November 2016 Reporter

November 2016 • Vol. 35, Issue 1

THE

REPORTER

State Employees Association of North Carolina

Delegates put A.C.T.S. plan into action A CCO U N TA B L E .

The theme of this year’s 33rd Annual SEANC Convention was “Turn the Page,” but delegates decided instead to throw out the entire book and set the organization on a new course to a brighter future.

Delegates gave a vote of confidence to “SEANC A.C.T.S.,” a five-year plan created by the Planning Committee chaired by incoming President Stanley Drewery and Second Vice President Darius McLaurin to help the organization better serve members and respond to threats for decades to come.

Paying for the plan SEANC is the largest state employees association in the South and the plan paves the way for it to be the best — not only in the South, but the entire country.

Delegates displayed strong support for SEANC's vision by approving a $5 dues increase for all members — active and retirees — that will begin on April 1, 2017.

SEANC has not implemented a dues increase since 2006, even though projections at that time suggested an increase would be needed again in five years. Slashing the budget is no longer a viable option for maintaining the level of services SEANC currently provides to members. SEANC would require an increase just to break even for the next 2-3 5 7-13 8-9 14-15 16

In This Issue

Member Action Public Policy Annual Convention 2016-17 BOG EMPAC Endorsements 2016-17 Officers

C R E D I B L E .

T R A N S PA R E N T.

budget and would remain in continued shortfall beyond that.

SEANC faces threats to our pension and payroll deduction from legislators who oppose us. We have to move the entire membership to bank draft deduction. The loss of deduction rights would have devastating effects on the survival of our association. We have to make it a priority to move every member to bank draft in the near future, an effort that will take time, hard work from volunteers — and money.

We also must upgrade SEANC's Information Technology infrastructure.

The current system was built in the 1980s when SEANC was a small group with limited resources. Today, SEANC has more than outgrown this system due to our robust insurance programs, theme park tickets and discount offerings that outpace even our national affiliate SEIU. Thanks to the convention delegation, we will now be able to turn these pressing needs into a reality.

Making SEANC into a driving force State employees and retirees are under threat in every legislative cycle. Active employees are not being adequately rewarded for their hard work and are facing constant threats of job cuts and privatized agencies. The State Health Plan continues to increase premiums and threatens to cut benefits each year. State employees are pitted against teachers every year, and pay raises are always the last part of the budget to be decided.

Some legislators call state retirees “liabilities” and see them as numbers, rather than hardworking citizens who gave their career to state service.

S T R O N G .

Meaningful COLAs are seen by legislators as burdensome and dangerous to our state’s finances. We are not liabilities, we are priorities and this treatment stops now.

With implementation of the A.C.T.S. plan, SEANC will be a force to be reckoned with at the General Assembly.

We will stand together with an army of dedicated grassroots lobbyists working for their fellow members and we will demand to have our voices heard. We will have a strong PAC that can rival major political players in North Carolina like the hospital lobby and Duke Energy.

We will take these fights head-on through the creation of a “Fight Back/ Fight Forward Fund.” This fund will enable us to poll our issues, conduct research and lead issue-based initiatives that matter most to state employees and retirees.

Additional funding also allows us to grow. We will reach out to local government employees and part-time, temporary employees and increase our membership totals.

All of this will take time, money and most importantly, you. SEANC needs all of you. Your coworkers need you. When we stand together and fight together, we win together.

WAYS YOU CAN ACT WITH US Pledge to come to the legislature at least once in the next session, or contact your own legislators to tell them SEANC members need their support ● Switch to bank draft from payroll ● Recruit at least one new member in the coming year ● Contribute to EMPAC or increase your donation. ●

MEMBERS IN ACTION Members at ECU demand answers on merger SEANC has taken the lead in advocating for state employees at East Carolina University who face an uncertain future thanks to a proposed merger of ECU Physicians and corporate health care giant, Vidant Health.

The jobs, retirement security, benefits and rights of more than 1,200 state employees at ECU Physicians, a state entity run in conjunction with the Brody School of Medicine, have been left in limbo by the merger. Sold as a “partnership” deemed Project Unify, Vidant would own 51 percent of the new entity created out of the merger, meaning it would control all decisions, including those pertaining to employees.

This “merger” is really just privatization, plain and simple. Vidant is a billion-dollar company looking to monopolize health care in eastern North Carolina. The merger would allow them to control prices for the region’s health care needs. An estimated 25 percent of Pitt County residents make below the poverty line and would no doubt face higher costs because of the merger.

