Candidates Discuss Priorities at Gaston County Forum

A candidate forum in Dallas, North Carolina, hosted by local officials aimed to connect residents with candidates ahead of the November 5, 2024 election. Key issues discussed included education, with several candidates emphasizing the need for improved funding and resources for schools, addressing chronic absenteeism, and closing learning gaps. Candidates like Sharlene Mullings and Scott Shehan highlighted their strategies for the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, while others, such as Jonathan Fletcher, underscored the importance of equitable funding. Further, candidates shared their priorities, with calls for teacher pay raises and discussions around the implications of North Carolina's private school voucher program. Notably, candidates expressed varying views on education funding and infrastructure improvements, revealing a spectrum of approaches to these critical issues. The discussions reflect a broader concern for educational equity and community engagement in local governance.