Restoring the dream March 12, 2012

I’m excited about running in the May 8 Democratic primary for the new open seat in N.C. State House District 54, representing all of Chatham County and a portion of Sanford.  After 40 years of community advocacy and leadership in Chatham, I’m eager to be your strong local advocate in the General Assembly to help get our district back on track in these difficult times. I’m grateful for the many endorsements I have received from major organizations that have compared my record against my opponent’s, as well as from 18 current and former elected county, municipal and school board officials in Chatham and Lee, and many, many voters across the district. Thank you, all. I hope to see you at the polls during early voting through May 5, or on Election Day May 8.

I have spent my entire career fighting for fair treatment for all people.  Now I want to bring fairness and balance back into the public debate. Here’s what  I believe we need to rebuild our economy:

• Strong  Schools: We must invest in our public schools from pre-K through community college and university levels. We shouldn’t be laying off teachers and teachers’ assistants. They help our children and their jobs help our local economy. Legislative leaders should be ashamed that NC now spends less per pupil than just about any other state in the nation.

• Good Jobs:  Strong schools are the foundation of economic opportunity, but schools alone are not sufficient. We also need good jobs now.  We must support local farms and businesses and work strategically to attract clean industries — not simply wait for the jobs to show up.

• Clean Air and Water: We also must protect the natural environment that makes our region a stellar place to live and work — considered one of the best locations in the nation. That means stop the fracking frenzy — don’t allow hydraulic fracking for gas in North Carolina, until and unless we are certain it will not undermine our health and environment.

• Restore the Dream:  We must restore the promise of upward mobility for all. The American Dream is for everyone, not just the privileged few.

• Stop the Train Wreck:  The new legislative majority in Raleigh has eliminated teaching jobs, attacked the educators’ association, and begun dismantling environmental laws. Now they are trying to turn back the clock on the rights of women, minorities and anyone who doesn’t share their ideology. 

I believe we should be working with each other, not against each other.

I’m ready to do my part to restore the dream of democracy and economic prosperity for our district and our state.  I’d be honored to have your vote.

–Jeff