Marie Colton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marie Colton
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 51st district |
|
| In office 1978–1994 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Education | Saint Mary's Junior College University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Marie Jaquelin Watters Colton (October 20, 1922 – September 25, 2018) was an important American politician. She served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1978 to 1994. During her time, she worked hard to make North Carolina a better place for everyone, especially for women and children.
Contents
Who Was Marie Colton?
Marie Colton was a dedicated public servant who made a big impact in North Carolina politics. She was known for her strong voice and her commitment to important causes.
Early Life and Education
Marie Watters was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 20, 1922. She went to Saint Mary's Junior College in Raleigh. Later, she studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1943, she earned a degree in Romance languages.
A Special Role in World War II
During World War II, Marie had a very important job. She worked as a code-breaker for the United States Army Signal Corps. This meant she helped to decode secret messages for the U.S. Army. Her work was crucial for the war effort.
Starting Her Political Journey
Marie Watters married Henry E. Colton. They first lived in Chapel Hill and later moved to Asheville. Henry Colton was involved in local politics, serving on the Asheville City Council. When he decided not to run for a state office, Marie stepped up. She ran for the seat and won, starting her own political career.
Making a Difference: Key Issues
Marie Colton served in the North Carolina House of Representatives for 16 years. During this time, she focused on many important issues. She wanted to improve life for people across the state.
Protecting Nature and History
Marie Colton cared deeply about the environment. She worked on laws to protect nature and keep North Carolina beautiful. She also supported efforts to save historic places. These places tell us about the past and are important for future generations.
Helping Families and Children
A big part of Marie Colton's work was helping families and children. She supported laws that protected children and helped those affected by domestic violence. She also worked to give local schools the power to ban corporal punishment. This meant schools could choose not to use physical discipline on students.
Improving Laws and Government
Marie Colton also focused on making government better. She worked on tax reform to make taxes fairer for everyone. She also pushed for legislative ethics reform. This aimed to make sure politicians acted honestly and with integrity. She also supported tourism and economic development in western North Carolina.
Breaking Barriers: A Leader in Government
Marie Colton was a member of the Democratic Party. She achieved a major milestone in her career. From 1991 to 1994, she served as the first female Speaker Pro Tempore of the House. This made her a top leader in the state's government.
Honored for Her Work
After leaving the House, Marie Colton continued to be recognized for her advocacy. In 1994, she was appointed to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. This shows her dedication to women's issues on a global scale. In 1998, she was elected to the Common Cause National Governing Board. This organization works to make government more open and accountable. In 2009, Marie Colton was inducted into the North Carolina Women's Hall of Fame. This honor recognized her lasting contributions to the state.
