LUMBERTON — Former state Sen. David Weinstein has no doubts that the man chosen by Robeson and Hoke County Democrats this week as his successor is the right man for the job.
Michael Walters, of Fairmont, was the unanimous choice Wednesday of a three-member committee of Democrats representing both of the counties making up state Senate District 13. The committee’s recommendation that Walters serve the remainder of Weinstein’s term that ends in 2010 is now before Gov. Beverly Perdue. She must appoint Walters by Wednesday, or by state law the appointment automatically becomes effective.
“I have the utmost confidence in Michael,” Weinstein said. “He is a lifelong Robeson County resident, and knows the issues and concerns of people in both Robeson and Hoke counties.”
Weinstein gave up his Senate seat Sept. 30 after being appointed by Perdue to head the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. He had represented Robeson and Hoke counties since 1997.
The former senator said that Walters has extensive business experience, a characteristic that he said is need in the Senate, which is heavy with lawyers. He also said that Walters is someone who can “wheel-and-deal, negotiate, and has the ability to connect with the Senate leadership and other senators.”
Two other candidates also appeared before the committee on Wednesday, each expressing interest in being appointed to the seat. Benjamin Clark, Hoke County resident who has run for the seat twice, and Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend, an educator who lost a congressional primary in 1996 to U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, both have said they plan to be candidates in next year’s Senate race.
“I think all three of these are good people,” Weinstein said. “But I think we (committee) made the best decision for all the people.”
Walters, 53, said Friday that as soon as the governor has confirmed his appointment he is ready to go to Raleigh and get to work.
“For me, this is all about giving back to the community that I have been part of all of my life,” Walters said. “I look forward to taking on this challenge. I enjoy a challenge at any level and enjoy growing with it.”
Walters said Friday that as a senator he wants to start right away working to promote and market Robeson and Hoke counties.
“Just think of all the natural resources and other things we have to promote,” Walters said. “We have to make it desirable for people to want to come here to live, work and raise a family.”
Walters is president of Claybourn Walters Logging Company, which is involved in agriculture, timber and real estate development. He is currently serving on the Fairmont board of BB&T, is an executive committee member and member of the Southeastern Regional Medical Center board of trustees, and is chairman of the Forestry Mutual Insurance board of directors.
Walters also serves on the boards of directors for the United Way of Robeson County, the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina State University Wolfpack Club.
Gary Strickland, chairman of the Robeson County Democratic Party, insists that Walters will do an “exceptional’ job as a state legislator. Strickland said, although this will be Walters’ first time serving in an elected public office, he is perfect for the job because he knows the concerns of people in the county and has a strong business background.
Weinstein said that one of Walters’ major attributes is that he can work well with people of all races, as well as with people of all social and economic backgrounds. Walters said doing so would be nothing new.
“I started out as a young man working in the tobacco fields with those of all races,” Walters said. “I’ve been here my whole life, and I’ve worked with all different people. I feel comfortable in any community in Robeson County.
“It’s time we all join hands and promote Hoke and Robeson counties in a progressive fashion.”
Bo Biggs, a veteran political observer of county politics, said now is a great time for Walters to be joining the state legislature.
“If Mike can stay on in the Senate for the next few years, there’s going to be a lot of change in Senate membership,” Biggs said “The Senate is going to become younger.
“Mike is coming into the legislature at a critical time. He will have the chance to rise with these new senators.”
This article orginially published in the Fairmont Bugle