Brian Deaton says he will not seek another term as chairman of the Moore County Democratic Party.

His successor and other officers will be elected at the county convention Saturday, April 18, at the Agricultural Center in Carthage.

Deaton doesn't often agree with Republicans, but he said the Democrats need to follow a pattern similar to the GOP election cycle, in which county parties elect officers in non-presidential election years.

"We need to get our officers elected in a cycle that doesn't coincide with the presidential election year," Deaton said.

Deaton said this cycle gives officers an opportunity to get grounded in their duties before they begin working toward the next election year.

"There are too many things to learn," he said.

Deaton is completing his second year as chairman.

COMMITTEE -- Jim Heim, of Vass, Little River Precinct chairman, heads the Democrats' nominating committee, which will present a slate of nominees during the April 18 convention, to begin at 10 a.m.

The other members of the committee are Diane Greene, of Southern Pines, the party secretary, and Tammy Harmon, of Robbins.

Democrats will elect six county officers, a representative to the State Executive Committee and district convention delegates. Nominees will also be accepted from the floor.

GOP GALA -- Moore County Republicans have mailed invitations to their April 25 Red, White and Blue Gala, to be held in the Cardinal Ballroom at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst.

The guest speaker will be House Republican Leader John Boehner.

Tickets are $100 per person. Contributions are also being sought, especially at the $1,000 (platinum) and $500 (gold) levels.

Reservations must be made by April 17.

PUBLIC SAFETY -- Telecommunications played a vital role in emergency service response to the shooting incident at Pinelake Center on March 29.

Recognition of that service seemed appropriate when the Moore County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution designating April 12-18 as Public Safety Telecommunica-tions Week.

Public Safety Director Carlton Cole read the resolution during the board's April 6 meeting.

"While the job of a telecommunicator is often misunderstood and under-appreciated, if you ever have an emergency, a telecommunicator is the first person you speak to," according to information released by Cole. "They are the voice of reason in times of chaos."

The resolution says that in times of emergency, prompt response by law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue workers and paramedics is critical to the safety of these first responders as well as the victims of a disaster.

"Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services," the resolution says. "Telecommunicators are the single vital link for our emergency responders by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and insuring their safety."

The resolution adds that "telecommunicators have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients" and have also "exhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job."

The local staff includes these full-time telecommunicators: Wilda Hussey, Kris Sheffield, George Gullickson, Chuck Radcliffe, Cindy Monroe, Ben Nelson, Jason Steel, Tina Bormet, Jason Love, Matthew Scott, Penny Black, April Fronczak, and Natasha Spivey. Part-time staff members are Pat Moran, Bradley Whitaker, Chris Lassiter, Debbie Whitaker, Diane Watson and Matt Litzinger.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.