THE
State Employees Association of North Carolina, SEIU Local 2008 P.O. Drawer 27727, Raleigh, NC • www.seanc.org 800-222-2758 • 919-833-6436 • Circulation 55,000
November 2012
• Vol. 31, Issue 1
ELECTION DAY IS NOV. 6
LINDA COLEMAN FOR LT. GOVERNOR by
Toni Davis
In 2004, SEANC endorsed a longtime state employee, Linda Coleman, against an old-school incumbent in the N.C. House. The odds were against a Coleman victory, but with the help of her SEANC family, she won. Some lawmakers forget where they come from or how they got there once elected, but not Linda Coleman. From day one in the legislature, state employees had their first real champion in Linda Coleman. She consistently stood up for public services and the people who provide them. The best example of her courage and strength was her actions in 2006 when as a freshman House member, she single-handily held up the budget over state employee raises. Coleman was elevated to director of the state personnel office in 2009, where she led implementation of Executive Order 45 which provides a partnership between managers and employees to produce cost-efficiencies and improve morale and communication in state agencies. When Linda Coleman decided to run for lieutenant governor in the primary, SEANC went all in for her. For us the choice was no choice; it was simple, it was Linda. In addition to the association’s endorsement, we contributed resources and put boots on the ground. Her primary win was a resounding victory for working families and the public services they provide. Her door is always open for state
Photo by Sophie Brauns
SEANC Communications Director
SEANC member and Democratic Party candidate for lieutenant governor Linda Coleman shakes hands with delegates after a rousing speech before the 29th Annual SEANC Convention Sept. 7 in Greensboro.
Inside: EMPAC Endorses Bipartisan Slate of Candidates
SEANC presents 67 bipartisan endorsements for the general election in November. Endorsements are made through SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC), which is a member-led subsidiary. See pages 7-10 for SEANC’s 2012 Voter Guide.
employees because she is a champion of those who need one — the working families who make up the 99 percent. With Linda Coleman as lieutenant governor we know that our voice will always be heard. Electing Linda Coleman as the next lieutenant governor would make history. Not only will Linda be the first African-American to hold that post, it is imperative that people like Linda Coleman move onto bigger and better things for state employees, retirees and all working families. She is a champion not only for SEANC, but for everyday people who are often overlooked in politics. When big business owns much of the politicians in Raleigh, it’s important to have an ordinary person to stand up and say, “What about the people?”
At the SEANC convention in Greensboro, Linda explained the association’s shared sense of values embodied in her campaign by stating, “Our story is to improve the quality of life for all people and thereby uplift humanity.” In November, we all have a role to play in helping to ensure that our voice remains heard and it will take each of us to do so. And just like in 2004, in 2012, we can help a small campaign with big ideas to make history and change the face of North Carolina politics once again. Because she’s had our back for years, we have the chance to return the favor now and vote in long-time SEANC member Linda Coleman for lieutenant governor.
tdavis@seanc.org