Standing with Holly

by | Mar 7, 2016 | 2016 Elections, Editor's Blog, NC Politics | 2 comments

In full disclosure, I not only work for Holly Jones, I strongly encouraged her to run for lieutenant governor when she told me she was considering it. I’ve known her almost all my life and I’ve watched her career and accomplishments. I know that if North Carolina is going to turn the tide from the regressive policies put in place by the current Republican regime, we’ll need people as smart and talented as Holly Jones to do it. That’s why I’m supporting her.

Holly embodies one of my favorite sayings, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” More often than not, she’s leading. Holly’s a natural-born leader with a strong sense of empathy and justice.

In the early 1980s as a senior in college, her take-charge demeanor led her to manage the UNC basketball team while Dean Smith was at the height of his distinguished career. In the 1990s, she took over a flagging YWCA in Asheville and turned it around, spearheading a $3 million capital campaign and revitalizing the organization by dramatically increasing its membership and staff. More recently, when a spike in domestic violence deaths rattled Buncombe County, she pulled together law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, social services, and nonprofits to address the problem in a way that successfully reduced incidents. And those are just a very few of her accomplishments.

Holly understands the give and take of politics. She’s served on the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for a total of 14 years. She worked with people of all backgrounds to get things done, including successfully promoting nondiscrimination policies that protect LGBT citizens. She’s been part of the team that’s made Buncombe County one of the most desirable places to live in America and helped it weather the Great Recession better than most places in the state.

She has three opponents. Linda Coleman served as a state representative, on the Wake County Board of Commissioners and as Director of State Personnel. While we should respect her service, she’s had a lot of positions, but has no real signature accomplishment in all those years. Robert Wilson served as legislative liaison for the Secretary of State’s office. His career has been built working in the legislature. Ron Newton has yet to distinguish himself as a candidate.

Both Coleman and Wilson built their careers when Democrats were firmly in control. They served a purpose when Democrats needed votes and people to run the machinery of government. That world is gone. North Carolina Democrats need leaders who will fight for change and have a record of doing things, not being things.

I believe Democrats need to build a bench of talented leaders with vision and determination. Holly Jones has the skills, commitment, and brains to move North Carolina forward. That’s why I’m voting for Holly Jones for lieutenant governor.

2 Comments

  1. Sandra Babb

    Linda Coleman is a highly respected human resources professional among her peers, both at the state and national levels.
    In civic and political life, she has a strong record of leadership at the local and state levels. With experience as a member of the NC General Assembly and theWake County Board of Commissioners, and a state government career professional, she is ready and able to become our Lt. Governor. She will be great!

  2. Ebrun

    Old guard, loyal Democrat operatives like Coleman and Wilson once “served a purpose” but are no longer needed? What is needed now is someone flashy and attractive to “move North Carolina forward.” As our man suggests, it’s time for the old pols “to get out of the way.”

    Wonder how that will go over with the rank and file?

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