After a meeting on Oct. 3 hosted

by ECU and Vidant provided little to no answers for the employees, SEANC Executive Director Mitch

Leonard penned an open letter to the director of ECU Physicians demanding transparency in the process.

“Many of your employees already live with the anxiety of being one paycheck away from financial hardship,” Leonard wrote. “We do not feel protected. We are more than the bottom line. We are the state employees of North Carolina and we are not for sale.”

N.C. NAACP Pres. Rev. William Barber, a nationally known figure in the fight for civil justice and worker rights, pledged his support for the employees at a rally on Oct. 5. He said the N.C. NAACP had received calls about the planned merger from concerned citizens because it would likely disproportionally affect AfricanAmerican residents.

Barber, an eastern N.C. native, recalls past dealings with Vidant in the region, particularly pertaining to a similar takeover in Belhaven. He told the crowd that their track record was one of greed, and cautioned the employees to be leery of trusting them.

“You can’t trust a corporation to be anything but greedy,” Barber said. “We have seen that you can only trust Vidant to look after their bottom line.”

Greenville native and Lt. Gov. candidate Linda Coleman, N.C. Sen.

Rep. Jean-Farmer Butterfield (D-Pitt), Lt. Governor candidate Linda Coleman and N.C. Sen. Don Davis (D-Pitt) wait for their turns to speak against privatization.

Rev. William Barber pledged his support for the ECU employees.

Don Davis (D-Pitt) and N.C. Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield (D-Pitt) also spoke at the rally, all pledging their support for the workers and demanding answers.

SEANC will continue to stand up for the 1,200 state employees at ECU Physicians throughout this attempted takeover. All members need to stand up for these workers because, simply put, your job could be next. We’ve seen privatization efforts all over state government in recent years, from mass efforts at the Department of Transportation and Public Safety to smaller efforts at UNC Student Stores and even the N.C. Zoo.

SEANC members call for answers in the proposed privatization effort of state jobs at East Carolina University.

PHOTOS BY SARA COBURN COWELL

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THE REPORTER • November 2016

MEMBERS IN ACTION

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SHARRON PATTERSON

District 8 Chairman Ron Hunt (plaid shirt) and District 8 member Leonard Reynolds (behind him in the blue and white shirt) met with Ashe County DOT employees at Bojangles' in Jefferson on Oct. 5.

District 8 member Liz Reynolds speaks with a DOT employee at a Wellness and Benefits Fair at Wilkes Community College on Oct. 6.

JOHNNY DAVISON

District 6 members Nate Brown, Charles Scruggs, Sherry Helton, Dale Schaffer, Sherry Vines, Pat Ellis and Corona Kanipe (not pictured) sold sheets and Rada products to raise funds for scholarships on Sept. 24 at East Burke High in Burke County.

DISTRICT 8 DISCUSSES SEANC MEMBERSHIP WITH DOT EMPLOYEES

MEMBERS ADVOCATE FOR EMPAC-ENDORSED CANDIDATES (Left photo) District 7 Chairman Henry Belada helped N.C. District House 86 candidate Tim Barnsback assemble signs.

(Right photo) District 6 Chairwoman Sonya Akbar and District 2 Chairman Cliff Johnson advocate for EMPAC candidates at Burke County Court House Square on Oct. 2.

District 18 members donated school supplies to Richmond County Schools. Pictured are District 18 members Sharron Patterson and Dewey Brower with Public Information Officer AshleyMichelle Thublin of Richmond County Schools.

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THE REPORTER • November 2016

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PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY HENRY BELADA

CORONA KANIPE

DISTRICTS SUPPORT EDUCATION

THE

REPORTER

Jonathan Owens, Editor-In-Chief Beth Dew, Managing Editor Amanda Wise, Associate Editor Sara Cowell Coburn, Associate Editor

State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 Telephone 919-833-6436, 800-222-2758 www.seanc.org Advertising Policy 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.

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THE REPORTER • November 2016

The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published six times a year in the months of February, April, May, July, September and November for $2.50 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh and additional offices.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: THE REPORTER 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609

PUBLIC POLICY SEANC members FIGHT FOR $15 When you hear about the Fight for $15, you may automatically think of the movement to increase wages for fast-food workers.

But did you know that an estimated 25 percent of North Carolina state employees do not make $15 an hour, or an annual salary of $31,200? That number is likely even higher at the county and local levels.

