Tag Archive for: #franksossamon

TownTalk: Sossamon Discusses Broadband Internet For Vance County

/by

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon is scheduling information sessions for residents in Vance and Granville counties to discuss relevant topics of interest to his neighbors who are now his constituents.

The first forum, set for Monday, Sept. 18 at Perry Memorial Library, is about broadband internet. The meeting is just one way to connect residents with the appropriate state government staff. Things get underway at 6 p.m., but Sossamon said it’s a time when residents can not only learn about programs but also share concerns with those whose jobs are carrying out projects at the local level.

“I’m bringing the people you need to talk to – the folks that are dealing with this day in, day out,” Sossamon said. “They can answer questions, send you additional information… they will give you means to get in touch with them. If you have a concern,” he said.

Sossamon was on TownTalk Tuesday, and he said he takes to heart his responsibility to represent the people in House District 32 – and part of that includes providing information.

“I get a lot of calls and emails about broadband,” he said, so he chose that for the first forum topic.

A second forum on broadband connection will be presented in Granville County at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Granville County Expo Center on Hwy. 15 just south of Oxford.

The topic for October is transportation, with dates and locations below:

  • Granville: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Granville County Expo Center
  • Vance: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 in the commissioners’ room at the old Courthouse.

 

The dates and locations for November’s topic – mental health – are still being worked out, he noted.

Representatives from the state’s department of information technology will be on hand to explain terminology, and answering questions like “what is the Digital Divide?” and “when will broadband be available in my area?”

There are programs that offer discounts to eligible residents for broadband access, Sossamon said.

“If it’s available, but not affordable, it means nothing to the average person,” he said.

Participants can view a color-coded map to have an idea of where connectivity already exists and proposed next steps to add connectivity.

There’s also a survey that can be submitted to state officials to provide feedback.

“It’s important to the state…so they can see how well they’re doing, especially in Vance and Granville counties,” Sossamon said.

Contracts have been awarded to provide broadband internet, but it takes time, he reminded.

Realtors will be invited to meetings earlier in the day for the transportation forums. The 10 a.m. gatherings will take place in the same location as the evening sessions. Sossamon said he wanted to have a special time with realtors because “they are extremely interested in what’s going to happen to roads.”

DOT divisional directors will be on hand for realtors at 10 a.m., governmental leaders at 3 p.m. before sharing with the public at 6 p.m.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

N.C. Rep. Sossamon To Sponsor Sept. 18 Meeting To Learn About Broadband Progress In The Area

/by

Want to learn more about the state of broadband internet access in your area?

Rep. Frank Sossamon has organized a community forum to share information about what may be in store for the area with regard to broaband internet access.

The meeting will take place on Monday, Sept. 18 at Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St. and will begin at 6 p.m.

Staff from the N.C. Department of Information Technology are scheduled to be present to provide residents with the most up-to-date information about this issue.

 

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon Plans Sept. 16 Meeting To Discuss Future Of Broadband Internet In Granville

/by

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon will be in Oxford on Saturday, Sept. 16 to have a dialogue about broadband internet access – how to improve it, why it’s important and its future role in daily life.

The town hall-style meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Expo Center, 4185 U.S. 15 South, Oxford.

“In today’s interconnected world, access to reliable and high-speed internet has become an essential utility, impacting education, healthcare, business and communication,” according to a press release from Sossamon’s office.  “Unfortunately, many members of our community still face challenges in accessing quality broadband services, hindering their ability to fully participate in the digital age.”

Representatives of the N.C. Dept. of Information Technology will be present to share information during the meeting, whose purpose is to facilitate an open and informed discussion about the state of broadband internet access in Granville County and to explore potential solutions and opportunities for improvement.

The meeting will feature informative presentations and will allow those in attendance to voice concerns, ask questions and contribute their perspectives.

Rep. Sossamon Selected For Hunt Institute Elevate NC 2023 Cohort

/by

Rep. Frank Sossamon is among a group of individuals that form the Hunt Institute Elevate NC 2023 Cohort, a group that brings together leaders work on making positive impacts on education across the state.

