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
by So P hie b raun S
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
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President’s Message
by siDney sanDy seanC PresiDenT
Working Together for a Brighter Future
As your president, I have the experience that comes with serving and chairing on district, regional, and state level committees.
I have the experience that comes with serving on the Board of Governors as well as the Executive Committee.
Sandy
Most importantly I have the experience that comes with listening to our members. I believe that everyone has a right to his or her opinion and deserves the right to express that opinion. I do not take lightly my responsibility as your president to listen to your thoughts and concerns then make a decision based on what the majority of our membership wants and what is best for SEANC.
SEANC is not one person or a select group of people. SEANC is about being one family, working together to build a solid future for those yet to come, and securing the best benefits possible for all current and retired state employees.
If we stay united with capable, experienced leadership, this organization will continue to move forward.
I have first-hand knowledge and understanding of the issues we have every year in SEANC. I have been at the table during discussions about our future and I believe that I have made a difference. I have the experience and the dedication necessary to be your president. I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the coming year.
Thank you for your support! I pledge to you that I will be accessible and accountable to you as your president and work tirelessly to continue to move SEANC forward.
The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published nine times a year in the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, September, November and December for $2.50 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., P.O. Drawer 27727, Raleigh, NC 27611-7727. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional offices.
SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any representation that the message, product or service is as represented by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.
2012-2013 Seanc Board
Executive Committee
President Sidney Sandy District 11
Indian Trail Department of Transportation (ret.)
First Vice
39
Second Vice President Stanley gales
26
of Public Safety
treasurer Betty “BJ” Jones
District 42 Zebulon Department of Health and Human Services
Past President Charles Johnson District 45 Raleigh Department of Public Safety
Piedmont region rep. melva daniels
District 16
Winston-Salem
Western region rep.
James Burgess District 9 Stony Point Department of Transportation eastern region rep.
retiree Council Chairman Bob Hopper District 9
Division of Motor Vehicles (ret.)
District Chairpersons
(ret.)
insurance Board of trustees Chairwoman Pam Hailey District 58 Washington Department of Public Safety (ret.) district 4
Assistants to the President
Secretary Betty gautier
(ret.)
Winston-Salem State University (ret.) district 17 ron Woodson Burlington Department of Public Safety (ret.)
north Central region rep.
gracie lesane District 27
Central
Parliamentarian roy mcgalliard District 5 Morganton Western Piedmont Community College (ret.) district 6
South Central region rep. Betty Creech District 38 Raleigh Department of Insurance district 18 Pamela locklear
Parliamentarian ray evans District 27
Hillsborough Division of Motor Vehicles (ret.) district 7 Henry Belada
Department of Health and Human Services (ret.)
Hill (ret.)
Board of GovernorS
Quotes to Note
“This is the first time in a long, long time, certainly since I’ve been executive director, we’ve not made a choice for governor.”
SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope, reflecting on the decision of the association’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) declining to endorse a candidate in the state gubernatorial election, in an Aug. 27 WRAL story, “State employee endorsements”
“How many times are we going to have to hear about so many people making money off (the pension) when we are losing money? Something doesn’t smell right. At a minimum, it’s an appearance of impropriety.”
SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins, referring to the potential mismanagement of the state employees’ and retirees’ pension fund after it invested in Facebook’s initial public stock offering, in an Aug. 25 News & Observer article “Questions raised by state pension fund’s Facebook investment”
“Linda’s been our only voice and she’s done so much for state
employees.”
Former Central Prison employee Gail Reardon, speaking from the SEANC convention floor in Greensboro about why she supports Linda Coleman in her bid for lieutenant governor, in a Sept. 16 Greenville Daily Reflector article “NC employees’ group envisions ally as Lt Gov”
“[SEANC leaders are] strategic in how they position themselves.”
N.C. State University Professor of political science and labor relations Rick Kearney, discussing SEANC’s decision to work with both parties to best serve the ongoing issues of their members, in a Sept. 16 Greenville Daily Reflector article “NC employees’ group envisions ally as Lt Gov”
“[She is] one of our family.”
SEANC Communications/Public Relations Director Toni Davis, answering the question about why longstanding SEANC member Linda Coleman is receiving strong support from the association in her bid to be elected lieutenant governor, in a Sept. 13 post to the Greensboro News & Record North State Politics blog
From SeanC
SoCial media
Congratulations lady & gentlemen...I had my first experience with the convention this year. It was very educational. I learned a lot and intend on being more involved.
