Mark Binker of the Greensboro News and Record wrote an article about me being an independent thinker in the NC House.  First, I want to say that I am a proud democrat and have been my entire life. The conservative group Civitas gave me an "F" and I am ok with that. However I am a firm believer in working with people where they are and having a starting point from where we disagree whether than focusing on things where we disagree.

I make no apologies for making people nervous. The very fact that people  have to stop by my office to see where I am on a bill, gives me the opportunity to tell the stories of my district, and they can explain to me how this issue can effect my district. I believe that is effective representation of the people, and I believe this is what the people elected me to do.

Read the article by clicking below

RALEIGH — Rep. Marcus Brandon plowed his way along the dull, gray walls of the legislative building, checking room numbers and name plaques every so often to make sure he was headed the right way.

It was a hectic, hot July morning when word got out that legislative leaders might bring a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage to a vote during a special legislative session.

“It’s clearly against the principles of the constitution to stick your personal beliefs in it,” Brandon said as he checked a sheaf of papers, looking for his next destination. With seven months of legislating behind him, he is better known for his stances on education and the Voting Rights Act.

Some of Brandon’s closest friends at the General Assembly are Republicans.

“He’s a good thinker,” said Rep. Tom Murry, a Republican from Raleigh who co-sponsored legislation with Brandon and Rep. John Blust of Greensboro to reduce paperwork handled by teachers.

“He thinks through things in a very mature way and approaches issues from not a partisan perspective but, ‘How is this going to affect folks in my district?’”

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Raleigh, NC –  Rep. Marcus Brandon of Guilford County voted no on the new House GOP budget. Brandon highlighted the defunding of public education as his priority reason for being against the GOP budget. “Public education is something we should be looking to fund first; it shouldn’t be the first thing we cut. This budget, I am afraid, has the wrong priorities.”

Brandon stated he was disappointed in the GOP for doing a cuts only budget. "Although, I share the frustration with my friends on the other side of the aisle on wasteful spending; it is
irresponsible to deal with our budget on the basis of cuts only; with this economy, it is obvious to anyone that more people are going to need services. North Carolina is still one of the fastest
growing states in the country and we have to continue to keep our state the best place to dobusiness and create jobs."

A High Point Democrat found himself at the center of the highly charged debate over expanding the number of charter schools in North Carolina on Monday night. Rep. Marcus Brandon  was the lone member of his party to back the measure, which the House passed 68-51

“Many people wonder why a freshman Democrat would actually be the only one (Democrat) to support a charter school bill,” he said Monday night on the floor of the House.

“It has been a very hard road for me to travel ... but I had to be true to myself and true to my campaign promise that the representative from the 60th district will not allow you or anyone on either side to hold my kids hostages for your talking points.”

To watch the Rep. Brandon's Remarks on the house floor click here
Go to 2:15 to start watching remarks

Brandon made two promises on the campaign trail on education, and Friday he was able to keep both promises he made to constituents. Rep. Marcus Brandon is a co-sponsor of the "Tax Fairness in Education Bill"  "I understand that this bill is somewhat controversial, but it does not have to be, if both sides listen to each other, but more importantly listen to their constituents." Brandon promised that he would support giving educational decision making back to the stakeholders- students, parents, and teachers, so they can determine what is best for their student, their school, and their community. Brandon also promised that he would protect public education at all cost, noting that our public school system is still the best option for the majority of his constituents and that it is imperative that we continue to fight for a strong public school system. Brandon is working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we do just that.

Click here to watch Rep. Brandon discuss this bill with News and Record reporter Mark Binker.

02/01/2010

Marcus Brandon, Candidate for N.C. House District 60 congratulated the Board of Directors of the new International Civil Rights Museum for its opening and called for a new era of civil rights leadership which emphasizes strong civic representation, quality education, and social justice for underprivileged communities.