Pat has spent the last year meeting his fellow North Carolinians and quizzing them on the issues that matter to them. By asking voters to tell him about their hometowns, Pat has learned about the challenges facing communtities statewide and the inspired solutions pioneered by local leaders.

Now it's your turn. If you're wondering what Pat thinks about a particular issue, or how he plans to act upon all he's heard on the campaign trail, just ask. What do you want to know about Pat's vision for North Carolina? This is your chance to find out.

Submit your question today, and watch this spot for the answer. (Questioners will be identified by first name and hometown; please let us know if you'd prefer anonymity.)

Send your question to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Thank you for visiting my web site, and for taking the time to follow up with questions. You've raised two issues that are very important to North Carolinians.

Immigration is really a federal issue, even though we daily see and feel its effects on our hometowns. As mayor, I have watched our community grow and change with the influx of workers from across Central America, a perspective that has shaped my five-prong plan for addressing immigration. First, I believe the United States must secure its borders. An unmanned fence is not a sufficient solution: For the sake of our domestic security, we must actively guard the many entryways to our country. Second, we need to develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of our economy while protecting the American worker's interests. And third, we should work to build a program that allows undocumented migrants who are longtime residents of their communities to gain citizenship.

These initiatives can only occur at the federal level. But local leaders' involvement is critical to the final two steps of my plan: We must enforce laws against employers who take advantage of the current situation, and we need to immediately deport illegal immigrants who are involved in criminal activity.

Immigration is a difficult issue, but I believe these five steps would help resolve some of the most pressing problems facing our state.

By the ‘Dix' issue, I assume you're referring to the disposition of the 306 acres comprising the state mental hospital campus. While I am not familiar with all of the intricacies of this particular issue, I am prone to think such a large tract of open space in an urban setting should be protected and preserved. Creating greenways and public-use parks has been among my top priorities as mayor: I believe these shared spaces contribute enormously to the overall health of our citizens, our community and our environment.

I am also sympathetic to Wake County officials who have called for Dix to remain open. Their concerns that patients will be harmed by the impending closure are genuine, making it imperative that the state

continues to equip local leaders with the tools they need to serve their citizens.

I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts. But I'm also interested in what you think; as always, please feel free to send your comments to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thanks again, and I hope to see you on the campaign trail.

With best wishes, I am sincerely,

Pat Smathers