Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Jim Proctor was elected Mayor of Lake Lure for five terms. He was born at the Rutherford County Hospital. Jim and his wife, Robin, live in a home that Jim's great-great-great grandfather bought in 1866. Jim has long ties to this region, and he dearly loves this region.

Jim states that; "As a five term Mayor, I think the most important thing I learned was how to listen to my constituents, and how to then relay their wants and wishes to other elected officials." Jim has been very active in civic and political issues since he was a teenager, and has always tried to find ways to make our communities better.

Jim Proctor is a real estate broker with Beverly-Hanks and Associates and manages his family’s vacation rental company. Jim has started several successful businesses, and knows what businesses need to succeed.

In 2007, Jim Received the Ruby Pharr Volunteer of the Year Award from the Foothills Land Conservancy. Before elected mayor, Jim was the Vice Chairman of the Lake Lure Zoning and Planning Board, a member of the Lake Lure Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and a board member of the Rutherford County Tourist Development Authority.

In the past, I have been active with many issues, but my current focus is the creation of new jobs and a more stable economic climate for our region. I believe this must be done by looking for new businesses, and expanding existing businesses. Of course, while doing this, I know we must never forget the family farms and local entrepreneurs that have always been the backbone of our economy.

Along with more jobs, I know we must also look for better ways to educate our youth and anyone seeking to expand their knowledge base. Rutherford and Cleveland Counties have the needed infrastructure and a willing work force to attract new businesses. We have two great community colleges to help train workers for any new job, and we must utilize these valuable resources.

I am the best candidate to go to Raleigh, work with the department of Commerce, and bring new jobs here. I will bring to Raleigh my enthusiasm and passion for Rutherford and Cleveland Counties to bring much needed jobs to our area. As the economy picks up, I will make certain everyone at the state capital knows we are here.

When necessary, I have been very successful lobbying the state to act in ways good for not only Lake Lure, but the entire region. I am now ready to bring my expertise in coordinating, negotiating, and problem solving to the State House in Raleigh.

I am optimistic about the future, and I am excited about being a part of the upcoming expansion of our economy.

I welcome your comments and questions, and I ask for your vote in November.