STARLING FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWS ARGUS                                                  10–29-08 1) Would you be willing to raise property taxes? Do you support a bond referendum? If so, for schools or something else? Will you continue to keep such a large fund balance in light of the new economic realities? Will you support a sales tax referendum?   What is your budget philosophy in terms of cutting expenses or expanding programs? “I do not favor raising property taxes, especially at a time when many of our citizen consumers are struggling in a poor overall economy.” Starling stated.  “Instead of funding growth on the backs of property owners by raising their taxes, we need to take a hard look at wasteful, outdated, and generally ineffective programs where we can make cuts or outright eliminations that will retain funds in the budget rather than raising property taxes, which should be a last resort.” Starling added.  Starling said, “I might support a bond referendum for schools but only if a clear requirement is shown by the school board and only if current projections show a funding deficit for school infrastructure requirements.”  Starling added, “The school board should work with the commissioners to craft a long-term plan that takes our schools’ requirements into consideration.  This plan should account for routine and unscheduled maintenance, student population growth, and the establishment of a separate “reserve” fund.  Starling further added, “It is no secret that as areas grow, school systems must grow proportionately.  A reserve fund must be maintained as a ‘set aside’ specifically for this purpose.” He went on to say, “Assuming these conditions are met with clearly defined requirements that can be easily explained and illustrated to taxpayers, they should be given the chance to vote on a bond referendum to fund such needed growth.” Starling simply stated, “I do not agree with the current posture of hording excess money in a bank account while we borrow away our next generation’s future.  I say, ‘pay-as-we-go’ and as often as we can!  These funds belong to taxpayers, and where possible, they should be used instead of borrowing excessively.” Starling stated, “I see no requirement to support a sales tax referendum, one was just defeated.”  However he added, “I would consider one if it was revenue neutral, reducing the property tax by a like amount.” Starling stated, “My budget philosophy centers on cutting expenses and increasing revenues through growth rather than compulsory increases in taxation.   To cut expenses, every county program and governmental department should be periodically reviewed to determine the necessity for keeping that department or program.  If after review, it is found that goals are not being met or in some cases organizations are simply no longer required—we should either restructure or eliminate them.   Systematic reviews should be the standard in all economic times, but especially during hard times like now.  County government is no different than the average citizen in that it must conserve, reduce spending, and be the best stewards of money as possible.  That starts with living on a budget and well within our means.” 2) What role should the commission play in the schools? Capital funding is mandated, but they also ask for classroom and teacher funding.  How much room for involvement and direction does that give the commission?  What would you ask of the school system in return for the funding? Starling said, “The role of the commission is mandated to provide Capital funding.  Beyond that very important mandatory function, any additional leadership and fiscal guidance the county commission can provide should be Ad Hoc, as requested and required by the county school board.  They have their tasking, and we have ours.  The two boards should be complimentary in the sense that they should have one primary goal: to provide the very best education to present and future generations of children receiving education in Wayne County. 3) What are the biggest challenges facing the county. How should the county deal with issues of economic development and infrastructure? Starling stated, “I embrace personal responsibility, limited government, traditional values, and low taxes.  I have a vision for Wayne County that includes these values and which moves us forward to meet the future’s unique challenges.  I will use conventional wisdom as well as “think outside the box” tactic to provide ideas that solve short and long-term problems.  I will adhere to responsible fiscal policy-making to ensure the greatest possible tax relief to our citizens.  I am committed to addressing pressing problems that affect us all such as unemployment, the local cost and impact of illegal immigration, crowded classrooms, and governmental disrespect for citizen’s private property rights.”  Starling went on to say, “Under my vision, Wayne County will act now to prepare for the next decade, to compete, excel, and flourish.  If the voters of District Five choose to elect me to the Wayne County commissioner seat, I will roll up my sleeves and go to work the next day ensuring fairness and prosperity are enjoyed by as many Wayne County Citizens as I am able to help.  I appreciate your vote!”   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Oct. 19, 2008 Mount Olive – Willie Ray Starling, candidate for Wayne County Commissioner (District 5) believes his many years of experience can be put to excellent use helping run the affairs of Wayne County.  “I am running for commissioner, because we must improve Wayne County in a number of key ways,” states Starling.  A long-term resident of Wayne County who resides in Mount Olive, Starling believes helping fellow citizens enjoy a better quality-of-life in tough economic times is essential.  “Wayne County's potential for increased economic development is unlimited—it’s an explosive growth industry.  We live in one of the finest places in the entire great State of North Carolina, and with real conservative values, lower taxes, limited government, and improved education, we’ll only get better!” Starling says with enthusiasm. Mr. Starling’s education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Business Management, and he has years of specialized technical and management training. “I talk to hundreds of people every week, and I understand the problems and struggles of everyday folks trying to hang on and provide for their families especially in troubled time.  We need solutions, and I have been a problem solver all my life,” he said. Willie Ray has been married to Patricia Ann Jones Starling for 27 years.  He has 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  He Belongs to Harvest Baptist Church, New Hope Ruritan Civic Club, Mt. Olive Masonic Lodge, Sudan Shrine, Wayne Shrine Club and the Wayne Shine club Mini Rigs. Starling added, “We need a prosperous county and the best vehicle to achieve prosperity is to provide the means for individuals to provide for themselves. Electing commissioners who relate to ordinary citizens because they themselves are from that group ensures balanced representation.  Working people are overtaxed, so we can start there with local changes that will make an immediate difference.  A cut in taxes will attract jobs and instantly make Goldsboro & Wayne County a more attractive place for businesses and jobs to settle and grow here.  With your vote, we can and will improve Wayne County to meet the challenges of the 21st Century!   Rebuttal to Editorial Tuesday, August 16, 2005 I post this here so you know where I stood and stand! This is in rebuttal to Gene Price’s editorial on Tuesday, August 16, 2005. This is the 4th time my comments has been addressed in this newspaper without the public knowing what exactly I said. The editorial puts my comments out of contexts. The readers, who were not present, nor watched the cable broadcast, will take this in a negative light, not as I intended. I stated up front that members of the Americans for Prosperity, Watch Dogs of Public Funds of Wayne County prepared the statement and that I was reading it. In fairness, I submit the following, which is the entire statement I read as a member of the Americans for Prosperity, Watch Dogs of Public Funds of Wayne County, (meets every 2nd Tuesday 7:00PM at Wilbur’s BBQ). “In today’s society, we are often misled by our leaders. They have a tendency to make rules and laws that benefit there own agenda with out as much as a care to the people whom they represent. What are the purposes of the tax hikes? What happens with our tax moneys? How do the so-called projects get started without any input from the citizens that they are supposed to represent? If any, what type of voice do we as citizens have on our future? We go to the polls thinking that we can make a change that will give us control over our future, but only to be sold out to pirates that pad their own pockets with expensive monuments and external growth that does little for the people. Where is our support? It’s our money and we have a right to know and decide what it is used for.” I did not call Commissioner Best, nor any other commission member a Pirate! I question “no ones honesty”, not even their “judgment”, there is nothing in this statement addressed at any particular commission member. Perhaps they should get out of the kitchen if they can’t take the heat. These are thoughts being expressed by average citizens across this county at country stores, at Wilbur’s BBQ community table, at Southern Belle Restaurant, at Ola Mae’s Restaurant and many other places that I frequent. The words spoken were Americans for Prosperity, Watch Dogs of Public Funds of Wayne County’s shot at expressing to the board of commissioners the thoughts and feelings of citizens across this county. Property taxes were raised, on average, 30% two years ago, ad valorem taxes (which includes homes, cars, boats, trailers, all personal property) 11.5% this year, and the “911” tax was increased by over 100% at the meeting when I spoke. This does not even get into all the “user fee (TAX) increases”. Where is the end of these tax increases? With gas prices being what they are, I have had to cut down on driving, eating out, buying un-required items, in other words control my SPENDING. The Wayne County Government has wildly increased its budget in these ascetical times. We as citizens have not had 40/50% pay increases, most of us are on fixed incomes, there are no pockets for us to reach into! Don’t you think this is why commerce is leaving this county, going where there are lower taxes? The problem we have in this county is a SPENDING CRISIS not a budget crisis, TAXES ARE TO HIGH. Citizens speak up, am I wrong, do I misread the sentiments across this County, are you as fed up as I? Let your voice be heard! Willie Ray Starling

