U.S. Constitution, High Prices, Voter Integrity and Parents’ Rights Dominate Franklin County GOP Convention
March 31, 2022
Below: Candidates speaking at March 26 county convention
March 31, 2022
Below: Candidates speaking at March 26 county convention
Brad Murphy
Larry McKeithan
Kevin White
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Will AIken
Donna Stroud
Erin Reid
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Billy Strickland
Trey Allen
Christopher Perry
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Sandy Smith
Harry Foy
Roxanne Bragg
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By Franklin County Republican Party
LOUISBURG, NC -- Franklin County Republicans focused on preserving the Constitution, curbing inflation, ensuring election integrity and protecting parents’ rights during the Franklin County Republican Party’s annual convention, held Saturday, March 26. During the convention, Franklin County residents heard from multiple 2022 candidates before electing district and state convention delegates.
Juan Pleitez, Political Director for U.S. Senate candidate Mark Walker, urged Republicans to elect conservative warriors in the state’s May 17 primary. He pledged that, if elected Senator, Walker will “fight for our Constitution, the rights of the unborn, and liberty for all.” During 2020, the former U.S. Congressman was the only House Republican to receive the President’s Award from the United Negro College Fund.
District I Congressional candidates echoed the need to elect conservatives willing to fight for the Constitution. Four of the Republican primary candidates addressed the convention in person.
Brad Murphy says he seeks to transform rural North Carolina into “a powerful force for the digital economy.” The engineer/entrepreneur from Warren County says he will fight for low-cost, high-speed Internet, cybersecurity, common-sense tax policy, mandatory voter identification, and transformative improvements in government.
Will Aiken, a Special Agent for the State of North Carolina, quipped, “We have enough criminals in Washington, D.C. It’s time we send a cop.” Aiken says he will focus on law enforcement, which includes ending chain migration and getting fentanyl out of our communities. He also will fight to preserve the 2nd Amendment. He promised to work to reduce the government’s spending spree and lower taxes for the middle class while expanding opportunity zones in communities that face economic challenges.
Billy Strickland summarizes his candidacy this way: “We can and must do better for our children. We can and must do better for our neighbors.” The attorney and farmer says he’s eager to fight for District I families and their right to pursue the American dream. He promises to be a strong advocate of conservative government.
Sandy Smith calls herself “the unapologetic America first, Pro-Life, Pro-Guns, Pro-Military, freedom loving, Pro-Trump fighter.” She advocates for voter identification, the elimination of universal mail-in ballots, border security, energy independence, and school choice.
Former Franklin County Republican candidate Allen Chesser spoke on behalf of Sandy Roberson. Chesser spoke of Roberson’s integrity and tireless work ethic as mayor of Rocky Mount. Roberson has indicated he will focus on fiscal responsibility, national security and individual liberty. He will prioritize improving current programs and services, according to his website.
Candidate Brent Roberson provided a letter to the convention stressing his commitment to District I voters. His priorities include national security, economic restraint, and protecting citizens’ rights, including religious liberty, the right to bear arms, and the right to life. The business owner promised to be a champion for farmers and small businesses.
North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Trey Allen urged Republicans to elect judges who follow the original intent of the Constitution. The general counsel for the N.C. Administration of Courts said voters have an opportunity to change the court for years to come.
Alexis Wood spoke on behalf of Candidate April Wood, an appellate court judge also running for the North Carolina Supreme Court. Wood has served as a Juvenile, District and Court of Appeals judge in Davie and Davidson Counties. North Carolina Court of Appeals races include four conservative candidates, according to Chief Judge Donna Stroud. She encouraged voters to consider Judge John Tyson, Judge Michael Stading, Julee Flood, in addition to herself, as the strong Constitution-respecting jurists for the NC Court of Appeals.
Franklin County Commissioner Harry Foy, who is running for re-election, pledged he will continue to be the “very conservative commissioner.” The candidate for At-Large Seat 06 indicated his priorities include reducing the property tax rate and improving the county’s internet service.
District 02 County Commissioner candidate Roxanne Bragg, the retired director of the Franklin County Department of Aging, committed to sound budget oversight of county government departments. She also promised to prioritize wise growth planning, including water, sewer, internet, mobile phone, and road infrastructure throughout the county.
Sheriff candidate Larry McKeithan said he will place emphasis on community policing, improved officer training, and youth education.
Sheriff candidate Kevin White indicated he will introduce a professional standards unit, emphasize community policing, and expand officer training.
Erin Patterson Reid, at-large candidate for the Franklin County Board of Education, has five children in Franklin County Schools. Reid said that too often parents are disrespected and their input is ignored. She pledged to represent the voice of parents. She also wants to ensure the system does a better job supporting its at-risk students.
Christopher Travis Perry, District 5 school board candidate, is a parent of students in Franklin County and a biology teacher who used to teach at Bunn High School. His wife currently teaches in Franklin County. “Parents have the right to be involved in their children’s education,” Perry said. Further, he said, teachers should be respected and classroom discipline supported.
Both school board candidates say they are opposed to Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other social engineering programs that diminish any group of students based on family history, socio-economic status, or ethnicity.
During the convention, the Franklin County Republican party unanimously approved a change to its Plan of Organization in order to allow email notifications. Republicans committed to strengthen election integrity. They also established qualifications for local party leadership. A resolution to recommend legislation that would close Republican primaries, allowing only registered Republicans to vote in the Republican primary, was tabled.
The party recognized Edgar Wayne Pippin, recently departed, for his service in the U.S. Navy as well as his work for the Franklin County Republican Party.
