The philosophy of the Friends of Durham is to make Durham a better place for everyone.
We feel that this is best accomplished by focusing our energies on local issues, primarily those issues that fall under the control of the City Council, the County Commission and the School Board. We also focus on local offices like the sheriff, district attorney, clerk of court, and judgeships. We work to make the local governments which impact Durham citizens more representative of all its citizens and more responsive to the welfare of all its people. |
2022 Primary endorsements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Durham, NC April 19, 2022
FRIENDS OF DURHAM ANNOUNCES 2022 PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS
The non-partisan political action committee Friends of Durham recently endorsed the following candidates:
Durham, NC April 19, 2022
FRIENDS OF DURHAM ANNOUNCES 2022 PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS
The non-partisan political action committee Friends of Durham recently endorsed the following candidates:
- Jonathan Wilson—The Friends of Durham could not be more impressed with Jonathan Wilson, a self-made leader with common sense and integrity. We need a new District Attorney who will focus on reducing the unacceptable wave of violent crime that has swept over Durham. No more releasing habitual and violent criminals who are terrorizing our neighborhoods!
- Pat Evans—an experienced and caring judge who demonstrates a tough love approach with young offenders who have made poor choices but need a second chance to become productive citizens.
- Dave Hall—another common sense judge who holds the line on protecting us from violent offenders.
- Archie Smith—We value experience. Archie is a life-long Durham resident who loves to serve our County and deserves to be re-elected after 20 years of running our courthouse. He reaches out to all of our County residents and serves with fiscal responsibility and integrity.
- Clarence Birkhead—A law-enforcement professional who has involved many Durham residents in leading our accredited Sheriff’s Department to build trust and keep county neighborhoods safe.
- District 1: Jasper Fleming—a young father with children in Durham Public Schools, he will be a relentless researcher in finding cost-effective ways to improve student achievement.
- District 2: Donald Hughes—a Durham native who attended Durham Public Schools, he has done his homework and will be a constructive advocate for our children.
- District 3: Matt Sears—His candor regarding the challenges facing our schools and his relentless focus on student achievement is what our community needs to move forward.
- District 4: Natalie Beyer— The most experienced person running with the retirement of Minnie Forte-Brown. Her strong institutional memory will be a critical component along with the newest Board Members.
- District B: Frederick Ravin—a calming influence, his strong background in technology and fiscal accountability, two of the most important issues facing our schools, will serve our County well.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Durham, NC March 01, 2022
FRIENDS OF DURHAM ANNOUNCES NEW CO-CHAIRS FOR 2022
The non-partisan political action committee Friends of Durham recently elected its co-chairs for 2022. Shelia Huggins, a former chair of Friends of Durham, will oversee functions relating to government and policy. Patrick Byker, a current steering committee member, will oversee the endorsement process for the organization. The change from a singular chair to co-chairs will allow the organization to streamline its endorsement process, foster more community connections, and participate more effectively in community and government meetings. Huggins and Byker are both attorneys.
About Shelia Huggins
Huggins is a former city council candidate with a master’s degree in public administration (specialization in environmental policy and management) and almost 18 years of experience in state and local government. In her role as co-chair, she will leverage her public policy knowledge and leadership experience to advance the mission of the organization. Huggins currently holds state and national leadership positions in numerous political organizations. She is a former board member of the NCCU School of Business Board of Visitors and has lived in Durham for almost 20 years.
For general media inquiries or topics relating to government and policy, contact Shelia Huggins.
Contact Info: sheliah@sheliahugginslaw.com - 919-612-6315
About Patrick Byker
Byker is a former county commissioner candidate with a master’s degree in regional land use planning and has lived in Durham for 25 years. He is a former chair of the Convention Center Authority, Durham Area Transit Authority, and City of Durham Capital Program Advisory Committee and former vice-chair of the board for Discover Durham. Byker’s service in the community will be instrumental in guiding the organization through the 2022 endorsement process for the local elections.
For endorsement inquiries, contact Patrick Byker.
Contact Info: pbyker@morningstarlawgroup.com - 919-590-0384
About Friends of Durham
The philosophy of the Friends of Durham is to make Durham a better place for everyone. This is best accomplished by focusing on local issues, primarily those issues that fall under the control of the city council, county commission, and school board. The organization also focuses on the following offices: sheriff, district attorney, clerk of court, and judicial.
General Email: thefriendsofdurham@gmail.com
Durham, NC March 01, 2022
FRIENDS OF DURHAM ANNOUNCES NEW CO-CHAIRS FOR 2022
The non-partisan political action committee Friends of Durham recently elected its co-chairs for 2022. Shelia Huggins, a former chair of Friends of Durham, will oversee functions relating to government and policy. Patrick Byker, a current steering committee member, will oversee the endorsement process for the organization. The change from a singular chair to co-chairs will allow the organization to streamline its endorsement process, foster more community connections, and participate more effectively in community and government meetings. Huggins and Byker are both attorneys.
About Shelia Huggins
Huggins is a former city council candidate with a master’s degree in public administration (specialization in environmental policy and management) and almost 18 years of experience in state and local government. In her role as co-chair, she will leverage her public policy knowledge and leadership experience to advance the mission of the organization. Huggins currently holds state and national leadership positions in numerous political organizations. She is a former board member of the NCCU School of Business Board of Visitors and has lived in Durham for almost 20 years.
For general media inquiries or topics relating to government and policy, contact Shelia Huggins.
Contact Info: sheliah@sheliahugginslaw.com - 919-612-6315
About Patrick Byker
Byker is a former county commissioner candidate with a master’s degree in regional land use planning and has lived in Durham for 25 years. He is a former chair of the Convention Center Authority, Durham Area Transit Authority, and City of Durham Capital Program Advisory Committee and former vice-chair of the board for Discover Durham. Byker’s service in the community will be instrumental in guiding the organization through the 2022 endorsement process for the local elections.
For endorsement inquiries, contact Patrick Byker.
Contact Info: pbyker@morningstarlawgroup.com - 919-590-0384
About Friends of Durham
The philosophy of the Friends of Durham is to make Durham a better place for everyone. This is best accomplished by focusing on local issues, primarily those issues that fall under the control of the city council, county commission, and school board. The organization also focuses on the following offices: sheriff, district attorney, clerk of court, and judicial.
General Email: thefriendsofdurham@gmail.com
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