Cabarrus Cheap Seats

In May 2004, 6,247 Cabarrus Republicans went to the polls and 3,358 of them casted their vote for a challenger: Joni Juba.  The next runner up was incumbent Bob Carruth with 2416 votes.  Incumbent Commissioner Richard Suggs got 1,690 votes: a little more than half of Juba’s.

While many would see that as a crushing defeat for an incumbent Commissioner, it’s 500 more votes than he received in each of the 2 primaries held in 2000 that got him in office.

However, Juba’s election was stunning.  No Commissioner before or since has received as many votes.

Even though she’s recently announced that she’s leaving us - it’s important to reflect on the work that the County Commission has done since her election:

• A much needed Jail is finally getting built - in spite of past county commissions dragging their feet and not doing much more than listen to the Sheriff give reports.
• School construction funding is now keeping pace with County needs
• Developers are being assessed realistic fees for new residential construction to shift the burden away from taxpayers.  Richard Suggs joined other Cabarrus Taxpayers’ Association candidates in keeping their contributors happy by maintaining the fee at a paltry $500 per lot - it’s in the thousands now.
• Residential Growth in the County is still strong; but not unchecked and rampant as in the past.
• The County is now giving relief to needy seniors through a homestead exemption.  Previous Commissions have given them only lip-service.
• The County’s fiscal situation has turned around completely.  Before Joni Juba was elected, there was talk of a bond downgrade.  Now, the reports from rating agencies are praising the County administration for their fiscal discipline.

I could go on and on.  For all of her four years in office - I can say that I’m proud to have supported Joni Juba.  The people of this County are blessed to have had a dedicated and intelligent elected official.