Ward 1 candidates tout local experience – Rocky Mount Telegram

Response: I am still trying to figure out why Manley is running from a political stand point but I get it from a personal standpoint. I know damn well he is not blind to what the political climate is in Rocky Mount as it relates to RACE. He know quite well how Knight has been a target by the racist white folks who do not want an outspoken black man speaking truth to power publicly.

Manley has benefitted from the works of Knight so what in the hell is his problem? Why is he playing right into the hands of the current racist white folks such as WHIG – TV and some of their strong supporters including Mark Bowling who is in prison and Jerry Fisher who used to co-host a morning show to talk about Knight and still on the scene daily. Watch the WHIG – TV Morning Show daily and see what they talk about or should I say who they talk about almost daily. And then you have some ignant black folks whom have ran against Knight trying to unseat him when they too have benefitted from his works.

Manley one does not have to be retired to be dedicated to doing the work of the city council. The majority of the council are working folks and the majority of other boards and commissions are working folks.

Damn Manley you are out of touch if you do not understand the importance of blocking the merger of Duke Energy and Progress Energy. Obviously the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission thinks it is a problem because they have denied the merger twice.

I am glad Manley realize racism exist but to think it is not in the forefront of every issue in Rocky Mount as it relates to the City Council is just ignant as hell. You see Manley I was in a Common Ground meeting Lewis Turner, Andre Knight before he became a councilman and myself along with several whites and a white person said that some whites said they were going to move out of Rocky Mount if the council became a black majority. Well some moved however even those few they are still trying to run the city although it is a black majority. So Manley sir they created the political climate and it has been this way every since the council became a black majority. There has been so much exposed since this council and like always some folks don’t want the truth to be made known. Manley I wonder would you have been the Chief of Police if it had not been for this council.

Manley but since you feel that WHIG – TV and their supporters love you so much why didn’t you run for the Mayor of the City since you were the Chief of the entire city? Why didn’t you run for that seat and it would have allowed the whole city to vote for you and then we all could see just how much you are loved by all of the people of the city?

Well sir you know we go back to when you wanted to be appointed to fill the unexpired term of the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s position when former Sheriff Phil Ellis stepped down. I don’t have to tell that story because you know.

Rocky Mount Telegram: Both candidates in the Rocky Mount City Council Ward 1 race said they hope voters choose them because of their experience and knowledge of the issues facing the ward and the city. (More)

See related:

Ward 1

Breaking News: Damon D. Williams Named The First Black Police Chief Of Tarboro NC

Damon D. Williams Police Chief of Maxton North Carolina has been named the first black Police Chief of Tarboro NC. Read more about Williams here.

Photos/Video: Candidates Forum Sponsored by The Edgecombe County Human Relations Commission May 2, 2012

Dan Whittacre could not name a Democratic Governor. Damn! This is the same dude that sent me an email asking me why am I supporting my Congressman G.K. Butterfield, he said I needed to do my homework. Oh hell no this dude should have done his homework before he emailed me.

View pictures and watch video.

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Updated: See Who The Political Agitator Will Be Voting For During The May Primary Elections 2012

Charles Malone has dropped out of the race for US House 13. Please join me and voting for Bernard A. Holliday he is the only Democrat in the race now.

But Malone recently said he was still in the race and awaiting to get a report from his doctor due to a health scare. Oh well.

Ty Richardson was in the news today. He has 5 DWI arrest charges so therefore I can not support him.

The Political Agitator will vote for the following candidates during the May Primary Election 2012:

President
Barack Obama

Governor
Bob Etheridge

Lt. Governor
Linda D. Coleman

US House 13 
Bernard A. Holliday

Senate District 3
Clark Jenkins

NC House 23
Joe Tolson

Commissioner of Labor
John C. Brooks

Treasurer
Janet Cowell

Register of Deeds
Robin Williams Carpenter

Board of Education
Janice W. Davidson

The Political Agitator support the following candidates during the May Primary Election 2012 however I can not vote for them:

Congress
G.K. Butterfield

Rocky Mount City Council Ward 1
Andre Knight

Tarboro Town Council Ward 6
Deborah Faye Dew Jordan

Amendment 1
I Will be voting against Amendment 1 because the Constitution already states that marriage is between a male and female. No amendment is needed. The way it is explained on the ballot makes it appear you are just voting on a marriage is between a male and female. Folks amendment is the issue. No need to amend.

