This election year, LincolnHerald.com is offering candidates a unique chance to speak directly to you. We believe it's important for voters to hear firsthand from each candidate about their vision, experience and why they are the best choice for the role.

In this article below, you'll find answers to five key questions that reveals this candidate’s platform and priorities. We encourage you to read their responses to gain a deeper understanding of their plans and perspectives, helping you make an informed choice when you head to the polls.

1. What key issues are you prioritizing, and what steps are you taking to address them?
2. How does your background, values, education, and experience prepare you to represent the community effectively?
3. What makes you the best candidate for this position and how do you differentiate yourself from your opponents?
4. What long-term goals do you hope to achieve if elected to office?
5. What sets you apart from other candidates, and why should voters choose you to represent them?

The following is the candidate's response, written in her own words:

My name is Erin Long. I am a lifelong resident of Lincoln County. I live in Lincolnton. I am married and have a stepson who attends Western Carolina University.

I am currently an Assistant Director in the BLET/Criminal Justice Department at Gaston College.

I graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1992 and from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  I retired with 30 years of service in Law Enforcement in October 2022. 

During my law enforcement career, I worked over 20 years in Lincoln County.  As a District Lieutenant, one of my responsibilities was to supervise school resource officers and work with the school system.  I was able to work with the school administrators and staff during that time to participate in active drills as well as coordinate safety training and security plans for many of our schools on the eastern side of Lincoln County. 

It is my hope to bring my leadership experience, along with my existing working relationships with various facets of Lincoln County employees, government, and citizens to the table to communicate the needs, goals and importance of those in our school system.

Below is a list of five key questions we’d like to ask you, which will help present your platform to the voters. Feel free to add anything additional that you think would assist voters in making an informed decision when casting their ballots:

1) What key issues are you prioritizing, and what steps are you taking to address them?

My philosophy is for effective communication with parents, students and staff, a focus on School Safety, and Post-Graduation Contributions of our students to society.  Our students are our future. They are the number one priority and focusing on their differing needs across the board is paramount in ensuring they have everything they need to be successful.   I will work to continue ensuring staff has the needed support to effectively carry out their jobs.   In education the overall goal is to prepare students not just for academic success, but for meaningful, responsible participation in society. This involves equipping them with the skills and values necessary to contribute positively to their communities and wherever they choose to live.

This is made effective through careful considerations of funding, distribution working with the superintendent as well as other board members and staff.   This is a priority to maintain a solid path in that direction.  Additionally, I will seek to prioritize School Safety.  We should realize that a safe learning environment is not only a right but a necessity for all students. School safety is not only physical security, but emotional well-being, and academic support as well.  

2) How does your background, values, education, and experience prepare you to represent the community effectively? 

As a graduate of Western Carolina University, I was fortunate to gain exposure to various cultures and backgrounds.  Through hands on course work and internships, I was able to meet people where they are and also learn various facets of government. Simultaneously, I worked in law enforcement serving the community and gaining exposure in that manner as well.  During those 30 years of service, I worked with the school system in implementing safety plans and supervising SROs. I have worked in leadership and management for the past 15 years, working with local officials on various projects. Additionally, I have been an instructor, part-time working at Gaston College for over 20 years and I was fortunate to assume a full-time role at Gaston College as an Assistant Director in the Criminal Justice Program. I have a passion for education and training and look for most effective ways to implement training and instruction for students and preparing them for beyond graduation. 

3) What makes you the best candidate for this position, and how do you differentiate yourself from your opponents?  

It is my hope to bring my leadership experience, along with my existing working relationships with various facets of Lincoln County employees, government, and citizens to the table to communicate the needs, goals and importance of those in our school system. In looking at the mission statement of Lincoln County Schools, one important point is “to provide a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for all students.”  This is a unique quality that I will bring to the board with my training and experience. 

4) What long-term goals do you hope to achieve if elected to office?

In looking forward, I intend to work to develop working relationships with teachers, administrators, the superintendent, and school board members.  I will work to obtain information on goals for the district and focus on student achievement. 

5) Why should voters choose you to represent them?

I am a lifelong resident of Lincoln County.  I have a great compassion to serve in my community and a history of dedication to serving. Additionally, I will bring my experience in working in the law enforcement profession, to work with the school system in bringing my skill sets to the table to best contribute in my roll. I will continue to be an active listener and open to communication and feedback. Most importantly, I will stand behind my promise to make our students my number one priority. 

Thank you to all who take the time to read and learn about your candidates.

Erin Long, for Lincoln County Board Of Education, At-Large