State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin Climbs Higher in Legislative Rankings!

Here's the link to the news story, based on the latest report from the NC Center for Public Policy. Below is an excerpt from the Richmond County Daily Journal reporting on her additional leap of eight more spots to the 23rd slot among 120 House members:

Goodwin, who is not seeking a fourth term in the upcoming election, said she was especially honored with her rise in rankings since she is not seeking reelection.

“My colleagues have given me quite an honor by ranking me this high,” she said Friday.

During her three terms in the legislature, she said she feels her work as the chairwoman of the Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform has had the most impact.

“We’ve made some significant changes in the campaign finance laws to increase transparency in campaign reporting and increase the public’s confidence in their elected representatives ability to account for their campaign funds,” Goodwin said.

The rankings are no surprise, really, because everyone who has had the chance to work with Goodwin and Senator Bill Purcell knows that they are top-shelf, ultra-responsive, excellent public servants. North Carolina's finest they are.

8th District's Rep. Melanie Goodwin, Sen. Purcell Make Significant Gain in Effectiveness

Entitled "Local Leader Climbs in Poll", the April 10th issue of the Richmond County Daily Journal says, in part:

Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (D-Hamlet) made the biggest leap in effectiveness out of all of the members of the North Carolina House of Representatives, based on a poll released this month.

The North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research Inc. showed Goodwin vaulted from 73rd in 2005 to 31st this year — a difference of 42 places. The only lawmaker to come close was Rep. Grier Martin (D-Wake) who went up 38 spots. He was ranked 68th in 2005 and is now ranked 30th.

Goodwin is serving her second term in the house. She is a member of the appropriations committee and chairman of the election law and vice chairman of the Judiciary I committee. She also serves as a member of six other committees.

“It’s an honor,” Goodwin said of the ranking. “I can say with every passing day I learn something new as a lawmaker. I’m learning how to get things done for my constituents and for general citizens. A lot of what I’ve learned is that getting legislation passed is all about the personal relationships you have with your colleagues. I’ve worked very hard to establish relationships not just in my party, but with members across the aisle so we can pass good laws for our citizens.”

It’s been a challenge for me, but I feel like it was the right time and I’ve enjoyed it tremendously,” Goodwin said.

To read the full article, then go to the following link:

http://www.yourdailyjournal.com/articles/2008/04/10/news/news03.txt

It mentions Sen. Purcell and Rep. Goodwin, as well as Rep. Grier Martin, Speaker Joe Hackney, and others.

We are very proud of two of the Eighth District's best state legislators!

And, of course, I am most proud of Melanie. She has not only served 2 terms in the legislature (and is ready for her 3rd), but has done it with amazing grace, competence, hard work, and style. Plus, our 2nd child is expected to be born in 3 weeks ... and she is s-o-o-o much a better legislator (and better looking) than her predecessor. :) Congratulations!