Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Ann Akland is a fourth generation North Carolinian living in Knightdale with her husband, Gerry.  Her family instilled in her the traditional values of honesty, integrity, hard work and a commitment to give back to the community. Her early experiences taught her to stand up for what is right regardless of the popularity of the issue.  Her later experiences taught her how to turn concerns into actions, achieving change.  

Ann knows the value of hard work.  She worked on her family’s tobacco farm, and after high school graduation, she spent the summer working as a teacher’s aide and bus driver for Project Head Start. Ann began her  federal career with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a clerk-typist.  Through hard work and continuing education, she was elevated to a  Senior Executive Position , the highest civilian rank in the federal government.  Ann retired after 32 years’ service, and since that time has given back to her community as a volunteer by leading nonprofit organizations, establishing services and advocating for people with disabilities. 

Ann continues to use her skills as an Executive Coach and Management consultant.  In addition, she and her husband have started and co-own two small businesses. She is proudest of her accomplishments as a volunteer:  founding President of Derek’s Renaissance House, a licensed state day program for adults with severe mental illness and rejuvenating the Wake County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) making it one of the most recognized mental health advocacy organizations in the state.

Ann has been honored by receiving numerous awards including an EPA distinguished career award. Other honors include: Knightdale Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, 2005; NAMI North Carolina Advocate of the Year, 2005; Tar Heel of the Week, the News&Observer, 2006; Citizens Award, Independent Weekly, 2002.

Wake County and North Carolina are among the best places to live in the country, but there are challenges facing many of our citizens that require energetic, visionary leadership and new ways of making things happen.  I am committed to representing everyone, no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or occupation.  Virtually every candidate across the state makes a similar statement.  I bring a difference—a history of accomplishment, a passion for helping people with disabilities, and a very special interest:  YOU.  If you want change, join with me.

As your state Senator, I will:  1) Listen to you and value what YOU have to say 2) Bring leadership to the Senate to fix the broken service system for people with disabilities.  Over $400M of your tax dollars to help disabled people has been wasted because of lack of leadership and oversight by the Legislature.  Tax funds will not be wasted on my watch.  3) These are my priorities for bringing the American Dream to everyone in the District and State:  a) providing affordable insurance and health care for everyone and quality care for people with disabilities, b) enhancing the safety of our communities by providing quality education and fighting gangs and drugs, c) providing essential infrastructure to ensure our state is ready for the future, and d) ensuring competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain the best and the brightest people to keep our schools and state agencies operating efficiently.

My pledge:  You are MY special interest.  I will be a catalyst for change, using all my experience and energy to be an effective champion for our families, communities, and people with disabilities.   I will not accept campaign contributions from political action committees.  My responsibility is to the citizens of this state, not special interests.