From the Beaufort County Democratic Party

Beaufort County’s Democratic party held its annual convention Saturday, April 5, at the Beaufort County Courthouse. The superior courtroom was packed full as the party faithful rallied behind the various candidates that were vying for their support in the upcoming primaries.

Whit Whitley, Democratic candidate for N.C. House District 3 was the keynote speaker.  Whitley laid out his platform and reminded those in attendance that the current legislature has taken steps backwards in areas of education, medical care and voter suppression. He proudly spoke about growing up in eastern North Carolina and being a product of public education during a time when folks recognized the importance of properly funding our public educational system.

Whitley remarked that, “North Carolina ranks near the very bottom now for funding for its schools, any plan that takes money from our schools is a plan for disaster, we must invest in our children — they are our future.”

Whitley said during his career as a litigator he has always fought for the little person against big business and corporations.

“People just want to be treated fairly and if you elect me I will continue that fight,” he added.

Stan White and Judy Krahenbuhl, candidates for N.C. Senate District 1, attended the meeting and addressed the crowd. They both touted their experience and worked to win the votes of the attendees.

Clerk of Superior Court Marty Paramore also spoke, sharing that he has the best clerk’s office in the state and asking for the support of all in attendance.

The group heard from each of the five candidates for Sheriff: Al Whitney, Valiant Scales, Russell Davenport, Gary Blount and Todd Alligood were all in attendance with their supporters. Each candidate spoke about their experience and their vision for their sheriff’s office.

County Commissioner Ed Booth gave a rousing speech about his candidacy. He took the opportunity to set the record straight concerning a recent vote where he says Republican commissioners were playing politics with peoples healthcare and emotions. Booth explained that he and other commissioners could not in good conscious vote for the deal as it was proposed by the Republican commissioners. Booth said constituents wanted to know how he could vote against the hospital.

Booth pointed out, “I support the hospital, I grew up in that area and we need to fight to have healthcare for the people in Belhaven, Long Acre, Pantego, Bath and Hyde County, but the proposed plan would have financially strapped good people that are already struggling to make ends meet.”

Booth promised the people that he had the best interest of his constituents and assured the crowd that they had better know all the details before they went along with any plan proposed by Commissioner Hood Richardson.

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of retiring Beaufort County Sheriff Alan Jordan. Jordan was presented with a plaque thanking him for his many years of service.

“Sheriff Alan Jordan, much to our disappointment, has decided to retire. He has served this county in law enforcement his entire career, and has been our sheriff for the last 16 years,” said Beaufort County Democratic Party Chair Laurel Miller.

Several candidates were unable to attend the convention, and sent letters that were read at the meeting. Commissioner candidate Robert Cayton, District Attorney Seth Edwards, N.C. Representative Paul Tine, U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield and U.S. Senator Kay Hagan all sent their well wishes for a great convention.

The Beaufort County Democratic Party is hosting a sheriff’s candidate’s forum on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at the Beaufort County courthouse.