In Raleigh, I will work to:

JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The most important challenge facing us today is jobs and economic development. The state needs to promote policies that attract new investment and promotes growth of existing companies. We need to develop a comprehensive suite of programs and policies that focus on assisting small business with technical assistance and access to capital. The state needs to actively pursue policies that will assist NC business in taking full advantage of the green jobs/green technology, energy revolution.

EDUCATION
Our learners must be encouraged to master the biological and physical sciences; mathematics, engineering, reading. We must think globally, because we are in direct competition with China and India, in order to execute locally, creating jobs and developing new products and processes. We must embrace learning as a lifelong enterprise, where the industrial age distinctions between secondary education, community college and university are replaced by the ability of a learner to access instruction as they are ready to absorb needed knowledge/skills. To effectively train 21st century students we must be prepared to individualize instruction; use technology to deliver knowledge at any hour of the day or night across many devices - smart phones, desk top computers, laptops, and note pads.

REGIONAL VISION
Charlotte is the hub of a multi-county region. The challenges and promise of our region go beyond city/county boundaries. Increasingly we will need to look to regional solutions to challenges in transportation, environmental stewardship, resource management, energy, economic development, planning. All of these issues pose challenges in coordination, funding and governance. The state in partnership with local governments, must take the lead in defining this new 21st century regionalism.

CARROTS NOT STICKS
I believe that the State should provide incentives for individuals and business to adopt policies and practices that improve water and energy efficiency. The State should promote the lowering of water/sewer, electrical rates for consumers who reduce their consumption; provide incentives for construction and renovations that meet or exceed green building council standards, use renewable energy, recycle water, plant climate appropriate ornamental vegetation. Each of these choices opens up new business opportunities, creates jobs and helps keep our economy healthy.

I ask for your support and your VOTE during the 2010 Election Cycle.
REMEMBER, EVERY VOTE COUNTS!