WS Chronicle

During a small gathering at Ma’ati Spa, a local black owned and operated business located in the downtown area, Tony Burton announced his official candidacy for Forsyth County Commissioner of District A.  The district, which is largely African-American, is currently represented by Commissioners Everette Witherspoon and Fleming El-Amin.

During the intimate setting key supporters and specially invited guests awaited with anticipation- the presentation of Burton’s platform on how he planned, once elected, to re-energize the spirit of Forsyth County.

Burton, known for his appraised background in education and business, has worked and partnered with multiple organizations including higher education institutions such as Winston Salem State University and Wake Forest University, secondary education with Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools, citizen pertinent boards such as the Thornaby Homeowner’s Association and the Winston-Salem Police Department Citizen Review Board, and numerous residents and community leaders with diverse backgrounds.  This experience has influenced Burton’s decision to run his campaign centered on cultivating synergy for progress through community development and engagement.  “In order to enhance the standard of living for every District A resident, we must invoke the creativity and address the needs of the district in its entirety,” stated Burton during the Nov. 14 gathering. 

Burton does consulting for community and business leaders as founder of TL Burton & Associates. He currently serves as chief executive officer of Northwest Child Development Centers Inc. of Winston-Salem, where he is responsible for leading, directing and coordinating activities of the four child care centers in three counties with an annual budget of $3 million.  Burton has achieved a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin and in Middle Grades Education from Winston-Salem State University.  From Columbus University Burton achieved a Master of Arts-Education Administration and a Doctorate in Education Administration.

Burton is a recipient of the 2000 Who’s Who in Executives and Businesses, 2001 Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Sabbatical Award, 2001 Father of the Year By Winston-Salem Journal Columnist Nat Irvin and 2014 Omega Man of the Year. 

Burton serves on the following  boards: board member, chair Grant Committee, Winston Salem Foundation-Black Philanthropy Initiative 2010-2016; board member, YMCA Winston Lake Branch 2000-2015; board member, Department of Social Services, Work First Committee, 2006-2014, to name a few.

“Tony has the ability to negotiate, to build relationships, and to advocate on behalf of the entire community.  That is why he has my vote and my support,” said Michael Clements of ML Consulting.

“I know firsthand of Tony’s unwavering commitment to advocate for youth and young adults in our community.  Our youth is our future and I am dedicated to ensuring the Mr. Burton is elected as County Commissioner,” states Al Jabbar, youth & community advocate.

With 32 precincts and over 78,000 residents, Burton admits “the task of impacting every community is tall. However, my campaign team and I are up for the challenge and we plan to initiate our goal of reenergizing the county starting now.”