Party Chair Ed Strickland announced the District Meeting will be at 10 a.m., April 23, Nash Community College. The state convention will be May 19 – May 22 at the Koury Convention Center, Greensboro. The next regular monthly meeting of the county party will be 7 p.m., April 14, Oak Level Christian Church, 2279 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville. For more information, visit https://www.franklinncgop.com/.
March 26, 2022 County Convention minutes by Secretary Opie Pearce:
LOUISBURG, NC -- Franklin County Republicans focused on preserving the Constitution, curbing inflation, ensuring election integrity and protecting parents’ rights during the Franklin County Republican Party’s annual convention, held Saturday, March 26. During the convention, Franklin County residents heard from multiple 2022 candidates before electing district and state convention delegates.
Juan Pleitez, Political Director for U.S. Senate candidate Mark Walker, urged Republicans to elect conservative warriors in the state’s May 17 primary. He pledged that, if elected Senator, Walker will “fight for our Constitution, the rights of the unborn, and liberty for all.” During 2020, the former U.S. Congressman was the only House Republican to receive the President’s Award from the United Negro College Fund.
District I Congressional candidates echoed the need to elect conservatives willing to fight for the Constitution. Four of the Republican primary candidates addressed the convention in person.
Brad Murphy says he seeks to transform rural North Carolina into “a powerful force for the digital economy.” The engineer/entrepreneur from Warren County says he will fight for low-cost, high-speed Internet, cybersecurity, common-sense tax policy, mandatory voter identification, and transformative improvements in government.
Will Aiken, a Special Agent for the State of North Carolina, quipped, “We have enough criminals in Washington, D.C. It’s time we send a cop.” Aiken says he will focus on law enforcement, which includes ending chain migration and getting fentanyl out of our communities. He also will fight to preserve the 2nd Amendment. He promised to work to reduce the government’s spending spree and lower taxes for the middle class while expanding opportunity zones in communities that face economic challenges.
Billy Strickland summarizes his candidacy this way: “We can and must do better for our children. We can and must do better for our neighbors.” The attorney and farmer says he’s eager to fight for District I families and their right to pursue the American dream. He promises to be a strong advocate of conservative government.
Sandy Smith calls herself “the unapologetic America first, Pro-Life, Pro-Guns, Pro-Military, freedom loving, Pro-Trump fighter.” She advocates for voter identification, the elimination of universal mail-in ballots, border security, energy independence, and school choice.
Former Franklin County Republican candidate Allen Chesser spoke on behalf of Sandy Roberson. Chesser spoke of Roberson’s integrity and tireless work ethic as mayor of Rocky Mount. Roberson has indicated he will focus on fiscal responsibility, national security and individual liberty. He will prioritize improving current programs and services, according to his website.
Candidate Brent Roberson provided a letter to the convention stressing his commitment to District I voters. His priorities include national security, economic restraint, and protecting citizens’ rights, including religious liberty, the right to bear arms, and the right to life. The business owner promised to be a champion for farmers and small businesses.
North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Trey Allen urged Republicans to elect judges who follow the original intent of the Constitution. The general counsel for the N.C. Administration of Courts said voters have an opportunity to change the court for years to come.
Alexis Wood spoke on behalf of Candidate April Wood, an appellate court judge also running for the North Carolina Supreme Court. Wood has served as a Juvenile, District and Court of Appeals judge in Davie and Davidson Counties. North Carolina Court of Appeals races include four conservative candidates, according to Chief Judge Donna Stroud. She encouraged voters to consider Judge John Tyson, Judge Michael Stading, Julee Flood, in addition to herself, as the strong Constitution-respecting jurists for the NC Court of Appeals.
Franklin County Commissioner Harry Foy, who is running for re-election, pledged he will continue to be the “very conservative commissioner.” The candidate for At-Large Seat 06 indicated his priorities include reducing the property tax rate and improving the county’s internet service.
District 02 County Commissioner candidate Roxanne Bragg, the retired director of the Franklin County Department of Aging, committed to sound budget oversight of county government departments. She also promised to prioritize wise growth planning, including water, sewer, internet, mobile phone, and road infrastructure throughout the county.
Sheriff candidate Larry McKeithan said he will place emphasis on community policing, improved officer training, and youth education.
Sheriff candidate Kevin White indicated he will introduce a professional standards unit, emphasize community policing, and expand officer training.
Erin Patterson Reid, at-large candidate for the Franklin County Board of Education, has five children in Franklin County Schools. Reid said that too often parents are disrespected and their input is ignored. She pledged to represent the voice of parents. She also wants to ensure the system does a better job supporting its at-risk students.
Christopher Travis Perry, District 5 school board candidate, is a parent of students in Franklin County and a biology teacher who used to teach at Bunn High School. His wife currently teaches in Franklin County. “Parents have the right to be involved in their children’s education,” Perry said. Further, he said, teachers should be respected and classroom discipline supported.
Both school board candidates say they are opposed to Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other social engineering programs that diminish any group of students based on family history, socio-economic status, or ethnicity.
During the convention, the Franklin County Republican party unanimously approved a change to its Plan of Organization in order to allow email notifications. Republicans committed to strengthen election integrity. They also established qualifications for local party leadership. A resolution to recommend legislation that would close Republican primaries, allowing only registered Republicans to vote in the Republican primary, was tabled.
The party recognized Edgar Wayne Pippin, recently departed, for his service in the U.S. Navy as well as his work for the Franklin County Republican Party.
Party Chair Ed Strickland announced the District Meeting will be at 10 a.m., April 23, Nash Community College. The state convention will be May 19 – May 22 at the Koury Convention Center, Greensboro. The next regular monthly meeting of the county party will be 7 p.m., April 14, Oak Level Christian Church, 2279 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville. For more information, visit https://www.franklinncgop.com/.
March 26, 2022 County Convention minutes by Secretary Opie Pearce:
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