From Activist to Elected: Phillip Gilfus for County Commissioner

I've spent the past 36 days getting used to life from the other side of the table. On March 1, 2010, I was sworn-in as the newest at-large Cumberland County commissioner. And as I face my first election this May, I need this community's help. Please follow me below the fold.

Since I returned to my hometown of Fayetteville in 2006, following 4 1/2 years of U.S. Army service, I plunged back into Democratic politics. Even though I was also a full-time law student at Campbell University, I eventually became vice president of the Cumberland County Young Democrats, Third Vice Chair of the Cumberland County Democratic Party, member of the State Executive Committee (SEC), and 8th District representative to the Council of Review.

But more important than holding any party office was the people I got to meet, both locally, around the state, and virtually. I remember reading an article in the Fayetteville Observer that mentioned BlueNC (though I'm sure they may have called it NC Blue!). It didn't take long for me to learn that this was the place to learn what was going on in North Carolina politics. In 2008, after I was elected to be one of our state's five members to the Democratic National Committee, I changed my anonymous handle to my actual name so I could really get into the discussion.

But all my experience, whether in the party, in the military, in politics, as a now-practicing criminal defense attorney, as an active member of my church, or just as an interested citizen in the community, was not enough for me to be a "shoo-in" for county commissioner. Because I am also 29. And for me to win would be to make history.

When I ran for the appointment to the county commission, I ran up my telephone minutes making calls to the members of our county executive committee, sending out letters, and meeting the powers that be to show I was serious about becoming a public leader. Much to my chagrin, I won with over 70 percent of the vote on Feb. 18. And now I need that same support from Democratic primary voters to keep my seat and make history as the youngest ELECTED county commissioner in Cumberland County history.

I know the members of this site are more rich in spirit and enthusiasm, but as we work to get the money needed for yard signs, door hangers, direct mail, and stickers, it is both the small and large donors that get things done. So whether it's $100, $50, or $25, I ask for your help to elect a young candidate.

I also invite you to join my Facebook page. You can also read my recent op-ed to learn about what I've managed to accomplish during my short tenure.

Thanks! And see you at the ballot box!

Phillip

Phillip Gilfus,
Cumberland County Commissioner (At-Large)