Dickson is Bladen's New Senator

Bladen County has a new NC Senator.  Margaret Dickson was sworn in near noontime

Wednesday, beside NC 87 at the Bladen-Cumberland county line.

She was selected by a 4 member committee from Cumberland and Bladen County to

fill the unexpired term of Senator Tony Rand.  Rand resigned effective December 31 to become the chairman of the state parole board.

Dickson addressed a group of about 100 following the swearing in, administered by NC Supreme Court Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson.  She spoke about the recession

and about a slow recovery.

The 60 year old has already announced her candidacy to continue to serve in the NC

Senate.