Vance County Republicans held an annual convention Tuesday, Mar. 19 and heard from several elected officials who expressed their gratitude to the local party and shared their plans to continue to serve constituents in their respective districts.

N.C. Lt. Gov and gubernatorial hopeful Mark Robinson was on hand for the official ribbon-cutting for the party’s Garnett Street headquarters, held last Friday.

Convention registration began at 5:30 p.m. and area precincts met at that time to elect delegates to the upcoming district and state GOP conventions.

Vance County GOP Chairman Jimmy Barrier kicked off the business session at 7 p.m. by recognizing guests, which included several state legislators.

Registration Committee captain Regina Ford offered an opening prayer before the group voted to approve the county’s plan of organization and its county delegation for the District 1 GOP convention – set for April 13 in Williamston – and the state GOP convention, which will be held May 23-26 in Greensboro.

William Heitman, the Republican challenger for Vance County Commissioner District 1, was the first speaker to address the group. His goals, if elected, are to bring growth, jobs and prosperity to Vance County.

Matthew Winslow, NC House Representative District 7, spoke on the accomplishments of the representatives and the importance of maintaining the super majority to continue positive change and obtain more money that our area has been missing out on because of previous representation in our state legislature.

N.C. Sen. Lisa Barnes told the convention attendees, “I’m honored to represent Vance County in the N.C. Senate and looking forward to earning your vote in November. It’s quite evident that this delegation of three Republicans in the NCGA is working hard for Vance, bringing back millions in funding for infrastructure, economic development, education and other worthwhile projects. Vance County has been under-represented in recent years and I plan to reverse that trend.”

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon spoke about the recent forums he has organized for District 32 to address topics such as transportation, broadband, crime, mental health and human trafficking.

“I believe we’re making progress and moving in the right direction,” Sossamon said. “We’ve seen improvements with important projects that were funded that’s going to elevate our communities.”

N.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow, (R-Dist. 7) said he is honored to work colleagues like Barnes and Sossamon.

“Together, we’ve secured over $150 million in funding for Franklin, Granville, Nash and Vance counties, as well as lower income taxes for all while paying off our debt to the federal government, expanding school choice and growing our Rainy Day Fund,” Winslow said. He said that these policies and decisions have contributed to North Carolina being a business leader and said the state is “becoming one of the best economics in the world.”

Republican Congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout could not attend the convention due to addressing the Wilson Convention but sent Kim West, her political coordinator, to speak on her behalf.

The convention ended with a prayer by Sossamon.