McDaniel ushers in new era
Monday, Dec. 3, marked a new era for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners as Tonya McDaniel was sworn in as the new representative for District A.
Monday, Dec. 3, marked a new era for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners as Tonya McDaniel was sworn in as the new representative for District A and only the third African-American woman to serve on the board.
A native of Winston-Salem and Human Resources director of United Health Centers, McDaniel was the top vote getter in the 2018 primary election that put her up against incumbent candidates Everette Witherspoon and Fleming El-Amin. She and El-Amin advanced to run in the midterm election, unopposed.
McDaniel is also the second vice president of the local NAACP branch, third vice chairwoman of the Forsyth County Democratic Women, and chairwoman of the Winston-Salem chapter of the National Association of University Women.
As a member of the Board of County Commissioners, McDaniel says her focus will be ensuring equity when it comes to funding across District A and the entire county. During an interview with The Chronicle, McDaniel said she wanted to be the catalyst for change in District A.
“I’m the new commissioner that’s elected for the people to provide equity in terms of funding for this county and I appreciate us truly being about to do this together,” she said. “I need the constituents to know this seat isn’t about me, this is about us. I’m sitting for every constituent who lives in Forsyth County, especially in District A, and I need them to stay close.”
As she made her way to the front of the Commissioners Meeting Room, dozens of McDaniel’s supporters came to their feet and cheered. Before delivering the oath, District Court Judge Denise Hartsfield said she was sure the late Earline Parmon, who was the second African-American woman elected to serve as a County Commissioner, was smiling down on her. The first black woman commissioner was Maize Woodruff.
In 2012, McDaniel served as Parmon’s campaign manager. She credits Parmon for helping pave the way for her to serve the citizens of Forsyth County.
“I am extremely proud to have you become a member of the Board of Commissioners, and I know Earline is smiling and shouting and giving praise with Almighty God in Heaven,” Hartsfield said.
In other business, Commissioner David Plyler was re-elected as the board chairman and Commissioner Don Martin was re-elected as vice chairman.
