By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
The Rowan County Republican Party is focusing efforts on the next presidential election and expanding its political footprint.
Party members met Saturday at their annual convention where they encouraged involvement in local government. The members also appointed new officers.
ěIf you thought 2010 was tough, 2012 is tougher. The Democrats are coming to town,î said party member Marilyn Burns, referring to Charlotte being chosen the site for the Democratic National Convention.
Member Ada Fisher encouraged party members to engage the community and support local races.
ěThe candidates should reflect the party … people who truly understand what the issues are,î she said.
The group appointed new officers: Greg Edds, chairman; Ben Lynch, vice chairman; Elaine Hewitt, secretary and Josh Wagner, treasurer.
This is the first term for each of those appointed. This past year, Edds was appointed to finish out the term of chairman when then Chairman Tony Yon ran for sheriff.
ěThere was a lot of hard work put in last year. I am honored to stand before you as chairman,î Edds said.
He also thanked others in the room for their services and hard work.
Rep. Harry Warren spoke briefly about legislation that is in the works, including a moratorium on forced annexation. There are currently several bills to either repeal or suspend forced annexations.
Many bills are going through, he said, including one that targets repeat driving while impaired offenders called Lauraís Law.
Through this bill, Warren said legislators hope to get these offenders off the road.
Rowan District Attorney Brandy Cook agreed with Warren, mentioning a story that ran in the Post this week about a woman with multiple driving infractions, including driving while impaired, some with her children in the car.
Another bill in the works would confiscate the vehicle of people who run from law enforcement and have already been charged with offenses such as driving while impaired or driving without a license.
ěA lot of things are being done,î Warren said.
The group noted an upcoming event, the North Carolina Republican State Convention, in Wilmington June 3-5.
ěIt should be a good meeting. It can influence how the party moves through your presence,î Fisher said.
Congressman Allen West from Florida has confirmed to speak during the Friday night banquet.
During convention sessions, delegates will learn how to organize precincts and use social media, according to the convention website.
Also during Saturdayís meeting, the party appointed delegates who will attend the state convention.
The Rowan Republican Menís Club will meet beginning at 8:30 a.m. April 2 to discuss potential fundraisers.
For information about upcoming events, go to www.rowanrepublicans.org.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.