By NICOLE CARTRETTE

Shirley Babson, 65, of Bolivia is Bill Fairley’s contender in the Republican primary race for N.C. District 8 Senate seat. The winner of the May 2 primary will challenge Democrat Sen. R.C. Soles Jr. for his seat in November.

Babson said she is seeking election to the state Senate so she can have more of an impact on decisions that are made for the district. Babson, chairman of the Brunswick County Schools Board of Education for seven years, said 98 percent of the decisions regarding education are made in Raleigh.

“I’m closer to what is happening,” Babson said. Babson said she has formed partnerships with Brunswick Community College and realized the advantages of establishing a middle college for high school students. She said through her experience on the board of education she knows what is needed on the local level.

“The economy is an important issue,” said Babson. “We need to bring more industry to the district and explore the possibility of attracting bio-technological industry like Dole foods to the area,” she said. Babson believes a strawberry and blueberry processing plant would provide additional jobs to the district.

“We do not have enough industry and depend too much on tourism in Brunswick and Pender counties,” said Babson.

Babson said she is interested in helping small businesses and farmers by decreasing the “burden of taxes and paperwork.” Government needs to refrain from increased spending, she said. When asked what she thought the biggest differences were between her and Fairley, Babson said Fairley’s service on the school board was brief compared to hers and she has more knowledge of the district’s needs.

“I serve now and have served,” said Babson, who served on the Brunswick County Board of Education from 1976-84 and from 2000-present.

She said she has always been interested in adult education and drug abuse prevention.

Senior issues are important as well, she said. “I see so much confusion for seniors.”

Babson said that with her experience of managing the Board of Education’s budget and overseeing school bond projects of more than $84 million prepared her to serve in the Senate. She said she is a capable financial manager who favors spending money wisely.

Babson claims that incumbent Soles has been in Raleigh too long and constituents have not had the representation they want. “They haven’t had the voice they should have had,” said Babson.

“I believe I am the best representative because I have been there down in the trenches working,” said Babson.

Babson’s background in public service includes serving as a delegate to the Republican National Convention (2004); an inductee to the N.C. Republican Hall of Fame (2005); vice chairman of the 7th District Republican Executive Committee (1995-96); chairman of the Brunswick County Republican Party (1992-95); member of the liaison committee with County Commissioners (2000-04); and member of Communities in Schools Board of Directors (2001-04).

She is a former member of Columbia Brunswick Hospital Authority, Brunswick Community College Board of Trustees (1979-82); Brunswick County Equalization and Review Board; Cape Fear Substance Abuse Board of Directors; and Personnel Administration Commission for State Employees (1987-91). She is a charter member of the Holden Beach Ladies Club, Tidewater Junior Women’s Club, Boiling Spring Lakes Ladies Club, and the Brunswick Republican Women’s Party.

Babson’s honors include the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, Human Relations Council-Outstanding Boardmanship, Citizens Award for Outstanding School Boardmanship, and nomination to the N.C. Hall of Fame.

She is a graduate of Shallotte High School and cites educational experience through the North Carolina School Boards Association, National School Board Association Seminars, Institute of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill, and continuing education courses at Cape Fear and Brunswick community colleges. She is a North Carolina Small Business Administration Master School Board Trainee Graduate-Level I.

Babson is married to William Babson. She has three children and five grandchildren.