Wednesday, January 30, 2008...Cabarrus County... An easy and familiar ride west from Raleigh. We met Senator Eddie Goodall and his assistant Lisa at the Union Grill where Cabarrus county commissioners met to discuss local and state issues that affect their county. Fred believes to best serve the people you have to listen and learn about their concerns. Also, having served as a county commissioner for two years and in the Senate for five years, Fred understands the relationship of the local and state governments and the need to make their dealings amicable and not adversarial. Fred called Sheriff Brad Riley so he could stop by and say hello. Even though they are not from the same party, Sheriff Riley and Fred agree on a number of issues particularly as they address the "rule of law." From there Fred toured Snyder Packaging which sits across the street from a Perdue chicken processing plant. Industry is important to every county and Cabarrus is no exception. Late afternoon meetings with several groups of business people including about 30 team members from Allen Tate Realty rounded out Fred's day. Our team set up at Troutman's BBQ where we rearranged tables and set up AV equipment. We never know what attendance to expect on a Wednesday night because of church (we hate to schedule Wednesdays but when doing a 100 county tour with all the other requests Fred gets you have to use every night). We set for short of 200 and Fred asked me to close one of the air walls cutting off about 50 seats. By 6:25 p.m. he signaled me to open the air wall. Packed house! People are now focused on state elections and are anxious to hear what Fred has to say. We can feel the increased momentum. Thank you Cabarrus for your enthusiasm and your support - Fred Smith for Governor - Hooray!