US Senate Candidate Roy Cooper Visits Bald Head Island
The Bald Head Island Coalition for Democracy held its largest event so far on Wednesday, July 8, to support former Governor Roy Cooper’s run for US Senate representing North Carolina. It was a huge success in all respects: money raised, turnout, participation, engagement, and a compelling call to action.
The evening was the culmination of months of work by the Coalition leadership, Wendy Wilmot and Lani Lawrence, and the leadership team of Sheree Vaickus, Kim Scagnelli, Morgan Smith, Sara Kirkpatrick, Sally Johnston, and Courtney Toledo. The list goes on, with many others pitching in to make this a success.
Melanie Robbins graciously provided her home for the event, which was decorated beautifully in red, white, and blue. Scott and Sims Riddle provided their boat and services to transport Cooper and some of his team over a choppy Cape Fear River to and from the island. Harper Peterson and Jailhouse provided delicious sandwiches. J.B. Milliken, president of the University of California and BHI homeowner, gave a very personal introduction of Cooper. Music was provided by Chatham Rabbits.
Camaraderie in Postcard Writing
Coalition for Democracy members gathered at Lani Lawrence’s Bald Head Island home for the June 11 meeting to write “Get Out the Vote” postcards. If you want to stay up-to-date on all of our activities, join our newsletter and text chain. Send your contact information to engage@bhic4d.org
Mayor Peter Quinn and Bald Head Island City Manager Chris McCall used the golf cart time from the Marina to the event to share with Cooper some of the unique challenges facing our little barrier island. It was more one-on-one time than they would ever expect during a visit to Washington, DC, with a sitting US Senator. They made good use of it. Wendy drove Cooper back to the Marina after the event, giving him the final leg of the tour past the Public Safety building, the Maritime Market, and our waste water treatment center.
Though the evening was steamy, Cooper spoke longer than usual to a bipartisan audience of nearly 100 attendees. This race is among, if not the, most important swing state contest in the country. It is pivotal in flipping the Senate blue. But, as Cooper pointed out, there are many hurdles between now and Election Day, including the recent Supreme Court decision that struck down longtime campaign finance rules. Cooper explained that the previously-banned campaign funding is already flooding into North Carolina to support the Trump-endorsed Republican candidate, Michael Whatley. He also cautioned that complacency by the voters is a constant concern.
Photo courtesy of Gail Gaukel
He spoke about his appreciation for the struggles of North Carolinians who have lost everything they’ve worked for because of medical debt. He recounted hearing from one resident whose life was changed by the passage of the NC Medical Debt Relief Program, an initiative brokered during Cooper’s time as Governor. It is initiatives like this one that Cooper said he will be pushing for as our US Senator. He talked about working collaboratively, as he did while Governor with a Republican-led legislature, to bring relief to NC residents by lowering the cost of groceries, making health care affordable, and reducing utility costs for consumers.
Cooper said his unexpected calling to return to the political arena after his time as Governor was driven by his faith and a particular Bible verse, Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much will be required. “We need to get back to constitutional authority,” he said. “The corruption is awful. We need to elect people who will fight against corruption and set an example. I have sold my individual stocks. People don’t trust the federal government and I get it.”
He called himself a “prisoner of hope,” concluding, “I truly believe our best days are ahead of us. We have an opportunity to build back better, to recreate the EPA, to stop chemicals in the water, and get more people healthcare. My parents left me a better country. I have work to do to leave a better country for my children.” Cooper spent time mingling with old friends and new supporters before and after his talk.
The head of the State Democratic Party, Anderson Clayton, was an unexpected guest. She also accepted Lani’s invitation to stay with her overnight to learn and see more.
Thanks to all for the work and effort in making this event happen. Bald Head Island is now much higher on the political radar than it was just a few days ago.
Our Mission
The BHI Coalition for Democracy was formed out of a simple but powerful belief: informed communities strengthen democracy at every level.
We are a resident-driven initiative committed to strengthening civic engagement, promoting transparent governance, and encouraging respectful dialogue on Bald Head Island and beyond.
Bald Head Island (BHI) may be our shared home, but it is also part of a larger national story. We have family here; many residents who live across the country maintain deep ties to this island. The standards we uphold here reflect the standards we value everywhere. Local governance is not isolated from national character. It is where democratic principles are practiced, tested, and preserved.
Bald Head Island
Coalition For Democracy