As a state senator, I worked hard in the areas I consider the cornerstones of Real Family Security: Jobs, Education and Healthy Communities.

As co-chair of the Education Committee, I helped improve education for all our children. For the mountains, I secured funding for additional teachers at our small, geographically-isolated schools. As a senator I led the effort to win approval for a ¼-cent sales tax benefiting Haywood Community College, and brought hundreds of millions dollars more to Western North Carolina for higher education, especially to WCU.

As a senator, I made sure our agricultural research station stayed open, and led the way to build our WNC Livestock Center. As co-chair of the Senate’s 2004 Flood Relief committee, I led the effort to provide $250 million of assistance to distressed mountain communities all across Western North Carolina.

As your senator, I voted to fund the economic incentives that allow us to be competitive in industrial recruitment here in the mountains, while capping gas prices and expanding property tax relief tax relief senior citizens and disabled veterans. Additionally, I voted to help seniors with their prescription drug costs and expanded health coverage for uninsured children.

In short, I work for the real needs of the people of the mountains so they will have a better life and a promising future. I’m asking for your support in the May 8th primary to continue that work.