MY POSITION ON ISSUES; Communication System for the County.  I had a conversation with Joe Gurley, the Wayne County Office of Emergency Services Director.  We had a very good conversation, as always with Joe, he was appreciative of the points provided and assured me they considered the questions I asked and decided to go with the communication system that was reccommended by the consultant.  The point of all this is, it is my desire to support the requirements of the county for the best communications system we can afford, as is their desire.  I assured Joe that I will be availiable to provide any assistance I can.  I support the need for a replacement communication system and it should be paid for now from surplus funds available.   EDUCATION * Communicate with the School Board. * Direct Education dollars to classroom. * Fund new school construction. Citizens have heard about improving education and school facilities in Wayne County for years. We have had enough of all talk and no action; it’s time for someone who will speak up for the Wayne County citizens and bring a strong voice to make education the TOP PRIORITY. FACTS The County is required to fund buildings for school growth The School Board is responsible for the operation of the schools in Wayne County Some Schools throughout the county are very old and require upkeep Wayne County Growth is ever increasing, We must repair the current schools and build new facilities soon.Improving schools will bring better jobs and industry to Wayne County. Crowded and Poor Facilities have a negative effect on a child’s education.   EMPLOYMENT * Improve worker training programs. * Lower tax burden on businesses. * Provide economic development tools. We know when executives search for new manufacturing sites, quality of education is the top priority. Business executives want to make sure that educated/trained personnel are available in the area. A great consideration is given to the standard of life in the area for the company families. Too much restrictive zoning, rules and regulations keep business away! The small business create most of the jobs. I will work to improve regulations and get rid of useless regulations in Wayne County. Local Government should not hinder business growth. TRANSPORTATION * Work to create an inland rail port. * Work to expand the Morehead port. * Push road construction completion. Wayne County is in a unique position to become a hub for passenger and freight rail service as an inland rail distribution port for cargo from ports on the coast to the rest of the nation. The roads must be improved to interstate quality to handle the over the road trucks to move cargo from an inland rail distribution port. To utilize the Global TransPark in Lenoir County we need to push for investment in the improvements in the Morehead port facilities to handle large container ships as well as cruise ships. This effort will bring growth and jobs to Wayne County and, the surrounding area. This expansion of the Morehead port and the complete support infrastructure will bring about enormous economic growth for all of North Carolina as well as Wayne County. Responsive Government * LISTEN to the people. * SPEAK for Wayne County Citizens. * VOTE the will of the people, * YOU WILL HAVE A VOICE IN ME! I have heard constantly from people in our district that elected officials do not listen to the Citizens of Wayne County and are not doing the business for the people. The citizens of Wayne County have told me that they are sick and tired of all the unnecessary user fees and permit costs which are really hidden taxes. The ones who are affected the most can afford taxes the least. We elect too many representatives who forget where they came from and think they know what the people need better than the people who voted for them. If elected as YOUR commissioner: * I will be a voice for the Citizens of Wayne County * I will hold town hall meetings in each area of District 5. * I will always work for and vote with the best interest of all citizens in this District in mind. * I will be readily available to the citizens of this District.