The Lenoir County Council on Aging hosted a nonpartisan political forum for candidates in the upcoming 2024 election. The forum featured state and local candidates who addressed both the short- and long-term needs of the aging population.

Betsy Griffin, Executive Director of the Council on Aging, opened the event, emphasizing the increasing demand for services like healthcare, transportation, and affordable housing, noting that one in five residents of Lenoir County is already over 65, surpassing national projections.

"The well-being of older adults impacts families and the entire social fabric of our Lenoir County and our state," said Griffin.

Moderator Bryan Hanks, of The Bryan Hanks Show, introduced the candidates and asked questions related to the race they were in. The candidates that spoke for state races were North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, NC Treasurer Candidate Wesley Harris, Judge Tom Murray, Judge Chris Rogerson, Charles Dudley, and Lily Williams.

Next were the candidates running for Lenoir County Commissioners. Commissioners June Cummings and Preston Harris are running unopposed, while Commissioners Linda Rouse Sutton and Keith King are competing for two at-large seats along with former city councilmember Sammy Aiken.

Lenoir County School Board candidates Shannan Harrison and Jonathan Britt joined current board members Chair Bruce Hill and Merwyn Smith to share their views on how Lenoir County Public Schools can integrate with the aging population for mutually beneficial activities.

Griffin reminded attendees that supporting seniors is a collective responsibility, calling for unity across political lines, generations, and communities to ensure that Lenoir County remains a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of age.

"When we advocate for seniors, we are also advocating for the strength and vitality of our community," she said.

Be sure to join BJ Murphy, Catherine Hardee, and the Neuse News team for our Facebook LIVE Election Results coverage on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:15 pm.