Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I am a native of Union County, N. C. I spent 40 years in the broadcasting business prior to retiring and moving to Blowing Rock, N. C. I have served two terms in the N C House and am now running for re-election. My bio can be seen on my website. My wife, Sylvia, and I have 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren. We are members of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock where I have served as a Session member.

My primary focus in the General Assembly has been jobs and the economy and education. I serve on several committees including Appropriations, Education and Vice Chair of the Education Appropriations Committee. I chair the Water Resource and Infrastructure Committee along with the Commerce, Small business and Entrepreneurship Committee. I also Co-Chaired the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. I also serve as a member of Environmental Review Commission.

If re-elected, I will continue to focus on holding down the cost of state government along with making sure we invest enough in education, including teacher salaries, plus do what we can for our hard working state employees. We have had to deal with the state's worst financial crisis since the great depression these past two years. We've made cuts in our states budget of nearly $3b. the current budget is about the same as the budget was in 06-07. I enjoy serving the citizens of my district and of N. C. and look forward to serving another term.