NC NAACP Women of Excellence Conference Commemorates 57th Annual Mother of the Year Coronation – Saturday, May 5, 2012

Click Here to Download News Release CORRECTED IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2102   For More Information:           Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137                                                 Mrs. Amina J. Turner, Executive Director, 919-682-4700   North Carolina Women Raise Resources for the NAACP’s Fight for Economic Justice and Racial Equality for All: 57th Annual Mother of the Year Coronation DURHAM – The North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP announces today they will hold their Women of Excellence Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina this year. The Women of Excellence Conference commemorating the 57th Annual Mother of the Year Program is a public event that is held annually to honor women from across the state for their service to the NAACP, and for their contributions within their respective communities.   The Coronation will take place at First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church, 1515 Cross Link Road, Raleigh, NC beginning at 1:00 PM. The theme for this year is:    We Will and We Must Fight Back to Secure America’s Promise: It’s Time to Act: Critical Issues Facing Women and Children   The North Carolina NAACP is proud to announce this year’s speaker: Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Southeast Region, serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and six Tribes.   Ms. Fleming will be the keynote speaker at North Carolina NAACP’s 57th Annual Mother of the Year Coronation on Saturday, May 5 at First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church beginning at 1:00pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the NC NAACP State Office at 919-682-4700.               President Barack Obama appointed Ms. Fleming as the Region 4 Regional Administrator in September 2010. She is the first African American to hold this position in Region 4; however, this is not the first time she has made history.   Gwen Keyes Fleming took office as the DeKalb County District Attorney in January 2005 making her the first African-American and first woman ever to serve in this post.               There will also be a Brunch Symposium at 10 AM. The speakers are Erin Dale Byrd, Civic Engagement Coordinator for Blueprint NC and Angella Dunston, Director of Citizen and Faith Outreach for the State of North Carolina. Cost of tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 17 and under.   "In these times of economic strife, we must come together—blacks, whites, Latinos and others to stand in solidarity to ensure that budgets are not balanced on the backs of the poor. Draconian budget cuts to health care and education, and efforts to dismantle workers’ rights directly affect working families, particularly women and children. The stakes are too high to not empower women with knowledge about the political climate that we all find ourselves in today," stated State NAACP President, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II. "Monies raised support NAACP’s fight for civil rights for all people and our state office."   Mrs. O’Linda Gillis, State Chair of the Women in NAACP (WIN) and Mother of the Year Committee added, "The State’s NAACP Mother of the Year is celebrating its 57th Anniversary in North Carolina. In addition to the Brunch Symposium, which is always informative, and the Mother of the Year Coronation, where the women wear ballroom gowns and tiaras, the state also recognizes a deserving woman as the Lorie L. Graham Award winner. This winner has exhibited unselfish qualities and contributed to both her NAACP branch as well as to her community in extraordinary ways. We are excited about coming to Raleigh, and look forward to seeing who this year’s big winners will be."   "Women have been at the center of the work of the NAACP since its inception 103 years ago," said Mrs. Amina J. Turner, Executive Director of the NC NAACP. "Our principal objectives have remained constant: ‘to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens.’  And it is this charge that has enabled us all to witness the noble victories of the 20th century that we take for granted and must continue to sustain in the New Millennium, especially today. Thus, we can not thank the women and their branches enough for raising money to support the NAACP."   ###   Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Breaking News: (Ty Richardson) Labor commissioner candidate charged with DWI five times – WRAL

Response: Damn while I was at the Candidates Forum held by the Edgecombe County Human Relations Commission at 6:00 PM WRAL was running a story on Ty Richardson about his DWI arrest. I went to work at 7:00 AM and worked 9 hours until 4:30 PM and stopped and got me a meal before arriving at the forum around 5:30. I received a call a few minutes asking me did I see the news about Ty Richardson. I told them I was at the forum and now downloading the pictures and the video from the forum and Ty was there. I immediately went to the WRAL TV website to find this story.

