"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it." Thomas Paine, September 12, 1777

North Carolina’s economy isn’t growing like it should be because of years and years of overspending. For too long, government bureaucracy in Raleigh has grown at the expense of Charlotte’s small businesses, forcing many to pack up and move across the line to South Carolina. Politicians in Raleigh swept under the rug blatant political corruption and wasteful spending; it's past time to take action and clean up their mess.

I believe our state is at a crossroads. And the choices we make now will determine the economic future and freedoms that we pass down to our children. I’m running to make sure our state pursues a legislative agenda that strengthens our businesses and our families. We have tremendous opportunities for growth if we cut wasteful spending, lower taxes, and eliminate regulations that hinder business growth.

Current budget deficits are just a symptom of the root problems that are preventing job growth in North Carolina. To create jobs, we must focus our solutions on removing the barriers to job creation. I often hear from small businesses that the most difficult issue they face is excessive regulation. It stifles innovation and creates uncertainty. That’s why I believe that creating jobs starts with reforming the regulatory process and applying it consistently, fairly, and with transparency.

Raising taxes prevents lasting job growth. Although promoted as a solution to our budget deficits, it has, and will only serve to make things worse. It is astonishing to me that with the 41st worst tax climate in the country (according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation), some still believe we should raise taxes in North Carolina. This effort is misguided, and I oppose it. We need to cut the corporate tax rate to compete with our neighboring states, and that’s just a start. We will continue to lose jobs to other states until we see an across the board cut in our tax rates.

With our state facing a budget crunch, we must be particularly vigilant in rooting out every wasteful use of taxpayer dollars. We cannot accept excuses for inefficiencies. State government is rife with overlapping responsibilities, outdated systems, and unchecked corruption. Every department should start its budget at zero, justifying every penny it takes from taxpayers. Employees should be rewarded for suggestions that save time and money. If we are serious about cleaning up the culture in Raleigh, we must increase transparency and oversight by the General Assembly when it comes to our state budget – I will fight for it.

Just as we grow our economy by empowering local small businesses, we also improve our state’s schools by empowering local teachers and administrators. While serving in Teach For America, I saw first-hand that the solution for struggling schools is not simply throwing more money at their problems. Instead, we should give teachers, principals, and superintendents the flexibility to use new techniques that they think will be effective in the communities they serve. Then we should hold them responsible for the success of their students – and pay them more for achieving it. Our teachers aren’t the problem, our bureaucracy is.

I’m running because our freedom is under attack, and I feel called to serve as a citizen legislator - not a career politician. I believe that smaller government means greater freedom to innovate, to create, and to prosper. I will work every day of my term to push power away from Raleigh, back into the hands of the people of North Carolina. I’d be honored to have your support.