also has four children from a previous marriage: Jason, Joseph, Emily and Joshua.