Forlines: Age gives me an edge

csmorris — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:38:38 -0500

Age equals experience for John Forlines.

Forlines, founder of the Bank of Granite, announced his run for the state House of Representatives representing Caldwell County this week.

If elected, Forlines, 90, will become the oldest serving representative. He is running against Rep. Edgar Starnes, a Republican in his seventh term.

Is age an issue for his candidacy? "My age gives me a pretty big edge because I've had a lot of good experience," he told Dome.

For Forlines, age is only a number. "I don't feel that old," he said. "I feel I'm much younger."

If elected, Forlines says education is his top priority. He chaired the State Board of Community Colleges, served on Duke University's Education Board and the board of directors of Caldwell Community College.

A former chairman of the North Carolina Banker's Association, Forlines also said he wants to improve the economy and "the lives of our people."

Currently, the oldest representative is 82-year-old Dewey Hill, who is in his eighth term representing Brunswick and Columbus counties.

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