WS Chronicle

When overworked and underpaid fast food workers took to the streets in protest earlier this year, State Rep. Alma Adams stood with them shoulder-to-shoulder. The workers joined thousands of others across the nation who were fed-up with toiling at multi-billion dollar sandwich joints for a modicum insufficient for the 21st Century.

For Adams, it was a return to her roots – her grassroots. Back in the day, that is where all of our leaders cut their teeth before folks in the community deemed them worthy of elected office. They picketed, protested and got into folks’ faces if need be. If you think Congress is more conducive to the genteel, wine and cheese sect, spend an afternoon watching C-SPAN.

Adams is our choice to be the next occupant of the 12th Congressional seat because she is a proven fighter – whether battles are waged on the streets or in legislative chambers. Adams is in the vein of Mazie Woodruff, Velma Hopkins and Earline Parmon – women who got (get, in terms of Parmon) results while not mincing words – and has been endorsed by Parmon, County Commissioner Walter Marshall and Larry Womble, folks whose judgement has never steered us wrong.

Johnson

In the District 1 race for School Board, in which voters may pick two candidates, we like venerable incumbent Vic Johnson and newcomer Deanna Taylor. Johnson is an independent-thinker who cares passionately about students of color. He continues to prove his dedication to students on and off the School Board.

Taylor, a teacher’s assistant, wife and mother of three young kids, seems to want the post the most. She is campaigning hard, accepting invites to every forum, community event and gathering. The board would benefit from her energy.

Motsinger

Fansler

In the At-large primary for School Board, voters may pick up to three candidates. We like incumbent Elisabeth Motisinger and hopefuls German Garcia and Katherine Fansler. Motisinger is currently the Board’s only true progressive; as such, she has stood staunchly for teachers and students. Garcia, a heavily involved Forsyth County Democratic Party official, would be the Board’s first Hispanic member. A school system whose student population is 22 percent Hispanic should have a Hispanic voice at the decision-making table. Fansler is a former teacher and a grandmother who seems generally concerned about helping all students achieve.

Marshall

Incumbents Walter Marshall and Everette Witherspoon are most apt to continue as District A’s representatives on the Forsyth County Board of County Commissioners. Witherspoon had a rocky first term; we hope the bumps in the road have helped him to grow into a better leader. He has a good role model in Marshall, a legendary community fighter known for his level-head.

In the non-partisan judicial races, we like N.C. Supreme Court Justice Robin Hudson, an incumbent who has served admirably. Our nod goes to Donna Taylor for Superior Court. She’s well-regarded in legal circles and appears ready for the challenge.

Franco

A handful of candidates are vying for the new District Court seat. We love two of them – Donald Buie and Valene Franco. He is a legal veteran who has argued every case imaginable before virtually every court that exists, and his presence on the bench would be a game-changer. The local District Court Bench has been without a black male since the late Roland Hayes retired in 2002.

She is a passionate young woman who has chosen to dedicate her legal career to helping the least among us at Legal Aid.

We tilt our hat to Franco. Her track record at Legal Aid is admirable. Her work has literally changed the lives of local families. We think she can achieve similar good deeds from the bench.