Ed Priola

Tonight in Graham, people gathered to remember Charlie Kirk—a man whose voice stirred millions and whose legacy continues to resonate across this country.

As a communication professor, I saw firsthand Charlie's profound impact on college campuses. He empowered students to speak with conviction, challenge indoctrination, and reclaim their right to think critically.

Through Turning Point USA, Charlie inspired a generation to engage, debate, and stand tall for their beliefs. His gift for communication and commitment to free speech made him a lasting force. May his courage live on in those he inspired.

Commissioner Pamela Thompson ran as a Republican just long enough to win re-election last November. Then she changed her registration to Unaffiliated. Commissioner Steve Carter used to lead the local TEA Party—back when he pretended to care about taxes. Commissioner Kelly Allen was handpicked by the Alamance County GOP just seven months ago. She promised, over and over, not to raise taxes.

Last night, all three voted to raise your property taxes.

I fought hard to make the case against a tax increase: 32% of Alamance County residents are on Medicaid. Over 3,400 properties had tax liens this year. And the budget includes “merit” raises for employees who don’t even meet basic job requirements. Commissioner John Paisley and I found a way to fund the local government without increasing taxes. But none of it mattered.

The three RINOs raised your property taxes by more than 5%.

They didn’t flinch. They didn’t listen. They didn’t care.

Shameful.

The good news? Commissioners Carter and Allen are up for re-election next year.

Overnight Bulletin: Commissioners vote 3-2 for 2½-cent property tax hike - alamancenews.com A deeply divided board of commissioners voted Tuesday night for a 2½-cent property tax increase, about a 5.33 percent increase – the third consecutive year of property tax increases for Alamance County property owners. The current rate of 46.89 cents per $100 valuation will be increased to 49.39 ...

Memorial Day always feels complicated. It’s a day off, sure—but for so many families, it’s also a day that brings someone sharply to mind. A brother, a daughter, a grandparent—someone who put on a uniform and didn’t come back.

We remember them today not with speeches, but with small things: a name said out loud, a photo on the table, a quiet moment.

Here’s to those we’ve lost, and to the families who carry their memory forward.

Meet and Greet with Congressman Hudson at Family Traditions Gun Range. A good opportunity to talk about the Second Amendment. He spoke about reciprocity legislation he is introducing in Congress.

Over the past two days, I attended a great training program, Essentials of County Government, presented by the NC Association of County Commissioners and UNC School of Government. Open meetings, public records, budgeting, oversight and internal controls… all great topics of responsible local governance. Good stuff!

Getting ready for the Dec. 2 swearing in ceremony. 🙂 Phono from the GOP Executive Committee Meeting earlier today.

Happy Veterans Day! A big thanks to all who have served. Please enjoy some pictures from the Graham Veterans Parade on Saturday.

I am deeply grateful for your support! We did it.

The last chance for eligible, registered North Carolina voters to make their voice heard in this election is Tuesday, November 5. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters in line at 7:30 p.m. will be able to cast their ballot.

Voters should go to their assigned precinct on Election Day. To find your Election Day polling place, use the official Voter Search tool available at

Voter Search Search for voter details, including jurisdictions, polling place, sample ballot when available, absentee ballot information, and voter history.

Great turnout at all five early voting sites in Alamance County! Polls will be open until 7:30 pm today, and then again tomorrow morning.