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Local leadership, statewide We rely on our local governments to safeguard our streets, keep our water clean, pick up our trash and educate our children. Yet when it comes time to make decisions regarding those critical tasks, we too often turn to Raleigh. We're bypassing the people best equipped to solve our state's problems. North Carolina needs to empower and support the local leaders who know and understand their communities' unique challenges, strengths and priorities.Strong communities make a strong state The state of North Carolina is like a chain, with its communities forming the links in the chain. If any one of those links should weaken or break, the chain would fail. For the betterment of all of our communities, we must work to strengthen each of our communities.Governing, not grandstanding For every problem we face, there's a politician with a quick-fix solution for it. But we know these silver bullets don't work. Instead of proposing gimmicky policies that sound good on paper, but don't work in practice, I am endorsing a return to good governance. As an experienced leader, I know a responsive, deliberative and inclusive approach to policy-making will produce the best solutions for our state.Building a safer North Carolina Every North Carolinian deserves to feel safe at home, work and school. We need to take a hard look at the root causes of the issues that are threatening our societal security. By addressing affordable housing, joblessness and health care, including mental health, we can create a better state.Creating a culture of education One of government's most important responsibilities is the education of our children. But even the best teachers can't succeed when their students don't have their parents' support. We must make education a top priority for every North Carolina household by expanding and sustaining our post-secondary school system and working to make lifelong learning opportunities affordable.A cleaner, greener state As a lifelong resident of a mill town, I have seen the damage humans can wreak on their environment and the consequences it has for all of us. The good news is by fostering collaborations between federal, state, local governments and businesses, we can preserve and protect our natural landscape in a way that enhances our state's economic development. We must think creatively about mass transportation, waste disposal and alternative energy sources, so we can ensure our citizens will enjoy clean air and water for generations to come.
For more on my positions on specific issues, please read my blog, or write me at
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