Okay now I am totally pissed. I had endorsed Ty and now l learned that he has issues. This is  why I don’t normally ask anyone to vote for a candidate but only tell them how I am going to vote. Damn I had endorsed Ty but I have not voted yet and now after learning about his issues it ain’t no way that I am going to vote for him. My reason is as follows: Ty is quoted saying, "I really don’t feel as if it has anything to do with the current situation and the working conditions of the people of the state of North Carolina," he said. "I have been a good neighbor. I have done the things that are necessary. I haven’t hurt anyone." Well Ty sir wrong answer. Damn my brother you got some issues and you don’t think they are serious. Brother man you could have had an accident and hurt and/or possibly killed yourself and others but I am so glad the article does not say anything about you have had an accident and someone was hurt.

Ty you have lost my vote and my trust because you called me a couple of months ago when I met you in Goldsboro at the African American Caucus Banquet however I am familiar with your previous run. You never once mentioned to me about your issues. I didn’t get back with you after the last time you called me and maybe something was trying to let me know something was not right. I was willing to give you my vote but now. Not!

Raleigh, N.C. — A Democratic candidate for North Carolina labor commissioner has been charged with driving while impaired five times in the past 22 years, according to a review of court records.

Ty Richardson’s latest arrest came in December in Wake County. He is scheduled to appear in court on the charge later this month. (More)

Victory on Preclearance Pitt County Public Schools

Greeting:

We are pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice has informed Pitt County Schools that the reduction of the Pitt County Board of Education from 12 to 7 members will have a discriminatory impact on Black voters in Pitt County (See: attached complaint by the Coalition and attached letter from U.S. Department of Justice). The Lord has blessed us with a great victory for Black children in Pitt County. We thank the Lord and all our friends and supporters. Prayer changes things.

Sincerely,

Rev. Ozie Lee Hall, Jr., President
Pitt County Coalition for Educating Black Children

See related:

Community Forum Discussion on the Future of Black Children in Pitt County Schools Sponsored By: Pitt County Coalition for Educating Black Children 

Pitt County Coalition for Educating Black Children

On the Occasion of the Passing of Dr. Leroy T. Walker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2012   For More Information:          Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137 Mrs. Amina J. Turner, Executive Director, 919-682-4700   On the Occasion of the passing of Dr. Leroy T. Walker    As I travel today on the Truth & Hope Putting a Face on Poverty Tour in Western North Carolina that seeks to help NC and its citizens overcome and clear the hurdles of poverty and joblessness, my thoughts and the thoughts of the NAACP are with Dr. Leroy Walker and his family. We remember his legacy with the greatest esteem.   Dr. Walker taught us how to clear hurdles.  He taught young black athletes how to succeed and be victorious despite the hurdles of race and the hurdles of opportunity.  Coach Walker taught them how to overcome whatever challenges were in their way to become Olympic champions with skill and wisdom and tenacity.  He placed small historically black college athletic programs onto the world stage.  He participated in the transformation of diversity in leadership in our state, in our nation and in our world.    Dr. Walker was not merely a coach on the track field, he was a life coach.  As my chancellor, he inspired us as young student leaders to always be courageous, strong and thoughtful.  When it came to the issues of truth and service and how we would live our lives, he taught us to make contributions toward the greater good and the uplift of humanity.  Dr. Walker challenged us and coached us to always pursue excellence without excuse.  On a personal note, Dr. Walker helped to open the doors when I was a young student and student body president with limited resources.  He used his vast connections to help me to be able to obtain an education in theology from Duke University.    Dr. Walker was clear that if we can start from the same starting block, the rules are fair, and we are allowed to participate in the race, then victory is only a matter of discipline, persistence and intestinal fortitude. And so on this day, when his body is laid to rest, and he has completed the final lap of the race assigned to him, by the Eternal God, let us reach back and grab the baton of his legacy and run on until we see what the end shall be.   Thank you Dr. Walker for inspiring us, challenging us, and pushing us to give our best and to make life better for others.   Yours in the Spirit of Truth and Justice,   Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and Member, National NAACP Board of Directors   ###   Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

 

See related:

NAACP NC

Edgecombe register of deeds faces primary challenge – Rocky Mount Telegram

Political newcomer Barbara Ann Cole is challenging incumbent Robin Williams Carpenter for the Edgecombe County register of deeds office in the Democratic primary on May 8. (More)

See related:

Register of Deeds

Homegoing Celebration for Daniel L. Norris Rocky Mount NC

My condolences goes out Jackie Norris and the family of the late Daniel L. Norris Rocky Mount NC.

