Highlights from "The Informed Citizen" Group's First Meeting

Yesterday evening, "The Informed Citizen" group held its first meeting at a downtown Waynesville location. Approximately thirty-seven Haywood County Christian Conservative Republicans gathered to discuss the future of our community and the upcoming elections. This meeting was not just a gathering; it was the start of a movement aimed at making a significant impact within Haywood County.

The meeting's co-host provided the group with an outline of our goals for the upcoming municipal elections and beyond. "The Informed Citizen" group is committed to fostering a politically engaged community centered on Christian conservative values and safeguarding our county citizens’ rights. With plans to rally support for local candidates and address urgent issues, the group seeks to drive meaningful change in Haywood County.

Candidates In Attendance

Attendees included Waynesville City Council candidate Landen Stevenson, Clyde City Assembly candidate Cory Nuckolls, and North Carolina State Representative candidate Jimmy Rogers.

Rogers is preparing to challenge the current representative, Mark Pless, in 2026. Each candidate introduced themselves, sharing their motivations for running and their visions for Haywood County's future. Absentees from this initial meeting were Adam Hatton, a candidate for the Canton City Council, and Julia Freeman, running for reelection to the Waynesville City Council.

The meeting began with candidates in attendance discussing their platforms. Landen Stevenson emphasized his commitment to local governance and community engagement, sharing that he aims to increase participation in city council meetings. Cory Nuckolls highlighted the importance of transparency, citing specific instances where open lines of communication have positively fostered trust between public officials and citizens.

Jimmy Rogers, President and Owner of Haywood Tractor Company, is a successful business owner with locations in both Haywood and Madison County. He articulated his desire to protect the values of the community, particularly in the face of what he views as a growing influence of socialist policies, which he argues will detrimentally impact businesses in both Haywood and Madison Counties.

Strategies for Success

Following the introductions, discussions developed on strategies to support these candidates. The group chose a grassroots approach. We agreed to launch a campaign to support our candidates in their elections by sharing the names and phone numbers of potential voters in Waynesville, Canton, and Clyde. Volunteers will call these potential voters to promote our candidates and boost voter turnout. We believe this kind of personalized outreach can increase engagement.

Another key strategy involves reaching out to various Christian denominations. The goal is to unify support for our candidates who will defend the constitutional right to practice our faith freely. By mobilizing the faith community, the group aims to positively influence voter turnout and build more substantial support for its candidates. Given the recent declaration by a sitting socialist-Democrat congressman that our rights originate from the government rather than from God, our community churches must recognize the danger posed by socialist-Democrats concerning who we owe our rights and freedoms to.

Also discussed was the placement of yard signs at the homes of willing voters and the creation by Tiffany Collins of pamphlets and brochures for dissemination promoting our candidates. The urgency of these initiatives is crucial given that the municipal elections begin in only five short weeks. This, along with the growing influence of radical socialist Democrat ideology in Haywood County, demands immediate action on our part. We recognize that winning these electoral battles is crucial for preserving our community’s Christian Conservative values.

Health and Community Updates

The fellow meeting co-host gave attendees an update on the rising concerns about vaccines, especially their effect on young children, emphasizing the importance of health and safety. It is “The Informed Citizen’s” strong wish that we, as a group, promote health care policies that protect the well-being of families in Haywood County. Janet also provided attendees with an update on the actions being taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to bring accountability to our health care industry, particularly the pharmaceutical sector.

Le Cossette provided insights into the financial relationship between the Haywood County Board of Commissioners and the Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce. He pointed out that since 2018, the county has been transferring, on average, $75,000 annually to the Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce for a so-called “Joint” Economic Plan. This funding raises serious questions about how our tax dollars are being spent in meeting community needs. Given that this initiative has yielded no new businesses or jobs in Haywood County, this expenditure could be better used by our county Chamber of Commerce to fund initiatives that will actually benefit Haywood County.

In Conclusion

The first meeting of "The Informed Citizen" group was a great success, bringing together passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference. With a clear action plan and ongoing support for our candidates, the group is ready to play a vital role in the upcoming elections. As we advance, we will focus on engaging voters, promoting Christian conservative values, and protecting citizens' rights.

The journey ahead may present challenges, but with unity and determination, the attendees are prepared to drive change in Haywood County. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring our voices are heard and that our community continues to be a place where Christian conservative values flourish.

Our meetings are "By Invitation Only." If you did not receive an invitation to this initial meeting but would like to be invited to future sessions, please email me your name and address so that I can verify, through the Haywood County Board of Elections, that you are a registered Republican in Haywood County. Once verified, you will be added to the list of individuals who will receive invitations to all future meetings.

Visit americaninsanity.org to learn how to become "The Informed Citizen" and gain valuable insights into the issues facing our communities.