The dust of last week’s midterm elections have settled locally, although several key races across the nation have yet to be called. Here in Vance County, however, races have been decided, with Democrats and Republicans each taking its share of wins.
Sheriff Curtis Brame defeated Republican challenger Patrick Bailey to gain a second term in office, but Republican Frank Sossamon grabbed the N.C. House District 32 seat from incumbent Terry Garrison.
In an interview Tuesday after it was clear that Brame would win a second term, he spoke with WIZS News and said he would continue to work hard for the residents of Vance County. The last few years have been challenging for law enforcement officers everywhere, Brame said, not the least of which has been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
He can’t wave a magic wand over the county to make it happen, but if he could, Brame said he would wish for two things: “funding…to retain good, qualified law enforcement officers and a new detention facility.”
Brame implored the citizens of Vance County to “take ownership” of their community – to attend city and county meetings, be a part of the community and work collaboratively together with law enforcement.
Sossamon also spoke with WIZS after his win and he echoed Brame’s sentiments – about crime, anyway.
He said the goal is for District 32, comprised of Vance and Granville counties, to be “crime free,” Sossamon said, adding that he would do whatever it takes. “It’s time to clean up our neighborhoods,” he said, “and make us proud of living in District 32 – make us proud citizens, safe and wholesome citizens.”
There are many state and federal funding sources that he wants to tap into to ensure that his district benefits as much as possible – everything from rehabbing homes and promoting home ownership to supporting law enforcement and first responders.
“We’ve got to get it in motion and have the will to do it,” Sossamon said.
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