2008 Woodie Awards
N.C. Representative speaks to College Dems
Janine Camara
Issue date: 10/24/06 Section: Campus News
"I'm just the kind of politician that wants to do the right thing," said Pricey Harrison, a Representative in the NC General Assembly, last Wednesday night during a visit sponsored by UNCG's College Democrats.
A Greensboro native, Harrison currently represents Guilford County (District 57) and is competing against Republican Candidate Ron Styers for retention of her post.
"I find myself [getting] frustrated in my caucus meetings when folks stand up and say 'no we can't do that or we won't get re-elected'," said Harrison, who stressed her dedication to social justice and her desire to improve lives.
Harrison visited to discuss her stance and activism concerning campaign ethics, education, and environmental issues in North Carolina.
"We have abominable energy policy," said Harrison. She also asserted that North Carolina's gas emissions rivaled those of Belgium and Argentina.
"There has been a massive increase in environmental awareness in legislators," she admitted and attributed the development to the existence of an "advocacy community."
Harrison commented on the recent scandal surrounding N.C. Speaker of the House Jim Black, and highlighted her work in campaign ethics.
"[The] scandal that developed from the Jim Black situation exposed the weakness of the law," said Harrison. Harrison said she has helped to create laws banning lobbyists and special interest groups from making campaign contributions.
She also emphasized the significant role that politics play in the lives of young people.
"If you're not engaged, bad stuff will happen," said Harrison. "It's a pretty big deal and it's hard to realize that when you're 21."
As a young woman, Harrison said she allowed her mother to fill out her ballot for her and held some misconceptions about politics.
"Before I went to Duke…I thought it all happened in Washington," she said, before realizing significant proceedings could actually occur in her local legislature.
"We're more progressive," said Harrison of the N.C. General Assembly in comparison to the National government. "We would like to protect more of our rights down here."
Harrison charged the federal government with failing to raise minimum wage and protect civil rights, as examples. According to Harrison, local politics can potentially serve to "undo" decisions of the federal government
"If you learn about an issue that you really care about, let your legislator know," said Harrison. She urged students to become more politically active by volunteering on local planning boards, and keeping watch on politics that happen in their home governments.
"It's just very encouraging to have a politician who is able to be so informed and friendly with you," said Emily Pendleton, president of the College Democrats. "Through Pricey I feel like I have a voice in politics," Pendleton continued.
Harrison also expressed her own need for volunteers to help with her campaign, commended the work of the College Democrats, and engaged in dialogue with several audience members. Denise Jones, a senior and College Democrat member, was one, and asked Harrison about the politics of education in North Carolina.
"I'm interested in engaging politicians and [seeing] where it is they stand on issues," said Jones.
"Just her being [at UNCG] and being a politician…can serve to educate," said Pendleton of Harrison's visit.
Global Warming Symposium with Pricey Harrison
The UNCG College Democrats and UNCGreen are sponsoring lectures in the New Science Building Room 101 from 8 until 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30. Speakers include Rep. Pricey Harrison on the NC Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change; UNCG Prof. Dr. Jay Lennartson on UNCG's efforts at promoting sustainability; and Jane Preyer, the Southeast Regional Director for Environmental Defense, on national efforts to curb the effects of global warming. Food and drink will be provided.
A Greensboro native, Harrison currently represents Guilford County (District 57) and is competing against Republican Candidate Ron Styers for retention of her post.
"I find myself [getting] frustrated in my caucus meetings when folks stand up and say 'no we can't do that or we won't get re-elected'," said Harrison, who stressed her dedication to social justice and her desire to improve lives.
Harrison visited to discuss her stance and activism concerning campaign ethics, education, and environmental issues in North Carolina.
"We have abominable energy policy," said Harrison. She also asserted that North Carolina's gas emissions rivaled those of Belgium and Argentina.
"There has been a massive increase in environmental awareness in legislators," she admitted and attributed the development to the existence of an "advocacy community."
Harrison commented on the recent scandal surrounding N.C. Speaker of the House Jim Black, and highlighted her work in campaign ethics.
"[The] scandal that developed from the Jim Black situation exposed the weakness of the law," said Harrison. Harrison said she has helped to create laws banning lobbyists and special interest groups from making campaign contributions.
She also emphasized the significant role that politics play in the lives of young people.
"If you're not engaged, bad stuff will happen," said Harrison. "It's a pretty big deal and it's hard to realize that when you're 21."
As a young woman, Harrison said she allowed her mother to fill out her ballot for her and held some misconceptions about politics.
"Before I went to Duke…I thought it all happened in Washington," she said, before realizing significant proceedings could actually occur in her local legislature.
"We're more progressive," said Harrison of the N.C. General Assembly in comparison to the National government. "We would like to protect more of our rights down here."
Harrison charged the federal government with failing to raise minimum wage and protect civil rights, as examples. According to Harrison, local politics can potentially serve to "undo" decisions of the federal government
"If you learn about an issue that you really care about, let your legislator know," said Harrison. She urged students to become more politically active by volunteering on local planning boards, and keeping watch on politics that happen in their home governments.
"It's just very encouraging to have a politician who is able to be so informed and friendly with you," said Emily Pendleton, president of the College Democrats. "Through Pricey I feel like I have a voice in politics," Pendleton continued.
Harrison also expressed her own need for volunteers to help with her campaign, commended the work of the College Democrats, and engaged in dialogue with several audience members. Denise Jones, a senior and College Democrat member, was one, and asked Harrison about the politics of education in North Carolina.
"I'm interested in engaging politicians and [seeing] where it is they stand on issues," said Jones.
"Just her being [at UNCG] and being a politician…can serve to educate," said Pendleton of Harrison's visit.
Global Warming Symposium with Pricey Harrison
The UNCG College Democrats and UNCGreen are sponsoring lectures in the New Science Building Room 101 from 8 until 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30. Speakers include Rep. Pricey Harrison on the NC Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change; UNCG Prof. Dr. Jay Lennartson on UNCG's efforts at promoting sustainability; and Jane Preyer, the Southeast Regional Director for Environmental Defense, on national efforts to curb the effects of global warming. Food and drink will be provided.
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