Starling Files

STARLING FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        Feb 12, 2008   Mount Olive – Willie Ray Starling filed for District 5 County Commissioner today, stating “We must work for improving Wayne County, help people trying to raise a family and businesses who are creating jobs.  Wayne County's potential for strong economic development is exploding. We need real conservative values enacted in government. Lower taxes, limited government, improve education and traditional moral values are the principles that provide the foundation of conservatives. These ought to be the principles upon which our government bases decisions.” Starling added, “We need a prosperous county and the best vehicle to prosperity is to provide the means for individuals to provide for themselves. Electing commissioners who stand on principles will help move this county in the right direction. We must make Wayne County a county where a business will come because it is a good place to do business, a county where a business can prosper and grow, where the taxes and regulations are fair to all.”  Starling said, “Tax revenues have exploded higher over the past 4 years in Wayne County, according to data from the NC Department of State Treasurer Financial Information on County Revenues and Expenditures, 2003 property tax income for Wayne county was $30.3 million, rising each year to $44.1 million in 2006”.  He further added “This is an increase of 45.5%, while inflation has been a fraction of that; the working man is simply overtaxed. I don’t know anyone who has had this kind of pay increase. We need to cut taxes so this county can be a better place for business to grow and create jobs. We must have Conservative government. We can make this become a reality if we work together. Now let’s get to work and make the change.”

STARLING CONSIDERING FILING

STARLING CONSIDERING FILING FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, Maybe House District 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan 31, 2008 Mount Olive – Longtime Mount Olive resident Willie Ray Starling has announced he is considering candidacy for the Wayne County’s District 5 County Commissioner seat currently held by Commissioner Bud Grey or the NC State House District 10 seat held by Van Braxton. Born in Faison, Starling, 67, is a retired U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer and retired DOD civilian whose last assignment was with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Command. "My many years of government service have well equipped me to serve the citizens of Wayne County as a commissioner, or the citizens of State House District 10. If I seek one of these offices it will be with the citizens best interest at heart," Starling stated. Starling holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, and has long served in various capacities on the executive committee of Wayne County’s Republican Party. "I grew up here in Duplin County—my conservative roots," he stated. Starling has been married for 26 years, has 5 Children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. "As a father, grandfather, and great grandfather, I am reminded daily how our children are our legacy in the world, and we owe them our best leadership. As a Wayne County Commissioner, ensuring top notch educational opportunities, improving the quality of county services offered to our citizens, strengthening every aspect of public safety, and attracting new industry and higher paying jobs to this area will be my primary focus, should I run for either office. I embrace conservative moral values in my own life, and I would exercise true conservative leadership as county commissioner or as a State House Representative. I will be giving great thought and consideration for what is best for the citizens of this area before I make my final decision"