James A. Upchurch changes party to Republican from Democrat, Guilford County Commissioner, Covid19: I was told to fall in line “for the sake of the party”
"It is clear to me that my values do not align with the actions of the Democratic Party"
James A. Upchurch changes party to Republican from Democrat, Guilford County Commissioner, Covid19: I was told to fall in line “for the sake of the party”
From Guilford County Commissioner James A. Upchurch December 3, 2021.
“Today, I changed my affiliation to Republican. This decision is a result of actions I’ve witnessed, and the conversations I’ve heard as an elected official. It is clear to me that my values do not align with the actions of the Democratic Party. Let me be clear; I am a proud American, and a Christian. I believe in free speech, fiscal responsibility, limited government, transparency, and equality. This letter cannot explain everything that has led to this decision, but I hope it provides some understanding as to why I have joined the Republican Party.
In my role as a County Commissioner, I have repeatedly witnessed those in the Democratic Party vote to waste taxpayer money - sometimes on items they didn’t clearly understand. A clear example is when the board approved up to $1.8 Million Dollars for a COVID “call center”, that proved ineffective and had no oversight. I have, and always will, vote against wasteful spending. The Democrats carefree spending goes against my promise to be honest, transparent, and responsible with my constituents’ hard-earned money.
Regarding COVID-19, I was told to fall in line “for the sake of the party” or there would be consequences. My reputation was slandered during closed-door meetings, simply for asking questions. Despite these personal attacks, I persisted – getting answers and providing the public with facts. I acknowledge that COVID-19 is a real and potentially severe virus, but the fearmongering and control tactics being used for political gain are also very real and serious.
I believe in free speech, and that the free exchange of ideas is essential to our democracy. I have heard Democrat elected officials call parents domestic terrorists for expressing their views on the materials their children are being taught in schools. In some situations, they’ve been kicked out of meetings and have been kept from being able to fully address their concerns. Parents should be involved in their child’s education, and an attempt to undermine that is a clear case of government overreach.
In North Carolina, Democrats have been protesting and slandering Republicans for alleged gerrymandering during the redistricting process. Let’s not forget, Democrats practiced the same methods when they were in the majority. Even here in Guilford County, the board recently adopted a gerrymandered map that split the minority communities in High Point and diluted their vote. I was the only board member to vote against this map. Had a Republican majority approved that map, Democrats would be calling them racists. This hypocrisy has not gone unnoticed by me.
I have always strived to be transparent, regardless of the topic, and that will continue throughout the rest of my term. Should you have specific questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
James Upchurch
Guilford County Commissioner”