At the 33rd Annual SEANC Convention on Sept. 10, SEANC Government Relations Director Ardis Watkins presented delegates with the history of the middle class to point out the dire need for higher salaries for these and all public workers. Delegates also took to the microphones to share their own struggles.

One delegate said she has worked at a DHHS facility for 27 years and still makes less than $15 an hour. She spoke of lying awake at night worrying about paying bills, and telling her kids she couldn’t afford to send them on school field trips. She even applied for food stamps but made $4 too much to qualify. She and many other coworkers work two or three part-time jobs and often have to put their lunch on credit cards.

A DPS employee who has worked in our prisons for 13 years, chasing escaped prisoners and dealing with gang members, told delegates he still

makes less than $31,200 a year. Five years ago, his wife was diagnosed with cancer. He could no longer work his part-time job, and the medical bills piled up.

“We’re all one major medical problem away from being bankrupt,” he said.

SEANC’s national affiliate, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), has led the way in the Fight for $15. Now it’s SEANC’s turn to stand up for an increased minimum wage. That fight has already started, as a group of SEANC members traveled to Richmond, Va., on Aug. 12-13, to take part in the first Fight for $15 convention and march.

District 41 member Mike Gould, who took part in the Richmond rally, spoke at the SEANC convention on the need to support each other and stand up for the lower-paid state employees even if you make more than $15 an hour.

“You can’t live on that. You can’t feed your family,” he said. “We need to stand with our brothers and sisters here and when we go back home, we need to stand with the ones we work with on a daily basis.”

Right now, more than 64 million people work at jobs paying povertylevel wages, which is around

Want to help?

If you are interested in taking part in the Fight for $15 and SEANC’s effort to draw attention to the plight of low-paid state employees, or if you have a story to tell about your own experience in these jobs, contact SEANC’s Government Relations Department at 1-800-222-2758 today!

42 percent of the workforce. That drags down wages for everyone.

A push for a living wage of at least $15 per hour would help many of our coworkers and fellow state employees here in North Carolina. And even if you make more than $15 an hour, it is important that all members get involved in this fight because a rising tide will lift all boats. An increase for our lowest-paid workers will allow them to spend more in our communities, fueling our economy.

We need elected officials who care about paying state workers a livable wage, and who will fight for cost-ofliving adjustments for our retirees as well. We need to elect officials who care about our retirement security and the affordability of the State Health Plan.

District 22 members Kathy Blackmon, Rashia Norman and District 21 Chairwoman Janice Bass advocated for an increased minimum wage in Richmond, Va.

THE REPORTER • November 2016

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THE REPORTER • November 2016

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2016 SEANC CONVENTION 'We're going to make it happen' The following are excerpts from SEANC President Stanley Drewery's acceptance speech during the 33rd Annual SEANC Convention on Sept. 9.

G

ood Morning. To start with, you know who I want to thank most of all is God. He’s the only one who could make this journey possible. I also want to thank you, because without you — the Executive Board, delegates, Board of Governors, members and staff — this wouldn’t be possible. I can’t do this by myself. Many people in the last couple of days have said, “If you need me — I’m there for you.” I’m going to count on you for that.

I’m going to be calling you.

At the July Board of Governors meeting, I challenged every chair to bring a new member to convention. If you are a new member or if it’s your first time at this convention, I want you to stand at this time. I hope you enjoyed yourself and go back and tell your fellow workers that we’re all about business. We’re all about state employees. I hope you come back next year.

I challenge you again, district chairs, to add on a new person next year because I know it works. Ask the person sitting next to you. It works. I started coming

to convention 34 years ago, and I’ve only missed two. The prison was short and I could not leave. I love what we do! ...

According to the demographics, we only have 20 people here from Generation Y. That’s people 35-21 years old. These are our next leaders. We old folks can’t last forever. We need to get them here, and teach them.

Our governor’s executive order may have slowed us down a bit but it didn’t stop us. I know you had to use some type of leave, but you’re still here. Thank you for that!

I’m going to ask you another favor, and this is my vision. I want us to pounce on the legislators this year. I want to ask you for one more of your leave days — just one more. On Jan. 11, the legislators start the next session. I want to see (SEANC) blue shirts in downtown Raleigh throughout the session. We could take each region — average about 150-175 members — show up at least five times to that legislative building. I’m asking you to give up one more of your leave days to meet us in Raleigh because I want those legislators to see us.

