Short session is beginning soon, and it provides a moment to reflect upon why I do this work. House District 24, spanning Wilson and Nash Counties, is filled with generations of history, culture, and pride that continue to shape the community we call home. As I prepare to head into the short session in Raleigh, I find myself pausing to say thank you.
The residents of this district send me to Raleigh with something far more than the duty I carry to represent them.
They sent me with values I learned right here. It’s the work ethic modeled by hard-working people on our farms who feed us both food and economic fuel. It’s the perseverance instilled by our school teachers and recreation sports coaches who refuse to let players settle for less than our very best. It’s where I learned about faith as my rock through Sunday school lessons and Wednesday evening services.
I have shared before that my grandfather was my hero. It was not because of major accomplishments, but through the everyday acts where he showed me how to be a good neighbor: when he mowed our lawn, he kept going to cut the next yards over. He took the extra time to help his community. He learned that lesson from his own father, who had a fruit and vegetable stand right downtown on Tarboro Street.
Through generations, that’s what we’re about here: being good neighbors. We won’t always agree with our neighbors, but we try our best to be good neighbors.
The deep commitment to community is exemplified by great leaders like Gov. Jim Hunt, who showed generations of North Carolinians that public service is about the people. It’s exemplified by the everyday folks in our community who are doing their best to take care of their kids, make enough to get a summer vacation, and ensure their family is healthy.
I carry all of that with me every time I walk onto the House floor.
House District 24 is not just a place on a map. It is the community that raised me, challenged me, and poured into me. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of Wilson County and the communities of Nash County that have welcomed me as their representative. I’m so proud of the place I came back home to.
As we head into the short session, I remain focused on the priorities that matter most to the people of this district: fighting for our public schools, making life more affordable for families, and making sure the voices of House District 24 are heard loud and clear in Raleigh. Thank you for entrusting me to be your State Representative. To reach our office, you can call at (919) 733-5898 or email at dante.pittman@ncleg.gov.