homepage_001 - Page: 1 of 1

JOIN THE DISCUSSIONS on the GCW Forum… a self-operating, un-moderated forum. To post, you need to use an email address and a password. (Delphi does not “sell” your information, so you won’t be bothered with junk mail. You will not be contacted by anyone responding to your post unless you wish it.) Of course, you may visit and read the forum as a guest without registering or signing in. You usually have to negotiate one advertisement – which pays for the service – by clicking “NO THANKS” or "SKIP" and you’re in!

The Watchdog began in late March of 2001 as a purely informational website service for Gaston County residents -- featuring ways to contact their elected officials, exchange views and ideas with each other, and for mutual support in the area of public safety.

It is fashioned after a style made popular during the early days of our nation, political and social commentary laced with humor and sarcasm.

The site has evolved into a concerted effort to make our county a better place to live and work by educating taxpaying citizens and acknowledging our many fine county employees, as well as an attempt to expose wasteful or outmoded government practices of local bureaucrats.

It has always been a platform where concerned citizens can voice their opinions. An added benefit is that it has become a means for loyal county employees of all levels and departments (who see first-hand the many excessive, expensive, unfair, inefficient, or totally unnecessary operations that have often perpetuated for decades) to bring abuses into the light -- sometimes anonymously, in order to keep their jobs.

Differing opinions are enlightening and appreciated. Individuals who contribute to forums and are encouraged to practice freedom of speech. Occasionally, email is edited for grammar and spelling, but NEVER for content. Your name will not be posted unless you request it, and all submissions are strictly confidential.

All political parties are welcome to participate and post notices, etc. None is favored over another. On the other hand, all politicians are fair game when they do not act in the general public's best interest. The goal is to get voters to the polls -- and the better informed the voter, the stronger our county will be.