good news about democrats! - North Carolina Democratic Party

GOOD NEWS ABOUT DEMOCRATS!
APRIL 8, 2014
YOUTH FEATURE
DESIREE GWENDOLYN HUNT-BENNETT
CAROLE KING TO STAR
AT 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SPRING GALA!
Legendary American singer and songwriter Carole King will be the Keynote
Speaker at the 2014 Annual Liston B. Ramsey Spring Gala at the Asheville
Renaissance Hotel on April 19th. She has won Grammy Awards for both her singing
performances and her songwriting talents. Her fans remember when Carole King
was such a big star that over 100,000 people turned out for her live concert in New
York’s Central Park. She has supported Democratic campaigns for many years.
The Social Hour will be at 5PM – 6PM. The Dinner and program will begin at
6PM. Tickets are only $35 and may be ordered at: http://tinyurl.com/gyftsk5.
Congratulations to District Chair Luke Hyde and the entire 11th District team
for lining up this great performer for their Gala.
THREE PRESIDENTS ELECTED AT GREENVILLE CONVENTION
Lots of young people from all over the state drove to Greenville for the
March 29-31 convention of the Young Democrats, College Democrats, and
Teen Democrats.
In the picture above are the three Democrats who were elected
President of their organizations:
New Young Democrats President – Justin Conley of Macon County
Re-Elected Teen Dems President – John Easterling III of Scotland County
Re-Elected College Dems President – Louis Duke of Campbell University
These young men will provide inspiring leadership during this exciting
campaign year!
FULL LINEUP OF YOUNG DEMOCRATS OFFICERS
President - Justin Conley, Macon County
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – REBEKAH WHILDEN, BUNCOMBE COUNTY
COASTAL REGIONAL
VICE PRESIDENT
DEANS EATMAN
HALIFAX COUNTY
PIEDMONT REGIONAL
VICE PRESIDENT
ASHLEI BLUE
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
MOUNTAIN REGIONAL
VICE PRESIDENT
ANDERSON MILLER
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN AKILAH ENSLEY, NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN
ANDREW BARNHILL, AND STATE SECRETARY MATT HUGHES.
The Young Democrats Convention presented the following awards:
The Five Outstanding Young Democrat Of The Year Awards were presented to
Sam Wallace – Macon County
Becky Ryon – Mecklenburg County
Anna Steams – Buncombe County
Andrew Barnhill – New Hanover County
Anderson Miller – Buncombe County
Best Chapter of the Year – Wake County
Best Project of the Year:
Watauga Young Democrats’ GOTV Campaign
Headed by Ian O’Keefe, Jesse Presnell, and Claudia Shoemaker
Young Elected Official of the Year – Montravias King, Elizabeth City
Legislator of the Year – Senator Martin Nesbitt
O. Max Gardner Award for Young-At-Heart Dem – Charlie Reece
Tyre Taylor YD of the Year – Elizabeth Goodwin – Mecklenburg
James B. Hunt Service Awards – Toria Boldware, Tony McEwen
Public Service Award – Melissa Midgett
Our Third Congressional District candidate for Congress, Marshall Adame,
campaigned at the big Greenville Convention. Superactive Pitt County Young
Democrat Dusty Speedy is with Marshall in this picture.
Second Congressional District Congressional candidate Clay Aiken was one of
the featured speakers at the Convention. Clay is with Andrew Barnhill in this picture.
Did you realize Clay is tall?
COLLEGE DEMOCRATS AWARDS
PRESENTED AT GREENVILLE CONVENTION
THE TORI TAYLOR COLLEGE DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR AWARD:
IAN O’KEEFE – APPLACHIAN STATE
BEST CHAPTER OF THE YEAR:
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DEMS
MOST IMPROVED CHAPTER:
WESTERN CAROLINA COLLEGE DEMS
RISING STAR AWARD:
ANNIKEN WILLIAMS
BEST PROGRAM OF THE YEAR:
WCU’S VOTER REGISTRATION INITIATIVE
COLLEGE DEMS OFFICERS
2014
PRESIDENT – LOUIS DUKE, CAMPBELL
VICE PRESIDENT – JOCELYN HUNT, APPLACHIAN
STATE COUNCIL CHAIR – EBONY WEST, EAST CAROLINA
STATE COUNCIL VICE CHAIR – CHARLES GRAY, NCCU
STATE COUNCIL SECRETARY – KATHLEEN DANIELS, ECU
POLITICAL DIRECTOR – BEN STOCKDALE, NC STATE
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR – JOSUE BERDUO, NC STATE
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR – CHELSEA WHITE, WCU
PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR – DYLAN FRICK, UNC-GREENSBORO
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR – LAUREN NOTO, UNC-ASHEVILLE
COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR – DEANS EATMAN, NC STATE
TEEN DEMS
Teen Dems President John Easterling presented the first Teen Dems Hall of
Fame Award to former State President Dylan Frick.
