Stewardship
I see my Legislative position as a bridge for the people of my
District to the attention, resources, and support of state
government.
Stewardship of our freedoms, stewardship of our resources, and
stewardship of our future are the guiding principles of my political
philosophy. These are principles which rely on the bonds between
us for their strength.
Leadership That Listens
I believe deeply in the ties of community that cause "We the
People" to work together for the common good...just as our founding
fathers risked their lives to come together to fight for the rights of
the citizens of the colonies and their common desire for independence.
I believe that an involved citizenry is critical to our Democracy. In
a representative government such as we have, it is imperative that
citizens communicate their views to their elected officials. And
it is imperative that Leadership Listens.
"Esse Quam Videri" -- To Be Rather Than to Seem
North Carolina's motto "Esse Quam Videri" (To Be Rather Than to
Seem) has long inspired my public service -- as a two-term member of the
Franklin County Board of Education, as Mayor of Louisburg for 16 years,
and as a fourth-term Representative for the District 49. My 30 years of
public service have given my fellow citizens a record by which to judge
my sincerity, my commitment, and my effectiveness.
