THE
State Employees Association of North Carolina, SEIU Local 2008 P.O. Drawer 27727, Raleigh, NC • www.seanc.org 800-222-2758 • 919-833-6436 • Circulation 55,000
November 2012
• Vol. 31, Issue 1
ELECTION DAY IS NOV. 6
LINDA COLEMAN FOR LT. GOVERNOR by
Toni Davis
In 2004, SEANC endorsed a longtime state employee, Linda Coleman, against an old-school incumbent in the N.C. House. The odds were against a Coleman victory, but with the help of her SEANC family, she won. Some lawmakers forget where they come from or how they got there once elected, but not Linda Coleman. From day one in the legislature, state employees had their first real champion in Linda Coleman. She consistently stood up for public services and the people who provide them. The best example of her courage and strength was her actions in 2006 when as a freshman House member, she single-handily held up the budget over state employee raises. Coleman was elevated to director of the state personnel office in 2009, where she led implementation of Executive Order 45 which provides a partnership between managers and employees to produce cost-efficiencies and improve morale and communication in state agencies. When Linda Coleman decided to run for lieutenant governor in the primary, SEANC went all in for her. For us the choice was no choice; it was simple, it was Linda. In addition to the association’s endorsement, we contributed resources and put boots on the ground. Her primary win was a resounding victory for working families and the public services they provide. Her door is always open for state
Photo by Sophie Brauns
SEANC Communications Director
SEANC member and Democratic Party candidate for lieutenant governor Linda Coleman shakes hands with delegates after a rousing speech before the 29th Annual SEANC Convention Sept. 7 in Greensboro.
Inside: EMPAC Endorses Bipartisan Slate of Candidates
SEANC presents 67 bipartisan endorsements for the general election in November. Endorsements are made through SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC), which is a member-led subsidiary. See pages 7-10 for SEANC’s 2012 Voter Guide.
employees because she is a champion of those who need one — the working families who make up the 99 percent. With Linda Coleman as lieutenant governor we know that our voice will always be heard. Electing Linda Coleman as the next lieutenant governor would make history. Not only will Linda be the first African-American to hold that post, it is imperative that people like Linda Coleman move onto bigger and better things for state employees, retirees and all working families. She is a champion not only for SEANC, but for everyday people who are often overlooked in politics. When big business owns much of the politicians in Raleigh, it’s important to have an ordinary person to stand up and say, “What about the people?”
At the SEANC convention in Greensboro, Linda explained the association’s shared sense of values embodied in her campaign by stating, “Our story is to improve the quality of life for all people and thereby uplift humanity.” In November, we all have a role to play in helping to ensure that our voice remains heard and it will take each of us to do so. And just like in 2004, in 2012, we can help a small campaign with big ideas to make history and change the face of North Carolina politics once again. Because she’s had our back for years, we have the chance to return the favor now and vote in long-time SEANC member Linda Coleman for lieutenant governor.
tdavis@seanc.org
President’s Message By Sidney Sandy SEANC President
Working Together for a Brighter Future
A
s your president, I have the experience that comes with serving and chairing on district, regional, and state level committees. I have the experience that comes with serving on the Board of Governors as well as the Executive Committee. Most importantly I have the experience that comes with listening to our members. I believe that everyone has a right to his or her opinion and deserves the right to express that opinion. I do not take lightly my responsibility as your president to Sandy listen to your thoughts and concerns then make a decision based on what the majority of our membership wants and what is best for SEANC.
Hold your next meeting at SEANC! Contact Alicia Miller today at (919) 833-6436 or amiller@seanc.org to reserve one of SEANC’s Conference Rooms. The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published nine times a year in the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, September, November and December for $2.50 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., P.O. Drawer 27727, Raleigh, NC 27611-7727. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional offices. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: THE REPORTER P.O. Drawer 27727 Raleigh, NC 27611-7727
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The Reporter • November 2012
SEANC is not one person or a select group of people. SEANC is about being one family, working together to build a solid future for those yet to come, and securing the best benefits possible for all current and retired state employees. If we stay united with capable, experienced leadership, this organization will continue to move forward. I have first-hand knowledge and understanding of the issues we have every year in SEANC. I have been at the table during discussions about our future and I believe that I have made a difference. I have the experience and the dedication necessary to be your president. I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the coming year. Thank you for your support! I pledge to you that I will be accessible and accountable to you as your president and work tirelessly to continue to move SEANC forward.
