R-C News-Herald Editorial

The choice in District 27 isn’t a difficult one.

Incumbent Representative Michael H. Wray (D-Northampton) should return to the North Carolina General Assembly for another term.

Since being elected to the House of Representatives, Wray has been a friend to the people of Northampton, Vance and Warren counties. He has worked tirelessly to make sure the people of those three counties are the beneficiaries of state programs and he has been effective.

In his first term representing the fine people of the district, Wray was instrumental in seeing through several economic development projects.

Perhaps his biggest success for the people of Northampton County came when he helped secured $7.5 million for the Advance Vehicle Research Center. That facility, which broke ground yesterday, is projected to bring 2,000 jobs to the county in the next five years. Without Wray’s work, it may not have been a reality.

In addition, he worked along with Senator Robert L. Holloman (D-4th) and state representatives Lucy Allen (D-49th) and Ed Jones (D-7th) to get a $500,000 appropriation for marketing the new Carolina Crossroads Music and Entertainment District in Roanoke Rapids.

For the people of Vance and Warren counties, Wray helped get $4 million for the Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Corporation.

While he was busy working to bring home money to District 27, Wray was also busy positioning himself to help the citizens through his committee assignments.

Rep. Wray is the current Vice Chairman of the Wildlife Resources Committee, which certainly plays an important part in the Roanoke-Chowan and Roanoke Valley areas.

In addition, he serves on committees for appropriations, education and agriculture, all of which benefit District 27.

A lifelong resident of Northampton County, Wray is a small business owner. He is married and has twin sons, Matthew and Phillip. He is a family man and a local man who is doing well in the general assembly.

Voters should send him back to finish the work he has begun when they vote May 2.