On Thursday, June 15, one very long-time county commissioner – Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston – will read a resolution honoring another very long-term commissioner – the late Steve Arnold, who served on the board from 1990 to 2010 as the District 2 commissioner representing much of the High Point area.

It’s noteworthy that it is Alston who will be leading the ceremony to honor Arnold, since, in the early years of their time on the board, the two men engaged in some epic political fights.

Later in their careers, however, the two joined forces and formed a leadership coalition where the staunch Democrat Alston and the staunch Republican Arnold worked very closely together.

Stephen George Arnold passed away in April at the age of 61. He was born in Chicago and graduated from High Point Andrews High School as well as Capernwray Bible School in England. He received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UNC-Greensboro before going on to become a giant conservative figure in Guilford County and North Carolina politics.

During his time on the board, he got to serve both as chairman and vice-chairman; and, as the resolution notes, he was “known for his strong conservative voice on the Board; serving as an advocate for efficient processes, accountable government, and the advancement of the small businessman.”

The resolution speaks to Arnold’s many accomplishments as a Guilford County commissioner and takes note of some of those he was most proud of, such as moving the commissioners’ meetings to the evenings so that more citizens could attend, the inclusion of a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each meeting.

The long resolution states in part:

“WHEREAS, Commissioner Arnold was known for his active participation in his church, and for his love of his family, which included his children Olivia, Stephen and Richard and his wife Nicole, and dedicated a significant portion of his life to the betterment of Guilford County;

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners that it hereby expresses its appreciation for the accomplishments of Guilford County Commissioner Stephen ‘Steve’ Arnold and his dedicated service to Guilford County, North Carolina, and extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends in his passing.”

 

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