In a press statement, Sossamon said it was an honor to be selected. “Education is the cornerstone of our society, and I am committed to exploring innovative solutions that will empower our students to reach their full potential. By collaborating with like-minded individuals, I am confident that we can create meaningful change that will positively impact our educational system,” he stated.

The Elevate NC program provides a platform for Sossamon and the others in the cohort “to engage in constructive dialogue, share insights, and collaborate with a diverse group of individuals who are equally passionate about the future of education,” the statement read.  The cohort will have interactive sessions, workshops and discussions to address pressing educational challenges, allowing the members to work together to identify actionable strategies that can be implemented at the state and local levels

Learn more at : https://hunt-institute.org/news/the-hunt-institute-announces-third-cohort-of-elevatenc/

N.C. Rep Sossamon Takes Field Trip To Visit Vance County Schools

/by

– Information courtesy of Vance County Schools

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon visited several Vance County Schools recently as a participant in the first year of “Bring Your Legislator to School” Day.

Sossamon represents District SS, which includes Vance County. He visited E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Dabney Elementary, STEM Early High School and the district’s Center for Innovation.

Lawmakers were invited by members of the NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Network, the Public School Forum of North Carolina, and bi-partisan legislative sponsors to visit schools in their respective jurisdictions and engage with school communities. Sossamon joined more than 70 fellow legislators who accepted the invitation to visit schools in their districts.

School principals, as well as Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett joined Sossamon as he toured the schools and chatted with teachers and students.

The goal of this visit was to show legislators what current state investment in education looks like in practice during the day-to-day reality of North Carolina’s elementary and secondary schools.

Granville Native Named Forestry Scholarship Winner

/by

A Granville County native has received the 2023 Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment by the North Carolina Forestry Association.

Cameron Carter will receive the $2,000 scholarship, established in memory of Curtis, whose commitment to sustainable foresty was matched only by his desire to help others.

In a press release issued by his office,  N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon noted Carter’s achievements. Sossamon represents District 32, which includes Granville County.

“I am so proud of Cameron and the great things that he is doing. As a former Marine and member of the Student Veterans Association, he has already shown incredible dedication to serving others, and his commitment to his studies is equally impressive.”

The Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment is a testament to the importance of education, service and community involvement. Sossamon expressed his gratitude for Cameron’s commitment to these values and his confidence in his future success. “Cameron has already accomplished so much, and I know that he will continue to achieve great things. He is a shining example of the kind of leader and professional that we need in Granville County and beyond.”

Sossamon Sworn In As Dist. 32 Rep In N.C. House

/by

Frank Sossamon was sworn in last week as the new legislator representing Vance and Granville counties in the N.C. House before an audience of supporters in the lobby of McGregor Hall.

The Hon. John Dunlow administered the oath of office following remarks from county officials representing the local county commissions and chairmen of the Republican party.

Sossamon defeated incumbent Terry Garrison in the November mid-term elections. He had an official swearing-in on Wednesday in Raleigh.

In comments during the ceremony in Henderson earlier in the week, Sossamon recounted how he reached the decision to put throw his hat into the proverbial ring.

“The Lord used my own words against me,” Sossamon quipped, explaining that he told his church members to “be that somebody” to make change.

“I became that somebody,” Sossamon said. “I’m in it to serve the people.”

The retired pastor of South Henderson Pentecostal Church, Sossamon said he is going to have to “work hard and work fast and work smart” to get things done in Raleigh in his two-year term.

“Under my watch, I want us to be able to say that District 32 is one of the most prosperous districts” in the state; he said it currently ranks among the poorest districts.

He wants to focus on community development in both counties, which he said would have the side effects of decreasing crime, increasing educational opportunities and give young people hope.

“If we want company to come, we’ve got to clean up our house,” he said.

In an interview with WIZS News following the swearing-in, Sossamon said he looks forward to serving the people in District 32 to get some things done, and he said he will challenge the citizens he represents to join him in the effort.

Representative-Elect Sossamon To Be Sworn In On Jan. 10 At McGregor Hall

/by

Frank Sossamon will be sworn in as the newest representative for N.C. House District 32 Tuesday and the public is invited to attend.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at McGregor Hall on Jan. 10 at 6 p.m.