THE
Toni Davis, Editor-In-Chief Cary Edgar, Managing Editor Alicia Miller, Associate Editor Jonathan Owens, Associate Editor/Graphic Designer State Employees Association of North Carolina P.O. Drawer 27727 • Raleigh, NC 27611 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 Telephone 919-833-6436, 800-222-2758 www.seanc.org
Advertising Policy SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any representation that the message, product or service is as represented by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.
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919-836-9993 or Toll Free: 1-800-788-7771 dougsutton@dougsuttonins.com The Reporter • November 2012
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2012-2013 Seanc Boa Executive Committee President Sidney Sandy District 11 Indian Trail Department of Transportation (ret.)
Eastern Region Rep. Gloria Highsmith District 65 Williamston East Carolina University
First Vice President Art Anthony District 39 Raleigh N.C. State University
Western Region Rep. James Burgess District 9 Stony Point Department of Transportation
District 2 B.J. Hodges Hendersonville Division of Motor Vehicles (ret.)
Second Vice President Stanley Gales District 26 Durham Department of Public Safety
Retiree Council Chairman Bob Hopper District 9 Hickory Division of Motor Vehicles (ret.)
District 3 Bob Gibbard Boone Appalachian State University
Treasurer Betty “BJ” Jones District 42 Zebulon Department of Health and Human Services Past President Charles Johnson District 45 Raleigh Department of Public Safety
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District Chairpersons
Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman Pam Hailey District 58 Washington Department of Public Safety (ret.)
Assistants to the President
District 1 Tony Rickman Asheville Department of Transportation
District 4 Joe Brown Burnsville Department of Public Safety (ret.)
District 5 Tony Smith Morganton Department of Public Safety
Piedmont Region Rep. Melva Daniels District 16 Winston-Salem Winston-Salem State University (ret.)
Secretary Betty Gautier District 38 Benson Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
District 6 Wayne Freeman Granite Falls Dept. of Health and Human Services
North Central Region Rep. Gracie Lesane District 27 Durham N.C. Central University
Parliamentarian Roy McGalliard District 5 Morganton Western Piedmont Community College (ret.)
District 7 Henry Belada Morganton Department of Health and Human Services (ret.)
South Central Region Rep. Betty Creech District 38 Raleigh Department of Insurance
Parliamentarian Ray Evans District 27 Hillsborough Division of Motor Vehicles (ret.)
District 8 Leonard Reynolds Jonesville Department of Transportation (ret.)
The Reporter • November 2012
District 10 Jim Nicholson Salisbury Department of Public Safety
District 11 Anthony “AD” Hall Morven Department of Transportation
District 12 Ashley Fenton Pineville Department of Health and Human Services
District 13 Kathy Whaley Charlotte UNC-Charlotte
District 17 Ron Woodson Burlington Department of Public Safety (ret.)
District 18 Pamela Locklear Red Springs Department of Public Safety
District 19 Martha Fowler Mebane UNC-Chapel Hill (ret.)
oard of Governors District 20 Jacquelyn Chatman Red Springs Department of Public Safety
District 37 James Bridges Garner Department of Transportation
District 46 Dewey Hamilton Jr. Wendell Department of Revenue
District 62 Charles Newton North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Department of Public Safety
District 21 Joel Valentine Morganton Department of Environment and Natural Resources
District 39 Mary O’Neill Cary N.C. State University
District 47 Shirley Ballard Clayton Department of Environment and Natural Resources
District 63 Marion Drake Windsor Department of Public Safety
District 22 Deborah Harney Cameron Department of Public Safety
District 40 Althea Boone Garner Department of Public Safety
District 56 Grace Edwards Henrico Halifax Community College (ret.)
District 64 Bonita Barfield Winterville Department of Transportation
District 23 Harold Faulk Nakina Department of Transportation (ret.)
District 41 Patsy Acquista Clayton Department of Public Safety
District 57 Drew Stanley Nashville Department of Public Safety
District 66 Mike Kollock Kinston Department of Health and Human Services
District 24 Anne Marie Bellamy Holden Beach Brunswick Community College (ret.)
District 42 Sarah McDonald Knightdale Department of Health and Human Services
District 58 Sandy Pendergraft Goldsboro Department of Health and Human Services
District 67 Stanley Drewery Grifton Department of Public Safety
District 25 Tommy Griffin Moncure UNC-Chapel Hill (ret.)
District 43 Duane Smith Knightdale Department of Transportation (ret.)
