By Anna Oakes, in the Watauga Democrat:
Boone Town Councilman Andy Ball was elected as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention at the June 16 Democratic State Convention, joining Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson in what the state party is calling its most diverse delegation in history.
Clawson was elected as a delegate at the Fifth Congressional District Convention on May 19.
“This year will be only the second time in recent memory that two Wataugans were elected as delegates to the Democratic National Convention,” according to a June 22 statement from Ball’s office.
Thousands of Democrats from across the nation will assemble in Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention in September. Delegates cast votes to amend and adopt the party’s national platform, rules and resolutions.
Ball has served on the Boone Town Council since 2009, when he became the first undergraduate student elected to the board. He represents the Young Democrats of North Carolina on the N.C. Democratic Party State Executive Council and is serving a second term as a Young Democrats national committeeman.
“It’s a tremendous honor for me to be elected to represent North Carolina in such an important statewide capacity. I have worked with so many incredible leaders across this state in recent years, and I look forward to the opportunity to join with them in showcasing all our great state has to offer,” Ball said. “It will be a fast-paced, working convention, and our host delegation will play an important role.”
North Carolina’s delegation to the 2012 Democratic National Convention includes more young people, Hispanics, blacks and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) members than in history.
The delegation includes 32 youth delegates under the age of 36, which surpassed the party’s affirmative action goal of 19, according to a news release from Young Democrats of North Carolina.
“Young Democrats will be a bigger part of the Democratic National Convention than ever before,” said Sam Spencer, president of Young Democrats of North Carolina, in a statement. “Young people across the state have done the hard work to get Barack Obama elected, and their energy and perseverance were rewarded during the delegate selection process.”
Ball worked with Young Democrats colleagues and the state party toward fulfillment of inclusion goals for various demographic groups, including youth, minorities and others, his statement said.
According to media reports, the North Carolina delegation also includes 73 women; 60 African-Americans; three Native Americans; eight who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender; and two people with disabilities.
