Tricia Cotham

Poll results are in and the field is narrowed down for the races for Governor and Lt. Governor in North Carolina. While every name isn't included on the list, I included as many as I could and results were still fairly decisive.

Poll for Lt. Governor

Poll for Governor

This morning Rep. Tricia Cotham (D - Mecklenburg) hosted a conference call on North Carolina's budget.  The call included Charlotte area elected officials, teachers, advocates, clergy, and neighborhood leaders.

Three weeks ago our budget deficit was 3.3 billion dollars.  It was 4.2 billion dollars as of last Monday, and it is 4.6 billion dollars today.  This number will likely be revised again.

Conservatives, led by budget and policy experts like Joe the Plumber, have a solution for this problem.  Its the solution they have for most problems: cut public service and public servants

The "low-lights" of the proposed cuts are beneath the fold.

A statewide policy on bullying isn't a bad idea. Ensuring the policy is applied in a fair manner in every school district throughout the state won't be easy, but having a policy in writing that offers guidance to school officials will help schools and parents know when enough is enough.

Rep. Tricia Cotham is one of 50 cosponsors of the bill. She has personal experience with schoolyard bullies, having been a teacher and assistant principal in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Thank goodness for her level-headed, thoughtful discussion of this bill. She can speak and act from experience.

Today Rep. Rick Glazier, Rep. Tricia Cotham, and Senator Julia Boseman announced the introduction of the School Violence Prevention Act in the NC House and Senate this week. Also known as the anti-bullying bill, this legislation will help make all students, including those who are LGBT, safer at school.

While this bill will establish an unambiguous stance against bullying by other students, it will also make it clear to educators and school employees that harassment is unacceptable. Senator Boseman, struggling to keep her composure, remembered "Jim McGraw Daniels, 14, died of an overdose after being bullied at school. By teachers." The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) strongly supports the legislation.

State House Rep. Tricia Ann Cotham just pulled off a great fundraiser at the home of Crandall Bowles. From the guest list to the Cabernet Sauvignon, it was certainly one of the best executed fundraisers I've seen in a long time. Guests included the Hon. June Atkinson, NC Speaker of the House Joe Hackney, Lt. Governor Candidate Walter Dalton, Larry Kissell, John Autry, Mecklenburg Commissioners Parks Helms and Chair Jennifer Roberts, Jerry Meek, and yours truly.

Late Tuesday night, The Southern Pines Pilot ran a story in which Joe Boylan called the rumors of his wild exploits baseless. The hard copy of the paper hit the stands on Wednesday. By Thursday, Joe had to issue retractions to two of his statements. Misrepresentations? Or Lies? Hmmm.....

I'm posting this to the front page. I don't think the headline makes it clear - this is a big deal. I think we can kiss the hairdresser goodbye. - RP

Hairdresser Joe Boylan goes public to deny rumors that he groped a fellow legislator.

I spent time at the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party convention yesterday and have decided to take a brief sabbatical from criticizing my local party. There is new leadership and an almost entirely new executive board. There were positive briefings from the state and city and a spirited talk from James Ferguson, a local civil rights leader. The only thing that seemed to be lacking was a good supply of Democrats.

Hello BlueNC!
I am Tricia Cotham, the newest and youngest member in the NC General Assembly. I am so honored to serve District 100 and to represent our great state in the NC General Assembly. In addition, I am proud to be the youngest member ever to serve. I am enjoying my new role very much and learning a lot from many of you and other great Democrats. The last several weeks have been amazing and humbling. I have enjoyed listening to some great and historical debate on the House Floor. I am truly fortunate to serve with so many outstanding Democratic Legislators from across our state. They are inspiring and great role models and mentors for me.