I don’t care what they do to us — we’re not giving up. We’re going to be

there. Retirees — come as many times as you want. We need to see you every time. At least SEANC President five times. I’d love to Stanley Drewery see it. If we have to send buses, vans, whatever, we’re going to make it happen. Will you do that for me? Go ahead and put in for your vacation day. We’re going to make it happen. ...

Again, please, whatever you do, support EMPAC. This is where we get our power. We talked to legislators last night who were giving out their support.

But, sometimes they get to the legislative building and forget about us. We’re going to remind them, “Hey, you promised us this.”

When Attorney General Roy Cooper (candidate for Governor) came up on stage, I whispered in his ear, “Do you promise me to have an open-door policy if you get in?” He said, “Yes.” So, we’re going to be there. He made promises and we’re going to try to make him keep them.

Once again, thank you and I ask for your support in the next year. Like I said, I can’t do this all by myself. Thank you.

Delegates raise more than $14k for Make-A-Wish Delegates took time out of a packed convention schedule to give back to the community, "Wish Kid" Ryan shares donating money his Make-A-Wish experience. from the floor to help the two MakeA-Wish Foundations in North Carolina continue to grant wishes. In total, SEANC districts, delegates and staff raised $14,329 for the cause.

The funds will be used to make the dreams of North Carolina “wish kids”

come true, as the donations will stay in the state through either Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina or Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.

The two foundations are limited to using only funds raised in the state for experiences.

Pres. Ross Hailey personally picked the Make-A-Wish Foundations of North Carolina because, as he put it, he has a soft spot for kids, and seeing the stories on television of past trips moved him.

SEANC delegates also got to experience this through an emotional video on the origins of the foundation,

including the first wish ever granted.

Additionally, two “wish kids,” Ryan and Melita, shared their experiences in person.

Ryan had a brain tumor at 7 years old, but is now a precocious 11 year old and in 6th grade — and in remission. He warmed the delegates’ hearts telling about his trip to the Bahamas through Make-AWish. Melita’s trip to Europe made such an impression on her that she now works for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

SEANC is proud to support such worthy causes, and hopes that the funds raised brighten the lives of North Carolina families who are suffering.

THE REPORTER • November 2016

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2016-2017 SEANC BOAR Executive Committee President Stanley Drewery District 67 Grifton Department of Public Safety (retired)

First Vice President Gloria Evans District 65 Winterville East Carolina University

Second Vice President Darius McLaurin District 40 Raleigh Department of Public Instruction

Treasurer Chevella Thomas District 27 Durham North Carolina Central University (retired)

Past President Ross Hailey District 58 Washington Department of Transportation (retired)

Piedmont Region Kirk Montgomery District 25 Burlington Department of Health and Human Services

North Central Region Stanley Gales District 26 Durham Department of Public Safety

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THE REPORTER • November 2016

District Chairpersons South Central Region Deborah Harney District 22 Cameron Department of Public Safety Eastern Region B. Keith Renner District 69 Elizabeth City Department of Health and Human Services (retired) Western Region Cliff Johnson District 2 Waynesville Department of Public Safety (retired) Retiree Council Chairman Benny Brigman District 70 Hookerton Department of Public Safety (retired) Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman Janice Smith District 3 Fleetwood Appalachian State University

President’s Assistants Secretary Betty Gautier District 38 Benson Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (retired) Parliamentarian Ray Evans District 5 Hillsborough Division of Motor Vehicles (retired) Parliamentarian Kim Martin District 10 Concord Department of Public Safety

District 1 Mark Haskett Cullowhee Western Carolina University

District 10 James Hartley Landis Department of Public Safety (retired)

District 3 Dr. Pat Reighard Blowing Rock Appalachian State University (retired)

District 11 Kenny Brower Wadesboro Department of Transportation

District 4 Tim Southard Shelby Department of Transportation (retired)

District 12 Alicia Baucom Monroe Division of Employment Security Commission (retired)

District 5 Tony Smith Morganton Department of Public Safety

District 13 Linda Colbert Charlotte Central Piedmont Comm. College (retired)

District 6 Sonya Akbar Morganton Department of Health and Human Services

District 16 Willie Bailey Pfafftown Winston-Salem State University (retired)

District 7 Henry Belada Morganton Department of Health and Human Services (retired)

District 17 Kemrey Lamarr McLeansville Department of Transportation

District 8 Ron Hunt North Wilkesboro Department of Transportation (retired)

