NC State Senate District 5

Your current job and title:

Semi-retired, working part time at Baywood Racquet Club

Your highest level of education:

Graduated from East Carolina University, Bachelor of Arts, 1980

If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?

My top priority will be to bring dignity, respect and common sense to the NC Legislature from District 5. Our legislature needs someone that they can take seriously and that will be able to obtain our fair share of dollars to this part of North Carolina.

If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?

I have already been listening to folks in District 5, talking to several thousand people in the past six months. We are not just speaking to groups but LISTENING. I have met so many incredible people going door to door in Edgecombe and Pitt County, listening to their concerns. In a survey in NC only 16% of North Carolinians knew who their senator was. That must change if we as elected officials are to involve our constituents. My goal is to at least double that percentage. Obviously, it takes a team, which is what we have. Elections do have consequences, local and state even more so than national. It is important to know who and what we are voting for.

Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?

I have worked in the public and private sector. I have run a business for 26 years and understand how difficult it is. It seems like every week there is another form that the city, county and state requires. There is always another fee, another tax, and all kinds of insurance. Our country survives on small business. We should NOT be making it MORE difficult. I led a NC nonprofit organization as President of the NC Tennis Foundation. Tennis is the world's healthiest sport for a lifetime and should be made available to all.

Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?

Voters should know that I actually tried to run for NC Senate District 5 two years ago as an independent. To get on the ballot, over 6,500
signatures were required. We came up short and ran out of time. The republican and democrat candidates simply had to pay the fee. It was more difficult than I thought. Many folks did not understand the process. Over half of our state is now registered unaffiliated. I registered Republican as my views are more aligned with that party. My hope is that folks will get to know each candidate and not just vote for the party. I will gladly come to any group that asks.

Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?

I grew up in Hoke County, Raeford, N.C., and have been in Pitt County for 50 years. I have been married to my wife Kathy now for
42 years. We have three children and three grandchildren. Most important to me is my faith in God through His son Jesus Christ my Savior.

I am grateful to live in a country that allows me to exercise my freedom to run for public office. This being the 250th birthday of our country makes it even more special. The question is, does our country still have the theological and moral foundation necessary to maintain the freedoms we celebrate? Consider: Recreational marijuana is now legal in 24 states. The average age of a child's first exposure to pornography is 12. More than half of men under age 50 hold an account with an online sportsbook. I could go on and on. We are in a moral revolution. That occurs when what was once condemned becomes celebrated, and what was once celebrated becomes condemned. History has shown that societies that abandon moral limits DO NOT
become freer, they almost always become more coercive.

Here's to the land of the long leaf pine,

The summer land where the sun doth shine,

Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,

Here's to down home, the old North State

Your current job and title:

Facilitator/Trainer

Your highest level of education:

Bachelor of Science Degree

If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?

The fight to bring down rising costs for families across the district -- because creating opportunities for all families to thrive and succeed is imperative.

If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?

I will continue to reach out by attending events, I will continue to host town halls, I will continue to utilize social media platforms and I will continue to send out my newsletter to engage and inform my constituency. I can receive feedback from all of these platforms as well as emails and phone calls.

Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?

I believe that representation means more than legislation. I meet constituents where they are, I listen to concerns, and I treat those who
reach out as worthy of a real answer.

Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?

I am People-centered, Hardworking and Passionate about what I do.

Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?

Constituent services is one of the most important things that I pride myself in doing with my office. Many people can’t navigate through the complexities of the state system, and I am a strong advocate to deal with those tough and unfortunate situations whenever possible.