Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Ms. Lee Ann Patton is a hard-working, ethical, and compassionate person, who believes strongly in conservative values. These character traits and belief, combined with her education, work, charity, faith and other life experiences, provides Lee Ann with the necessary leadership and interpersonal skills, and dedication to effectively represent the citizens of Mecklenburg County, District 2 on the Board of County Commissioners.

Lee Ann grew up in West Virginia and graduated in 1984 with a BA in Social Work from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She has called Charlotte her home for over 25 years.

She has held many leadership positions, throughout her adult life. In college she founded a charity to help those in the community who were in need, and as a church deacon, she was one of the founders of a ministry serving the elderly. She has participated in 21 mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and presently serves on the Board of By Grace Alone Ministries which conducts mission trips to third-world countries and serves the less fortunate in Mecklenburg County.

Lee Ann has been a member of the Republican Party for 26 years and has volunteered for them on numerous occasions. She has been voter precinct chairman, and a delegate to many Republican Party conventions. She is also an active member of the CAUTION (Common Americans United to Inspire Our Nation) group and a Tea Party activist.

My main focus in life is God and family. Although I do not have children of my own, there is a special place in my heart for my nieces and nephews. My passion has always been to find common sense ways to help those in need and I want to help make the lives of all people and future generations as enjoyable and fulfilling as mine has been.

The unemployment rate in Mecklenburg County is almost 12%. Many of our good citizens have lost jobs, homes, and their desire for self-improvement. Being self-employed, I have experienced the consequences of losing income due to the failing economy, and can relate to people who are going through similar hardships.

The County Commission must keep the citizens' best interests as their top priority, representing and being accountable to the people they work for. Our county has one of the highest tax rates in the southeast, and our current leaders have been irresponsible with spending taxpayers' hard-earned money. They have made imprudent choices in the allocation of county funds, approving a budget that supports unnecessary projects.

As a County Commissioner, I will do my utmost to lower taxes, stop out-of-control spending, and provide an environment encouraging job growth. Because I am not a part of the career political establishment, I will have an impact on the Board's decisions in a new and positive way. People need hope, and I know that I can give that to them by helping to make positive changes for all of us. Our children and our children's children need not be burdened further by the fallout from mistakes being made today by our government. I want to work for the people of Mecklenburg County to help change that direction locally.

I humbly ask for your vote on November 2.