District 18 Lisa Martin Rockingham Department of Public Safety

District 9 Jamie Robinson Taylorsville Department of Transportation (retired)

District 19 Marie Tate Efland Orange County Public Schools (retired)

OARD OF GOVERNORS District 20 Jacque Chatman Red Springs Department of Public Safety

District 39 George Thiessen Raleigh Department of Public Safety

District 47 Shirley Ballard Clayton Department of Environmental Quality

District 21 Janice Bass Oxford Department of Health and Human Services (retired)

District 40 Vernice Whyms Raleigh Department of Public Safety

District 56 Grace Edwards Henrico Halifax Comm.

College (retired)

District 23 Harold Faulk Nakina Department of Transportation (retired)

District 41 Mike Gould Raleigh Department of Public Safety

District 57 Daisy Stancill Wilson Department of Public Safety

District 24 A.J. Albertson Fayetteville N.C. State Highway Patrol (retired)

District 42 Shirley Bell Clayton Department of Health and Human Services (retired)

District 58 Pam Hailey Washington Department of Public Safety (retired)

District 27 Sam Rogers Durham N.C. Central University

District 43 Debra Dunston Raleigh Department of Transportation

District 59 Kathy Merritt Goldsboro Department of Health and Human Services

District 28 Felicia McKinnie Raleigh Department of Health and Human Services

District 44 Pat Holcomb Wake Forest Secretary of State’s Office (retired)

District 60 Hiawatha Jones Goldsboro Department of Health and Human Services (retired)

District 37 Furman Beckwith Apex Department of Transportation (retired)

District 45 Joyce Yelverton Goldsboro Department of Public Safety

District 61 Cindy Hester Elizabethtown Department of Public Safety (retired)

District 38 Margaret Reader Raleigh Office of Administrative Hearings

District 46 Randy Bruton Clayton Department of Revenue

District 62 Laura Overstreet Wilmington Department of Public Safety (retired)

District 63 Sherry Dodge Swan Quarter Department of Public Safety

District 64 Latina Shelley Winterville Department of Health and Human Services

District 65 Alicia Simpson Greenville Town of Ayden

District 66 Francisco Duarte Kinston Department of Health and Human Services (retired) District 67 Patricia Moore New Bern Department of Public Safety

District 68 Rita Woods Creswell Department of Public Safety

District 70 Debra Tyson Kinston Department of Public Safety

Note: Regional representatives also serve as chairpersons of their districts.

PHOTOS BY VEE SEWARD

THE REPORTER • November 2016

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2016 CONVENTION

SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry spoke on national issues and how they effect SEANC members.

District 64 member Garland Beddard was recognized for attending the most conventions as a delegate.

Delegates wear their support for the A.C.T.S. plan on Saturday.

Members were treated to a live broadcast of the NC Spin television show featuring Chris Fitzsimon, former N.C. Secretary of State and Attorney General Rufus Edmisten, host Tom Campbell, Connie Wilson and John Hood.

District 24 member Anne Marie Bellamy discusses a bylaw amendment.

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THE REPORTER • November 2016

District 64 Chairperson Latina Shelly presents a donation to the community service project.

District 25 Chairman John Gullo speaks with state Treasurer candidate Dale Folwell.

President Ross Hailey greets the delegates and guests at the Awards Banquet on Saturday. He presided over the delegation as convention Chairman.

2016 CONVENTION

Lt. Governor candidate Linda Coleman walks to the stage for her speech to the convention, accompanied by Statewide EMPAC Committee members Mary O'Neill and Kathy Howell.

Newly elected General Treasurer Chevella Thomas speaks to the delegation.

District 26 members Andre Thorpe, Larry Hester and James E. Long, Jr. stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

District 65 member Cynthia Hart smiles at District 60 Chairwoman Hiawatha Jones's enthusiasm at the microphone.

District 65 members Camilla and Bill Dawson, Cynthia Hart (standing left), Chairwoman Alicia Simpson and Lina Johnson (far right) discuss state employee issues after the business session.

Executive Director Mitch Leonard attended his 41st convention this year.

District 67 member Thomas Singleton sings the National Anthem.

N.C. Attorney General and candidate for Governor Roy Cooper poses with Piedmont Regional Representative Kirk Montgomery.

PHOTOS BY SARA COWELL COBURN AND AMANDA WISE

THE REPORTER • November 2016

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2016 AWARDS

District 39 member Mark Dearmon received EMPAC Chairperson's Award for his commitment.

