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The following are answers to rrspin.com questions for the Halifax County Board of Commissioners race: 

42822hammie

Name

Rev. Trian D. “Scoop” Hammie 

Occupation

Department of Veterans Affairs Supervisory Advanced Medical Support Assistant

Experience

I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Transportation Corps in 2001.   

During my time on active duty, I was prepared for all elements of service: physical, mental, and emotional. 

My military experience gave me the essential tools necessary to perform in the role of a leader. 

I was trained how to build cohesive teams through mutual trust. This includes always keeping the values and ethics of the organization on display. Moreover, I learned the importance of a shared understanding. 

I continued my service after discharge by working in federal civil service for over 20 years. 

I have worked in the following agencies: 

Department of Defense 

USAMEDDAC Department of the Army, McDonald Army Hospital (Medical Assistant)

The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, Portsmouth Naval  Hospital  (Lead Medical Support Administration )

Department of Veteran Affairs 

Veteran Health Administration, Central Virginia Veteran Health Care Systems, Community Based Ambulatory Care, Emporia Community Based Outpatient Clinic (Supervisor Medical Support Administration) Serves Halifax County Veterans for Health Care.

As a Supervisory Medical Support Administration, my work is primarily concerned with providing, securing, or negotiating the resources or services needed to manage and run the organization.

I have also worked with Second Chances Youth Services, Emporia, Virginia, as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (Counselor).

Education

Public Schools of Halifax County, NC, and Prince George County, MD.

U.S. Army Basic Combat Training, Fort Jackson, SC 

U.S. Army School of Transportation – 88h Cargo Load Specialist, Ft. Eustis, Va. 

Everest College – Medical Assistant Diploma 

Saint Leo University – Associate Arts: Liberal Arts 

Saint Leo University – Bachelor of Arts: Sociology 

Virginia Union University School of Theology- Master of Divinity 

Harvard University Dept. of Religious Studies Ed X– Certificate in Religious Studies  

Professional affiliations

Local Patient Advocate - Emporia Community Based Outpatient Veteran Clinic. Emporia. 

Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) program Instructor, Central Virginia Veteran Health Care Systems, Veteran Affairs 

Diversity & Inclusion (DIAC), Central Virginia Veteran Health Care Systems, Veteran Affairs

American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis Program, EEOC - Central Virginia Veteran Health Care Systems, Veteran Affairs – Chairman

Education subcommittee Diversity & Inclusion (DIAC) - Central Virginia Veteran Health Care Systems, Veteran Affairs

Calendar Event subcommittee Diversity & Inclusion (DIAC) – Chairman

Central Virginia Veteran Health Care Systems, Veteran Affairs

Patient Safety Advisory Board, Central Virginia Veteran Health Care Systems, Veteran Affairs

Personal 

I am a native of Halifax County, born and raised in the Sam Powell Dairy (Loop) Rd. and the South Rosemary-Hodgestown communities. 

I was also reared in the Quankey Missionary Baptist church, where I served various ministries, including the following: Youth department vice-president; Youth choir; Male chorus; Layman League; Jr. Usher Board president  

I am currently a Saint Paul's Baptist Church member in Richmond, Virginia. I am serving in the following various ministries and programs that our church offers the community. 

Barnabas Counseling Ministry – Pastoral care and counseling.

Barnabas is a personal, Christian-based pastoral care and counseling ministry offered by qualified mental health professionals to all in need at no cost. 

This program aims to help guide individuals along the path toward healing and wholeness. We offer services for individuals, married couples, families, children, and youth. 

Associate minister-Shepherd’s Staff: Fusion Life stage (40 – 49 years old members) Care team.

Rapid Response Team: A team of ministers and members of the Diaconate — deacons — to provide care for bereavement, illness, and/or hospitalization and provide encouragement and guidance.

Men’s group 

Fusion Life Stage Small Group

I am married to the former Drucilla A. Johnson. We share seven adult sons and daughters and one daughter who is a junior at Weldon STEM Academy. I am also a member of South Weldon Lodge No. 35 M.W. Keystone Grand Lodge AF&AM.

Political endorsements

Progressive Caucus of the N.C. Democratic Party

Why are you seeking this office, and what makes you qualified to hold it when elected? 

A county commissioner can leave a legacy of good works and impact people's lives. It is the closest level of government to the people and one that provides the most significant challenge and creates leaders for the future. 

As an administrative supervisor, I aid the operating manager and subordinate operating officials in getting things done through my knowledge of, and skills in, dealing with organization, methods, funds, people, equipment, and other tools or resources of management. 

I also have a responsible role in the direction of both financial and human resources because of my direct relationship with the operating manager. 

I also do critical work in several other vital functions or services such as management analysis, procurement, contract administration, property management, space management, security administration, report management, data processing, and similar or closely related activities.

Would you support a tax increase to support critical capital needs or critical recurring expenses? Please explain why or why not?

No. 

A tax increase may further disrupt our already unstable local economy. Our county has too many people below the poverty line to attempt to get more money. There is no need to hurt the people we should help. 

Where do you stand on the issue of school merger?

This is not a current issue facing our county. I have seen the research that states that a merger would be very cost-efficient. However, the logistical issues that a merger would create would be a nightmare and an economic disaster.  

However, I favor our county commission joining with other counties to adopt a resolution to support the Leandro plan to make education equitable. 

Commissioners have passed proposed dog-hunting regulations to state lawmakers. Thus far, there has been no action on the matter. Do you support changes in dog-hunting regulations? Or do you support different enforcement measures?

I would need to have more conversations and education on this matter. I need to know who it affects and how. I do not have an answer to this question, but I am actively being educated and researching the matter. 

How would you recruit economic development projects to locate in Halifax County?

The current economic development committee’s method seems to work. However, I would instead focus more on local businesses to help them grow. 

Do you support the construction of a new detention center, expansion of the existing facility or entering into a regional jail agreement? Please defend your answer. 

I am in favor of a regional jail agreement. However, I would need more information to accurately assess the matter. I am aware that the current jail is unsafe and needs to be updated.  I am in favor of whatever our county can do to fix the problem. As I stated before, I would need more information to accurately assess the matter.

Do you identify as a conservative, liberal, or moderate?

I identify as a community servant. I am running to represent our county's average, everyday citizen at the table.  

Do you support the continuance of Zoom remote meetings?

I am answering this question in the context of the board of commissioners meetings. Yes, we should have hybrid meetings — both zoom and in person. This will provide the public with greater access to the discussions. I believe that this modality will allow for more transparency and participation from our citizens. 

What is the biggest issue facing Halifax County, and how would you address it when elected?

In-work poverty

Access to healthcare 

Literacy rates amongst the adult population

Education 

Recreation and health 

Housing

I will address these issues through the economic development committee. I would utilize subcommittees for each case, ensuring that each subcommittee works collectively towards a common goal set by the economic development committee and overseen by the county board of commissioners. 

Do you support raises for all county employees, and do you go about sustaining those increases?

Yes. I support the raises of all our county employees. 

There are entry-level and lower-level county employees who rely on food stamps to provide their families with food. 

The county constantly loses EMTs and sheriff's deputies due to low pay. These workers are essential and serve our county's critical needs. 

Their willingness to help our communities should be compensated with a competitive salary. Currently, our county is wasting time and money training deputies and EMTs, only to lose them to higher-paying municipalities.

Who has been your biggest influence in your career?

Many people have been very influential in my career. I would immediately say that my former midget football coach and the deacon of my church, Mr. James H. Pierce influenced me in many ways. Growing up in the community, I have watched him, coach, teach Sunday School, work full time, be an active parent, and serve as the church's deacon. He did all of this while serving as a Halifax County School Board member and then a county commissioner. Watching him, I saw the value of hard work. I learned that hard work leads to self-development. 

There are many challenges that he had to face on his journey, but he still worked to achieve something meaningful. 

Therefore, I learned that the hard work you are willing to put in to overcome these challenging circumstances is what will set you apart from the crowd.

Please provide a brief summation on what the board of commissioners would be like under your leadership

Economic development would be expanded to a broader project. 

The board will not only work to have businesses coming in/putting people to work, but we will also be looking at the following:

Average life expectancy in our county. How long are people's life spans?

Our education standards

Literacy rates, i.e., what percentage of the population can read — meaning that they can read with an understanding of some essential legal matters

Environmental standards

Availability of housing, plus the quality of housing in our county. We must hold slum lords accountable and ensure the tenants respect the landlord’s property. 

Access to healthcare — We need more access to quality, unbiased health care. We need emergency care in our rural areas and more access to primary care providers. 

The income per capita.

These are the issues that we must be tackling for our county.

I also will have more committees and subcommittees that will consist of all stakeholders, including the average citizen. 

I will advocate for a board that is a community-centered environment with love for the diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, and culture. 

This will foster an environment where all are encouraged and taught to examine and express their own values as well as listen respectfully to and respond to the opinions of others, serve the community in which they live, welcome others into their lives, and care for all of  Halifax County's residents.