OUR 2020 ACTION PLAN
The 2020 action plan below was developed by Susannah Hogan, president of the Polk County Democratic Women's Club. Click through the slides to see what's in store for this election year:
There's a lot you can do!

What can one individual do? A lot! Start by looking at the slideshow above. It is our 2020 action plan, developed by Susannah Hogan and the Democratic Women's Club of Polk County. If you're willing to take an active role -- in any way, large or small -- Contact either Susannah Hogan or Pat Salomon to let them know.
Here are some more suggestions:
Subscribe to our Email Newsletter
Our party chair sends out an email newsletter every month with news, upcoming events, and other information about what we're doing and how you can be involved. Almost everything the party does will show up in the newsletter, so if you're not receiving it yet, just send an email to Andy Millard, and he'll get you on the list.
Join the Democratic Women
You don't have to be a woman to be a member of the Democratic Women's Club. All are welcome, and it only costs $10 a year. This is where the action is in the Polk Democratic Party. Join the women's Club and you'll have plenty of opportunities to help the cause! You can email our Women's Club president here.
Have Breakfast
An easy way to get involved is simply to show up at one of the Women's Club's monthly breakfasts. This fun and savory event takes place from Spring through fall on the first Saturday of the month at the headquarters building on Ward Avenue in Columbus. Come as you are, bring a friend or come by yourself. We guarantee you'll make some new friends and feel great about being a Democrat. The breakfast is free, but you're encouraged to give a donation of $5 or more if you wish.
Come to Postcard Parties
This is another activity of the Women's Club. These informal events take place on most Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00. It is just as the name implies: we write postcards to our elected officials or to others on behalf of issues that are important to us. We provide the issues, the names and addresses of the recipients, suggested wording -- even the postcards and stamps.
Give to the cause
Everyone knows that it costs money to run a campaign, but we don't always think about how much it costs to run a local party. When you donate to your local Democratic Party, you know your contribution will help candidates and causes that are important to us right here in western North Carolina. Every little bit helps. Please consider making a donation today.
Here are some more suggestions:
Subscribe to our Email Newsletter
Our party chair sends out an email newsletter every month with news, upcoming events, and other information about what we're doing and how you can be involved. Almost everything the party does will show up in the newsletter, so if you're not receiving it yet, just send an email to Andy Millard, and he'll get you on the list.
Join the Democratic Women
You don't have to be a woman to be a member of the Democratic Women's Club. All are welcome, and it only costs $10 a year. This is where the action is in the Polk Democratic Party. Join the women's Club and you'll have plenty of opportunities to help the cause! You can email our Women's Club president here.
Have Breakfast
An easy way to get involved is simply to show up at one of the Women's Club's monthly breakfasts. This fun and savory event takes place from Spring through fall on the first Saturday of the month at the headquarters building on Ward Avenue in Columbus. Come as you are, bring a friend or come by yourself. We guarantee you'll make some new friends and feel great about being a Democrat. The breakfast is free, but you're encouraged to give a donation of $5 or more if you wish.
Come to Postcard Parties
This is another activity of the Women's Club. These informal events take place on most Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00. It is just as the name implies: we write postcards to our elected officials or to others on behalf of issues that are important to us. We provide the issues, the names and addresses of the recipients, suggested wording -- even the postcards and stamps.
Give to the cause
Everyone knows that it costs money to run a campaign, but we don't always think about how much it costs to run a local party. When you donate to your local Democratic Party, you know your contribution will help candidates and causes that are important to us right here in western North Carolina. Every little bit helps. Please consider making a donation today.

Demonstrate
Sometimes the best way to take action is to march, demonstrate, or protest for or against something that we feel strongly about. Whether it's rallying in support of immigrants in Hendersonville, standing up for climate justice in Asheville, or taking part in the Women's March in Washington, DC, you can do it with the support of fellow Polk Dems.
Attend Party events
We host candidate forums, debate watch parties, holiday events, rallies, and occasional VIP dinners. These events are fun and educational, and they allow us to spend time with like-minded Democrats.
Show up at meetings
All our meetings are open to everyone, and we promise you a warm welcome. You can help us plan our strategies and activities. Check the Calendar page for all upcoming meetings and events.
Volunteer
We're always doing something - but especially during election season. You can do as much or as little as you like. Register voters. Get involved with your precinct. Go door-to-door talking to voters. Make phone calls or send text messages. Man the party booth at the 4th of July event. There is much to do, and it is important. We need you!
Contact Your Elected Representatives
This is OUR democracy and as responsible citizens we must make our opinions known. Ensure that your representatives understand your needs and the needs of your community by reaching out to them through a phone call, letter, or email.
Our Representatives in Washington, DC
This is OUR democracy and as responsible citizens we must make our opinions known. Ensure that your representatives understand your needs and the needs of your community by reaching out to them through a phone call, letter, or email.
Our Representatives in Washington, DC
Senator Thom Tillis
Our junior senator, Tillis (R) defeated Kay Hagan in 2014. The term is 6 years, so he is running for re-election in 2020.
