Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Personal:
Born in Jackson Springs, N.C., Resident of Pinehurst since 1953; Married 1953 to the former Barbara Carter; One daughter, Joy

Education:
West End High School; Attended Elon College

Military:
Korean War Veteran; Battalion Operations Sergeant, US Army 1951-1953; Honorable Discharge

Business:
Current
President and Owner of Pinehurst South Commercial Realty & Development
General Partner of BBL & Associates and BH Partnership
Past
President, Blake-Kirby Corporation (Bojangles franchises)
Secretary/Treasurer, Colonial Abrasives, Inc.
Director and Chairman of Executive Committee, First Federal Savings & Loan
Director of Carolina Bank and Member of Executive Committee (now BB&T)
Employed as a clerk and later manager of Pinehurst Hardware & Supply Co.; purchased business in 1964 and expanded into three locations
Director, Channel 40 TV in Fayetteville
                    
Past & Present Community Service:
Trustee, Moore Regional Hospital
Trustee, Sandhills Community College
Board of Directors, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Commission on School Facility Needs, State of North Carolina
Community Technology Team, Moore County Board of Education
Chairman, President's 500 Club, Moore Regional Hospital Foundation
Finance Chairman, World Golf Hall of Fame Tournament
Chairman of Fund Raising for Moore Buddies Program
Chairman of Gordon Cameron Scholarship College Fund
Director, Moore County Food Bank & NC Food Bank
Vice Chair, Moore County Board of Education - 1970-1976
President, Sandhills Area Chamber of Commerce
President, Pinehurst Lions Club
President, Sandhills Kiwanis Club
President, Moore County Historical Society

Church:
Elder, Presbyterian Church
Past President, Moore County Men's Presbytery Organization
Past Member, Council of Presbytery of Coastal Carolina
Past Chairman, Committee on Budget & Finance, Presbytery of Coastal Carolina

Past & Present Political:
Member, Moore County Board of Elections
Member, Moore County Republican Executive Committee
Republican Nominee for U.S. House of Representatives, Eighth Congressional Dist., '82 '84
Associate Administrator Farmers Home Administration (FMHA), U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; Washington D.C. - 1985-1986 (Appointee of President Reagan)
N.C. Senate 2002, 2004, 2006

I have been honored to represent Moore and Harnett counties in the North Carolina Senate. As I look forward to next session, I do so with much anticipation because our state is facing many difficult challenges. I.e. what to do as a people to improve the educational level of our children? Open and honest discussion to correct the many inequities and shortfalls facing our educational system is required. 

Many of the challenges that our children face today will not be corrected by money alone. With that said, as our world becomes more global, it is paramount that our children obtain an education that keeps our country competitive with countries around the world. As part of that equation, I support greater local control for our educational system.

My effort in the next legislative session will also focus upon the growing problem of gang activity. I will support and develop legislation addressing this threat that now haunts many of our communities across the state.

A third challenge to confront is the inadequate funding of our Department of Transportation. For too many years, we have lagged behind in planning and appropriating for long-term transportation needs. This includes use of rail where practical. Directing funds to areas of priority need and better maintenance of our existing roads must be addressed.

Fourthly, I carry with me - based upon my background - the significant need to create an environment that generates job growth.  Encouraging new business and not overlooking existing businesses can be a balancing act. When practiced, this two-pronged emphasis adds strength to North Carolina's economy.