District 7 Chairman Henry Belada accepts the Director of Operations Chuck Stone received the District of the Year Award from Awards Chairwoman Darrell Arnold Award for excellence as a SEANC staff Pam Hailey. member.

District 16 member Steve Lawson received the Distinguished Service Award from State Awards Chairwoman Pam Hailey.

Member Discount Chairwoman Martha Fowler presents District 18 member Sharron Peterson with her first place Member Discount Award.

Awards Chairwoman Pam Hailey presents District 60 Chairwoman Hiawatha Jones with the District Chairperson of the Year Award.

State Membership Chairperson Bill Spade congratulates membership award winners: District 20 member Ron Fields, District 2 Chairperson Cliff Johnson and District 10 member Mark DelSanto.

MEMBER DISCOUNT CONTEST WINNERS

MEMBERSHIP CONTEST WINNERS

First Place ($500) Sharron Patterson (District 18); 19 new businesses Second Place ($300) Henry Belada (District 7); 18 new businesses Third Place ($200) Betty Jackson (District 38); 2 new businesses Lynn Tuthill (District 65); 2 new businesses

First Place ($300) Ron Fields (District 20); 454 new members Second Place ($200) Cliff Johnson (District 2); 59 new members Third Place ($100) Mark DelSanto (District 10); 51 new members PHOTOS BY VEE SEWARD

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THE REPORTER • November 2016

District 12 member Marilyn Martin rushes to the stage to receive her scholarship raffle grand prize of $6,000.

SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION RAFFLE WINNERS Grand Prize ($6,000) Marilyn Jean Martin (District 12) Second Prize ($3,000) Alease Dawson of Goldsboro Third Prize ($1,000) Ms. Toyree Lyon-Chase of Oxford

2016 CONVENTION EMPAC, the political arm of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, presented Rep. Pat Hurley (R-Randolph) with the Lisa B. Mitchell Legislator of the Year Award for advocating for state employees and retirees during the recent legislative short session.

EMPAC also presented Sen. Erica Smith-Ingram (D-Northampton) with the Lisa B. Mitchell Freshman Legislator of the Year award. Hurley and SmithIngram accepted the awards in front of 660 delegates at the 33rd Annual SEANC Convention in Greensboro on Sept. 10.

Hurley stood up for state retirees in May when a bill that would have taken away the ability to deduct SEANC dues, insurance premiums and PAC donations from pension checks began moving in both chambers. As a member of the House Pensions and Retirement Committee, she successfully fought to have the troubling language removed as more than 50 SEANC retirees packed the meeting room and hallway.

In addition, she fought for the House’s budget proposal that would have given

state employees a 2-percent pay increase and retirees a cost-ofliving adjustment.

In accepting the award, Hurley said she had been a proud SEANC member for 24 years, and pledged to continue to fight for members at the legislature.

“I am humbled by this,” (Left) Statewide EMPAC Chairman Tony Smith presents the Lisa B. Mitchell Legislator of the Year Award to Rep. Pat Hurley Hurley told the delegation. “As (R-Randolph). (Right) Senator Erica Smith-Ingram accepts the a former state employee, I know Lisa B. Mitchell Freshman Legislator of the Year Award. what you are going through. We have state employees who have I am so thankful,” she told delegates. “I worked 18 years and are still not making would not be where I am today had you $30,000 a year. That’s just wrong. You not supported me.” need a living wage.”

Smith-Ingram, a minister as well as a Smith-Ingram also stood up for state teacher, recalled a story of Paul from the employees and retirees during budget Bible when calling on delegates to “shake negotiations this summer, even offering off the attacks and keep fighting.” an amendment that would have given “We are not a liability, we are a raises and COLAs. Another senator priority,” she said. “I have had to stand gutted her amendment in favor of a pet up and speak out for what is right and I project, and she called him to task on the thank you for rewarding me for that.”

Senate floor.

Both Hurley and Smith-Ingram will She said EMPAC’s support in the last receive the maximum PAC donation of election was critical to her victory, and $5,100 for the coming election. SEANC she has not forgotten that. looks forward to working with both of “Two years ago this organization and them in the coming General Assembly your PAC took a risk on me, and for that session.

Bylaws changes voted on by convention delegates Delegates voted on 11 bylaws amendments at the 33rd Annual SEANC Convention on Sept. 9.

