Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Mrs. Mangum, a native of Pembroke, NC and a Lumbee Indian, received a BS in Elementary Education at UNC-Pembroke and a MA in Administration at North Carolina Central. After teaching in several Midwestern states, she returned to North Carolina and became the first Director of Indian Education at the State Department of Public Instruction (SPDI.)

Mangum became active in politics, on campaigns and committees, served as President of Wake County Democratic Women, a delegate at two national conventions and from 1998 to 2002 as a Wake County Commissioner. Mangum's contributions as a county commissioner focused on education, managed growth, and as "a voice" for those who have often had no voice in the political process.

Mangum moved to Moore County, in 2004 and has filed for House seat-52 in the 2008 election. In the 231 years of the NC General Assembly, there has "never" been a woman to serve in the House from Moore County.

Mangum's educational and political career has yielded many awards, including The Order of the Longleaf Pine from Governor Jim Hunt, the WTVD-TV Peggy Mann Award, UNCP's Distinguished Alumni Award, The Woman of Achievement Award from the NC Federation of Women's Clubs, and more.

Mangum has made numerous contributions to the culture of North Carolina, as a consultant to the UNC-TV documentary "Roanoke," the Museum of History "Year of the Indian," and the NC Museum of Art "Indian Exhibit." She authored the "Indian Education Curriculum Guide" for SDPI and a book entitled "Native People" was dedicated to her.

Since moving to Pinehurst, Mangum has become an active volunteer in many community, cultural, and church organizations.

I've spent most of my life in leadership positions and always tried to be a "bridge builder." Our society is becoming more polarized; How many times have you heard, "why can't our governmental leaders quite fighting among themselves and solve some of our problems?" When I'm elected to represent Moore County in House District-52 in November, I'll be an active listener to our citizens and to local governments and provide the leadership necessary to address those needs.

Moore County's population is 83,000, half living in eleven incorporated towns, and the other half in rural areas. We have a higher household-income average then most North Carolina counties, but over 10,000 or our residents still live below the poverty level. My goal is to enhance the quality of life for all our citizens, regardless of their age, their income, or where they live. My track record as a Wake County Commissioner, and 20 years in state government, shows I have the experience and confidence to tackle these issues:

Education - I've spent my career as an educator and will work to continue to improve the quality of our schools and community college.

Growth - Some look at growth as a threat to quality of life and the environment, but if managed properly it does not have to be contentious. If our leaders are willing to have open dialogue and a desire to best serve our citizens, it can be handled.

Some of the growth sub-categories include water, more and better jobs, and economic development.

Healthcare - It's a national problem, but as a member of the House, I would push for the NC legislature to become pro-active in providing help for its citizens, regardless of what the federal government provides.