A Personal Message From Your NHCDP Chair

For the last several years your officers have been looking for an opportunity to bring fresh leadership to NHCDP. While I have enjoyed my time as NHCDP Chair, and have enjoyed the support of a cohesive group of county officers, I feel that we can use some fresh thinking and new ideas.

Last week I was contacted by Andre Brown, a 40 year old Legal Aid attorney.  Andre said he was interested in running for an NHCDP office. I have known Andre for several years, since he attended a Lead NC candidate training in 2017. I asked him then if he was thinking about running for public office, and he said not at that time, but was interested in learning about the process. I have run into him multiple times over the years. He has been engaged in Precinct W29, where he works closely with EB Davis, and he has been engaged in important issues like seeking solutions for displaced Jervay residents, and preventing water shutoffs for overdue accounts by CFPUA during the Covid-19 crisis.

Andre told me that he wanted to run for Chair, so we discussed what the job entails. Deloris Rhodes and I met with him for two hours last Wednesday to hear how he envisions his role as NHCDP Chair, and to answer his questions. We both came away convinced that Andre can be an effective leader. I told Andre that I would withdraw from the election and support his candidacy. In the event he is elected, I hope that he has your full support. I intend to support him wherever he thinks I can add value

The slate of candidates we have come up with for this election is diverse and includes both experienced officers and newcomers. They are:  

• Andre Brown - Chair
• Victoria Garcia Velazco - First Vice Chair
• Susanne Werner - Second Vice Chair
• Bandorian Cromartie - Third Vice Chair
• Brenda Fong - Treasurer
• April Farr - Secretary

We will also accept nominations from the floor at the convention, and the votes of convention delegates will of course determine who is elected.

Democratically yours,

Richard Poole, Chair

New Hanover County Democratic Party