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Sandra
Spaulding Hughes reacts joyfully when it is announced she had been selected to
replace Thomas Wright in the state House for the remainder of his term. - photo
by Ken Clarke
Hughes, who lives in
Because
After the vote Cowan said he voted for Hughes after listening to the
determination in her voice and her background.
“She was focused on things I believe in, jobs, education and getting
back to the peoples business,” he said.
Faison said it was her experience as a Wilmington City Council member and
her experience in education that made the difference for him.
“She has experience and is a proven winner,” he said.
Before the meeting, those attending were met by numerous law enforcement
officers including Pender Deputies and Burgaw Police officers. Each person was
checked with a hand held metal detector before being allowed entrance.
According to deputies they were contacted and told Wright may attend the
meeting and be disruptive. He never appeared.
At the beginning of the meeting any person wishing to be considered for
the position was asked to come forward. Once the speaking order was determined,
those wishing to be considered were given eight minutes to make their argument
for the position.
Five people, all residents of either Wilmington or New Hanover County
stepped forward including Hughes and Hollis Briggs, two of the three along with
Wright on the May 6 Democratic Primary ticket.
First to speak was Albert Pacer who said he had an extensive background
in government although no political experience. Jimmy Faison also admitted to no
political experience but wanted to bring issues forward for consideration.
Peterson spoke about filling the seat in the spirit of public service.
“I have no political agenda,” he said. “I would be a caretaker for
the position.”
Briggs talked about his father’s political experience and how he felt
the need to follow his lead and be involved in public service.
Hughes said it was time to put the past in the past and move on with a
new vision and she was the one to move them past this “troubling time.”
In the end the majority of the committee members agreed with Hughes and
cast their votes for her, despite the perception that her appointment could be
considered an endorsement by the party.
“I don’t know if we did her a favor or a disservice,” said Cowan.
“She can no longer just focus on her campaign, but with a good organization
she could manage.”
For his part Faison conceded that New Hanover had the majority votes and
it was best to unite.
“We have half the votes of New Hanover,” said Faison. “I could have
given some of my votes to one person, some to another but it came down to
effective.”
Both Cowan and Faison said they were disappointed that no one from Pender
stepped forward to be considered.
“I am disappointed our Democratic Party did not put someone up,” said
Cowan.
Faison too said he was disappointed and said that is why the vote went
the way it did.
“If any person at all had of stepped forward and been half way strong,
I would have given them all I had,” he said.
After the meeting Pender Democratic Party member Jimbo Robbins also said
he was disappointed and admitted that Pender lost a good opportunity to have a
resident in the state House.
“We did not know New Hanover was split until tonight,” said Robbins,
who also expressed his frustration with the process. “Look at the numbers; New
Hanover controls two-thirds of the votes.”
Pender Commissioner Jimmy Tate, a Democrat, who attended the meeting,
also said he was disappointed no one from Pender stepped forward, though he did
admit he was asked to be considered.
“I was asked by several people including some on the executive
committee,” said Tate. “But right now I am trying to learn the office of
commissioner.”
In speaking about the meeting Tate said he was disappointed that
constituents in the audience were not allowed to ask questions.
“I believe in representative government,” said Tate.
When asked about the committee’s choice Tate said, “I would have
rather seen a
Tate said he was also offended by the many references the candidates made
to farming.
“The jokes about chickens and cows were not enticing,” he said. “I
wanted to hear about the issues. I think some of them took this too lightly.”
Picking up on Hughes calling
“I don’t think Pender is fairly represented in
As for the actual vote Tate said Pender missed a golden opportunity. Had
a Pender resident stepped forward and Cowan and Faison voted a block and New
Hanover split, the Pender representative would have been chosen by half a vote.
“Pender should have had a representative at the table,” he said.
“It was the obligation of the (Pender) members of the board to inform us that
New Hanover was split.”
“They helped