SEANC District 21 member Wanda Kearney, congratulating the new officers and reflecting on her first year attending the convention, in an Oct. 1 post to the SEANC Facebook page
Be sure to follow the association’s Twitter feed @seanc2008 and “Like” SEANC on Facebook at facebook.com/seanc.Local2008
EMPAC endorses five statewide candidates and 67 for General Assembly
Bipartisan Slate Endorsed by Members
SEANC recently announced bipartisan endorsements for the 2012 general election in November. The endorsements are made through SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC), which is a member-led subsidiary.
After interviewing all major party candidates for governor and treasurer, the EMPAC members responsible for endorsements decided not to endorse any candidates in those races.
“Our members took this job seriously,” said EMPAC Chairman Wayne Fish. “We looked at candidates’ records and asked them
STATEWIDE RACES
tough questions. In the end, we are confident that we have endorsed candidates who support our values.”
The 67 bipartisan endorsements in races for the General Assembly are a result of recommendations from SEANC members at the district level. Those recommendations were then confirmed by the statewide committee in late August.
Election Day is Nov. 6. Statewide early voting begins on Oct. 18 and concludes on Nov. 3.
Linda Coleman (D) Lieutenant Governor
Elaine Marshall (D) Secretary of State
Beth Wood (D) State Auditor
June Atkinson (D) Superintendent of Public Instruction
Bill rabon district 8 bladen, brunswick, new hanover, Pender
Wesley meredith district 19 Cumberland
Stan Bingham district 33 Davidson, Montgomery
thom goolsby district 9 new hanover
robert B. Clark iii district 21 Cumberland, hoke
Fletcher Hartsell Jr. district 36 Cabarrus, union
Brent Jackson district 10 Duplin, Johnston, Sampson
mike Woodard district 22 Caswell, Durham, Person
dan Soucek district 45 alleghany, ashe, avery, Caldwell, Watauga
michael Walters district 13 Columbus, robeson
ellie Kinnaird district 23 Chatham, orange
John mcdevitt district 46 burke, Cleveland
robert Cayton district 3
beaufort, Craven, Pamlico
Jimmy dixon district 4 Duplin, Wayne
dan Blue district 14 Wake
gene mclaurin district 25 anson, richmond, rowan, Scotland, Stanly
tom apodaca district 48 buncombe, henderson, transylvania
N.C. House of Representatives
annie Ward mobley district 5 bertie, Gates, hertford, Pasquotank
Paul tine district 6 beaufort, Dare, hyde, Washington
angela Bryant district 7 Franklin, nash
duane Hall district 11 Wake
martin nesbitt district 49 buncombe
george graham district 12 Craven, Greene, Lenoir
Susi Hamilton district 18 brunswick, new hanover
ly endorSementS
N.C. House of Representatives
emilie Swearingen district 19 new hanover
William Brisson district 22 bladen, Johnston, Sampson
nelson dollar district 36 Wake
leo daughtry district 26 Johnston
Paul Stam district 37 Wake
michael Wray district 27 northampton
yvonne Holley district 38 Wake
alma adams district 58 Guilford
Jon Hardister district 59 Guilford
John Blust district 62 Guilford
tom murry district 41 Wake
James langdon Jr. district 28 Johnston
Paul luebke district 30 Durham
Valerie Foushee district 50 Durham, orange
dennis riddell district 64 alamance
allen mcneill district 78 Moore, randolph
Jerry dockham district 80 Davidson
linda Johnson district 83 Cabarrus
Pat Hurley district 70 randolph
Cathy Wright district 54 Chatham, Lee
nathan Baskerville district 32 Granville, Vance
33 Wake
dale nelson district 55 anson, union
mary (Pricey) Harrison district 57 Guilford
evelyn terry district 71 Forsyth
rob Bryan district 88 Mecklenburg
Jeffrey elmore district 94 alleghany, Wilkes
C. robert Brawley district 95 iredell
ed Hanes Jr. district 72 Forsyth
Harry Warren district 77 rowan
Susan Fisher district 114 buncombe
Chuck mcgrady district 117 henderson
rosa gill district
guide
emPaC Honors legislators of the year
bipartisan recognition for berger, brandon, Jackson and McLawhorn, who prioritized people over politics
by Toni Davis
SEANC
Communications Director
Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and Reps. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford), Darren Jackson (D-Wake) and Marian McLawhorn (D-Pitt) were honored by SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) with the Lisa B. Mitchell Legislators of the Year during the association’s annual convention on Sept. 8 in Greensboro.
Sen. Berger received the award for championing a pay raise for state employees and a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees for the first time in four years. Additionally, Berger was instrumental in preventing the privatization of prison health care services in the Department of Public Safety and saving 2,000 jobs.
EMPAC Q&A
Why does SEANC make endorsements?
