WS Chronicle

State Rep. Alma Adams has earned the endorsement of the N.C. Association of Educators. Adams, a veteran elected official who has represented Guilford County in the N.C. House for more than a decade, is one of several Democrats vying to win the 12th Congressional District seat that was long held by Mel Watt, who recently was confirmed to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

“NCAE has named Rep. Adams as an A+ legislator because of her dedication and commitment to public education in this state,” said Mark Jewell, NCAE vice president. “Her voting record as a pro-public education legislator speaks volumes; she has consistently displayed a deep concern for not only for the students of North Carolina, but for public school employees as well.”

A retired educator and former member of the Guilford County Board of Education, Adams says she understands the impact that a great public education can have on helping young people to realize their dreams.

“She has always been a champion for public schools, educators, and children,” stated Liz Foster, president of the Guilford Association of Educators.  “There isn’t any legislator who advocates better for her constituents than Rep. Alma Adams. We know she will stand up for us in Congress.”
Adams is also a former member of the Greensboro City Council, on which she served until her appointment to the House in 1994.  In 2008, she was elected to a second term as chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.

“I am very excited and honored to receive the endorsement from educators. The NCAE and I share the same values,” Adams said. “We are committed to improving our public education system, giving teachers the resources they need to do their job and providing quality education for our students.”

Gov. Pat McCrory is slated to schedule a special election to take place early next year to determine Watt’s successor. The 12th District is heavily Democratic, so the winner of the primary will likely be headed to Capitol Hill.