District 59 Kathy Merritt Goldsboro Department of Health and Human Services
District 68 Rita Woods Creswell Department of Public Safety
District 26 John Schwade Durham Department of Public Safety
District 44 Mary Curtis Raleigh Department of Administration
District 60 Hiawatha Jones Goldsboro Department of Health and Human Services
District 69 Keith Renner Elizabeth City Department of Health and Human Services (ret.)
District 36 Chris Gibson Raleigh Department of Health and Human Services
District 45 Dee Carter Raleigh Department of Public Safety
District 61 Leigh Bair Richlands N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts
District 70 Doug Wilson Kinston Department of Public Safety
The Reporter • November 2012
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Public Policy
Quotes to Note
“This is the first time in a long, long time, certainly since I’ve been executive director, we’ve not made a choice for governor.” SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope, reflecting on the decision of the association’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) declining to endorse a candidate in the state gubernatorial election, in an Aug. 27 WRAL story, “State employee endorsements”
“[SEANC leaders are] strategic in how they position themselves.” N.C. State University Professor of political science and labor relations Rick Kearney, discussing SEANC’s decision to work with both parties to best serve the ongoing issues of their members, in a Sept. 16 Greenville Daily Reflector article “NC employees’ group envisions ally as Lt Gov”
“[She is] one of our family.” “How many times are we going to have to hear about so many people making money off (the pension) when we are losing money? Something doesn’t smell right. At a minimum, it’s an appearance of impropriety.” SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins, referring to the potential mismanagement of the state employees’ and retirees’ pension fund after it invested in Facebook’s initial public stock offering, in an Aug. 25 News & Observer article “Questions raised by state pension fund’s Facebook investment”
“Linda’s been our only voice and she’s done so much for state employees.” Former Central Prison employee Gail Reardon, speaking from the SEANC convention floor in Greensboro about why she supports Linda Coleman in her bid for lieutenant governor, in a Sept. 16 Greenville Daily Reflector article “NC employees’ group envisions ally as Lt Gov”
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The Reporter • November 2012
SEANC Communications/Public Relations Director Toni Davis, answering the question about why longstanding SEANC member Linda Coleman is receiving strong support from the association in her bid to be elected lieutenant governor, in a Sept. 13 post to the Greensboro News & Record North State Politics blog
FROM SEANC SOCIAL MEDIA Congratulations lady & gentlemen...I had my first experience with the convention this year. It was very educational. I learned a lot and intend on being more involved. SEANC District 21 member Wanda Kearney, congratulating the new officers and reflecting on her first year attending the convention, in an Oct. 1 post to the SEANC Facebook page Be sure to follow the association’s Twitter feed @seanc2008 and “Like” SEANC on Facebook at facebook.com/seanc.Local2008
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2012 Voter’s Guide
EMPAC endorses five statewide candidates and 67 for General Assembly
Bipartisan Slate Endorsed by Members SEANC recently announced bipartisan endorsements for the 2012 general election in November. The endorsements are made through SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC), which is a member-led subsidiary. After interviewing all major party candidates for governor and treasurer, the EMPAC members responsible for endorsements decided not to endorse any candidates in those races.
“Our members took this job seriously,” said EMPAC Chairman Wayne Fish. “We looked at candidates’ records and asked them
tough questions. In the end, we are confident that we have endorsed candidates who support our values.” The 67 bipartisan endorsements in races for the General Assembly are a result of recommendations from SEANC members at the district level. Those recommendations were then confirmed by the statewide committee in late August. Election Day is Nov. 6. Statewide early voting begins on Oct. 18 and concludes on Nov. 3.
STATEWIDE RACES
Linda Coleman (D) Lieutenant Governor
Elaine Marshall (D) Secretary of State
June Atkinson (D) Superintendent of Public Instruction
Beth Wood (D) State Auditor
Steve Troxler (R) Secretary of Agriculture
General Assembl N.C. Senate
Stan White
Ed Jones
Don Davis
Bill Rabon
Beaufort, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans
Halifax, Nash, Vance, Warren, Wilson
Greene, Lenoir, Pitt, Wayne
Bladen, Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender
District 1
District 4
Josh Stein District 16 Wake
District 5
District 8
Brent Jackson
Michael Walters
New Hanover
Duplin, Johnston, Sampson
Columbus, Robeson
District 9
District 10
District 13
Dan Blue District 14 Wake
Doug Berger
Wesley Meredith
Robert B. Clark III
Mike Woodard
Ellie Kinnaird
Gene McLaurin
Franklin, Wake
Cumberland
Cumberland, Hoke
Caswell, Durham, Person
Chatham, Orange
Anson, Richmond, Rowan, Scotland, Stanly
District 18
District 19
District 21
Gladys Robinson
Earline Parmon
Stan Bingham
Fletcher Hartsell Jr.