The following bylaws amendments passed: • Amendments to increase membership dues to maintain the financial stability of SEANC. • An amendment to clarify membership privileges to include active and retired members being permitted to work for SEANC on a temporary or part-time basis for special projects.

• An amendment stating that the SEANC Chief Financial Officer will report directly to the Executive Director and the Board of Governors with daily oversight by the Executive Director.

• Amendments necessary for the Audit Committee to assist the President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in the oversight of all SEANC financial matters; revise the designation/

election of officers who were elected by the SEANC membership; clarify that all members of the committee will have financial-related experience, not just at-large members, and to provide for 12 members with staggered terms.

• An amendment to rename the Youth Council to Emerging Leaders Council and delete the age restriction. Renaming the council allows for a new branding effort to welcome any and all interested persons in this association who would like to become leaders. A name change will better reflect the council's new purpose.

• An amendment based on the need to receive all amendments in time for the State Bylaws Advisory Committee to have time to prepare for the July Board of Governors meeting.

The following bylaw amendment failed: • An amendment to hold a convention every other year beginning October 1, 2020.

THE REPORTER • November 2016

13

SARA COWELL COBURN

Hurley, Smith-Ingram named legislators of the year

2016 EMPAC END

NOV. 8

Election

District 6 Warren Judge

Day

District 7 Bobbie Richardson

(D-Dare)

(D-Franklin)

N.C. House Candidates

District 10 John R. Bell IV (R-Wayne)

District 11 Duane Hall (D-Wake)

District 12 George Graham

District 13 Pat McElraft

(D-Lenoir)

(R-Carteret)

District 15 Phil Shepard

District 14 George G. Cleveland

(R-Onslow)

(R-Onslow)

District 18 Susi H. Hamilton (D-New Hanover)

District 21 Larry M. Bell (D-Sampson)

District 22 William Brisson (D-Bladen)

District 24 Jean FarmerButterfield (D-Wilson)

District 31 H.M. (Mickey) Michaux, Jr.

District 32 Terry Garrison (D-Vance)

District 26 Donna McDowell White

District 27 Michael H. Wray (D-Northampton)

(R-Johnston)

District 35 Terence Everitt

(D-Wake)

District 42 Marvin W. Lucas (D-Cumberland)

District 36 Nelson Dollar

District 33 Rosa U. Gill

District 34 Grier Martin

(D-Wake)

(D-Wake)

(D-Wake)

(R-Wake)

District 44 William (Billy) Richardson

District 45 John Szoka

District 47 Charles Graham

District 48 Garland E. Pierce

(R-Cumberland)

(D-Robeson)

District 56 Verla Insko

District 57 Pricey Harrison

District 29 Larry D. Hall (D-Durham)

District 30 Paul Luebke (D-Durham)

(R-Johnston)

District 38 Yvonne Lewis Holley

District 39 Darren G. Jackson (D-Wake)

(D-Wake)

(D-Durham)

District 41 Gale Adcock

District 28 Larry C. Strickland

District 49 Gary Pendleton

(D-Scotland)

(R-Wake)

District 58 Amos Quick

District 60 Cecil Brockman

District 50 Graig R. Meyer (D-Orange)

District 40 Joe John (D-Wake)

District 51 Brad Salmon (D-Harnett)

(D-Cumberland)

District 52 James L. Boles, Jr. (R-Moore)

District 65 Bert Jones (R-Rockingham)

14

District 53 David R. Lewis

District 54 Robert T. Reives II

(R-Harnett)

(D-Lee)

(D-Orange)

District 66 Ken Goodman

District 70 Pat B. Hurley

District 71 Evelyn Terry

(D-Richmond)

THE REPORTER • November 2016

(R-Randolph)

(D-Forsyth)

(R-Guilford)

District 78 Allen McNeill

District 81 Larry Potts

District 83 Linda P. Johnson

(R-Randolph)

(R-Davidson)

(R-Cabarrus)

(D-Guilford)

(D-Guilford)

District 72 Edward Hanes, Jr.

