http://www.independenttribune.net/harrisburg/index.php/harrisburg/article/poppen_tops_newcomers_williams_in_town_council_race/   

(Election Night info)

...On my way to the polls.  See you there!!!

 As this chapter comes to a near close, I look back and I am thankful for the opportunity to pursue this office.  I am hopeful for a win in one week.  There is much work to be done and I am prepared for the task at hand.  There is much to learn and I am not afraid to ask all the right questions in order to serve this town well.  Please take advantage of the "Meet the Candidate Gatherings" at Rocky River Coffee Company.  I want to hear from you be it in this face-to-face setting or by e-mail as many of you have done.  We are on the countdown now!

The outpouring of support from the community is humbling.  Folks at church, the grocery store, Friday night football games, etc. asking  just how things are going is very encouraging.  I enjoy the fabric of this community so much.  The more of you I come in contact with, the more of you I want to meet.  As I have said many times before, it would be an honor to serve you.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to the following Small Businesses in Harrisburg for showing their support by placing signs at their places of business:

    -Monday, October 15, 2007

Here is a summary of upcoming activity for my campaign:

Please keep your requests for information coming.  I am glad for the opportunities to answer your questions.

The "Meet the Candidates" Gatherings  at Rocky River Coffee Company are coming along.  I have worked in a joint effort with Joe Halletschek to invite all the candidates to these gatherings on the mornings of Saturday, 10/27/07 from 10-12 and again on Saturday, 11/3/07 from 10-12.  At this point, Joe and I have received a "yes" response from Everett Lyons, Jeff Redfern, Bob Scaggs, and Bill Williams.  Please come on out and meet your candidates for town council.

Election day must be approaching rapidly because all candidates are being asked for quotes.  I recently spoke to a current town council member regarding quotes.  This person told me that there are certain quotes that he would re-word if given a second chance.  His reflection on this reminded me that we are all human and we have to look at the Big Picture.  This council and others before them must have done many things correctly in the Big Picture because we live in a GREAT town.

I recently gave a quote on why I see Harrisburg as a great town.  "Harrisburg maintains a family friendly atmosphere because we have a strong parks and recreation department and good police protection.  We have not allowed growth that makes us resemble larger cities outside our town limits, and we have remained affordable by offering a low tax rate."  These and additional comments  from me and the other candidates can be found in the October 17th edition of Harrisburg Horizons.  As well, look for quotes from all the candidates in the Cabarrus Neighbors section of the Charlotte Observer around October 4th.

On a totally different topic, I have yard signs in the back of my vehicle ready and waiting for delivery.  Please let me know if I may deliver one your way.  Enjoy the cooler weather!

-Monday, September 17, 2007

Many thanks to those who have responded to my call for volunteers.  As well, I appreciate those who have requested signs from me.  I have placed an order for signs with Nancy and Alan Baucom of Harrisburg.  These friends operate a family-owned printing company,  Baucom Press, Inc., located in the Hickory Grove area of Charlotte.  They have been so easy to work with and I am very pleased with the design they have built for me.  I highly recommend them as they are very knowledgeable and professional.

The ordinance for political signs in Harrisburg allows me to place these signs 45 days prior to the election (September 22).  The signs will be completed in the next few weeks, which is perfect timing to get them to you.  Stay posted... before you know it, the leaves will be changing color, we will begin to see a few pumpkins here and there (don't you love going to the pumpkin patch at HUMC?), and the students will be out of school for election day!  I am truly looking forward to the days ahead.

I Want You!!...

Yes, I need some volunteers...  If your home is like ours, there is always plenty to do.   I realize that to ask someone for their time is to ask for the most valuable commodity they have.  I am looking for volunteers to commit to a two-hour time period for one Saturday (you choose which one) between Saturday, September 29th and Saturday, November 3rd.  I am glad to work around your schedule.  I am also looking for volunteers to work a two-hour time period on Tuesday, November 6th (election day).  Again, you choose the time.  Please call me at (704) 455-4733 or e-mail me at rhonda@rhondapoppen.com if you can help.  It would be so appreciated.  (Poster credit goes to J.M.Flagg, 1917)

There are a few items of interest on the campaign horizon…

The first is a potential public forum between all the candidates for Town Council of Harrisburg.  This time of questions and answers would be sponsored by various community groups and citizens in the Town of Harrisburg.  I for one would welcome such an exchange and would enjoy seeing this level of open communication between the council and the citizens continue beyond the campaign.  Volunteers and support are needed for a potential forum, so please get in touch if you are interested in helping.  I will be glad to connect you with the folks who are organizing this event.

The second is a set of times to “Meet the Candidates” at Rocky River Coffee Company.  These events are to be held on Saturday, October 27^th and Saturday, November 3^rd from 10 a.m until noon.  It is important to provide every opportunity for the citizens to get to know more about each candidate.  The plan is to open these coffee chats to all eight candidates for town council.

Mark your calendars and I hope to see you at one of these gatherings.

At the end of the day, the best way to get your name out there and the best way for people to understand who you are is based on the accounts of those who know you.  I have been in contact with many of you recently asking for a "good word".  Many have asked me how they can help, and one of the first things I always come back with is "some good word of mouth".  I have even made it a little easier and hopefully a longer lasting effect by having cards printed.  It would be so helpful if you could have a few ready in your wallet or purse to hand someone's way in the event that they ask if you know anything about me as a candidate.  Please contact me if you would be willing to spread the word through this "medium" (as Mr. Bernbach puts it). 

These are very exciting times in the Town of Harrisburg.  In just 5 days something major will occur...  the first ever football game of the Hickory Ridge High School Ragin' Bulls!  In many places around the area, preparations are being made.  I have spent time on and off the past week watching some very dedicated marching band members learn drills and music (despite our temps well into the 90's by the end of morning session).  Here at our home, there is anticipation as we hear the strains of the fight song coming from our resident band member well into the evening.

I enjoy seeing the youth of our community hard at work to make this school a success.  The neighbor's daughter three doors up heads to cross country practice at 7:00 a.m. and later to student government meetings.  I notice as the cheerleaders gather in to listen to the band that there are several familiar faces from church.  I also recognize many students whom I have known since their first days on the wooden floors of the old Harrisburg Elementary School.  I have watched them transform into young adults with such promise, and I feel a tremendous responsibility to them to make this a strong community where they can thrive.  

I can’t think of a better way to kick off a campaign for town council than to be in the company of my family in the Fourth of July Day parade.  This event gets better and better each year and is an excellent example of what Harrisburg is all about.  We are a Strong Community… a place where one can walk down the main road in town and see numerous faces that are not only familiar, but faces that are an important part of life here.  Thanks to my family for all the support and thanks to all the Harrisburg Elementary families for cheering me on!