Caswell County Democrats hold convention

YANCEYVILLE, N.C. — About 40 people attended the Caswell County Democratic Convention Saturday at the Court House to hear candidates make a pitch for their vote.
Local candidates, along with representatives of some other campaigns, made two-minute speeches as the May 6 primary approaches.
Democrats heavily outnumber Republicans in Caswell County. The latest figures from the North Carolina Board of Elections showed 9,136 Democrats, compared to 2,990 Republicans. There are 2,299 registered voters who are unaffiliated.
Three of the five candidates running for two at-large seats on the board of commissioners spoke during the convention.
Commissioner Hester Vernon said he wants another four-year term so he can help Caswell County get more aid, such as the recent $1.3 million Gold Leaf grant to be used for improvements at the Pelham Industrial Park. Vernon was a part of the team that obtained $2 million from the Danville Regional Foundation for a new senior citizens center.
Challenger Gordon Satterfield is no stranger to Caswell County government, having served as a commissioner from 1980-1992. He served one year on the Caswell County Board of Education.
Satterfield said he brings experience to the board and would not have a steep learning curve if he’s elected. Satterfield said he wants Caswell County to add jobs and pointed to a photograph of his 14 children and grandchildren who he wants to have a solid future here.
“Caswell County is at a turning point and I want to help,” he said.
Erik Battle served five years in the Marine Crops and returned home to raise a family. Battle said his youth doesn’t work against him, but will give him the energy to do a solid job. He wants to support program and services that will benefit the activity.
“I promise I will not fail you,” said Battle, who is a son of former educator and commissioner Mel Battle.
Mel Battle — running for one of two at-large seats on the board of education — brings a wealth of experience in schools to the table. The elder Battle was a Caswell educator for 35 years and recalled making $503 a month when he was hired in 1967. He talked about how he could live on that salary, but that times are tough for people today.
District Three Board member Gladys Garland want to improve the dropout rate and make sure to make improvements in the federal No Child Left Behind program. She said the county will continue to work hard to attract teachers, but the county needs to do a better job of developing affordable housing.
In other campaigns, Sen. Tony Foriest, D-Alamance County, thanked Caswell County for the wide margin of victory he received two years ago. Foriest said he will continue to work with areas like Caswell to make sure they don’t fall further behind.
Rep. Bill Faison, D-Orange County, is running unopposed, but spoke in favor of Barack Obama. He said Obama shares the values of people in this part of North Carolina and will work to bring people together.
“He’s as genuine a person as you’d ever meet,” he said.
Lee Farmer is supporting Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue in her bid for governor. He said Perdue will be the hardest working governor people could ask for and help all of the state enter the 21st century.
Contact Bernard Baker at or at (434) 791-7986.