Joe's Stand on The Issues

SCHOOLS

For over a decade we have heard the promises of better schools for our children. It really is time for a NEW VOICE on the Board of Commissioners to set Schools as the TOP PRIORITY.

Let’s quit the finger-pointing and have a real discussion on the issues facing our school system and find the solutions.

The lines have been blurred but here are the FACTS.

The Commissioners are responsible to provide the funds for all capital projects including building NEW SCHOOLS.

The School Board is responsible for the day to day operation of the schools in Wayne County under the direction of the State of North Carolina.

The Commissioners have not allocated funds for a new school since 1996.
The State School Bond was the source of funds to build the last New Schools in Wayne County.
Some of our School Buildings are over 50 Years Old.
With Wayne County Growing, We must invest in New Schools within the next few years.
Improving Schools is the best way to bring better jobs and industry to Wayne County. The Marketing of Wayne County is damaged by all the Negative Talk about our Schools.
After arguing for a over 10 years, the commissioners have announced a $22 million school capital building program. The public is deceived by this announcement in that the commissioners are only spending $2.25 million with the balance coming from state lottery and sales tax funds. More to come on this......

JOBS

There is no better way to bring industry and jobs to Wayne County than to invest in our Schools.

Common sense tells us that when industry executives research sites to locate, schools and education are at the top of the list. It is true that land costs, available labor, etc are important but executives want to make sure that their personnel will have a good quality of life for their families.

Burdensome regulation kills job growth. We all know that small business creates more jobs in our economy. As a small businessman I will work to re-evaluate regulations in Wayne County to assure each is necessary and are not hampering small business growth.

TRANSPORTATION

Although we have finally seen I-795 completed to US 70, we must push hard to complete I-795 to I-40. This will bring growth, jobs, industry, and tourist dollars to Wayne County. We cannot afford to wait another 25 years. I will work with our legislators to find the resources to complete this and other transportation improvements for Wayne County.

Wayne County is in a unique position to become a hub for expansion of passenger and freight rail service from our ports on the coast to the rest of the nation. We must work to invest in the improvements in our port facilities to bring growth and jobs to Eastern NC.

RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT

As I talk to people in our district and throughout Wayne County, I am constantly told that elected officials are not listening to real people.

One resident sums it up this way, “I have quit trying to explain my problems and suggesting solutions because they know everything and are going to do what they want anyway.”

I truly believe that an elected official should vote the will of the people. Too often people elect representatives who become experts in their own minds and represent themselves or special interest groups.

As YOUR commissioner, I understand that my votes and decisions will affect real people’s lives. I will do my utmost to always vote with the average person in mind. I will always be available to assist you in dealing with Wayne County government. No-one will work harder to bring a NEW VOICE for YOU on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners