By Ron Sinclair
There’s an organization in McDowell County, N.C. that calls itself CPR McDowell, that claims to represent the Christians who live here. (CPR stands for Christian Perspective Representatives – clever, right?). Every election, they produce a questionnaire for candidates designed to address the issues they believe important.
Their most recent candidates questionnaire asked candidates for political office in McDowell to answer these questions:
1. Where do our rights come from?
2. Do you support the use of county or school funds for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training, programs, statements, or policies?
3. Should biological males be allowed to compete in girls’ sports or use girls’ locker rooms?
4. Do you support the county enforcing public nuisance laws and cooperating with federal authorities to address illegal activity, including drug use, trespassing, and unlawful immigration?
5. Do you support county or school policies that allow or promote drag queen participation in community events or schools?
As a Christian who tries his best to follow the example of Jesus, I would have chosen a different set of questions that relate to the most pressing needs of our local citizens today. Here are the questions I would like to hear our candidates answer:
1. According to the most recent statistics, 14.8% of the county’s citizens live below the poverty line. This is more than 2% higher than the national rate. What can the county do to lower our local poverty rate? Instead of recruiting employers by touting the fact that our local workers are paid less than in surrounding counties, what will you do to increase wages for our citizens?
2. According to the same statistical analysis, one in five children in McDowell County are living below the poverty line. Poverty severely impacts a student’s ability to learn. What should the county and the county schools do to provide these children with the tools they need to succeed in life?
3. Even before Hurricane Helene, nearly 10% of the county was living with severe housing problems. Current estimates are even higher, with far too many residents still living in temporary housing. What can be done to alleviate these issues? Discuss all options you would consider.
4. Housing shortages in McDowell are real, especially for first time home buyers. What programs or solutions will you implement to address this issue?
5. Bullying is considered by students and teachers and many parents as one of the primary issues facing children in our school system. What can and should be done to address this issue, especially since zero tolerance policies hardly impact the problem?
6. If elected, what will you do to represent ALL citizens of the county, regardless of political affiliation, race, gender, religion, or neighborhood in which they reside?
Which set of questions would you personally like to see answered?
© 2026 Ron Sinclair