Superior Court Judge John Dunlow will administer the oath of office.

District 32 includes Vance and Granville counties.

During the run up to the 2022 midterm elections, candidate Sossamon focused on priorities which include generating local jobs, encouraging small business development, improving education and reducing crime throughout the district.

Town Talk: Sossamon Discusses District 32 Candidacy

/by

The following is part of WIZS’s continuing coverage of candidates running for local and state office in the November election.

 

Frank Sossamon has participated in several organized community forums lately as part of his campaign for the District 32 seat in the N.C. House. There have been two in Vance County and one in Granville County so far, and more are being planned in the runup to the November elections.

Sossamon, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Democrat Terry Garrison for the seat, which includes all of Vance County and most of Granville County.

The Republicans candidates for sheriff in their respective counties also were in attendance for these forums, the topic of which was crime. And Sossamon told John C. Rose on Monday’s Town Talk that the discussions have been productive, and each has informed him in some way about what the community’s priorities.

“When you talk about crime, it overlaps education, economic development, community development – it overlaps everything,” Sossamon said. “It’s hard to just concentrate on crime without talking about other issues.”

Effective communication is going to be a critical component to making progress and taking action on issues within the district, he said. “I’m hoping to help bring us together. There’s a lot we can accomplish if we work together.” Ongoing political stalemates don’t accomplish much, he said.

Change will require more than just dialogue across party lines, however. “We’ve got to have a cultural change and an attitude change,” Sossamon said. Change has to come about as a result of participation from the whole community, he added. “It can’t be done by one person or one department. It doesn’t just happen because you get some money or because you write some legislation.”

Building trust and putting aside differences are necessary as well, he said. “I’m hoping I can be a person to help – to take the skills and experience I’ve got and see what I can do to bring us together.”

On gun violence:

Sossamon said he is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. When gun violence occurs, there’s always talk about taking away gun rights and taking away guns, he said. But he said there’s a need to look at other issues, too, such as the broken mental health system.

“Mental health seems to be a thread that runs among many of these mass shootings,” he said.

On education:

When issues surrounding public education arise, the answer seems to be “we just need more money,” Sossamon said. Throwing money at a problem does not always solve that problem, he added, saying that there must be accountability about how the money is being spent and the scientific evidence to show results.

“It’s obvious that the charter schools are doing something right,” he said, adding that parents with children in charter schools must volunteer a certain number of hours at the school each year.

Parent accountability is necessary, he said, adding that he certainly favors funding education, but holding parents accountable is necessary “to move that dial to educate our children.”

On Medicaid expansion:

“I am not opposed to expansion to a degree,” Sossamon said, “but I don’t want to just open the floodgates.”

He said he needs to continue to study the issue to reach a good conclusion, adding that he is not close-minded, but does want to be fair to all and not look at government as a “money machine.”

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! Frank Sossamon Speaks At Local GOP Rally

/by

Frank Sossamon is no stranger to public speaking, having spent his career as a pastor. And during remarks at a recent Vance County GOP rally, Candidate Sossamon encouraged fellow Republicans to get out and vote in the November general election.

Sossamon, a political newcomer, is running for N.C. House District 32 on the Republican ticket.

He spoke to the partisan crowd of about 300 for about five minutes and said he has been traveling throughout the district, which includes Vance and much of Granville County.

“Overall, the reception has been extremely good,” Sossamon said.

A candidates’ forum will be held Thursday, June 30 at Sadie’s Coffee Corner in Henderson from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sossamon will be there, as well as Republican candidate for Vance Sheriff Patrick Bailey and others. Local GOP Chairman Jimmy Barrier will be the moderator and the rising crime rate is set to be the topic.

“We want to receive information and give information about crime,”Sossamon said. Other forums are being planned at locations across the county, he added.

And there’s a fundraiser for Sossamon planned for Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Henderson Country Club.

Sossamon spoke for about five minutes and, among other things, called the May primary turnout in Vance County “dismal.” He reminded those in attendance about talk of a “Red Wave” in November, referring to the election of Republican candidates in races up and down the ballot.

“It won’t be a Red Wave unless you jump in the water,” he said.

CLICK PLAY!