Endorsements: Our choices for NC schools superintendent, agriculture commissioner, labor commissioner and secretary of state

Council of State officials oversee critical areas in state government. Today we offer recommendations in four races. Our recommendations in the five other Council of State races were published Thursday. Videos of the interviews are posted at newsobserver.com and charlotteobserver.com.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Democrat Jennifer Mangrum and Republican Catherine Truitt can agree on one thing: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson, a Republican, has been a disaster in his first and only term. Truitt was especially critical of Johnson to the Editorial Board, saying that he “didn’t know how to listen to people” and “didn’t know how to lead.”

The criticism plays to a strength in Truitt’s resume’. The Western Governors University chancellor brings administrative experience and political polish to a job that needs both. Mangrum’s background, which includes creating the elementary education program and department at N.C. State, also is very impressive. Both would bring experience in the classroom.

But Mangrum separates herself from Truitt with her strong advocacy for public schools and teachers. . Truitt, who aligns herself with Republican lawmakers on core issues such as vouchers and charter schools, is not the right choice for North Carolina. We recommend Jennifer Mangrum.

Commissioner of Agriculture

North Carolina ranks third in the nation in agricultural diversity, but when it comes to diversity in agricultural commissioners, not so much. Steve Troxler has been North Carolina’s commissioner of agriculture since 2005. Now the Republican is seeking a fifth term.

This time he’s facing an energetic challenge from Democrat Jena Wadsworth, a supervisor with the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District. She’s brimming with ideas about helping migrant workers, reducing food insecurity and responding to global warming.

Troxler would do well to listen to Wadsworth on issues he has neglected or denied, but his long tenure speaks to his rapport with farmers and his success with promoting agriculture, one of North Carolina’s largest industries. We recommend Steve Troxler, but we hope Wadsworth will continue to press for change.

Commissioner of Labor

It would seem that the elected head of the Department of Labor would focus on the safety and welfare of workers. Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry, a Republican, didn’t see it that way. Now she’s stepping down. Her successor needs to make the department live up to its name.

The Republican candidate, state Rep. Josh Dobson, would bring energy and an open mind to the job, but he is unlikely to lead a strong shift toward workers’ rights. The Democrat, Jessica Holmes, will. The Wake County commissioner is a workers’ rights advocate with a keen sense of social justice.

Holmes could also become the first Black woman elected to a statewide executive branch office in North Carolina, also a welcome change. We strongly recommend Jessica Holmes.

Secretary of State

When she first won the office of secretary of state in 1996, Democrat Elaine Marshall defeated famed NASCAR driver Richard Petty. She has zoomed along ever since, winning re-election five times.

There’s a reason for her longevity. A lawyer and former state senator, Marshall has presided with confidence and competence over a low-profile but essential office for business registrations and record keeping. Marshall’s Republican opponent, E. C. Sykes says he will improve the office’s efficiency and foster business growth. The incumbent is already doing both. We recommend Elaine Marshall for another term.

This story was originally published October 2, 2020 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Endorsements: Our choices for NC schools superintendent, agriculture commissioner, labor commissioner and secretary of state."