Seven candidates, three seats: Cabarrus commission hopefuls make their case at Central United Methodist

The candidates weigh in on school bonds, affordable housing, partisan divisions and the commission’s relationship with the school board.

Commission candidate Thomas Hill answers a question during a political forum Tuesday evening at Central United Methodist Church. Screenshot via Central’s YouTube page.

The spotlight was on all seven candidates for the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Tuesday evening as they gathered for a candidate forum at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Concord, tackling issues ranging from funding public schools and affordable housing to overcoming partisan divisions on the board.

Moderated by The Cabarrus Compass founder and publisher Chris Miller, the candidates — Thomas Hill, Dan Redding, James Bailey, Ingrid Nurse, Kristel Swayze, Phil Henry and Commission Vice Chair Ian Patrick — answered five questions, with each given two minutes to respond.