District 75 Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth)

District 62 John M. Blust

(R-Guilford)

(D-Guilford)

(D-Forsyth)

District 61 John Faircloth

ENDORSEMENTS District 84 Rena W. Turner (R-Iredell)

District 89 Mitchell Setzer

District 86 Tim Barnsback

District 88 Rob Bryan

(D-Burke)

(R-Mecklenburg)

District 91 Kyle Hall

(R-Catawba)

(R-Stokes)

District 92 Chaz Beasley (D-Mecklenburg)

District 93 Jonathan C. Jordan

District 97 Jason Saine

District 94 Jeffrey Elmore

(R-Lincoln)

(R-Wilkes)

(R-Ashe)

District 101 Beverly Earle

District 104 Peter Noris

(D-Mecklenburg)

(D-Mecklenburg)

District 108 John Torbett (R-Gaston)

District 114 Susan Fisher

District 111 Tim Moore

(D-Buncombe)

(R-Cleveland)

District 115 John Ager (D-Buncombe)

District 116 Brian Turner

District 117 District 118 Chuck McGrady Rhonda C. Schandevel

(D-Buncombe)

(D-Haywood)

(R-Henderson)

N.C. Senate Candidates

District 1 Brownie Futrell

District 3 Erica Smith-Ingram

District 4 Angela R. Bryant

District 5 Don Davis

(D-Beaufort)

(D-Northampton)

(D-Nash)

(D-Greene)

District 14 Dan Blue (D-Wake)

District 15 Laurel Deegan-Fricke

District 16 Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake)

District 7 Louis Pate, Jr. (R-Wayne)

District 17 Susan P. Evans

District 18 Gil Johnson

(D-Wake)

(D-Franklin)

District 9 Andrew Barnhill (D-New Hanover)

District 11 Rick Horner (R-Wayne)

District 13 Danny Earl "JR" Britt (R-Robeson)

District 19 Toni Morris

District 20 Floyd B. McKissick, Jr.

District 22 Mike Woodard

(D-Cumberland)

(D-Durham)

(D-Durham)

District 23 Valerie P. Foushee (D-Orange)

(D-Wake)

State Endorsements Roy Cooper for Governor

District 24 Rick Gunn (R-Alamance)

District 25 Tom McInnis (R-Richmond)

District 28 District 29 Gladys A. Robinson Jerry W. Tillman (D-Guilford)

(R-Randolph)

District 30 Shirley B. Randleman

District 31 Joyce Krawiec (R-Forsyth)

(R-Wilkes)

Deborah Ross for U.S. Senate Linda Coleman for Lieutenant Governor Dale Folwell for State Treasurer Josh Stein for Attorney General Elaine Marshall for Secretary of State Beth Wood for State Auditor June Atkinson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Troxler for Commissioner of Agriculture

District 32 Paul Lowe, Jr. (D-Forsyth)

District 35 Tommy Tucker (R-Union)

District 37 Jeff Jackson (D-Mecklenburg)

District 41 Jeff Tarte (R-Mecklenburg)

District 49 Terry Van Duyn

District 50 Jane Hipps

(D-Buncombe)

(D-Haywood)

Wayne Goodwin for Commissioner of Insurance Charles Meeker for Commissioner of Labor

THE REPORTER • November 2016

15

Periodical Postage PAID Raleigh, NC 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609

Delegates at the 33rd Annual SEANC Convention elected a new slate of officers to lead the association in the upcoming year on Sept. 9 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

The new statewide officers are: n President – Stanley Drewery of Grifton, retired with 30 years of state service with both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety and has been a member of SEANC for 34 years. He is a veteran and served six years in the Army National Guard. n First Vice President – Gloria Evans of Winterville, has been a SEANC member and state employee for 15 years.

She works at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. She holds a degree from Martin Community College. n Second Vice President – Darius McLaurin of Raleigh, has been a SEANC member for 11 years and has worked for the state for 23 years. He

VEE SEWARD

Delegates elect new slate of officers for 2016-17

SEANC’s 2016-17 statewide officers are (from left) President Stanley Drewery, First Vice President Gloria Evans, Second Vice President Darius McLaurin, General Treasurer Chevella Thomas and Past President Ross Hailey.

holds a bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University. n General Treasurer – Chevella Thomas of Durham, is a 31-year member of SEANC and retired as an Accountant in the Division of Administration and Finance in the Comptroller Department with 33 years of service. She holds bachelors' degrees in accounting and management and a master’s degree in information sciences from N.C. Central.

n Ross Hailey of Washington will serve on SEANC’s Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.

Hailey is a retired Department of Transportation engineer with 27 years of state service. n Statewide EMPAC Chairman Tony Smith of Morganton was elected to a two-year term. Smith is a Maintenance Supervisor IV for the Department of Public Safety. He is also a former SEANC President.