Congresswoman Alma Adams has been sworn in and will represent the 12th congressional district, which includes Greensboro, Winston-Salem High Point, and Charlotte.
Adams is taking part of the term left by former Congressman Mel Watt. That seat has been vacant since January because Gov. Pat McCrory didn't hold a special election. He said the state didn't have enough money to do it.
But Adams say that decision ended up costing the people instead.
“It was not in the best interest of the citizens. It was basically taxation without representation. Now we have to hit the ground running and we have to get to work fast to let the people in the district know that they now have someone to write to, someone to be their voice in Washington.”
Although her party is the minority in Congress, Adams says she will use her experience from the state and local level to build bi-partisan support. She spent 20 years in North Carolina's General Assembly, nearly 40 years teaching art history at Bennett College in Greensboro, and served on the city's school board.
During her victory speech on November 4 in Greensboro, Adams talked about how her mother always taught her about the value of a clean house, "and so I'm going to Washington to clean the people's house.”
Adams says she will also bring one of her signature trademarks to Capitol Hill.
“I have over 900 hats in my collection and I'm known across the state for wearing them. It's what you have in your head and not on it, but I love to wear them. They keep me healthy. You know Washington gets cold,” she says.
WFDD will speak to Republican Mark Walker Tuesday, who was elected to represent the 6th Congressional district.
Follow Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad