In Conetoe, leaders call for relief as costs rise across region
On a beautiful afternoon in rural Edgecombe County, a crowd gathered under the late‑season sun to hear a message that has become impossible to ignore across eastern North Carolina: Families are hurting, and area leaders say the state must do more. The event last month brought together Gov. Josh Stein; N.C. Rep. Dante Pittman, D-24th District; N.C. Sen. Kandie Smith, D-5th District; Democratic N.C. Rep.-elect Lorenza Wilkins, who will represent the 25th District; and others, each offering a different vantage point on the same reality. Rising costs are squeezing households, small businesses and congregations alike. Speakers advocated for more than temporary political gestures to meet the moment. Jess Rivera, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and small business owner, opened the event with a message shaped by months of listening sessions across Greene, Wayne, and Wilson counties. Rivera, a Democrat, ousted incumbent N.C. Sen. Buck Newton, R-4th District, in Tuesday’s midterm election, riding a blue wave to victory that also resulted in Republicans losing majority control of the N.C. House. “Everything, and I mean everything, is more expensive,” Rivera said. “Food, gas, the coffee I drank this morning, utilities, healthcare costs — it’s all too much.” Rivera, describing the pressure on
Edgecombe County, NC · 14h