Elect 2012: Andrews hopes to regain seat

Gus Andrews

By Karissa Minn

kminn@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Republican Gus Andrews has filed to regain his former seat on the Rowan County Board of Commissioners.

Andrews, 67, of 130 S. Ellis St., served on the board from 2000 to 2004, including time as chairman. He ran for state Senate in 2004 but lost to incumbent Andrew Brock, a fellow Republican.

Andrews runs his own real estate company called Andrews and Associates. Because business has slowed down over the past few years, he said Tuesday, he now has more time to devote to another term in office.

In a prepared statement, Andrews said a county commissioner “should have a vision” for opportunities to improve the quality of life for current and future residents. He said the city of Charlotte should not dictate Rowan County’s future.

“A commissioner must be ready to stand up for his beliefs but also make judicious decisions based on the facts,” he said. “He must be willing to take time to research the issues and to hear all sides.”

Andrews listed four priority issues in his statement: economic development, prudent government, exemplary public education and quality of life.

He said he wants to provide teachers with the classroom tools they need to meet “higher than state average goals.”

In an interview Tuesday, Andrews said county commissioners should be proactive in recruiting businesses and “selling” the county to them.

“You have to try to make it exciting for a company to look at the county, and make the process easy for them to locate here, relocate here or expand here,” he said.

Andrews said he does not want to raise taxes and will work hard to make sure any new spending helps growth. He said it is also important for the county to keep a healthy reserve for economic downturns like this one.

Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.

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Gus Andrews

Office sought: Rowan County Commissioner

Age: 67

Address: 130 S. Ellis St., Salisbury

Phone number: 704-637-9900

Party: Republican

Occupation: Self-employed, real estate

Education: Bachelor’s degree from N.C. State University, master’s degree from Gardner Webb University

Previous elected office: Rowan County Commissioner

Community involvement: Mason since 1968, former Optimist Club member

Family: Wife, Barbara; son, Gus (Tripp); daughter, Ashley; four grandchildren; mother, Arkie Andrews.