The Issues

Transportation – “Roads First”

Traffic congestion is a significant problem in the Charlotte region. Congestion is a disincentive to economic development and decreases the quality of life of all citizens. Efforts to relieve congestion through mass transit have are questionable at best. Moreover, taxpayer dollars must be used most efficiently and therefore I continually and forcefully advocate for the completion of I -485 in North Mecklenburg and the expansion of I-485 in South Mecklenburg. Additionally, I filed a series of bills(H1146, H1147, H1148, and H1149) that would stop transfers from the Highway Fund to the General Fund thus increasing funds for transportation without raising taxes, and that would change the existing Equity Funding formula so that transportation funding would be concentrated where people live and drive. This agenda for transportation reform will relieve congestion without placing additional tax burden on citizens.

Homeland Security – “Our Duty is to Protect our Citizens”

North Carolina is a large, geographically and culturally diverse state with several Homeland Security issues. As the tenth largest state in the nation with Charlotte as the twentieth largest MSA and the second largest banking center in the United States, major eastern ports, petroleum tank farms, nuclear plants, international airports, etc. North Carolina has many potential targets. This is why I started the Homeland Security Caucus in the North Carolina General Assembly. The purpose of the caucus is to educate members on Homeland Security issues and build support for legislation that will ensure the safety of our citizens.

Major Legislation 2011 Session
(Primary Sponsor)

H113 – Motorcycle Safety Act

H149 – Make Terrorism a Crime

H158 – Limit Legislators to Four Consecutive Terms

H172 – Encourage Use of Military Contractors

H188 – Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Major Legislation 2011
(CoSponsor)

H2 – Protect Healthcare Freedom

H215 – Unborn Victims of Violence/Ethans Law