Republican Leaders Share Status of County, State Government During Franklin County GOP Convention
Officers elected at March 28, 2023 County Convention: (l to r) Ed Strickland, Chairman; Tiffany Patterson, 2nd Vice Chairman;
Sidney Reynolds, Treasurer; Opie Pearce, Secretary; Howard Lasher, 1st Vice Chairman.
Sidney Reynolds, Treasurer; Opie Pearce, Secretary; Howard Lasher, 1st Vice Chairman.
By Franklin County Republican Party
Louisburg, NC, Mar. 18, 2023 – Franklin County Republicans focused on state and county budget priorities, election integrity, increasing government accountability, and preserving the U.S. Constitution during the Franklin County Republican Party’s annual convention, Saturday, March 18. During the convention, Franklin County residents also heard from multiple 2024 candidates before electing officers and state convention delegates.
Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White indicated the sheriff’s department has been able to reduce position vacancy rates “drastically,” despite challenges in recruiting law enforcement officers. According to a Police Executive Research Forum survey, there were 42.7 percent more law enforcement resignations and 23.6 percent more retirements in 2021 than in 2019 nationwide.
Furthermore, researchers believe that due to COVID-related policies as well as weak public support of law enforcement officers, applications have dwindled. White said department leaders currently are reviewing candidates for three remaining open positions, and officials are impressed with the quality of applicants.
State District 7 Representative Matthew Winslow shared the Republican-led state legislature’s budget success.
“We overcame a $5 billion budget deficit left by the Democrats,” he explained, adding that the Republican-led legislature also increased the state’s Rainy Day fund, which is reserved to fund emergencies.
Winslow announced the passing of a bill that increases penalties for inciting a riot in North Carolina, telling Republicans that an outside group leader who buses in protesters and incites violence now will receive a stronger sentence. The representative discussed new programs to support students who seek to pursue a trade, such as plumbing, rather than a 4-year college degree.
State government transparency and accountability have become priorities, Winslow said, adding that he is interested in ensuring budgets contain clear information about each department’s expected costs. He also believes citizens should receive at least a 10-day notice if a budget proposal may increase their taxes or fees, which will give residents time to respond and provide feedback to their legislators.
Winslow touted the 5:2 Republican majority elected to the state Supreme Court. He noted that the Court is reviewing Voter I.D. and a previous ruling on congressional redistricting. He noted the U.S. Supreme Court also is evaluating a case related to which branch of government has the authority to determine North Carolina’s legislative districts.
Multiple candidates addressed the Convention, including two Lieutenant Governor candidates, Alan Mashburn and Hal Weatherman. Mashburn, a pastor, indicated he was passionate about principled leadership throughout government and also will focus on school board stewardship that respects parental input.
Weatherman, who served as chief of staff to former Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest, says he wants both people and the state to be able to be self-sufficient as well as able to avoid painful consequences of weak federal leadership, which may force issues such as nationwide rolling blackouts or jeopardize the safety of North Carolina citizens. Further information candidates will be available soon at https://www.franklinncgop.com/.
The Franklin County Republican Ladies Group was recognized for its action-focused leadership and momentum. Co-founder Ginger Pugh invited all Republicans interested in getting more involved to attend the 7 p.m. March 28 meeting at the Hudson Manor. The special training meeting will involve get-out-the-vote training and precinct organization and will be especially important to precinct chairs, Pugh said.
The party recognized Calvin and Robin Vincent, recently departed, for their work with the Franklin County Republican Party. In addition, Jack Mizzelle was recognized for his service as a dedicated volunteer and First Vice-Chairman of the party for numerous years.
During the Convention, delegates elected Ed Strickland, Chair; Howard Lasher, First Vice-Chair; Tiffany Patterson, Second Vice-Chair; Opie Pearce, Secretary; and Sidney Reynolds, Treasurer. The county delegates elected 36 state convention delegates.
Party Chair Ed Strickland announced the State Convention will be June 8-11 at the Koury Convention Center, Greensboro.
For more information on the Franklin County Republican Party, visit https://www.franklinncgop.com/.
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