WS Chronicle

The Forsyth County Democratic Party (FCDP) has selected Morticia Parmon to serve as the interim representative for the Northeast Ward. 

Parmon, who is the daughter of former county commissioner and state legislator Earline Parmon, will fill the vacancy left by Mayor Tempore Vivian H. Burke, who passed away following a brief illness last month. Parmon originally ran to represent the Northeast Ward in the primary election earlier this year, but was defeated by Barbara Hanes Burke who received nearly 60% of the vote.

 Under normal circumstances Hanes Burke would step into her role as representative for the ward, but as reported by The Chronicle in March, longtime city native and community activist Paula McCoy announced plans to run in the general election as an unaffiliated candidate. Which means technically, Hanes Burke hasn’t won the seat yet. 

When discussing the process that led to the selection, Eunice Campbell, who serves on the Northeast Ward Municipal Executive Committee, applauded Parmon for her willingness to accept the challenge. During the selection process, precinct chairs and vice chairs that represent the voters of the Northeast Ward had the opportunity to vote on who should fill the vacancy. 

Campbell said, “I am very proud of Morticia Parmon for opening herself up to the challenge and becoming a candidate. She will make an impact during her brief term that no one else could. She has her hand on the pulse of the ward.” 

Now that the Forsyth County Democratic Party has made its decision, the final verdict will be left up to the members of the Winston-Salem City Council. Members of the council have the power to accept the party’s nomination and move forward with Parmon or decline their nomination and make their own suggestion, which will be presented to the party before approval. 

 The next meeting of the full council is scheduled to be held virtually Monday, June 1. During that meeting the council is expected to make a vote to approve Parmon as the interim council member and during the June 18 meeting Parmon is expected to be sworn in.