President Easterling also presented these awards:
Teen Democrat Of The Year – Kate Townsend, Johnston County
Presidential Award of Honorary Distinction – Tanner Glenn, Johnston County
Sanford Award – Teen Dems Advisor Vinod Thomas
Legacy Award – Montica Talmadge
The Teen Dems re-elected some of their State Officers and added some new
ones.
When the new terms begin in June their Officers will be:
President John Easterling – Scotland County
First Vice President – Aron Johnson, Nash County
Second Vice President – Kate Townsend, Johnston County
Third Vice President – Diana Arguijo, Johnston County
Secretary – Ryan Golden – Mecklenburg County
Treasurer – Johnathan Williams, Scotland County
MICHAEL HYLTON FOR
STOKES COUNTY COMMISSIONER!
Hundreds of good Democrats are running for County Commissioner across the
state in 2014. An outstanding example of these fine Democrats is Michael Hylton of
Stokes County.
Michael is passionate about preserving the environment in his native county.
He is one of two Democrats running for three open seats on the Stokes County Board
of Commissioners. Ed Gambill is the other strong Democratic candidate.
After serving as Stokes County’s Agricultural Extension Agent for nine years,
Michael opened Beautiful Earth Garden Shop in Lawsonville. His shop focuses on
organic and natural production. Michael is an avid proponent of local food production
in an area that is often called a “food desert.”
Michael earned a BA degree in Broadcast Communications from UNCGreensboro. Over the phone his well-modulated voice sounds like the voice of a
radio announcer. He earned a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from NC A&T
University.
This Democrat believes in educating young people about the importance and
joys of gardening. From 2003 through 2011 he taught students the fine art of growing
their own food organically through the 4-H Club.
For many years Michael participated in Environmental Awareness Days at
Hanging Rock State Park teaching 5th graders the importance of being aware of,
caring for, and nurturing our environment. From 2003 until 2010 he assisted local
farmers in the development and expansion of three local farmers’ markets
throughout Stokes County.
When asked what his main goals as County Commissioner will be, he replied:
“Preserving the environment and encouraging entrepreneurs in order to develop
more jobs in Stokes County.” Michael recently helped a group succeed in preventing
a vio-remediation farm from being set up in Stokes County. That type of farm would
have poured dangerous chemicals into the ground in the hope that the ground would
absorb them.
Michael’s hobbies are playing basketball and – you guessed it – gardening.
His phone is 336-593-1083. Democrats across the state to write to him at:
[email protected].
GUESS WHAT? THERE’S AN “A” IN MACQUEEN!
This picture of our 10th District candidate for Congress, Tate MacQueen
and his family, is being featured for the second consecutive week to call
attention to the proper spelling of his last name.
It is MACQUEEN!
His correct contact information is:
Web Site – www.TateMacQueen.com
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 828-319-9052
Tate MacQueen – that sounds like a Congressman’s name, doesn’t it?
BIG HATS AND DEMOCRATS GARDEN PARTY!
After their April 5th County Convention, New Hanover County Democrats went
to a Garden party at the 18th Street home of the Kelly Jewell family in Wilmington
which was sponsored by the New Hanover Young Democrats.
In the picture above cooling refreshments are being enjoyed by Rusty Spear,
Barbara Dallmer, Linda Gough, and Linda Judo.
County Treasurer Brenda Roberts-Fong
County Party Chair Richard Poole
Master photographer Owen Wexler made the Garden Party pictures.
Charlie Blanton, County Commissioner Candidate Patricia Spear,
Jeremy Wilson, and Keith Norris
Richard Poole, Andrew Barnhill, Elizabeth Redenbaugh,
Jeremy Wilson, Don Davis & Keith Norris
Rob Bocchina & Crissie McCree of the band “One Paper Crane”
CASEY MANN ADDRESSES
NEW HANOVER COUNTY CONVENTION
A standing room crowd of happy New Hanover County Democrats gathered to
hear NCDP Executive Director Casey Mann on April 5th.
Democratic District Attorney Ben David and his son are on the left in this
picture.
County Party Chair Richard Poole welcomed the crowd and led them through
the election of Delegates and other Party business.
Casey Mann uplifted New Hanover Democrats as she talked about how the
NCDP will move forward with strength, programs, and plans for this 2014 election
year. She talked about how “we the people” of the NCDP can come together to take
our state back.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
The Democratic Women of Franklin County honored Lucy Allen as the
“Woman Of The Year” at their April Banquet at Louisburg College. Lucy served on
the County Board of Education for eight years, Mayor of Louisburg for 16 years, and
State Representative for eight years. She is now on the State Utilities Commission.
