By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Bill Battermann has taken an active role in the community as a pastor and serving on various boards and committees, but now he wants to go one step further.
Battermann, a Democrat, is running for N.C. House District 77 against Republican incumbent Rep. Harry Warren.
This is Battermann’s first foray into public office.
Battermann is a retired pastor of 43 years and a past board member of the Rowan County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“I have seen my work during the last 12 years as a contribution toward the improvement of the quality of life in Rowan County and the state of North Carolina,” he said.
Battermann, 70, said running for office is one way he believes he can contribute to the well being of all people.
“Helping people live together as social beings and enhancing that life with policies that promote well being,” is what he’s all about, Battermann said.
Battermann is also an adjunct professor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where he teaches philosophy.
“I am a progressive Democrat who will stand for the people and believe that all people should be treated with respect and should never be subjected to discriminatory laws or practices,” he said in a statement.
Battermann graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and Harvard Divinity School where he received a master of divinity degree. He also earned a doctor of ministry degree from Protestant Episcopal Seminary in Virginia.
Battermann is the past president and current vice president of the Rowan County Resource Center for the Brain and former vice president for the Rowan County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Battermann is an occasional priest in the Episcopal church where he’s led Spanish services.
Battermann is a widower. He has two stepsons, both of whom live in High Point.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.

Bill Battermann
Age: 70
Address: 812 Overhill Road, Salisbury
Occupation: Retired
Email: whbattermann@gmail.com
Phone: 704-642-7676
Education: Pacific Lutheran University, Harvard Divinity School, Protestant Episcopal Seminary.
Previous elected office: N/A
Community involvement: Goldmine Toastmasters member; chairman of Mental Illness Awareness Week; Rowan County Resource Center for the Brain, current vice president and past president; member and past president Rowan County Lutheran Pastor’s Association; former vice president of the Rowan County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; Domestic Violence Task Force, former member; former member of ethics committee for Rowan Regional Medical Center.
Family: widower, two stepsons