Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:30:46 -0800 (PST)
From: Sheila Beaudry
Subject: Diana Hales to run against Brian Bock for District 3 Commissioner seat
Diana Hales files to run for County Commissioner from District 3
Diana Hales, a retired state communications professional, filed today to run for Chatham County Commissioner in District 3. The seat is currently held by Republican Brian Bock.Â
A strong environmentalist and anti-fracking advocate, Hales, a Democrat, has also been active in promoting local economic development in Siler City, near her rural Hickory Mountain residence where she has lived for the last 28 years.
“I believe that protecting our rural character and environmental resources, especially water quality, goes hand in hand with promoting economic development efforts for our towns and communities,†Hales said.Â
Hales retired in 2010 after a 17 year career as the communications and outreach specialist for the Center for Geographic Information and Analysis division of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Prior to going to work for DENR, Hales had private sector experience in marketing, publishing, broadcasting and sales force management.Â
One of her DENR projects that was most satisfying to her was giving geographic information system (GIS) workshops to local government officials and K-12-classroom teachers.
“My experience in working with public school teachers is that they are passionate about their work and dedicated to continually upgrading their skills, “ Hales stated. “I am deeply distressed that they are not receiving the pay and respect they deserve.  I am committed to looking for innovative ways to provide greater local support for teachers and other school personnel.â€
Hales has been diligently preparing herself for service as a county commissioner, as she has attended and provided a concise factual summary of county commissioner meetings for the last three years. These are published through online services and distributed to various community groups.
Hales has been a leader in the local opposition to “fracking.†  She regularly attends the meetings of the state’s Mining and Energy Commission, which is tasked by the state legislature to develop a regulatory framework to allow fracking. She has voiced her concerns about public safety, health consequences of toxic emissions, high decibel noise pollution, and potential groundwater and surface water contamination from spills, leaks and routine accidents.
“Fracking would transform southern Chatham from a rural landscape to a heavy industrial area,†Hales contends. “Not only will it force some property owners to surrender the right to use their land, but it will not generate economic growth.â€
Hales is a member of the Rocky River Heritage Foundation, the Chatham Conservation Partnership, the Haw River Assembly, Clean Water for North Carolina, and the North Carolina Conservation Network.
Hales is also an active participant in Siler City’s NC STEP program, funded by the NC Rural Center to generate a grassroots economic development strategy. She is also a founder of the recently formed Siler City Development Organization. In addition, she has served on the county’s panel for evaluating funding requests from local non-profits.
Hales lives off Rives Chapel Church Road in Hickory Mountain with her husband Cheyney Hales.