CAMPAIGN TO KEEP BILL WARD FOR
GASTON COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION
DISTRICT SUPERVISOR PLATFORM:
SEVEN PRIMARY POINTS THEN ADDITIONAL AS I HAVE
BEEN ACTIVELY DISCUSSING ISSUES WITH
CONSTITUENTS, OTHER BOARD MEMBERS, MY
CAMPAIGN "TAG TEAM" CO-RUNNER ROBERT
JANSEN AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES STAFF. ALSO
AFTER REVIEWING A MULTITUDE OF DOCUMENTS,
WEB INFORMATION & NATURAL RESOURCES FUTURE INITIAVES.
#1-Servanthood
My first reason for seeking your support and ultimately your vote, and it's in the last eight words of the sentence from the intro yesterday - "serving". As a devout Christian I am commanded to serve and committed to serving. Serving my God, serving my family, serving my church, serving my community and in the case of my businesses, serving my customers/schools/parents/students. It's been a part of me, a part of who I am, for most of my life.
In this position I want to serve you. I want to serve the best interests of residents/businesses/agri-businesses of Gaston County. I want to serve the Gaston County Natural Resources staff. I've been blessed to have strong servant-leader models throughout my life and it is my desire to emulate them in every aspect of my life. I'm asking for your vote to be that servant-leader in the position of Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.
Tomorrow point #2:
Christian Conservation
#2
I don't believe Esther Scott (current soil & water chair) is the first to coin this, but it was the first time I ever heard "conservative environmentalist". I might actually come from a little different angle in my second point: Christian conservatism. We are commanded to be good stewards in all aspects of life including the earth & it's resources. God made man and instructed us to "...have dominion...over all the earth..." and to "subdue it". To "subdue" and have "dominion" means we must take control, not ruin it. We must practice best and most effective uses of land and water. This is good stewardship. This is good servanthood. I believe this elected position does just that. I believe it is effective in contributing to the dept of natural resources in ways that oversee, analyze, expedite & maintain all avenues and aspects which effectively allow agri-business/business/residents to access whatever they need to protect from soil erosion, polluted runoff, etc. and to enact a plethora of replenishment and restorative actions. I am looking forward to helping in this cause and to do that I will need your vote for Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation Board on Nov 8th.
#3
Continuing the good work. When a team works well and runs smoothly, I want to be a part of that team. While my unique skill set may contribute in different ways, it can also help to add to what is already being done well. Via in-depth conversations with past and current board members and natural resources staff along with attending board meetings, I have witnessed first hand the workings of a well oiled machine. The only reason to join a board that's working so well is to fill an empty seat. One of the primary reasons I've never run for any office before is that I've promised myself I would never run against anyone already doing a good job. Hence, I am counting on your support and your vote to fill a seat on the Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District Board so that I can continue the good work.
#4
Awareness, education and advocacy. Every day I speak with people who don't know what the Soil and Water Conservation District Board does. Admittedly, some aren't really interested. Many just trust that it functions as it should. But I hope to bring more awareness to the functions, duties and responsibilities of the board. Why? Because advocacy brings awareness to the vital functions of the board and in turn to the natural resources dept. The Gaston County Natural Resources Dept. is vital to residential/business/agri-businesses in more ways than you would care to read in this post ( https://www.gastongov.com/government/departments/natural_resources/index.php )
As your Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District Board member I will use all of my available networking abilities, marketing experience & business skills (hint: more details on those tomorrow) to do just that.
I appreciate your support and your vote on Tuesday November 8th.
#5
(This one is very lengthy)
Using my experience, skills and abilities to contribute to the cause. I've never walked out of a room, a conversation, a situation, or entered a relationship, agreement or covenant without considering this: did I give or am i giving back enough? If we can't give back, if we don't give back, we fail.
I've been blessed to have opportunities beyond anything I could ever have imagined. A family who stands strongly behind me in all that I do. A church family that trusts and believes in the work God is using me to do. Friends who know that they can count on my shoulder, my ear, my hand and my heart. Clients, customers and students who never have to doubt that i will perform to the best of my ability.
All of this is not because I'm a great man, it's because I strive to follow His path, He provides the talents skills and abilities and He delivers the results. How could I ever hoard these blessings, encourage others to serve and give back if I've failed to do so.
So if you don't know me You don't care about any of what I just said. But what I hope you would care about is this: I will use my experience in running two successful businesses (one since 1999 the other since 2005), management and training, marketing & promoting, advocacy, organization, leadership, networking, soil testing, well setting, construction, education, STEM & photography to accomplish my first 4 platform points. I've listed my experience below and I appreciate your vote for Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.
=========
(Since I'm technically applying for a job I'm including all applicable experience & skills information)
SKILLS PROFILE
*STEM Education
*Computer instruction, upgrade and repair. Teaching children and adults at various skill levels.
*Business management, development, marketing.
and training.
*Directing, organizing, promoting charity and business.
