Category Blog

Early voting goes through Saturday, May 14. There are 5 early voting locations open 8:00am-7:30pm on weekdays. May 13 is the only Saturday and hours are 8am-3pm. You can registered to vote and vote at these sites:  Burke County Board…

My mom is Patricia Jacumin Zimmerman (still in Valdese) and my dad- Glenn Richard Zimmerman (1935-1991). From my mom and dad, I learned about working long, hard hours during the week to make a living, home cooked dinner on the…

I was asked my thoughts about staffing at the Sheriff’s Department. The safety of Burke County citizens is paramount. We need dependable service from top-notch deputies who love what they do and know we have their backs. The lack of…

My goal is for Burke County to be a desirable place for people to Live, Work, Play and Stay. However, for me, the STAY is not about tourism (though that is important). For me, the STAY is for families staying…

The best example of my vision and commitment to a project is Valdese Lakeside Park. Seven years ago, I founded Friends of the Valdese Rec, an all-volunteer non-profit to help the Town of Valdese acquire 300 acres on Lake Rhodhiss…

I recently recorded the audio for my new radio ad on WSVM. You can hear it here.

I attended the groundbreaking for the Regional Skilled Trades Solution Center at WPCC today. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other trades will be taught. This falls in line with my vision of Live, Work, Play and STAY in Burke County. The…

In 2019, I was appointed to the NC Parks and Recreation Authority by NC House Speaker Tim Moore – and I continue to serve today. As part of a 9 member panel, we award matching grants to local governments for…

I first visited Valdese Rotary Club in 2015 as President of Friends of the Valdese Rec to talk about the Valdese Lakeside Park project. I loved the Rotary mission so much that I never stopped attending meetings. I have served…

I was asked why I am in favor of small to medium sized businesses. Because they become a part of our community. Kellex Seating is one example, it started over a garage and now employees 150 people in Valdese that…

I am a member of the Draughn High School Leadership Team which is made up of school administration and department heads, along with parent and student representatives. Attending monthly meetings keeps me up to date with school priorities and allows…

The WPCOG February Newsletter reported that over 50% of Burke residents who work do so in other counties. Adding up the numbers in their graphic, Burke County has approximately 3500 more people leaving the county for work than coming in.…