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall was the Banquet’s featured speaker.
Congratulations to County Chair Larry Marciniak and the Franklin Democrats:
All 18 of their Precincts are organized – and all 18 Precincts have raised their State
Party Sustaining Fund Goals! All of them!
JUDGE MARK DAVIS
Judge Mark Davis was the featured speaker at the April 1st meeting of
the Onslow County Democratic Women. This was a homecoming trip for
Judge Davis who is a native of Jacksonville.
Cynthia Skinner welcomed him to the meeting.
State Representative Larry Hall and Judge Mark Davis enjoyed the
Wake County AAC Banquet at the North Raleigh Hilton on April 5th.
Judge Davis will be on the November General Election ballot for a full
term on the NC Court of Appeals.
SENATOR HAGAN GREETS TANNER AND CAROLINE
Senator Kay Hagan happily welcomed Tanner Glenn of Johnston County and
Caroline Tervo of New Hanover County in March when they were North Carolina’s
two representatives in the US Senate Youth Program in Washington. This reception
was held in the Kennedy Room of the US Capitol.
Tanner joined other young people in a playful pose on the Capitol steps. This
picture shows that even in Washington “Boys will be boys!”
This summer Tanner will be going back to Washington for eight weeks as an
Intern at Generation Progress - the youth arm of the Center for American Progress
which is one of the largest think tanks in the country.
HOLLAND CHAPEL HOSTS CANDIDATE FORUM
Candidate forums are being held all over the state as we approach the May
Primary. Holland Chapel A. M. E. Zion Church in northeast Chatham County hosted a
candidate forum on April 3rd.
State Representative Robert Reives was the featured speaker. He is the first
African American to represent Chatham County since Reconstruction. He spoke from
his heart about his concern for education of our children, the destruction of
environmental regulations, and the costs of environmental damage to the poorest
communities in the state.
In the picture above, Mr. Reives is talking with former Chatham County First
Vice Chair Patricia Learned. Mrs. Learned is rarely able to attend functions and she
was greeted with joy and enthusiasm.
County Commissioner candidate Karen Howard spoke to the group. She is
currently on the County Board of Education.
Chatham County School Board Member Del Turner spoke about her re-election
campaign.
A special surprise guest was State Party Chair Randy Voller. He talked about
the recent Supreme Court decision ending more limits on campaign spending by the
rich. He said the GOP-led legislature and Governor have done a disservice to the
people of North Carolina by refusing to expand Medicaid coverage. Their decision left
hundreds of thousands of people without health insurance and prevented 20,000
good jobs from coming to North Carolina.
Thanks to Virginia Penley for the information and pictures for this article.
BAGEL BASH FOR SENATE CANDIDATE RICK WOOD
Bill and Isabel Cutler of Henderson County have some unique ideas on staging
successful Democratic functions. On Saturday, March 29th they hosted a “Bagel
Bash” for strong State Senate candidate Rick Wood.
Bill is Chair of the Rugby Precinct and Isabel makes excellent pictures of
Democratic events throughout the county.
They invited many friends and neighbors to hear Rick speak. What had been
planned as a short event turned into a longer meeting as Democrats asked
thoughtful questions about how to get more non-Democrats to awaken to the facts of
what is going on in our state.
Rick’s web site is www.VoteRickWook.com.
YOUTH FEATURE
DESIREE’ GWENDOLYN HUNT-BENNETT
Desiree is a Senior at Fike High School in Wilson. She has been in ROTC and
she volunteered recently at the Senior Citizens Prom Night at Fike. She does
volunteer work at Wilson Memorial Hospital. She enjoys helping her grandmother,
Executive Council Member Gwen Willkins, canvass for Democratic candidates.
One of Desi’s greatest thrills came in 2011 when she was 15. She
accompanied her grandmother to the White House to meet President and Mrs.
Obama at their Holiday Party. First Lady Michelle Obama commented “How beautiful
she is.” Desi talked about that all the way home!
Desiree will turn 18 this Thursday, April 10th. Her grandmother is going to take
her to register to vote that same day so she can vote for Kay Hagan in November.
Desiree says she “can’t wait to be a registered Democrat!”
Desiree has been accepted at UNG-Greensboro. The picture above was made
last week when she and Gwen attended the Open House/Orientation Day for
incoming students. She is going to major in Nursing and she hope to become a RN.
Your Democratic Friend,
Melvin Williams
Send Your “GOOD NEWS” To Me At:
[email protected]

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