The Democratic message was clear. The party must unite, overcome unfair redistricting and get people to the polls to vote, as the Sampson County Democrats held their party convention this past week. Although the crowd gathered was less than expected, the people in attendance welcomed candidates and guests enthusiastically.

County party chairman Johnny Kaleel welcomed the representatives to enjoy the official meal of barbecue as the meeting began. “We are a bit short tonight, but it is a busy time for everyone and many of the candidates are obligated to other venues, and others are involved in activities with their families.”

Following a brief business session to elect delegates to the district and state conventions, and elect members to the executive committee for State Senate, House and Prosecutorial districts, the convention turned to the business of promoting the candidates present and listen to the keynote speaker.

North Carolina House Education Committee chairman and Majority Whip and member of the North Carolina House of Representatives Dr. Larry Bell addressed the convention. Bell spoke briefly on the upcoming short session of the legislature and the difficulties facing the legislature in coming up with a balanced budget for the second year of the biennium. “Since today is tax day (April 15), I hope all of you have sent a lot of money to Raleigh, so we will have a lot of money to spend when we get their in May,” laughed Bell.

“We really have had to make a lot of cuts because of the budget shortfall. It bothers me that some folk seem to forget who got us in this situation prior to Obama coming into office. We are not going to have stimulus moneys this year to make up any deficit we have. The Republicans tell us we can cut taxes, but I always thought that minus means subtract, and plus means add. If you don’t have something ,and you take away from it, you will have less than what you have now. They always say you need to cut somethings, and we will agree. But then when we ask for suggestions as to what to cut; they respond with ‘Oh we just need to cut’ and never give us any places to make the cuts.” The representative stated that the Republicans would sit in on committees and make comments and vote on the budget, but when the budget comes to the floor, they do not vote for any of the budgets. “We have proved we can lead, but they have not shown that they do not lead when they have been given the opportunity.”

Bell also spoke about the lottery. “It was a difficult decision, but it came about.” He shared that the money is flowing to the counties to help build new schools and Sampson is truly reaping the benefits with three new schools. Bell also informed the group that he had just attended a meeting with the presidents from the community colleges, to benefit those citizens who have limited income to afford to attend the community college and to be able to retool themselves after losing their jobs.

“When you start funding the prisons more, the ‘Rs’ (Republicans) all raise their hands to support that because it makes them look like they are tough on crime. However, if we start saying we need to fund programs like SmartStart and other prevention programs, they start bucking wanting to know why.” He went on to explain that the experts in prevention and criminal activity patterns state that those will less educational opportunities, such as these programs, are more prone to commit crimes. He added that many say that the discipline problems of fourth graders are the early signs of those who will be tomorrow’s criminals, and the statistics prove it and that is what they base the need for the number of prison beds that will be needed.

In the matter of health care, Bell shared that there are many things that will come down from its passage. “So many people thought the world was going to come to an end by the passage of the Health Care Bill. I talk to people all the time that do not understand the poor state of health care in our country, state and county. Just the other day I had someone to say ‘why did we need it? I don’t see where people need a health care bill.’ I told them they must not live in the same place or travel the same places I do.” The representative shared that he told that individual to go to the emergency room at Sampson Regional. See the people that come in for medical care. Not emergency care because they do not have any other recourse. Then they do not have money in which to pay. The hospital has to make up that money and goes to the commissioners. The commissioners then have to appropriate tax money to cover those unpaid debts for services. “If you don’t pay for it one way, you will have to pay for it in another. That is what the Health Care Bill was about.”

“It is time for Democrats to sound off and not sit passively by when others shout ‘tax and spend’ about our actions. We need to stand up for our beliefs,” stated Bell. “In Sampson County the number of registered Democrats out number the number of Independents and Republicans together. Why can’t we elect our people? We want to govern, but you can’t govern, if you don’t win! The challenge is going to be to get our people out to vote. I believe we can do it. They are trying to take over. We can do it.”

Kaleel stressed the importance of the election this fall. “This election is vitally important as the next session of Congress, Legislature and county commissions, will determine and draw the new voting districts, and it is time the Democrats in Sampson County particularly get control of the county after letting the other party have control for over 20 years.” Several in attendance agreed with the chairman and explained that the current lines were drawn by the Republicans and currently favor that party. Sampson Community College Board of Directors chairman, Larry Barnes shared that the present lines were drawn by the Republicans and two districts are designed to elect minorities with little chance of non-majorities to be elected in those districts. Barnes also stated that the other three districts favored the election of Republicans and it is difficult for people in other parties to be elected in those districts. “This year, we have the best chance we have had in some time to get a Democrat elected in one of those seats and therefore take back control of the county government.”

The party chairman also encouraged those present to support Democrats in November. “No matter who you are supporting in the primary, it is imperative that we elect Democrats in November if we are stay in control in Washington, Raleigh and gain control in Sampson so we will be in a position to govern.”

Following a brief presentations by the candidates or their representatives present regarding their platform and biographical information, Kaleel encouraged that all Democrats support their party and that they would have an opportunity to do so by attending the Centurion Banquet on Thursday, April 29, starting at 6 p.m. at Skipper’s Restaurant. Those interested were asked to R.S.V.P. by calling 910-299-9026. He also encouraged all that could to get out and get people to vote and reminded everyone that early voting had started at the county board of elections.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.