The Candidate Speaks
Larry Hall
Candidate for N. C. House of Representatives
District 29

Larry D. Hall, a Durham native and active business and civic leader, has announced his candidacy for N.C. State House of Representatives seat in district 29. Hall takes this opportunity to tell voters about his background and his plans for representing the voters of Durham in Raleigh in the legislature.

Why do you want to serve in the N.C. House of Representatives and why do you want to represent Durham?

Durham is my home. I attended the Durham public schools and my children attended the public schools. I have practiced law here in Durham for twenty years. I am aware of the strengths and challenges that face this community. I am interested in making sure that Durham and District 29 is adequately represented. I know how important it is to ensure that state tax dollars paid by Durham citizens are fairly distributed. I will advocate strongly for the proper return of local sales tax dollars to the city and county of Durham to help pay for out essential needs of education, job creation and training, law enforcement, health care, housing and transportation.

We have all read and heard about the various scandals implicating politicians in Raleigh. I want to bring integrity and accountability back to the legislature as the standard.

What qualifications do you have to serve in the N.C. House of Representatives?

I received my general education in Durham’s public school system. With that foundation, I went on to attend North Carolina Central University and Johnson C. Smith where he graduated with a double major in Political Science and Business. I continued my education by earning a law degree at UNC- Chapel Hill. In addition to my formal education, I also received leadership training in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Commissioned Infantry Officer. I continued my service in the Marine Corps Reserves until 1998.

For more than 20 years, I have been committed to the community through the various Boards and Commissions on which I volunteered or was selected to serve. In many cases, I was elected and/or appointed as Chairperson by the organization to ensure the organizations goals and objectives are met. I have worked with business leaders, civic organizations, as well as youth and their parents in the Durham Companions for Youth Program, the Rites of Passage program and the Durham Young Marines. Working with various groups has given me broad insight into the needs of the total community.

Campaign Platform

Where do you stand on the following issues?

Payday Lending

When the legislature was considering bills to restrict payday lending, I joined the efforts of the Legislative Liaison of Self Help Credit Union, and the Director of the NC Fair Housing Center, in calling, writing, and otherwise advocating key legislators to support elimination of the practice.

Workers’ Rights/Benefits

Over the past 10 years, I have worked with the City Workers’ Union (U.E. 150) in efforts to get better working conditions, pay, and benefits. I have represented many of the union’s members in labor and employment grievances. The union endorsed me four (4) years ago. In 2004-2005, I participated in Workers’ Rights Board hearings, along with city Councilwoman Diane Catotti, State Representative Paul Luebke, State Senator Jeanne Lucas, as well as supported efforts to gain the right to negotiate benefits.

Education Funding

I think that people who live in Durham have a right to a world class public education. I will fight to make sure that every dollar of revenue from Lottery proceeds goes to public education salaries, facilities and services. With over 1/3 of Durham high school students failing to graduate in four years, this is critical.

Transportation

I understand creating more cost-effective, user-friendly and environmentally sound transportation system is a must. Less congested roadways and expanded commuting alternatives of bus and rail are essential. Our citizens must be able to travel to jobs that we create and train them for.

Death Penalty

When I served as the Chair of the NC Black Leadership Caucus we adopted a position in opposition to the death penalty and supported a moratorium on executions. We partnered with the Carolina Justice Policy Center and People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, and contacted legislators to encourage them to support the moratorium. I called together the NAACP, the Urban League, People of Faith, and key legislators for a press conference at the legislature to ensure that all legislators knew of the groups’ united position. I traveled to other cities and contacted officials to help secure resolutions in support of the moratorium.

What else would you like the voters to know about you?

My family and this community are largely responsible for any success that I have achieved or may achieve in the future. I have received the love and support from my wife and my eighty-two year old mother, Theresa B. Hall, that you have to have in order to run. I would further like to thank members of my church family, Kyles Temple AME Zion, where I have attended as my home church my whole life. I would also like to acknowledge the support of my two daughters, LaToya, a high school biology teacher, and Jessica, a college sophomore.

Mailing Address:
Hall for NC House District 29    
315 East Chapel Hill Street, Suite 408
Durham, North Carolina 27701

www.VoteLarryDHall.org is Paid for by Hall for NC House District 29 Committee - Gary Berman, Treasurer.   All NC required campaign reports are on file with the State Board of Elections