113 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Office phone: (202) 224-6342
Contact: www.tillis.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-me
Senator Richard Burr
Burr (R) is our senior senator and is from Winston-Salem. He was re-elected to a 6-year term in 2016, and will not face re-election until 2022. He has declared that this term will be his last.
217 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Office phone: (202) 224-3154
Contact: www.burr.senate.gov/contact/email
Congressman Mark Meadows
Meadows (R) represents the 17 counties of our newly-configured 11th Congressional District. He did not file for re-election, so we will have a new Representative after the 2020 election. (Congressmen must run for re-election every two years.)
2160 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-3311
Phone: 202-225-6401
Fax: (202) 226-6422
Contact: https://meadows.house.gov/contact/
Hendersonville Office:
200 North Grove Street, Suite 90
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: 828-693-5660
Fax: (828) 693-5603
Our junior senator, Tillis (R) defeated Kay Hagan in 2014. The term is 6 years, so he is running for re-election in 2020.
113 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Office phone: (202) 224-6342
Contact: www.tillis.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-me
Senator Richard Burr
Burr (R) is our senior senator and is from Winston-Salem. He was re-elected to a 6-year term in 2016, and will not face re-election until 2022. He has declared that this term will be his last.
217 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Office phone: (202) 224-3154
Contact: www.burr.senate.gov/contact/email
Congressman Mark Meadows
Meadows (R) represents the 17 counties of our newly-configured 11th Congressional District. He did not file for re-election, so we will have a new Representative after the 2020 election. (Congressmen must run for re-election every two years.)
2160 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-3311
Phone: 202-225-6401
Fax: (202) 226-6422
Contact: https://meadows.house.gov/contact/
Hendersonville Office:
200 North Grove Street, Suite 90
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: 828-693-5660
Fax: (828) 693-5603
Our Representatives in Raleigh
Governor Roy Cooper
Governor Cooper is a Democrat who was elected in 2016. He is up for re-election in 2020. North Carolina governors are term-limited to two four-year terms.
Governor Cooper's contact page is HERE.
919-814-2000
North Carolina Office of the Governor
20301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
Representative Jake Johnson
Our representative in the State General Assembly is Jake Johnson (R) from Polk County. He represents the 113th district which includes all of Polk and Transylvania counties and the southern part of Henderson County. State representatives serve two-year terms.
300 N. Salisbury Street, 602
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Office phone: 919-715-4466
Jake.Johnson@ncleg.net
Legislative Assistant: Megan Kluttz
Senator Ralph Hise
State Senator Ralph Hise (R) represents the 47th Senatorial district, and was re-elected in 2016. State senators serve two-year terms.
300 N. Salisbury Street, Rm. 300-A
Raleigh, NC 27603
Office Phone: (919) 733-3460
Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net
Legislative Assistant: Susan Fanning
Governor Cooper is a Democrat who was elected in 2016. He is up for re-election in 2020. North Carolina governors are term-limited to two four-year terms.
Governor Cooper's contact page is HERE.
919-814-2000
North Carolina Office of the Governor
20301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
Representative Jake Johnson
Our representative in the State General Assembly is Jake Johnson (R) from Polk County. He represents the 113th district which includes all of Polk and Transylvania counties and the southern part of Henderson County. State representatives serve two-year terms.
300 N. Salisbury Street, 602
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Office phone: 919-715-4466
Jake.Johnson@ncleg.net
Legislative Assistant: Megan Kluttz
Senator Ralph Hise
State Senator Ralph Hise (R) represents the 47th Senatorial district, and was re-elected in 2016. State senators serve two-year terms.
300 N. Salisbury Street, Rm. 300-A
Raleigh, NC 27603
Office Phone: (919) 733-3460
Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net
Legislative Assistant: Susan Fanning
Our Local Elected Officials
Polk County Commissioners
Chair: Myron Yoder (R)
Ray Gasperson (D)
Tommy Melton (R)
Paul Beiler (R)
David Moore (R)
Contact commissioners at this email address: ahigh@polknc.org
828-894-3301
Polk County Sheriff
Tim Wright (R)
https://polksheriffnc.com/
Main Phone: 828.894.3001
After Hours: 828.894.0188
Contact through the website: https://polksheriffnc.com/contact
Polk County Clerk of Court
Pam Hyder (D)
828-894-4900
Polk County Registrar of Deeds
Sheila Whitmire (R)
828-8948450
Email: swhitmire@polknc.org
Town of Columbus
https://www.columbusnc.com/ Mayor Pat McCool (U) Town Council members: Brent Jackson (R) Richard Hall (R) Mark Phillips (R) Robert Williamson (U) |
City of Saluda
https://www.cityofsaludanc.com/ Mayor Fred Baisden (R) Town Council members: Paul Marion (U) Mark Oxtoby (R) Rob Ross (D) Stanley Walker (R) |
Town of Tryon
https://tryon-nc.com/ Mayor Alan Peoples (R) Town Commissioners: Bill Ingham (D) Bill Crowell (R) Chrelle Booker (D) Crys Armbrust (U) |