Vote Cathy Cloninger County Commissioner

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 I’m Cathy Mabry Cloninger and I am running for Gaston County Commissioner, to represent the Dallas Township. I am so elated that you all are here tonight. I never imagined that I would be standing before you with my name on the ballot in a county-wide election, but I am excited to represent YOU as your next County Commissioner.  I was born in Gaston Co. and have lived here all my life.

 Growing up with my parents who owned a local business in Cherryville, I saw the problems that my parents faced as business owners. I also witnessed their strong work ethics and the importance of giving back. I remember my dad always looking for ways to support his family through his business, a Western Auto Store, which at that time sold merchandise from bicycles, toys, appliances, furniture, and guns to tires and hardware. We sold everything.  Later this business became known as Mabry Supplies. My brother and I were blessed to have loving parents who interacted with us, sharing their love, faith, and commitment to public service. These traits have followed me throughout my career. 

Most of you in this room know that I am married to Our Sheriff Alan Cloninger. Much to your dismay, I am a lifelong Republican, always have been, and always will be. We have two daughters, and I am CeCe to our grandchildren, ages 9 and 5, which I adore. 

I have spent my entire life, 34 years from 1983 to 2017 at The Shelter of Gaston County, a Battered Women’s Residence and Resource Center. I fought for the safety of families who needed help and security. When I retired as the Shelter Coordinator, Gaston County Commissioners renamed the shelter home to 

“The Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center, A Domestic Violence Shelter.”  I understand fully what it takes to make things happen and how to pick yourself up and give it your all. I’m a fighter, and a person who gets things done!  

For years, I found ways to be resourceful and cost-effective using county dollars, plus monetary donations, given by community supporters, and shelter friends. For example, one shelter project I initiated, raised over a half-million dollars to add space to The Shelter without using any county dollars to build a state-of-the-art facility. I fully support the concept of community partnerships and collaborative efforts , and I plan to incorporate my past experiences in forming these partnerships as your commissioner. 

I am running for office because I am a proven, dedicated servant who is ready and willing to continue to serve all citizens with long-term policies as we oversee the ever changing landscape of all areas in our county.   

As a Republican candidate, it is my position to serve all residents of Gaston County regardless of party affiliation. If I am not the winner of this election, then I will support the other candidate. 

About term limits, for me, it is about being effective, and making a difference. I have no other aspirations beyond the county seat. 

I consider my strengths to be that first,

 ·  I listen to our citizens

 ·  To understand and evaluate their concerns 

·   And then effectively communicate a practical approach to solving the issues.  

What sets me apart from my opponent is my extensive career as a county employee working in the trenches side by side with others meeting the actual 

day-to-day needs of our citizens. With my expertise in overseeing the operational budget and daily needs, I have shown successful experience in fiscal management.  

My goals are to

 · Develop a countywide coalition to address domestic violence, mental health, and service needs within Gaston County 

·  To target workforce development efforts to support the growth of employment opportunities for the citizens of Gaston County, and 

·  To support locally owned businesses through proactive community partnerships and collaborative efforts within all townships and municipalities in Gaston County.  

All three goals encourage and promote the good things happening in our communities. Tonight, I am asking you to vote for me as your next County Commissioner.  I deeply appreciate your support….  Cathy Cloninger