The Issues
Political Philosophy – Limited Government; Individual Rights; Role of government is to protect its citizens and provide basic infrastructure
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 (2009 Session) –
HB 2 – Smoking Ban
This bill would prohibit smoking in public places, which includes private property.
While I agree with the health related arguments regarding second hand smoke, I disagree that government should be allowed to prohibit legal activity on private property and therefore do not support the bill. In my opinion, current law prohibiting smoking on government property strikes the proper balance between health and property rights.
HB 9 – No Texting While Driving
This bill would prohibit texting while driving. Those cited would receive a $100 fine, but would not receive any points on their license. While I support public safety and the intent of the bill, I do not support the bill because it is unenforceable according to the Fraternal Order of Police, there is no evidence to support the assertion that texting actually increases accidents, there is current law in place regarding wreckless driving, and it’s illogical to identify one activity without addressing others like, adjusting radio controls, eating, or other distractions.
HB 88 – Comprehensive Sex Education
This bill would replace the current Abstinence until Marriage (AUM) sex education with a Comprehensive curriculum. Advocates of the bill argue that AUM doesn’t work. However, research shows that teen pregnancy and abortions have decreased in North Carolina since its inception in the 1990’s. I do not support the bill because the current curriculum works, local school districts did not ask for this legislation, but mostly because it seems to be another attempt to advance an agenda opposed to traditional marriage and in support of alternate lifestyles.
HB 120 – Public Campaign Financing
This bill would establish a pilot program for public financing of political campaigns. There is one more step in a movement to increase public financing of political campaigns. I do not support the bill because I do not believe taxpayer dollars should be spent on political campaigns.
HB 287 – State Health Plan
This bill attempts to fix the State Health Plan. It would appropriate $712M, increase copayments from employees, but fail to address the core issues creating the problem. In short, the State Health Plan is unsustainable in its current form because it encompasses too many services, attracts older employees and spouses who are expensive to insure and discourages younger families from joining. I do not support this bill because it continues to throw money at problems without addressing the core issues of government entitlements that are unsustainable.
HR 990 – Permanent House Rules
The House Rules govern how the House is governed, are passed during every session, and significantly affect both the budget and legislation during the session. I do not support the bill because it allows abuse of power that diminishes the rights of the individual legislator and ignores the voices of citizens represented by those serving in the minority party.
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