WS Chronicle

Rep.  Ed Hanes has announced his retirement from the General Assembly today.

“I will retire from my service in the House of Representatives and the North Carolina General Assembly effective August 7, 2018,” said Hanes in a statement. “It has been an honor and a great privilege to serve and represent my friends and neighbors in District 72.  I thank my family for their support during my time of service.  Derwin Montgomery, current City Council member representing the East Ward, has agreed to take over as our representative.  I look forward to becoming his constituent and supporting his efforts.”

Hanes was first elected in 2012 and was up this year for his fourth term with Republican Reginald Reid of Winston-Salem challenging him in the General Election. The Forsyth County Democratic Party plans to nominate someone to take Hanes’ seat and his place on the November ballot during a special meeting on Sunday. Then the governor will appoint his General Assembly replacement and the Forsyth County Board of Elections will approve who will be on the ballot.  Any Democrat in the 72nd District could run to fill the seat.

Montgomery has served on the Winston-Salem City Council since 2009 and is co-owner of The Chronicle. If he is chosen, the City Council will have to choose a replacement for him.

“House District 72 has a legacy of strong leadership,” said Montgomery. “Representative Hanes has followed in that great tradition and has represented the people of the 72^nd District and the people across the state with vigor.  His most recent work to ensure that every child across the state, no matter their economic background, has a fighting chance to meet their highest potential is demonstrative of his moral fortitude and commitment to helping all people.  We will miss his strong presence in the General Assembly.  His family’s roots are strong in Winston-Salem so we know he will not be far from the continued fight for progress.”

Hanes said that he’s proud of numerous accomplishments he’s had in the General Assembly and is ready to move on.

“The passing of these bills gives me the peace of mind to move into the next phase of my professional life,” he said. “I intend to explore interests and opportunities across a number of platforms.  I will remain involved in my professional and personal life with organizations that influence public thought and further strengthen my family’s long commitment to this community.” 

The legislation Hanes says is his highest achievement is provisions in HB986 that ensures the enrollment of high scoring low income students in advanced mathematics courses.  Provisions mandate that all students, no matter their socio-economic standing, be given equal access to advanced level classes when they score a five on end-of-grade tests.

“Students who receive free and reduced lunch have been routinely passed over in favor of lower scoring more affluent students for placement in advanced level classes for years nationally,” noted Hanes. “Research conducted by the Raleigh News and Observer conclusively proved that point. This bill and the supporting House Select Committee will ensure this injustice never occurs in the State of North Carolina again.” 

Other accomplishments that Hanes listed in his statement include:

• An amendment for police body and dash camera funding that was part of appropriation funding of nearly $30 million for body and dash cameras across the state in an effort to enhance community and police relationships. 

• House Bill 571, which automatically expunges the criminal record of someone wrongfully convicted and exonerated by the State.

• Legislation that pushed forward the state’s commitment to bioscience and IT infrastructure through public private partnerships and the creation of joint Senate and House committees, which Hanes co-chairs.

“I was able to remain committed to a singularly policy driven focus,” said Hanes.  “I came to Raleigh to create relationships and bring people together on difficult issues and I was able to do that.  I’m proud that I was able to remain policy focused while avoiding most of the politics that has created the stratified political environment that exists nationally.”        

Hanes was also recently appointed to two committees that will have implications on nationwide policy: the Legislative Committee on the Fair Treatment of College Student-Athletes and the House Select Committee on Banking and Loan Origination Fee Reform.

“Representative Hanes has been a tireless advocate for creating jobs and educating all children across the state,” said Democratic Party Minority Leader Darren Jackson.  “We will miss him in the General Assembly and wish him well with his new endeavors.”

Mayor Allen Joines also had high praise for Hanes.

“Representative Hanes has been an extraordinarily effective legislator,” said Joines. “He has worked across party lines to achieve the adoption of important legislation for the benefit of not only Winston-Salem, but citizens across the state.  His leadership will be missed.  I wish him the best.”