N.C. House of Representatives
Reps. Brandon, Jackson and McLawhorn also received the Lisa B. Mitchell Legislator of the Year award for their vote to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s budget veto, which resulted in state employee pay raises and retiree COLAs. Additionally, these individuals were instrumental in securing five days of bonus leave for the state’s workforce.
“During this legislative session, these lawmakers prioritized people over politics and made a difference in the lives of people who provide the state with vital public services,” said SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope.
tdavis@seanc.org
Who decides which candidates will be endorsed?
SEANC endorses statewide, House and Senate candidates for the North Carolina General Assembly who value public services — regardless of political party.
As a state employee, your job is political. Fair or not, your pay, benefits and way of life depend on politicians. The Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) is a critical tool to succeed in the fight to secure pay raises and improve health care and retirement benefits. SEANC makes endorsements to support public officials who value public services and the people who provide them.
State law prohibits SEANC from using dues money to support political candidates. One way in which you can improve your future is to become politically active and join EMPAC. When you contribute to EMPAC, you can help elect like-minded public officials.
Why should I vote for the endorsed candidates?
SEANC endorsements point out those candidates who stand up for you in the General Assembly and statewide offices. It’s your right to choose whom you vote for. EMPAC’s endorsement process is a recommendation of candidates who support quality public services.
SEANC’s State EMPAC initiates and oversees the candidate endorsement process on the statewide level. On the local level, each SEANC district is part of one of EMPAC’s 15 areas. The Area EMPAC consists of a chairperson (who also is a voting member of the State EMPAC), vice chairperson, secretary and representatives from each SEANC district in that area.
Candidates are given the opportunity to fill out questionnaires or participate in interviews with the State or Area EMPAC. Because each Area EMPAC has a representative on the State EMPAC, every district, and, in essence, every member, has a voice during the endorsement process.
Early Voting begins on Oct. 18 and ends on Nov. 3. For more information on where to vote in your county, go to ncsbe.gov on Nov. 6
Phil Berger district 26 Guilford, rockingham
darren Jackson district 39 Wake
marian mclawhorn district 9 Pitt marcus Brandon district 60 Guilford
N.C. Senate
See SEANC’s videos from the 2012 convention online at youtube.com/seancmedia
2012-2013 Policy Platform Objectives
SEANC’s legislative priorities are determined by you, the members, at district meetings and the annual convention. Convention delegates rank the association’s policy platform objectives each year.
1. Request the General Assembly fully fund employee salary compensation prior to considering other appropriations.
2. SEANC will oppose legislation that would remove employees from the protections of the State Personnel Act.
3. SEANC supports continuation of a defined benefit retirement plan for current and future retirees.
4. SEANC will oppose privatization and downsizing of state government services.
5. Seek legislation allowing SEANC full access to public workplaces for the purposes of member recruitment without employee intimidation or enforced limits to SEANC information, personnel and volunteers.
6. SEANC will seek legislation for comprehensive short and long-term disability programs for all state employees.
7. SEANC endorses the repeal of G.S. § 95-98 and supports the enactment of legislation to govern collective bargaining by North Carolina public employees; further, SEANC will seek to amend G.S § 143-3.3(g) and G.S. § 135-18.8 to delete language that voids dues deduction from payroll or from a retirement benefit if an employees’ or retirees’ association engages in collective bargaining.
8. Seek policy to require the State Health Plan to notify members at least 60 days in advance of any plan benefit changes.
9. Seek restoration of the employer’s contribution to the retirement system that will at least match the employee’s contribution.
10. Seek continuation of a fully paid individual health care benefit for all qualified active and retired employees.
(as determined by the 2012 convention delegates)
SEANC’s Brightest Stars Highlighted at Banquet
On Saturday evening of convention, delegates gathered to recognize districts and individuals for outstanding service and dedication from the 2011-2012 year.
emPaC Chairman’s award — barbara Leatherman of District 4, District 22 Chairwoman Deborah harney, District 60 Chairwoman hiawatha Jones, Laura Dunlap of District 13 member of the year — helen White of District 24 distinguished Service award — anita King of District 62 distinguished media of the year — District 44 top member discount recruiters — District 7 Chairman henry belada, District 26 Chairman Stanley Gales, District 44 Chairwoman Sandra Johnson
above, district 6 Chairman Wayne Freeman, district 42 Chairwoman B.J.Jones and district 7 Chairman Henry Belada accepted district of the year awards for their districts.
darrell arnold award winners tiffany Woodard, Carri derrick and Brenda Hooker. Hooker accepted on behalf of SeanC’s insurance dept.
district Chairperson of the year anne marie Bellamy of district 24.
