Poet Laureate position in your hands: Nominate a NC poet today

It's a new day for North Carolina poet laureatedom.

Thanks to the clumsy move by our good governor in the summer, more poeple are aware now that there is such a position as poet laureate. And, I'll venture that more people care how that valued position is filled.
So now it's your turn.
The Department of Cultural Resources in Raleigh has issued a call for nominations for the state's next poet laureate.
This means you can nominate a poet you believe to be qualified to represent North Carolina as the ambassador for poetry and the written word.
Keep in mind that the selection criteria will be:

• A North Carolina resident with deep connections to the cultural life of the state
• Literary excellence
• Influence on other writers and appreciation of literature in its diversity throughout the state
• Ability and willingness to conduct the public engagement duties of the office
• Statewide, national or international recognition

In other words, an energetic, well-known N.C. poet with great people skills.

The process will be led by N.C. Department of Cultural Resources secretary Susan Kluttz.
Deadline for nominations is Oct. 14.
The Governor will announce his choice the first week of December.
Only electronic submissions will be accepted.
Send nominations to: www.NCDCR.gov/PoetLaureate.