Naming highway for Tolson deserved
Published October 20, 2014
Editorial by Rocky Mount Telegram, October 19, 2014.
To hear the nonstop television blather, you might wonder if there’s anything this country will ever be able to agree on again.
We’re not sure about the other 49 states, but we’d be amazed if anyone in North Carolina fails to recognize the important contributions made for all of us by former N.C. Rep. Norris Tolson.
Tolson retired from a brilliant career with Dow Chemical only to take on a much tougher job as a representative from Edgecombe County in the N.C. General Assembly.
He offered a strong voice for Eastern North Carolina and was recognized numerous times for his effectiveness and common-sense approach to government.
His reputation drew the attention of former Gov. Jim Hunt, who tapped Tolson for positions ranging from secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce to secretary of the N.C. Department of Transportation to secretary of the N.C. Department of Revenue.
It’s no surprise that Edgecombe County commissioners have joined other groups in a campaign to honor Tolson by naming the section of N.C. 43 that passes through Edgecombe County the Norris Tolson Highway.
The honor is richly deserved.
Tolson and his brother, retiring N.C. Sen. Joe Tolson, remind us of the great things that can be accomplished when legislators put aside political agendas in order to work for the betterment of the people they represent.
Renaming a highway seems the least we can do to honor Tolson’s service.
http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/opinion/our-views/naming-highway-tolson-deserved-2687009