Guilford
Forsyth
Davidson, Montgomery
Cabarrus, Union
District 28
Thom Goolsby
District 32
District 33
District 36
District 22
Dan Soucek District 45
Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga
District 23
District 25
John McDevitt
Tom Apodaca
Martin Nesbitt
Burke, Cleveland
Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania
Buncombe
District 46
District 48
District 49
N.C. House of Representatives
Robert Cayton
Jimmy Dixon
Annie Ward Mobley
Beaufort, Craven, Pamlico
Duplin, Wayne
Bertie, Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank
District 3
8
District 4
District 5
The Reporter • November 2012
Paul Tine District 6
Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Washington
Angela Bryant
District 7
Franklin, Nash
Duane Hall District 11 Wake
George Graham
Susi Hamilton
Craven, Greene, Lenoir
Brunswick, New Hanover
District 12
District 18
ly Endorsements N.C. House of Representatives
Emilie Swearingen
William Brisson
Leo Daughtry
Michael Wray
James Langdon Jr.
Paul Luebke
Nathan Baskerville
New Hanover
Bladen, Johnston, Sampson
Johnston
Northampton
Johnston
Durham
Granville, Vance
District 19
Nelson Dollar
District 36
District 22
Paul Stam District 37 Wake
Wake
District 26
Yvonne Holley
District 38
District 27
Tom Murry District 41 Wake
Wake
District 28
District 30
Valerie Foushee
Cathy Wright
Durham, Orange
Chatham, Lee
District 50
District 33
District 32
Wake
Dale Nelson
Mary (Pricey) Harrison
District 55 Anson, Union
District 54
Rosa Gill
District 57 Guilford
Alma Adams
Jon Hardister
Guilford
Guilford
John Blust District 62
District 59
Guilford
Allen McNeill
Jerry Dockham
Linda Johnson
Moore, Randolph
Davidson
Cabarrus
District 58
District 78
District 80
Dennis Riddell
Pat Hurley District 70
District 64
Randolph
Rob Bryan
District 83
Mecklenburg
Ed Hanes Jr. District 72
Harry Warren
District 71
Forsyth
Jeffrey Elmore
C. Robert Brawley
Susan Fisher
Chuck McGrady
Alleghany, Wilkes
Iredell
Buncombe
Henderson
Alamance
District 88
Evelyn Terry
District 94
District 95
District 77 Rowan
Forsyth
District 114
District 117
The Reporter • November 2012
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2012 voter’s guide
EMPAC Honors Legislators of the Year Bipartisan recognition for Berger, Brandon, Jackson and McLawhorn, who prioritized people over politics by
Toni Davis
SEANC Communications Director
Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and Reps. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford), Darren Jackson (D-Wake) and Marian McLawhorn (D-Pitt) were honored by SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) with the Lisa B. Mitchell Legislators of the Year during the association’s annual convention on Sept. 8 in Greensboro. Sen. Berger received the award for championing a pay raise for state employees and a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees for the first time in four years. Additionally, Berger was instrumental in preventing the privatization of prison health care services in the Department of Public Safety and saving 2,000 jobs.
N.C. Senate
N.C. House of Representatives
Phil Berger
Marian McLawhorn
Darren Jackson
Marcus Brandon
Guilford, Rockingham
Pitt
Wake
Guilford
District 26
District 9
Reps. Brandon, Jackson and McLawhorn also received the Lisa B. Mitchell Legislator of the Year award for their vote to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s budget veto, which resulted in state employee pay raises and retiree COLAs. Additionally, these individuals were instrumental in securing five days of bonus leave for the state’s
EMPAC Q&A Why does SEANC make endorsements?
As a state employee, your job is political. Fair or not, your pay, benefits and way of life depend on politicians. The Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) is a critical tool to succeed in the fight to secure pay raises and improve health care and retirement benefits. SEANC makes endorsements to support public officials who value public services and the people who provide them. State law prohibits SEANC from using dues money to support political candidates. One way in which you can improve your future is to become politically active and join EMPAC. When you contribute to EMPAC, you can help elect like-minded public officials.
