Rawlinson says she best qualified to be delegate
A few months ago I, Gerry Rawlinson, announced my candidacy for the 63rd District House of Delegates. I am running for office because I am a long-term stakeholder in the community, business owner, job creator, and community builder. I am a business owner for 20 years and registered nurse for 33 years. I am a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC-Greensboro. I have operated a business within the 63rd District for over 12 years, which employs individuals from all localities in the 63rd District.
I have the life experiences, educational and business management skills needed to represent the 63rd District and to win a partnership with representatives from other districts. I have skills and experience in the legislative process, policy drafting, negotiations, budgeting, program evaluation, business management, problem solving, situation analysis, design of effective solutions, and long-term planning. I am the people’s candidate and I am working for the best interest of all individuals.
My platform focuses on growing the economy by supporting the growth of businesses creating more jobs, generating revenue for localities, improving our schools, increasing access to health care, and improving the quality of life of members in the 63rd District. The 63rd District has the educational infrastructure and land available for growth of jobs for agriculture production and operation of technology centers.
I believe that we must invest in the training of workers and the recruitment of businesses which address agriculture production and operation of technology centers. Efforts must be taken to recruit businesses which will commit to operate and invest long-term in our communities of the 63rd District. I support tax credits and abatements provided that all parties commit and benefit long-term.
I have been involved in the surrounding school systems for over 23 years. My most recent involvement includes volunteering at Peabody Middle School assisting students with Reading Comprehension. I oppose excessive testing of our children and will fight for SOL reform. We must preserve and protect our schools. Essentially, the school system is our last institution to socialize and prepare our children for life. I also support the development of more youth centers to promote the development of social skills, provide tutoring and after school enrichment programs.
Affordable housing too must be addressed. Many low income individuals are spending as much as 50 percent of their earned income just to pay rent, thus limiting needed resources to meet other essential needs. Also there is the problem of housing for formerly incarcerated individuals. If we believe in our system of rehabilitation for those individuals who have been incarcerated, then we must not discriminate against them or set them up for failure. If these individuals are to be successful and relocate to the 63rd District, then the state and federal level must send funding for jobs, health care, training, housing, and supervision to ensure that a burden is not placed on the members of the 63rd District
My experiences of management and leadership are proven and with longevity. We do what we know and I, Gerry Rawlinson, know how to lead, create jobs, develop and expand businesses. I do not have all the answers, but I know how to work with people, create opportunity, and manage resources. We must stop the breakdown and erosion of our communities.
I, Gerry Rawlinson, ask for your vote on June 9th. As a proven leader, job creator and community builder, I ask for your prayers, support, and vote to be the leader and voice for the 63rd District House of Delegates Representative.
Gerry Rawlinson
Petersburg