Party: Democrat
Slogan: “Putting People First”
Profession: Retired public-school teacher currently serving in N.C. House of Representatives from District 115 in Buncombe County
Residence: Asheville
Funding: Top donors: Nancy Alexander, $5,000; Jim Oliver, $5,000; Will Von Klemperer, $2,500; Jane Swafford, $2,500. Amount raised 1st quarter 2012: $114,258.
Endorsements: Women’s Campaign Fund, People Advocating Real Conservancy, Blue America, Democrats.com, Democracy for America
1. What’s the first bill you’ll introduce if elected?
I will introduce a bill in support of the Department of Education and fully funding early education programs. A quality education is the birthright of every child from early childhood on, and I believe it must be a top priority at all levels of government.
2. What local issue do you think you can have the most impact on?
Public education. A well-educated citizenry is the backbone of democracy and the key to our economic future. Ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a quality education will be my highest priority when I get to Washington.
3. What do you see as Congress’ role — and yours, if elected — in channeling federal dollars to your district?
My duty will be to serve all of my constituents as best I can, including securing federal dollars for our district. Politics should be about improving people’s lives, easing human suffering, bringing about greater justice, caring for our environment and creating stronger communities.
4. Do you support a cap on the national debt based on a percentage of the GDP? (Yes/No) Why?
The federal government needs to get spending under control, but placing a cap on the national debt based on a percentage of the GDP could have unintended consequences. I’m all for balancing the federal budget but not at the expense of our seniors by cutting Medicare and Social Security.
5. What issue(s) do the Asheville and Gastonia areas have in common? How do they differ?
The economy is what most people are talking about in both areas — jobs and making ends meet, especially with the rising cost of gasoline and food. I will work to create an economy that works for everyone — that provides not just jobs, but meaningful work at a living wage.
6. Sum up, in a haiku or limerick or couplet, why people should vote for you.
A candidate named Patsy Keever,
Is a community-minded achiever.
She treats people well,
Her record is swell,
And she hopes you’ll become a believer.
You have my vote! The reason is I can’t stand McHenry & I am sick of his LIES he spews out at his town hall meeting!
Anyway, I am leaving the Democratic party & most likely except my vote for you, I don’t plan on ever voting again! I am proud to say I was one of the 61% of SANE people here in NC that voted FOR the ammendment to keep marriage between a man & a woman. When Biden made those remarks last Sunday I was saying NO Joe don’t say it & he did. Then when Pres. Obama also supports 2 perverts getting married, that was it! What’s next, hillbilly’s wanting to marry their sheep?
Like I said, I will vote for you in the next election because I can’t stand McHenry, & yours will be my ONLY vote this fall, then I am throwing out my voter registration card & I am done voting! I will NOT support anyone that supports this perverted marriage! I have never married, not religious at all, but this disgusts me! I was ok with giving them all the benefits, but marriage went too far!!! I think this will cost Obama North Carolina! I know it cost MY vote & support!
So count on my vote this once, but after that I am not voting. The repubs are bought & paid for & now the dems stoop to a new low pandering votes, I’m done!
I am supposed to throw out the values my parents, my teachers, & even the military taught me? The values I fought in the jungles of Vietnam to protect, and that was all wrong? I don’t think so!
Good luck this fall! I sure hope you beat that jerk McHenry!
A Disgusted Disabled Vet & Pissed off Citizen,
Ernie Howe