District 39
workforce. “During this legislative session, these lawmakers prioritized people over politics and made a difference in the lives of people who provide the state with vital public services,” said SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope.
tdavis@seanc.org
Who decides which candidates will be endorsed?
SEANC endorses statewide, House and Senate candidates for the North Carolina General Assembly who value public services — regardless of political party. SEANC’s State EMPAC initiates and oversees the candidate endorsement process on the statewide level. On the local level, each SEANC district is part of one of EMPAC’s 15 areas. The Area EMPAC consists of a chairperson (who also is a voting member of the State EMPAC), vice chairperson, secretary and representatives from each SEANC district in that area. Candidates are given the opportunity to fill out questionnaires or participate in interviews with the State or Area EMPAC. Because each Area EMPAC has a representative on the State EMPAC, every district, and, in essence, every member, has a voice during the endorsement process.
Why should I vote for the endorsed candidates?
SEANC endorsements point out those candidates who stand up for you in the General Assembly and statewide offices. It’s your right to choose whom you vote for. EMPAC’s endorsement process is a recommendation of candidates who support quality public services.
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The Reporter • November 2012
District 60
on Nov. 6
Early Voting begins on Oct. 18 and ends on Nov. 3. For more information on where to vote in your county, go to ncsbe.gov
Convention 2012
Didn’t make it to greensboro? We’ve got you covered!
See SEANC’s videos from the 2012 convention online at youtube.com/seancmedia
2012-2013 Policy Platform Objectives
(as determined by the 2012 convention delegates) SEANC’s legislative priorities are determined by you, the 6. SEANC will seek legislation for comprehensive short members, at district meetings and the annual convention. and long-term disability programs for all state employees. Convention delegates rank the association’s policy platform 7. SEANC endorses the repeal of G.S. § 95-98 and objectives each year. supports the enactment of legislation to govern collective 1. Request the General Assembly fully fund employee bargaining by North Carolina public employees; further, salary compensation prior to considering other SEANC will seek to amend G.S § 143-3.3(g) and G.S. § appropriations. 135-18.8 to delete language that voids dues deduction from 2. SEANC will oppose legislation that would remove payroll or from a retirement benefit if an employees’ or employees from the protections of the State Personnel Act. retirees’ association engages in collective bargaining. 3. SEANC supports continuation of a defined benefit 8. Seek policy to require the State Health Plan to notify retirement plan for current and future retirees. members at least 60 days in advance of any plan benefit 4. SEANC will oppose privatization and downsizing of changes. 9. Seek restoration of the employer’s contribution to the state government services. 5. Seek legislation allowing SEANC full access to public retirement system that will at least match the employee’s workplaces for the purposes of member recruitment with- contribution. 10. Seek continuation of a fully paid individual health out employee intimidation or enforced limits to SEANC care benefit for all qualified active and retired employees. information, personnel and volunteers.
The Reporter • November 2012
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Convention 2012
SEANC’s Brightest Stars Highlighted at Banquet
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Above, District 6 Chairman Wayne Freeman, District 42 Chairwoman B.J.Jones and District 7 Chairman Henry Belada accepted District of the Year Awards for their districts. Darrell Arnold Award winners Tiffany Woodard, Carri Derrick and Brenda Hooker. Hooker accepted on behalf of SEANC’s Insurance Dept.
The Reporter • November 2012
Photo by Tony Booe
Photo by Sophia Brauns
EMPAC Chairman’s Award — Barbara Leatherman of District 4, District 22 Chairwoman Deborah Harney, District 60 Chairwoman Hiawatha Jones, Laura Dunlap of District 13 Member of the Year — Helen White of District 24 Distinguished Service Award — Anita King of District 62 Distinguished Media of the Year — District 44 Top Member Discount Recruiters — District 7 Chairman Henry Belada, District 26 Chairman Stanley Gales, District 44 Chairwoman Sandra Johnson
Photo by Tony Booe
On Saturday evening of convention, delegates gathered to recognize districts and individuals for outstanding service and dedication from the 2011-2012 year.
District Chairperson of the Year Anne Marie Bellamy of District 24.
Members stepped up and donated over 200 unwrapped toys and nearly $4,000 to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots Foundation. SSgt. Benjamin Patat, representative for the Marines, accepted the donations and thanked the delegates at the convention.
BIG changes to SECU’s Mortgage Programs...