*Photographer-shooting sporting events (action shots), outdoor portrait (family, sr. pics, etc), special events (small weddings, prom, etc.)
*Social media strategy/coordination, public relations, promotions.
•Photojournalism
•Excellent sales, public relations, promotional & business management skills.
•Thorough knowledge & comprehension of customer relations.
•Extensive computer skills.
•Experienced in training, motivating & managing individuals.
•Skilled in organizing, planning and executing desired goals.
•Quick study; easily trained; self-motivated; independent when necessary but a team player.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
*Mr. Bill's S.T.E.M. Education (formerly CompuChild Technology Education) Owner/operator June 1999- present. Formerly in the central western NC area now operating in Gaston/Cleveland/Catawba/Cabarrus/Forsyth/Iredell/Mecklenburg/Lincoln counties.
•Program Director – responsible for obtaining all accounts (over 100 in 6 years, currently around 70-80) in a 12 county area.
•Currently own and operate Bill Ward Photography (formerly ACE Sports & Action Photography) since 2005 and photojournalist for multiple media outlets.
*Currently substitute teacher for Victory Christian Academy.
*Formerly after-care director for Victory Christian Academy
*Formerly before school care for Community Public Charter School
*Part-time/Seasonal for Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child Charlotte
PAST
•Sales rep./sales mgr. – rep. various co.’s
1993-1999 Western NC
•Insurance Sales Rep. Iredell County
February 1990-1993
•NCHSAA and other area org football, baseball and basketball official 1995-2005
•Custodian (keeper of the key) Western Ave. Bapt. Ch. 2002-2010
-1983-1990 (multiple companies in 2 states)
•Soil testing drill rig operator. Retrieving, visually analyzing and securing soil, pavement and water samples. Setting and maintaining water & methane monitoring wells.
•Sub-Foreman road & sewer crews. Measuring, calculation & ordering of materials required on site. Direction of tasks for laborers and machines on site. Proper placement & installation of silt fencing.
ACTIVITIES (current & former)
-Mens Ministry Leader
-Boys Ministry Leader
-Usher & greeter
-Special Events Narrator
-Church Photographer
-Town of Stanley Beautification Committee
-Capturing events via photos for community, non-profit, business, private & campaigns.
Former
-Drama Team and Youth Choir Director (volunteer)
-Basketball, baseball and football coach. (volunteer)
-Basketball, baseball and football official. (paid)
-PTO Board Member for Statesville Montessori School. (volunteer)
-Member Optimist Club
-Sunday School & Outreach director (2 churches)
-Adult SS teacher
-Youth SS director
#6
While the current board is doing a tremendous work, I know, & they would concur, that in anything there are always ways to improve. Exploring additional ways to employ greater implementation of technology; executing a larger advocacy plan to achieve a broader awareness of the importance of conservation; expanding the reach of awareness in educational settings; challenging the general public to elevate its understanding of and involvement with conservation in Gaston County; strengthening the working relationships between Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District and other districts throughout the State of NC and Nationally.
Soil and water conservation has always been important and public awareness is more important now than ever. I look forward to serving as your elected Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District Board member.
Vote Bill Ward on Tuesday November 8th
#7
Open to ideas and challenges.
In 1999 I made a major career and business change. I went from relying on an employer to relying on my clients and my customers (although in both I have always relied on God).
I was the operating partner in a franchise that provided basically just a recognizable name in children's services. No lesson plans, no business model, no support. Basically 8 hours of "training (explaining)" & me doing the initial footwork. I proceeded to build what has now been my primary occupation for more than 23 years. Through 9/11, market crashes, recession, covid19, ownership struggles (lost my biz/franchise twice) and personal struggles, all of which beyond my control, Mr. Bill’s S.T.E.M Education thrives, I truly by the grace of God. But I also firmly believe He expected me to pray, work, watch and walk.
During that time I also began my venture into a photography business. Beginning with state-wide and regional events and currently providing art for multiple media outlets (including WBTV backgrounds, some of which you would have seen this very weekend). Along the way I've provided art for national companies, of 2 sitting and 2 former US Presidents, a multitude of community & non-profit as well as government entities and multiple political campaigns.
I'm not lazy. I take challenges head on. I accept input and constructive critique. When the work needs to be done I roll up my sleeves, jump in and sweat with everyone else to get it done. On the other hand, when it's time to sit back and analyze and ponder, I'm very capable and willing to do that.
I share all this to say that whatever the work is before me as your Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District Board member, you can count on me to get it done.
I will work with and serve all board members and natural resources staff. I will reach out to surrounding districts to share ideas and learn from theirs. I am already interacting with various sectors in Gaston County to bring awareness. I will participate in any and all educational capacities within my ability to do so. I will work hard to serve you as a resident of Gaston County.
#8
Re-establish Gaston County Future Farmers of America Chapter
I appreciate your support and your vote for Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District Board Supervisor.
