Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

John Barker's life has been one of service. First service was to his country as a soldier in the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea, then to his church as a missionary to Guatemala to build a hospital, and for many years as a teacher. He was a founder of the Union County Homeless Shelter in Monroe.

John taught vocational education courses at the Union CountyCareer Center (now CATA) where he was selected teacher of the year in 1990 and was selected to serve on the curriculum committee charged with developing guidelines for the teaching of Metals Manufacturing Technology for the State Department of Public Instruction.

He also taught Constitutional Law at Anson Community College. He enjoys working with young people and appreciates the importance of providing educational opportunities for all students.

John served on the Technical Committee of the North Carolina Rural Internet Access Authority. He has also served Union County on the Targeted Road Improvement Planning Commission, the Disproportional Minority Representation Committee and the Criminal Justice Partnership Planning Committee. He worked on the restoration of the "old" courthouse for its centennial.

Politically a life long Republican, he has served as a precinct Chairman, as Chairman of the Union County Republican Party, and was Nominated for the Vice-Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party.

He has also served as a political strategist, advising on both statewide and local campaigns. Because of his interest in constitutional law, his particular focus has been judicial campaigns, which he believes deserve far more attention
from voters.

John has been married to Cheri Barker for 30 Years and they have three children.

They are both members of Central United Methodist Church of Monroe, and John is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans.

He who governs best governs least.