| This is the
first time the 18th House district is fully within New Hanover County.
Is that a plus or a minus? |
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It is a plus. New Hanover County is distinctive because
of our people, businesses and quality of life. Our County warrants the
full attention of its legislators. Our issues are unique in that we are
the urban core and business hub of southeastern NC. Job creation, the
environment and education are the key issues that will form our future.
I see tremendous benefit to our community with the right person in
charge who will focus on a single county. |
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| Would you raise
taxes or cut programs to try and balance the state budget? If cut
programs, which ones? |
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Any tax increase should be a last resort. It is incumbent upon
elected leaders to ensure that government has sufficient revenue to maintain an
appropriate level of core services such as child care, law enforcement, care for
the elderly, Medicaid, education and emergency management. It would be irresponsible
for me to make a statement on cutting programs before there is an opportunity for
a more extensive review of which programs are benefitting our region and
of different ways to raise revenue, but I am equipped to make those
tough choices. |
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| What is the single biggest issue facing the district? |
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Job creation. We must find creative ways to bring good
businesses to Wilmington. PPD and Screen Gems are success stories
because they chose to locate their businesses here and they employ
thousands of people. It is not just the quality of life that brings
people to our District, but also the quality of our people. A sound
education system is a critical component to job growth and to attract
good businesses to our region. As a member of our legislature, I would
use my economic development experience to bring new businesses to New
Hanover County and create jobs. |
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| Do you think
the current holder of the seat, Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes, has done a
good job? |
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Yes. She always represented her constituency to the best
of her ability and I would continue to make sure that the District was
well represented. |
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| Why are you a
better choice to represent the 18th House district than your opponent? |
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My combined education and professional experience in
economic development make me the best choice. I have a proven track
record of assisting officials and business leaders in bringing jobs to
Wilmington. For example, I was instrumental in the relocation of Castle
Branch from Wake County to Downtown Wilmington, bringing 125 jobs. I
also assisted with the retention of RSM McGladrey, and the relocation of
Bank of America Headquarters, in the Central Business District. I
understand and have experience with the policies and processes of city,
county and state government. |
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| The proposed
Titan America cement plant is within the district. What is your position
on the company’s proposal? |
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Titan must meet the new EPA regulations and all NC
permitting requirements before they can do business in NC. If the
regulations are not sufficient to protect our environment, then recourse
is through the Courts. I do not support Titan’s application as it is
currently written since it allows for 268 lbs of mercury to be emitted
into the air. If current environmental regulations are not sufficient to
protect our environment, it is the responsibility of elected leaders and
professionals to strengthen our environmental standards. I will meet
that responsibility. |
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| Would you
support limits on municipal annexations? |
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Yes, if those limits meant that Cities could annex only
if they are able to provide municipal services in a short timeframe
following annexation. It is critical that all government policies be
reviewed from time to time and I would support a review of our state’s
annexation law. Our community should work to plan for annexation in such
a way that is public and that will help citizens plan for their own
future when making investment decisions. Annexation has made NC one of
the strongest states in terms of City development. |
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| How would you
change, if at all, the state’s current ABC system? |
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There must be more local control over the issuance of
ABC permits. While with the City of Wilmington and Wilmington Downtown,
Inc. I actively pursued more local control over the issuance of alcohol
licenses. Who better than the local citizens are equipped to decide
where the sale of alcohol should be permitted in their communities?
Today, the state makes that decision on our behalf. If privatization is
proven by the current review committee to be profitable for the citizens
of NC, then I believe that is the right option to pursue. |
