Candidate Name: Wesley Meredith
District: 19 Senate
Opponent: Billy Richardson
What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?
I expect to receive a substantial amount of endorsements when we get closer to the election. In the most recent election, I received a variety of endorsements and I hope to have the support of those agencies again in 2014.
If offered, would you accept contributions from our political action committee RPAC?
Yes of course, I appreciate those individuals and groups who support my views and greatly appreciate any contributions they decide to make to my re-election campaign.
If elected, what are you going to do for homeowners/property owners in Cumberland County?
I plan to stay the course from my last two terms. Specifically, I want to continue growing the North Carolina economy by bringing more jobs and business to Cumberland. This will increase property values and home ownership in our community.
Do you see fracking as a positive or negative for the real estate industry?
I see natural gas exploration as a great opportunity for this state and the real estate industry as well. The American Chemistry Council determined that a 25 percent increase in natural gas would add over 400,000 jobs across the economy. Developing a new domestic energy source by bringing natural gas drilling to NC means more high-paying and specialized jobs for residents. Simply put, the more people with those kinds of jobs, the better it is for the real estate market. Additionally, property owners that qualify within NC regulations and standards would have the rights to sell mining rights to companies.
If elected, what are your priorities for the long session next year?
Over my last two terms, I spent my time serving in support of a few basic ideas that I ran on. One goal was that I would do what I can to reduce taxes for North Carolinans; thanks to tax reform passed in 2013 we have ensured that ALL NC residents are now paying less in state taxes. Another was to help small business in NC grow through cutting away the unnecessary regulations that choked their growth. Burdensome regulations did not just cut down businesses in NC, they cut down jobs. North Carolina now has a blossoming economy that has rebounded strongly from the recession.
With a balanced budget, a healthy tax system and an improved regulatory environment our state economy is in much better shape than it was when I took office.
Improving our public education system would also be a foundation of my third term. The recent raises, averaging 7% across the board, for school teachers will ensure that our state recruits and retains the best in their profession.
However, my single most important priority remains being Cumberland County’s voice. Representing the interests of this district is my most important duty in my floor votes, my committee chairmanships and my other responsibilities as your legislator.
What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?
I like to think that I have done a good job helping my district, fulfilling my responsibilities and supporting the platform I ran on in my previous campaigns. Listening to constituents, addressing their concerns and passing sensible legislation that solves those issues are my goals.
Growing the NC economy, reducing unemployment and improving public education remain the issues that I am primarily focused on.
