April 7th / 8th, 2012

"Womble Leaves Big Shoes to Fill"

I have, from time to time, ranted about the need for term limits in American politics. After all, how can anyone not be ethically compromised or corrupted by power when spending most of her adult life in Washington or Raleigh.

Of course, there are some exceptions. One is US Rep. Howard Coble who has been patrolling the halls of Congress since 1985, and who still commands the respect of both parties for his decency and dedication.

The other is NC Rep. Larry Womble who has held elected office for over 30 years. Last month, however, Womble’s long political career came to an abrupt end when he announced that he would not seek a 10th term as representative from the 71st District. The decision not to run was made following his involvement in a tragic car crash which left one man dead and Womble critically injured.

Larry W. Womble was born on June 6, 1941 in Winston-Salem. He graduated from Atkins High School, and obtained degrees from Winston Salem State University, UNCG and Appalachian State University. In 1981 while working as assistant principal at Old Town Elementary School, Larry ran for and won a seat on the Board of Aldermen, representing the Southeast Ward. Thirteen years later he was elected to the NC House of Representatives where he served until this year.

Larry is a champion of the people, and has worked tirelessly on their behalf. He is responsible for passage of the Racial Justice Act which allowed people on death row to use statistical evidence that race may have played a factor in their sentencing. But his most notable crusade has been to bring closure to the ugly chapter in our state’s history involving forced sterilizations. It was Larry who in 2003 persuaded Gov. Mike Easley to put an official end to the eugenics program which had sterilized nearly 8,000 North Carolinians against their will, most of whom were poor and black.

Womble then set out to secure compensation for the surviving victims, but faced an uphill battle against hypocrites on both sides of the aisle. Still, Larry successfully pushed Gov. Bev Perdue to create a special task force that identified victims and studied the feasibility of awarding monetary damages. Earlier this year while Larry was recuperating from his accident, Perdue at last pledged that she would include reparation funds in the next budget. The governor made no promise of an amount to be set aside, although her task force recommended $50,000 per living victim.

In the end, whatever level of compensation is awarded, it will be due to the hard work of Larry Womble. Larry appeared on my Triad Today television program a number of times, and he was also my best cheerleader. Whenever I walked into a public forum where I didn’t know some of the people, Larry would take me by the arm and introduce me around the room.

“This is my friend Jim Longworth. He hosts Triad Today and he’s helped us get the word out about this event,” Larry would say. The fact is, Larry has never met a stranger because he makes everyone feel comfortable and important. Moreover, people of all races, religions and political persuasions are easily charmed by Larry’s big smile and genuine enthusiasm... traits that held him in good stead while serving in Raleigh. I’m also proud to say that Larry has never run a negative campaign, has always been civil to those who disagree with him and has never uttered an unkind word about anyone in my presence. I sometimes relied on Larry for advice. Once when I was approached to run for office, I asked him what he thought.

“You better be prepared to spend a lot of time away from home, so think about that,” he told me. I thought about it and, being the homebody I am, decided to pass on a career in politics. Right now I’m just waiting for Larry to get back on his feet so we can go out and have one of our famous abbreviated lunches.

I say that because every time we met for lunch he had to leave early to go help someone, or speak on behalf of an important cause. Larry has always put the needs of others first, and that’s why state government will never be the same without him around to do our bidding. Let’s be clear. No one will EVER be able to fill Larry Womble’s big shoes or imitate his ingratiating smile, but rest assured, Larry will be there to help whomever tries.