Hickory Daily Record, Austin Allran, Catawba County commissioner candidate

Ballotpedia, Austin M. Allran

Austin holds a bachelor’s degree in history and English from Duke University, a master’s degree in creative writing and film from North Carolina State University, and a law degree from Southern Methodist University. He is a Christian. 

Catawba County, Board of Commissioners

Austin Allran serves as a Catawba County Commissioner. He was elected to this position in 2020, and is serving his first term. He previously served in the North Carolina State Senate representing District 42. He was elected to this position in 1986, and served for 14 terms. He also served in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He was elected to that position in 1981, and served for three terms. 

As of June 8, 2025, Austin Allran did not have a website or any information online.

Public Services

Said during his 2020 campaign for County Commissioner, attracting and retaining young professionals through developing amenities, training workers for jobs currently open, and carefully managing growth in the southern part of the county are top priorities if elected.

Plans to manage taxpayer funds carefully, and supports opportunities where taxpayers can save money without needing to sacrificing services.

Wants to ensure wise spending, and "cut out waste" whenever possible, including any duplications.

Opposes gambling, saying "The idea that the state of North Carolina should legally be running a gambling operation and taking money from the people least able to able to pay … I think is just terrible."

- Said during his 2020 campaign for County Commissioner, attracting and retaining young professionals through developing amenities, training workers for jobs currently open, and carefully managing growth in the southern part of the county are top priorities if elected.
- Plans to manage taxpayer funds carefully, and supports opportunities where taxpayers can save money without needing to sacrificing services.
- Wants to ensure wise spending, and "cut out waste" whenever possible, including any duplications.
- Opposes gambling, saying "The idea that the state of North Carolina should legally be running a gambling operation and taking money from the people least able to able to pay … I think is just terrible."

Economy

Education

Supports "safeguarding religious freedoms."

Opposes the "efforts of the American Civil Liberties Union to take the cross off the county seal, which I think...was just an abomination."

- Opposes gun control.
- Supports "safeguarding religious freedoms."
- Opposes the "efforts of the American Civil Liberties Union to take the cross off the county seal, which I think...was just an abomination."
- Opposes abortion.

Public Safety

Said during his 2020 campaign for County Commissioner, affordable housing is an issue, and he wants to work with local governments on zoning in an effort to address this issue,

- Said during his 2020 campaign for County Commissioner, affordable housing is an issue, and he wants to work with local governments on zoning in an effort to address this issue,

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Austin Allran

Catawba County NC

Hickory Record

Twitter

Barbara was born and raised in Catawba County and currently lives in Newton, North Carolina. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was awarded The Order Of The Long Leaf Pine Award.

Barbara is currently retired. She has previously worked as an auditor for Burlington Industries, as a teacher, as a representative for telecommunications companies, and in merchandising for Hickory Crawdads.

Barbara Gale Beatty currently serves as the County Commissioner in Catawba County. She was first elected in 1996 and is serving her 7th term.


As of June 8, 2025, Barbara Gale Beatty did not have a website or any information online.

Has helped create "4,100 new jobs and $4.3 billion in new investments."

- Wants to lower taxes.
- Has helped create "4,100 new jobs and $4.3 billion in new investments."

Wants to ensure "future success for our children."

- Wants to ensure "future success for our children."

Supports increases made to the sheriff's budget and the funding of cameras and bulletproof vests for Emergency Medical Services personnel.

Voted against the resolution allowing alcohol before noon on Sundays.

- Opposes gun control.
- Opposes abortion.
- Supports increases made to the sheriff's budget and the funding of cameras and bulletproof vests for Emergency Medical Services personnel.
- Wants to expand access to healthcare.
- Voted against the resolution allowing alcohol before noon on Sundays.

Barbara Gale Beatty

Geno is from Catawba County and attended East Burke High School. He is a member of Open Door Church in Long View, NC. Geno volunteers for Jaime Torres Ministries for the local Prison Ministry. 

LinkedIn

Geno owns a small farm and works as a regional executive manager for CMH Homes. Previously, he has worked as an insurance agent, realtor, a manager of home building companies, and a salesman.

Geno Baker's campaign for County Commissioner in Catawba County is his first entry into politics. 