Script.: Read Eccles. 3 and know, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”

Song: God Is Able – Phil Tarver

The Obituary

More obituaries

Butterfield to Promote Arts and Science in the District with Google and USDA Secretary Vilsack

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For Release:  Immediate     Date:  May 1, 2012

Contact: Kezmiché "Kim" Atterbury  Office:  (202) 225.3101 Mobile: (202) 465.5125

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Butterfield to Promote Arts and Science in the District with Google and USDA Secretary Vilsack

 

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) will make two stops to promote the expansion of arts and science in North Carolina’s First Congressional District.

 

On Wednesday, Butterfield will visit Bearfield Primary School to assist in unveiling the state’s winning entry of the “Doodle 4 Google” art competition.  The nationwide competition, open to all K-12 students, is a way for students to merge art, design and technology by creating their own “Google Doodle.”  A winner will be selected from each state to move forward in the competition for a chance to win the grand prize of a $30,000 college scholarship and $50,000 technology grant for the computer lab at the winner’s school.  The winning doodle will be displayed on Google’s website on May 18, and also on a special edition of the Crayola 64 box.

 

On Thursday, Butterfield will travel to Oxford, North Carolina for a public event with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, representatives from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and the North Carolina Biofuels Center.  The event will bring together more than 100 biofuels companies, policy, state and agricultural leaders to discuss the initiation of North Carolina’s Biofuels campus and growth within the industry. 

 

The Congressman’s schedule follows.

 

WHAT: Butterfield to Promote Arts and Sciences in the District with Google and USDA Secretary Vilsack

 

WHEN and WHERE:

Wednesday, May 2

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.:

North Carolina Doodle 4 Google Competition

Bearfield Primary School

145 Hertford County High School Road

Ahoskie, NC

 

 

Thursday, May 3                                                 

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Growing Renewable Biofuels: Smart Resources Support our Vision

North Carolina Biofuels Campus

901 Hillsboro Street

Oxford, North Carolina

 

 

 

http://Butterfield.House.Gov

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See related:

Congressman G.K. Butterfield

Dickens, Robinson vie for ECPS District 2 seat – Daily Southerner

TARBORO — A town council member from Speed and a former Princeville town manager are vying for the District 2 seat on the Edgecombe County Public Schools board.

Olga Dickens, 57, of Speed, and Quincy Robinson, 62, of Tarboro, are seeking the seat currently held by Teresa Deloatch Bryant. Bryant chose not to seek reelection, citing personal reasons. (More)

Name remains on ballot while candidate seeks appeal – Kinston.com

Response: Now this is too damn funny! More said: “A press release issued by Moore stated, “The Liberal Democrats in Raleigh made this decision. They did not want an honest, hardworking, conservative Democrat in the State Senate. I plan to continue my campaign with all that my body and finances allow.” Damn who had control over him moving? I don’t think Liberal Democrats in Raleigh had a say. I hate ignance. Sir you should have moved in time and you would have been legit.

Although there are just seven days to vote in the 2012 primary election, an interesting twist in the N.C. Senate District 5 Democratic race — between Don Davis and Tony Moore — came to fruition Friday when the State Board of Elections reversed a March decision, made by members of the county boards of elections covered by the district. (More)

See related:

State board reverses Moore ruling – Reflector

THE AUTO INDUSTRY’S COMEBACK CONTINUES by William Reed Columnist

The Obama 2012 campaign slogan should be “Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive.”