LOWER rates plus NEW & EXPANDED options! To learn more and see if we can save you money through SECU’s improved mortgage options, visit your local branch or call SECU’s Contact Center at 1-888-732-8562.
www.ncsecu.org
Photo by JONATHAN OWENS
Photo by Sophie Brauns
Convention 2012
District 42 member Tara Minter walks to the stage after winning the grand prize of $6,000 in the Scholarship Foundation Board’s annual raffle at the convention. Minter vowed to give a portion of her winnings to EMPAC because she believes so strongly it its mission.“I want to donate a part of it back to EMPAC, which I have served since 2003 because I believe in our PAC and I want to make it stronger. I have been so encouraged by the people in this room who have shown love for EMPAC during this convention,” she said.
EMPAC Sweepstakes Winners
Grand Prize ($5,000) District 65 member Christie Harrison of Williamston Second Prize ($2,000) District 12 member James L. Williams of Gastonia Third Prize ($1,000) District 57 member Janet Brewer of Tarboro $500 prizes winners District 57 member Terry Mitchell of Wilson District 62 member Patricia Luther of Wilmington District 3 member H. William Paul of Sugar Grove District 45 member Laura Brown of Louisburg
Scholarship Board Raffle Winners Grand Prize ($6,000) District 42 member Tara Minter of Raleigh Second Prize ($3,000) District 59 member Charles Bryant of Goldsboro Third Prize ($1,000) District 57 member Russell Bennett of Clayton
The Reporter • November 2012
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Photo by Jonathan Owens
Convention 2012
District 37 member Nilesh Surti claps during a standing ovation for Lt. Governor candidate Linda Coleman.
Photo by Daniel Pate
Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, the Republican nominee for governor, spoke to delegates on Friday, Sept. 7. He is seen here with District 24 member Katrina Davis and her daughter, District 24 member Erika Dail.
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Photo by Sophia Brauns
Photo by Jonathan Owens
Photo by Jonathan Owens
SEANC 2011-2012 President Charles Johnson and District 19 member Angela Lyght at the President’s Reception.
Above, District 64 member Bonita Barfield participates in “All In to Win for the 99 Percent” training on Thursday.
At left, delegates danced, played games and more at the SEANC “Blue Fit” Affair.
The Reporter • November 2012
N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger shakes hands with District 41 member Wendell Powell before accepting the 2012 Lisa B. Mitchell Legislator of the Year award.
Photo by Tony Booe
The Aycock Middle School Drumline and Dance Team welcomed delegates to Greensboro to kick off the convention.
Photo by Tony Booe
Photo by Jonathan Owens
Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, the Democratic Party’s nominee for governor, spoke to delegates on Saturday.
Photo by Sophia Brauns
Photo by Sophia Brauns
Convention 2012
This year’s “A Night with the SEANC Stars” banquet was filled with laughter thanks to the comedic stylings of SEANC Lead Member Action Coordinator Steve Lawson (right). District 22 member Bill Spade (left) enjoys a joke.
The Reporter • November 2012
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Periodical Postage PAID Raleigh, NC P.O. Drawer 27727 Raleigh, NC 27611
Delegates Choose New Officers to Stand Up for Members by
Toni Davis
GREENSBORO — Nearly 850 delegates elected officers to represent the association at the 29th Annual Convention at the Koury Center in Greensboro on Sept. 6-8. The officers began their one-year terms on Oct. 1. n President Sidney Sandy of Indian Trail, District 11 member, retired Department of Transportation maintenance engineer, with 33 years of state service n First Vice President Art Anthony of Raleigh, District 39 member, research specialist at N.C. State University, with 24 years of state service n Second Vice President Stanley Gales of Durham, District 26 member, maintenance supervisor at Polk Correctional Institution, with 25 years of state service n Treasurer Betty “BJ” Jones of Zebulon, District 42 member, a Medicaid financial analyst and clinical policy contract specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services, with 27 years of state service
Convention Highlights
n Electing new SEANC officers n Ranking 2013 Policy Platform Objectives
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The Reporter • November 2012
Photo by Tony Booe
SEANC Communications Director
n Standing ovation for lieutenant governor candidate
Linda Coleman n Hearing from special guests — SEIU President Mary Kay Henry and gubernatorial hopefuls Pat McCrory and Walter Dalton n Honoring EMPAC Legislators of the Year — Senate leader Phil Berger and Reps. Marcus Brandon, Darren Jackson and Marion McLawhorn n Hosting EMPAC-endorsed legislators at the annual legislative dessert reception n Giving back to our communities by donating toys to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots Foundation
tdavis@seanc.org