Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Age: 56, Family: wife, Barbara McRae Pierce; a son James; and a daughter Nicole. Hometown: Wagram; Occupation: Baptist Minister, retired United Parcel service driver, state representative; Education: Bachelor of Science in Early Education and a Master of Divinity; Church: Bright Hopewell Baptist Church; Honors: United Parcel Service Outstanding Community Services, WTVD Channel 11 Jefferson Awards, Governor's Volunteer Award, Fayetteville State University Chancellor's Award, NAACP Minister of the Year and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Community Services Award; Civic Affiliations: American Legion Post 181, Savannah Lodge 407, Scotland County Ministerial Alliance, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Fayetteville State University and Shaw University Alumni Association.  Standing Committee Appointments 2009-2010 Chair, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources; Vice Chair, Committee on Aging; Vice Chair, Committee on Federal Relations and Indian Affairs; Committee on Commerce, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship; Committee on Insurance; and Committee on Juvenile Justice; Interim Committee Appointment 2009-2010 (Long and Short Session) Chair, Legislative Study Commission on Poverty Reduction and Economic Recovery; Committee on Child Fatality Task Force; Committee on Natural & Economic Resources/Transportation; Joint Legislative Commission in Governmental Operations; Joint Select Oversight Committee on Information Technology; Study Commission on Aging; Joint Select Committee on Ex-Offender Reintegration Into Society; and Ad Hoc Committee of Legislators to Review the Guidelines for Prayer in the House Chamber.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my constituents for allowing me to serve in the North Carolina House of Representatives for the past three terms. I also want to thank the county commissioners, city council members, school board members, and other local and elected official for a cooperative working relationship to help make Scotland, Hoke and Robeson counties a destination that many individuals proudly call home.

During my tenure in the House of Representatives I have enjoyed being involved in the following activities and events: Town hall meetings; family/school reunions; informational newsletters communicating issues from the State Legislature; followed up on issues which involved the 48th district relating to health care, disability, heating, poor and no housing, employment and unemployment and issues at the national level especially concerns for senior citizens; I have visited each school in the 48th district since one of my major concerns is educating our children; I realize that the constituents are not all able to come to Raleigh; therefore I have made every effort and will continue to make every effort to bring the governor, cabinet members, department heads and agencies to Scotland, Hoke and Robeson counties to hear the concerns of the average citizens.

I have had many accomplishments while in office, but my greatest accomplishment in the General Assembly is the No Texting While Driving Bill, that will help make the highway safer, reduce accidents and distraction while driving. I pledge to continue working for North Carolina's families by ensuring quality education for our children improving our state's economy, and making quality healthcare available for all North Carolinians.