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Members stepped up and donated over 200 unwrapped toys and nearly $4,000 to the u.S. Marines’ toys for tots Foundation. SSgt. benjamin Patat, representative for the Marines, accepted the donations and thanked the delegates at the convention.
BIG changes to SECU’s Mortgage Programs...
District 42 member tara Minter walks to the stage after winning the grand prize of $6,000 in the Scholarship Foundation board’s annual raffle at the convention. Minter vowed to give a portion of her winnings to eMPaC because she believes so strongly it its mission.“i want to donate a part of it back to eMPaC, which i have served since 2003 because i believe in our PaC and i want to make it stronger. i have been so encouraged by the people in this room who have shown love for eMPaC during this convention,” she said.
emPaC SWeePStaKeS WinnerS
Grand Prize ($5,000)
District 65 member Christie Harrison of Williamston
Second Prize ($2,000)
District 12 member James L. Williams of Gastonia
Third Prize ($1,000)
District 57 member Janet Brewer of Tarboro
$500 prizes winners
District 57 member Terry Mitchell of Wilson
District 62 member Patricia Luther of Wilmington
District 3 member H. William Paul of Sugar Grove
District 45 member Laura Brown of Louisburg
To learn more and see if we can save you money through SECU’s improved mortgage options, visit your local branch or call SECU’s Contact Center at 1-888-732-8562.
www.ncsecu.org
SCHolarSHiP Board raFFle WinnerS
Grand Prize ($6,000)
District 42 member Tara Minter of Raleigh
Second Prize ($3,000)
District 59 member Charles Bryant of Goldsboro
Third Prize ($1,000)
District 57 member Russell Bennett of Clayton
Photo by J onathan
Photo by So P hie
ConVention 2012
above, district 64 member Bonita Barfield participates in “All In to Win for the 99 Percent” training on thursday.
district 37 member nilesh Surti claps during a standing ovation for lt. governor candidate linda Coleman.
at left, delegates danced, played games and more at the SeanC “Blue Fit” affair.
SeanC 2011-2012 President Charles Johnson and district 19 member angela lyght at the President’s reception.
Former Charlotte mayor Pat mcCrory, the republican nominee for governor, spoke to delegates on Friday, Sept. 7. He is seen here with district 24 member Katrina davis and her daughter, district 24 member erika dail.
Photo by So P hia b raun S
Photo by Jonathan oW en S
Photo by Jonathan oW en S
Photo by Danie L Pate
Photo by Jonathan oW en S
ConVention 2012
the aycock middle School drumline and dance team welcomed delegates to greensboro to kick off the convention.
n.C. Senate leader Phil Berger shakes hands with district 41 member Wendell Powell before accepting the 2012 lisa B. mitchell legislator of the year award.
This year’s “A Night with the SEANC Stars” banquet was filled with laughter thanks to the comedic stylings of SEANC Lead member action Coordinator Steve lawson (right). district 22 member Bill Spade (left) enjoys a joke.
lt. gov. Walter dalton, the democratic Party’s nominee for governor, spoke to delegates on Saturday.
Photo by So P hia b raun S
Photo by t ony
Photo by Jonathan oW en S
Photo by So P hia b raun
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P.O. Drawer 27727
Raleigh, NC 27611
Delegates Choose New Officers to Stand Up for Members
by Toni Davis
SEANC
Communications Director
GREENSBORO — Nearly 850 delegates elected officers to represent the association at the 29th Annual Convention at the Koury Center in Greensboro on Sept. 6-8. The officers began their one-year terms on Oct. 1.
n President Sidney Sandy of Indian Trail, District 11 member, retired Department of Transportation maintenance engineer, with 33 years of state service
n First Vice President Art Anthony of Raleigh, District 39 member, research specialist at N.C. State University, with 24 years of state service
n Second Vice President Stanley Gales of Durham, District 26 member, maintenance supervisor at Polk Correctional Institution, with 25 years of state service
n Treasurer Betty “BJ” Jones of Zebulon, District 42 member, a Medicaid financial analyst and clinical policy contract specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services, with 27 years of state service
Convention Highlights
n Electing new SEANC officers
n Ranking 2013 Policy Platform Objectives
n Standing ovation for lieutenant governor candidate Linda Coleman
n Hearing from special guests — SEIU President Mary Kay Henry and gubernatorial hopefuls Pat McCrory and Walter Dalton
n Honoring EMPAC Legislators of the Year — Senate leader Phil Berger and Reps. Marcus Brandon, Darren Jackson and Marion McLawhorn
n Hosting EMPAC-endorsed legislators at the annual legislative dessert reception
n Giving back to our communities by donating toys to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots Foundation