Candidate website

Believes in creating a community where "everyone's voice is heard," and prioritizes compassion and support to build a brighter future for all.

Aims to create a community where "everyone's voice is heard."

Promises to share all issues proposed and what the commissions actions are.

- Aims to create a community where "everyone's voice is heard."
- Promises to share all issues proposed and what the commissions actions are.

Aims to responsibly use taxpayer dollars.

- Aims to responsibly use taxpayer dollars.
- Plans to reduce tax burdens on citizens.

As of June 8, 2025, Geno Baker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports collaboration with community organizations to create permanent housing solutions to reduce homelessness.

- Supports collaboration with community organizations to create permanent housing solutions to reduce homelessness.

Instagram

Geno Baker

Phyllis is from North Carolina. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, and operations from American InterContinental University, a master's degree in strategic leadership from Mountain State University, and a second master's degree in liberal arts and sciences and liberal studies from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Phyllis currently lives in Hickory, North Carolina. 

Phyllis currently serves as a research analyst and lead supervisor in the manufacturing industry, and as a coordinator for Community Outreach Programs. She previously worked as an Eligibility Specialist for the Catawba County Department of Social Services. 

NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OFFICIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS - CATAWBA

Phyllis Michaux ran for Hickory Public Schools' Board of Education in 2021, but did not win. 

Vote 411, Phyllis Michaux

Believes in ensuring all community members have access to high-quality services and programs.

Said, "My mission is to lead with integrity, dedication, and transparency, ensuring that all community members have access to high-quality services and programs. By prioritizing the diverse needs of our citizens, I aim to build trust and inspire confidence in our local government, making it responsive and effective for everyone."

Supports programs and policies to assist combat veterans with mental health issues and emergency shelters.

Supports community engagement programs to enhance government decisions and financial opportunities for diverse cultures and small businesses.

- Said, "My mission is to lead with integrity, dedication, and transparency, ensuring that all community members have access to high-quality services and programs. By prioritizing the diverse needs of our citizens, I aim to build trust and inspire confidence in our local government, making it responsive and effective for everyone."
- Supports programs and policies to assist combat veterans with mental health issues and emergency shelters.
- Supports community engagement programs to enhance government decisions and financial opportunities for diverse cultures and small businesses.

Supports a sustainable economy and environmental protection to ensure future prosperity for the community.

Said, "I will support a sustainable economy and environmental protection to secure a prosperous future for our community."

- Said, "I will support a sustainable economy and environmental protection to secure a prosperous future for our community."

Believes balanced funding for education is necessary to address potential teacher shortages and declining enrollment.

- Believes balanced funding for education is necessary to address potential teacher shortages and declining enrollment.

Plans to propose a more effective program for local drug addiction services and facilities.

- Plans to propose a more effective program for local drug addiction services and facilities.

Believes the County Commission must address managing population growth and its impact on infrastructure, including housing affordability, transportation, and public services.

Believes the County Commission must address the county's population growth and its impact on infrastructure, including housing affordability, transportation, and public services.

Supports transitional housing for homeless individuals and plans to include specialized education.

Supports community partnership programs that offer developer incentives to increase affordable housing and wants to work with financial institutions that accept minimal credit scores for those with stable work histories.

Said, "I would like to implement a future policy for tax deductions on Home Owner Association, (HOA), and Marina fees. This policy may allow a beneficial return for homeowners with excessive monthly and yearly fees."

- Believes the County Commission must address the county's population growth and its impact on infrastructure, including housing affordability, transportation, and public services.
- Supports transitional housing for homeless individuals and plans to include specialized education.
- Supports community partnership programs that offer developer incentives to increase affordable housing and wants to work with financial institutions that accept minimal credit scores for those with stable work histories.
- Said, "I would like to implement a future policy for tax deductions on Home Owner Association, (HOA), and Marina fees. This policy may allow a beneficial return for homeowners with excessive monthly and yearly fees."

As of June 8, 2025, Phyllis Michaux’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Phyllis Michaux

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners can create, change, or abolish offices, positions, departments that are not required by law. 
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms, with no term limits. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Catawba County Commissioner

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Catawba County Commissioner

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