Cecil Brooks (left) introduces N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall at an event hosted by local Democrats at the Alleghany Wellness Center. Also shown is Alleghany County Commission Chairman Ken Richardson.

N.C. Secretary of State Marshall speaks at the Wellness Center

By COBY LaRUE
Staff

North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall paid a visit to Alleghany County on Jan. 11, stumping for the Democrat Party and talking about the responsibilities of her position.

The stop marked Marshall's second visit to Alleghany County in a decade, the last being when she came to the area for the dedication of the addition to the Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Marshall drew about 65 people to the Wellness Center, where she gave a speech and met with constituents before heading back to Raleigh, where she had a meeting planned early the following morning. The event began at 6:15 p.m.

Marshall was the first woman to be elected to statewide office in North Carolina, noted event organizer Cecil Brooks in introducing the secretary. Marshall was elected in 1996 to the position, but was a member of the N.C. Senate prior to becoming secretary.

She holds a bachelor's degree in home economics and a law degree from Campbell University. She also has received honorary doctorates from Lees-McRae College and Meredith College. Brooks said he first met Marshall while he was teaching vocational agriculture in Harnett County and Marshall was teaching home economics. "This is a wonderful crowd for a Friday night," Marshall said. "It's a real treat to be here."

As for her last official visit to the county, Marshall said she has always felt welcomed in Alleghany. She joked that a parade was held for her from the Doughton House to the fire department and that the high school band nearly stretched across the entire route.

 

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