Veteran state official Robert E. Wilson announced today his candidacy for the office of Lt. Governor of North Carolina. Last week, he filed paperwork with the NC State Board of Elections for the May 2016 Democratic Party primary.
Robert E. Wilson
Wilson, 61 said his top priorities as Lt. Governor include advocating for public school teachers and improving North Carolina classrooms. “Over the past four years, an environment of uncertainty sent chilling effects throughout the teaching community.”
Wilson served a long and distinguished career in North Carolina state government until retiring in late 2012. For many years, he was Assistant Secretary of State in the Department of the Secretary of State and served as the agency’s Chief Legislative Liaison. Wilson also worked with the NC Community College System and the state’s Department of Correction. He earned a reputation for gaining bipartisan support of agency legislation and for advocating greater diversity in state government.
As Lt. Governor, Wilson also seeks to improve labor policies so North Carolinians who are building this state’s economy receive a living wage. “No one should work 35 to 40 hours a week and still live in poverty,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s third goal is to end initiatives that alienate North Carolinians from one another. “The present leadership advocates very divisive social issues,” he said, “that serve only partisan purposes. Now is the time for North Carolinians to pull together so the state successfully competes educationally and economically. We need leaders who unite, not divide us!”
Robert E. Wilson is a native of Wilson, North Carolina and is married to Cora Speight Wilson. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Wilson is a noted North Carolina athlete who played high school football and basketball. He was a valuable member of the 1972-73 CIAA Championship Fayetteville State University (FSU) Bronco Basketball team. He is an inducted member of the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated from FSU in 1976 with a degree in History.
Career honors for Wilson include the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is North Carolina’s highest civilian award. In addition, former Governor Beverly Perdue recognized him in 2010 with the Laurel Wreath Award.
Candidates for office are limited to one announcement of their candidacy per election cycle. Each submission can be up to 400 words and include a photo of the candidate. Email notices to peedeepost@gmail.com.
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