Party: Democrat
Slogan: “Of the People, For the People”
Profession: Independent contractor/rural newspaper delivery
Residence: Rutherfordton
Funding: “Private citizens ($250 max), loan from self ($2,000), total raised: $4,015”
Endorsements: None
1. What’s the first bill you’ll introduce if elected?
To repeal the Defense of Marriage Act
2. What local issue do you think you can have the most impact on?
Assuring access to health care, financial security and educational opportunity for my neighbors. By working to strengthen and fund Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, The Affordable Care Act and Federal Student Aid, I hope to have a positive impact on the lives of every resident of the 10th.
3. What do you see as Congress’ role — and yours, if elected — in channeling federal dollars to your district?
The most direct route is to champion federally funded infrastructure projects and development grants. I also support a return to a WPA-style federal works project which would directly employ local people to do infrastructure upgrades and purchase materials from local suppliers.
4. Do you support a cap on the national debt based on a percentage of the GDP? (Yes/No) Why?
No. I don’t like arbitrary limits on spending and borrowing. Although I support debt reduction as a long-term goal, I do not want the government hamstrung in its ability to borrow for wars and other unforeseen spending or for important programs (like the ACA) which lower debt in the long term.
5. What issue(s) do the Asheville and Gastonia areas have in common? How do they differ?
Asheville and Gastonia share many of the same problems. Both struggle with high unemployment, large populations of low-wage earners needing assistance and a lack of industry providing good-paying jobs. They differ mainly in their economies. Gastonia still has some manufacturing base and Asheville relies more heavily on service/tourism.
6. Sum up, in a haiku or limerick or couplet, why people should vote for you.
There once was a man with no loot
in an ill-fitting off-the-rack suit
Who said, “Wouldn’t it be funny,
if a guy with no money
could give ol’ McHenry the boot?”
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