Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Paul Stam is serving his 10th year in the House of Representatives.  He was first elected for 1989 - 1990 and again since 2003, serving as the House Republican Leader since 2007.

He served in the US Marine Corps from 1968 - 1970. 

He received a Bachelor of Science with High Honors from the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University.  He graduated from Carolina Law School in 1975.  He then served as law clerk for NC Supreme Court Justice (later Chief Justice) James G. Exum.

For 34 years Paul Stam has lived and worked in Apex as an attorney, primarily helping homeowners with purchase and refinances along with their wills and estates.  He is a member of the Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina Chambers of Commerce.

He is married to Dottie Mills Stam, Music Director for Apex Baptist Church.  They have two children, Nathan and Jana.  Nathan is a graduate of NC State and Southeastern Seminary.  He is Minister for Children at Apex Baptist.  He and his wife, Kristi, have three sons Aidan, Gavin and Tobin.  Jana is a graduate of Carolina.  She and her husband, Jimmy Estes, have two sons, William and Daniel.

The 2010 "short session" of the NC General Assembly left much unfinished business.  The Democratic leadership refused to allow consideration of most of the important initiatives sponsored by Republicans.

Responsible budgeting decisions - Estimates are that next year's structural budget deficit will exceed $3 billion (15%).  Adopting zero-based budgeting and pursuing thoughtful spending priorities this year would have lessened the pain we all know is coming next year.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs - We need regulatory relief as well as a reduction in the marginal tax rates so that small businesses will have an incentive to create jobs.

Health Care Freedom Protection Act - Senate and House Republicans requested action on a bill to allow individuals to continue to make their own health care choices and forgo federal mandates. 

Executive oversight for state employee's health care plan - Republicans attempted to provide accountability for the fiscal stability of the state health care plan by placing oversight in the Executive Branch. This proposal was thwarted by Democrats who continued the same legislative only oversight which has resulted in disaster.

Eliminate cap on Public Charter Schools - State law caps the number of public charter schools at 100.  Demand for these innovative educational options continues to increase.  Democrats refuse to raise or eliminate the cap.

Tax Fairness in Education - HB 1988 allows an individual income tax credit for part of the expense of each eligible child who is educated in a nonpublic school or home school.  The fiscal note shows savings to the state and counties of $50 million per year.  It failed 61 - 52 as a budget amendment.

Protection of Private Property from Condemnation Abuse - This year's HB 1659 was Rep. Stam's fifth attempt.  It passed the House 101 - 14 but, once again, Senate Democratic Leaders refused to allow a vote.