WS Chronicle

Contenders for Parmon’s seat (from left) Rev. Dr. Paul Lowe, Joycelyn Johnson and Wilbert Banks take part in a public forum Monday. Dr. Lowe won the election on Thursday, Jan. 29. Photo by Ariana Daniels

Former lawmaker ready to start new position

State Sen. Earline Parmon, District 32, announced her resignation last week, effective Wednesday, Jan. 28. She will now be the director of outreach for 12th District U.S. Rep. Alma Adams. She’ll work under the district director and beside the director of casework.

“This job will allow me to continue to do the thing that has always been a part of my life and that’s helping people by empowering and providing services for them,” she said. “This will allow me to do what I’ve done in the political community all my life.”

When Parmon first talked to The Chronicle on Jan. 14, she did not want her new position to be released.

Adams Chief of Staff Rhonda Foxx said that Parmon made an independent decision to resign and that after learning of it, the office offered her the position.

“With her addition, our team will be well-equipped to address the needs of the 12th District,” she said. “The knowledge Earline has gained through her extensive work in the community is a welcomed addition that will bring added value to team Adams.”

Parmon said that after her husband’s passing last year, she felt this would be a good opportunity for her to do something different.
“I think this is an opportunity for me to serve the community in a different and wider capacity,” she said.

Her job would allow her to work out of the Greensboro office and provide services to not only Forsyth County residents, but those in Guilford and Davidson counties as well. She would be working with residents who need help such as getting their benefits from Veteran’s Affairs or those having issues with Medicare.

“I will primarily be a liaison between Washington and the district,” she said. “I’ll definitely be a voice and advocate for the people on behalf of the congresswoman.”

Parmon said that her new job is no different than what she did as a senator.

“That’s one of the reasons why I see it as a great opportunity. It will allow me to work with more people in the district and community addressing concerns and helping people figure out how to be advocates for themselves,” she said. “I’m still a public servant with the concerns of the people as the root of what I’m doing.”

She would not name who she wanted to replace her, citing it as inappropriate and she is not endorsing one candidate over the other. However, Parmon did say that she has an idea of the type of person she would like to see replace her, even though it will be up to the executive committee of the Forsyth County Democratic Party.

“The environment in Raleigh is going to be as such that whomever is selected needs to be a strong voice and person that’s willing to stand up and be heard,” she said. “I want to see the executive committee elect someone who understands the issues and can deal with the kind of unbalanced government that we see in Raleigh at this time.”

The Forsyth County Democratic Party will hold a meeting Thursday (Jan. 29) to determine who will complete Parmon’s term. The meeting will be held at Kennedy High School, 890 E. 11th St., beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Each member of the party’s county executive committee who lives in Senate District 32 gets a vote. There will be nominating speeches and candidate speeches before the voting begins.  The person who gets at least 51 percent of the vote is the nominee. Rev. Dr. Paul Lowe won the election. The governor will ultimately appoint the nominee.

Parmon said that she is excited to help elect someone to take her seat and that she is glad to have a voice in the selection. She also vows to help that person as a mentor.

“I’m going to be here to help whomever because this is going to be something new (most candidates do not have legislative experience). Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”