About

This is the onset of  my blog page.  Hope somebody out there in cyberspace checks it out.  As the title indicates, I am a candidate for NC House of Representatives (after filing February 8) in District 86 which is most of Burke County, NC.  This is my first attempt at a House seat, having run unsuccessfully in 2008 for NC Senate in Burke and Caldwell Counties.   I once served seven years as a Burke County Commissioner, two of those as Chairman. 

I am a graduate of  Campbell College and Appalachian State University.   A.A, Campbell; B.S., M.A., and Ed.S from Appalachian; Ed.D from Nova Southeastern University; School Administration Certification from Western Carolina University.

Avocationally, I occasionally attempt golf, have run over twenty 5k footraces for the last 28 years, seldom watch television, have a collection of over 700 1948 and older books and normally read at least three of these weekly–selected at random.

Vocationally, I am retired from teaching and various sales endeavors.  Currently a landlord, and do occasional substitute teaching in Burke and Caldwell County schools.  Typically two to three days with my son Bryan Cates’  recycling business:  Simply Green (I work for free).  Not to mention, spending as much time as possible with my twin four-year-old grandsons.