Greetings from your Wilkes County Democratic Executive Committee:

     After several months of discussion concerning the new proposed jail here in Wilkes, we felt it is necessary to expand our efforts into new areas of interest that affect Wilkes and her citizens. We will, of course, continue fighting for the average citizen regarding the jail situation, but we also feel it is imperative to discuss the most pressing issue facing our country at this time: Health Care Reform.
 

     The Wilkes Democratic Party Executive Committee believes it is the right of every American citizen to have access to affordable, quality health care. While we, as a group, do not endorse any specific plan currently under consideration, we do believe certain things must happen if the United States is to join the rest of the civilized world and provide her citizens the health care they need. First, we believe every American citizen should be able to see the doctor of their choosing. Second, we believe our citizens should be able to receive any needed care without the specter of financial ruin hanging over their shoulders. And lastly, we believe it is necessary for the government to provide a public option which would ensure competitive balance and affordable costs.
 

     Tell us what you think about this very important issue. Take a moment to complete our online poll ( to your right on this page) and make your opinion heard. The results of this poll will be passed along to Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Burr, and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, your congressional representatives. I am happy to report that we have already sent these leaders a petition signed by several hundred people demanding health care reform now. Thank you for taking the time to participate in our discussions and polls. We hope you will come to our monthly meetings to learn how you can make a difference in your hometown.

 Sincerely,

Matt Ledford, Chair
Wilkes County Democratic Party

Wilkes County Democratic Officers for 2009 

From the left, Bob Bumgarner, 2nd Vice Chair; Barbara Pendry, Treasurer; Matt Ledford, Chair; Lynn Underwood, 1st Vice Chair; and Phyllis Moulton, Secretary.  Jed Cockrell is 3rd Vice Chair.  

Some Wilkes County Democrats may remember that in 2006 a national reporter, Bob Moser, visited our county convention and later wrote and article in the Nation and then a book about his travels in the South and the status of the Democratic  Party.  Wilkes County and Bob Johnston are both mentioned in his writings which are referenced below.