- Why do you wish to serve or continue to serve in the NC General Assembly?
Hoke and western Cumberland counties continue to struggle despite the growth in other parts of the state. I am running for NC State Senate because the best interests of our community are being neglected. As the community’s representative in the NC General Assembly I will earn the trust of my neighbors by being visible and accessible in order to answer questions and discuss the issues that plague our hears. I will earn the trust of my neighbors by working to repair our education system by empowering teachers as education professionals instead of treating them as baby sitters. I will earn the trust of my neighbors by defending the values, morals, and rights that our parents taught us, our preachers teach us, and the Constitution guarantees us.
- What are the top three challenges facing North Carolina and how do you propose to address them through your office?
The poverty rate in Hoke and western Cumberland county is nearly 20%. The government assistance laws are designed to keep people trapped in poverty instead of providing opportunities for folks to climb out of government dependence. In addition to creating an environment favorable for economic growth we can encourage our neighbors to open their own businesses by reviewing North Carolina’s Occupational License requirements. Many requirements can rolled back or even repealed which will bring down barriers preventing our talented citizens from opening their own businesses. Low income tax will keep more money in the hands of hard working North Carolinians who are struggling to make ends meet.
Securing our future by ensuring our children receive a top-notch education is paramount. Parents and teachers need the resources required to effectively educate our children. Parents should have options to place their children in higher performing schools, public or private. Teachers should be paid higher salaries and incentivized to develop innovative and creative methods to connect with our children. Teachers and administrators should have more options when dealing with disruptive students. To improve the connection between teachers and students, classroom makeup can be based on learning styles.
The number one priority of any government should be ensuring the safety of its citizens. Trust between law enforcement and the community can be created through transparency as well as community events that provide opportunity for law enforcement leaders to respond to community concerns. Laws should be enforced equally with local governments not having an option to which state/ federal laws they want to follow and which ones they want to enforce. How can citizens consistently abide by laws if they are not consistently enforced? State laws should need to be reviewed and cleaned-up as many laws are out dated or simply do not past he common sense test. We need to ensure that non-violent crimes committed by teenagers don’t impact their ability to succeed in adulthood.
- There is a statewide issue with unmaintained roads in neighborhoods recently referred to as “orphaned roads.” A bill was introduced in the General Assembly this year but did not move forward. What are your thoughts for solving this problem?
Orphaned roads in neighborhoods result in a dramatic decline in property value. Why should we expect property owners and tenants to care for their properties if the nearby roads are in shambles? Seriously damaged roadways will also increase the response time for first responders in the event of emergencies.
- What NEW ideas or incentives can you suggest to attract business into the region?
Businesses need flexibility in order to be able to adjust to the needs of the free market. Reducing outdated regulations and reducing corporate income tax will attract new business and help existing businesses grow. As more and more business move to North Carolina and grow, more job opportunities will be created. These opportunities will put North Carolinians to work and provide career advancement opportunities with higher wages.
Additional grant opportunities for small business should be created with incentives that can be achieved as employment thresholds are met.
- Do you support a further extension of a tax on services in North Carolina? Why or why not? The key to growing North Carolina’s economy is to increase the tax base by attracting new businesses, growing existing businesses, and making North Carolina attractive for folks to relocate to our state. While working to reduce income and corporate taxes in order to grow the base the sales tax on services will provide revenue needed for schools, community projects, and economic development projects in our states poorest areas.