 

President Barack Obama’s role in the death of bin Laden troubles some, but his decision early in his presidency to extend billions in loans to General Motors and Chrysler has paid off. More than two years ago, the American auto industry teetered on the brink of collapse. Now, it has rebounded and has started to make vehicles for America’s future. Plants are hiring more workers, manufacturers are returning to profitability, exports of U.S. vehicles are increasing and some of the most technologically advanced vehicles are now being designed and produced in this country.  The $80 billion bailout was President Obama’s “bet on the American worker” and there have been ample signs of success in the automotive industry since Obama’s bailout.

 

The news coming out of the U.S. automotive industry has been good for Black Americans.  The automotive industry’s financial crisis was more devastating for African Americans than any other community and eroded a half-century’s economic gains by the Black middle class. From Blacks who left behind subsistent jobs in the South for high-paying factory jobs in the North during the Great Migration, to entrepreneurs and contractors in automotive businesses, the automotive industry has been a major factor in the formation of the Black middle class. In 1945, Blacks comprised 15 percent of the automobile industry workforce, by the late 1970s, "one of every 50 African Americans was working in the auto sector.”  From 1979 to 2007, Black employment in the auto industry fell to one in 100.

 

Black Americans greeted President Obama’s 2012 Washington Auto Show announcement that “the U.S. auto industry is back” with great anticipation.  After hitting a 30-year low in 2009, U.S. auto sales are poised for a second straight year of growth – the result of easier credit, low interest rates and pent-up demand for cars and trucks created by the recession.

 

Black groups and activist should move to forge increased employment, contracting and community partnerships with U.S.-based auto manufacturers as they crank up their factories and add thousands of jobs.  In addition to the expanded plant operations and employment opportunities occurring among Detroit’s Big Three, foreign-owned auto companies such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and BMW have invested $44 billion into their U.S. operations to account for 80,000 direct vehicle-manufacturing jobs and 500,000 dealer and supplier jobs.

 

Automotive manufacturing can help Blacks.  The industry is adding jobs at a faster pace than airplane manufacturers, shipbuilders, health care providers and the federal government.  Americans spent $40 billion more on new cars and trucks in 2011 than in 2009.  The momentum in auto sales is likely to continue because people need to replace aging cars, of which the average age is 11 years old.  A substantive number of Americans are feeling more comfortable about their employment outlook and where they’re going.  Domestic vehicle sales are expected to reach 17 million around 2018 as 70 million “Millennials” – born between 1981 and 2000 – buy cars and set up modern households.  These customer purchases will generate manufacturing activities that have the potential of reviving long distressed populations and industrial sectors.  Increasing manufacturing can turn long-suffering Rust Belt cities like Anderson, Ind., Youngstown, Ohio, Lansing, Mich., and Kokomo and Elkhart-Goshen, Ind., into revived and fast-growing cities.  The industry’s growth enhances Black Americans’ jobs and contracting opportunities.

 

It’s time Blacks take Obama’s bold “bailout move” to the next level.  Innovation through education and research is vital to building a manufacturing economy.  Creating a qualified workforce of technicians and engineers is essential to ensuring future success of America’s automotive industries.  Black leaders and teachers must make sure workers have the skills they need for jobs today and in the future. We need to train our people with skills that will lead to jobs for them. Above politics, we each need to engage in development programs and policies that help people get and hold jobs. 

(William Reed is head of the Business Exchange Network and available for speaking/seminar projects via the Bailey Group.org)

See related:

William Reed Columnist

Ready For The Human Relations Candidates Forum Tomorrow But Still Trying To Figure Out How They Came Up With The Questions That Were Forwarded To Candidates

I am ready for the forum on tomorrow but I just don’t get it. What is the purpose of the questions that have been forwarded to the candidates? I can’t wait to see how many folks will be interested in those questions that not only will the candidates not be able to relate to but especially the citizens. If all the local and some of the statewide candidates come to the forum the time that it will take for them to respond to those questions will be a waste of time. Oh well just my opinion and you know the old saying opinions are like what? Yep and everybody has one. Oh well see you tomorrow.

See related:

Edgecombe County Human Relations Forum on Wednesday May 2 at the Edgecombe County Administration Bldg. Auditorium at 6:00 PM.

Edgecombe County Politics