Secretary of State Elaine Marshall Elaine Marshall Location: Lillington Party: Democrat Biography: Elaine Marshall made history in January of 1997 when she was sworn in as North Carolina’s Secretary of State, becoming the first woman ever elected to statewide executive office. She continues to make history as she transforms her office. The Secretary of State’s office today is a major engine for job creation in North Carolina, and a key law enforcement agency protecting consumers, investors, and charitable givers against securities fraud and financial scams. North Carolina is now a national leader in these important fields. Much of Elaine’s work as Secretary of State has centered on improving information technology and making state records, databases, and other information available to investors, companies, and individuals quickly and free of charge. Her efforts have made North Carolina one the most affordable places to do business in the United States. Elaine was born in rural Lineboro, Maryland in November of 1945. As a teenager, she was actively involved in 4-H and her local church. In 1968, she earned her Batchelor of Science degree in Textiles and Clothing from the University of Maryland. Elaine learned about public and community service at an early age from her father, who for many years was a volunteer fire fighter and community leader, and her mother, who was the organist in the family’s small rural church for more than 60 years. “I’ve always believed it’s my obligation to listen to people — to hear their hopes and dreams — and to find ways I can help make those dreams come true.” She earned her law degree from Campbell University in 1981, where she was selected for inclusion in Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges. Elaine distinguished herself as a tough advocate for her clients in the courtroom, where she represented women who were victims of domestic violence. Elaine has been a small business owner as well as a practicing attorney. Earlier in her career, she was an instructor at Lenoir Community College and Johnston Technical College and a teacher in the Lenoir County School System. In 1993-1994, Elaine served in the North Carolina Senate, representing the 15th Senate District. In the Senate, she was a powerful advocate for improving healthcare in North Carolina. Elaine is a member of the Divine Street United Methodist Church in Dunn. She is married to Bill Holdford and has five step-children and seven grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys ACC football and basketball, cooking, gardening, and sailing. What issues are most important and what will you do to address them? As Secretary of Sate, my top priorities are creating jobs, protecting consumers, and easing the end-of-life decision making process. I enjoy serving as your Secretary of State, and I look forward to continuing to make North Carolina one of the best places to live. I would appreciate your vote on November 2nd. 1. Creating jobs by cutting the cost of doing business in N.C. By modernizing the department and cutting red tape, I have made it easier to start and locate businesses in N.C. In recent years, many North Carolina communities have lost jobs. We must work to ensure that North Carolina provides a business climate that encourages the growth of small businesses and brings good jobs back to North Carolina. Unlike other states, jobs are returning to North Carolina, and I want to continue to ensure that North Carolina provides the most competitive economic development environment possible. Additionally, I will continue to keep our public records easily accessible and free of charge to ensure that North Carolina maintains an affordable and efficient business climate. By reducing the governmental drag on business transactions in North Carolina, companies are more willing to locate here and bring new jobs to struggling communities. Every day, I make it easier to create jobs in North Carolina. 2. Protecting consumers by cracking down on scam artists and counterfeit goods. My office is responsible for enforcing tough, new securities laws that protect our senior citizens and families from scam artists who attempt to jeopardize our future by offering bogus investments aimed at stealing your money. Additionally, we have cracked down on counterfeiters who sell phony merchandise that endanger our children and cost North Carolina jobs. Recently, my office removed fake flame retardant children’s pajamas from the marketplace that were not flame retardant. One of my top priorities is making sure these types of goods are not available to injure anyone. 3. Easing end-of-life decisions by creating and maintaining a secure, online depository for healthcare documentation like living wills and healthcare power of attorney. One the most important things you can do for your family is ensure that your wishes are known in a time of crisis. This new service allows North Carolinians to store their important healthcare documentation in a secure, online database that is accessible 24 hours a day. I urge you to place your documents in this database to make sure your wishes are known to your loved ones and your healthcare providers. As Secretary of State, I will make sure that this service continues to be available to North Carolinians in their time of need. Jay Rao-R (Did not return a profile)