Opinion (112)
The Raleigh Report of Representative Ken Goodman
Written by Press Release
RALEIGH - The NC House is set to come back in session on November 27. In the meantime, my office remains open to help you with constituent concerns or questions.
Please reach out to me or my legislative assistant, Judy Veorse, at 919-733-5823.
North Carolina Association of Educators Endorses Mills for State Senate
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
RICHMOND COUNTY - The Richmond Observer received the following "Letter to the Editor" in conjunction with the upcoming election and the endorsement of a particular candidate:
Mark Harris to Join FRC Action's Values Bus Tour Rallies in North Carolina
Written by Press Release
NORTH CAROLINA -- This week, Family Research Council Action's Values Bus Tour will be joined by congressional candidate Mark Harris as it hosts rallies across the state.
Harris will join the Values Bus team on Thursday and Friday, leading up to a rally at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte with President Donald Trump.
McInnis: Republican Budgets a Model of Effective Conservative Governance
Written by Senator Tom McInnis
Raleigh, N.C. – The Republican-led General Assembly has consistently enacted balanced budgets since taking control eight years ago, keeping North Carolina on a responsible and sustainable trajectory.
At the same time, the legislature invested more in education than any other year in state history for six consecutive years, rebuilt the rainy day fund to exceed the statutory recommendation for the first time ever, and increased teacher and first responder salaries – all while cutting income tax rates.
Hurricane Florence Aftermath Precipitates Bipartisan Cooperation of NC Politicians
Written by Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, September 14th, North Carolina’s entire Congressional delegation, led by Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, sent a letter to President Trump requesting that the administration swiftly approve Governor Cooper’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration as Hurricane Florence was predicted to bring historic flooding and destruction to counties across North Carolina.
Editorial: Exclusion of third-party candidates in debates unfair to voters
Written by The Richmond Observer
Dan McCready and Mark Harris will debate again Wednesday night, this time on Spectrum News, allowing voters in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District (with cable) a chance to see both candidates answer — or tiptoe around — questions regarding national and foreign policies.
However, one candidate in the race won’t be there.
Libertarian Jeff Scott announced at the Richmond Young Professionals’ Pints and Politics forum last week that he was not invited to the debates, the first sponsored by the Charlotte Observer and WBTV-TV.
American voters are sleepwalking again.
From the beginning of my campaign in February, I stated clearly in every public appearance that I am the "Peace candidate."
I support reductions in military spending and foreign arms sales. Yet, the defense budget just passed is a whopping $675 billion, 10 times that of Russia. American bombs, purchased by the Saudis, are falling on Yemeni civilians. A few members of Congress have finally woken up to the fact that Americans are partners in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, but most of our elected representatives, and candidates, are still sleepwalking.
Column: Texas Attorney General Wrong to Uphold Student's Expulsion for Pledge Refusal
Written by William R. Toler
Ken Paxton needs a refresher course in First Amendment jurisprudence.
You’d think, being the attorney general of Texas, he would know better.
Paxton upheld the expulsion of a high school senior who was sent home permanently because she refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, according to USA Today.
India Landry, 18, said she didn’t stand because she doesn’t believe the flag stands for liberty and justice for all, as stated in the closing of the pledge.
Congressional Candidate Mark Harris Releases “Colors” Ad
Written by Press Release
Charlotte, NC – The Mark Harris campaign released their newest advertisement, titled “Colors.” The ad shows Harris holding a royal blue and a baby blue t-shirt, and asserts that North Carolinians know the difference between these two colors. The ad then points out that while Dan McCready may talk like a conservative, North Carolinians know that he will govern how his liberal backers like Nancy Pelosi demand that he will.
“Democrat Dan McCready’s campaign is powered by Pelosi, and yet he wants the people of this district to believe he won’t play for her team if he was elected,” Harris said. “But just as we all know the difference between these two colors, I trust the voters to understand the difference between who Dan says he is and who he will be if he made it to Congress.”
More...
Statement by State Representative Ken Goodman
Written by Press Release
ROCKINGHAM - State Representative Ken Goodman (D-HD-66) said he will support Governor Roy Cooper’s call for a special session of the State Legislature in October to deal with Hurricane Florence recovery.
"I support Governor Cooper's decision to call the General Assembly back into session on October 9th. There is so much to do in Richmond, Stanly, and Montgomery counties to remove debris, repair roads, check dams, restore basic services, and get schools running again. It's time for Republicans and Democrats to come together to tackle these many challenges."
Sen. McInnis Issues Statement on Hurricane Florence Disaster Declaration Requests
Written by Senator Tom McInnis
NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Legislative Building | 16 West Jones Street | Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919-715-3015
NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libby Spain
Thursday – September 20, 2018
Raleigh, NC: Sen. Tom McInnis (R-Richmond) released a statement on Thursday after receiving an update on disaster declaration requests for Moore, Richmond, and Scotland Counties in response to Hurricane Florence:
“I’m pleased to hear that Governor Cooper has requested a major disaster declaration for Moore, Richmond, and Scotland counties. I am optimistic that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will quickly grant this request so that our citizens affected by Hurricane Florence can gain access to critical FEMA services necessary to get them back on their feet and begin the recovery process of rebuilding their communities. I hope that Anson and Stanly counties will be included in the next round of requests so they too can get the help they need.”
Florence's Devastation Brings Flood of Memories, Hope for Humanity
Written by William R. Toler
As I watched WCTI news anchor Valentina Wilson give a tour of the station live on Facebook on Wednesday, I felt a few bits of moisture start to well up on the inside corners of my eyes.
The storm-driven adrenaline had worn off.
No longer could I see the devastation wrought in my hometown by Hurricane Florence with nerves of steel.
I spent six and a half years of my professional career at that station before coming to Richmond County. Most of that time was as a video editor, but I also ran the sound board, rolled video, operated the teleprompter and cameras in the studio, newsroom and out in the field.
During my time there, we went through several hurricanes. The most memorable one was Irene in 2011, when I was stuck at work for three days during wall-to-wall coverage helping, in my many capacities, to give updates on the storm.
When I finally got to go home, the power was still out and I had to go to someone else’s house to take a shower.
It’s one thing to see storm damage in a place you’ve never been.
It’s quite another to see familiar places partially destroyed or under several feet of water.
Goodman Praises Hurricane Relief Workers and Volunteers
Written by Press Release
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – State Representative Ken Goodman praised relief workers, volunteers, and first responders who have been working diligently during and following the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. “I can’t begin to express the gratitude our citizens have for all the hard work and effort so many people are providing to help those who have been touched by this devastating storm,” said Rep. Goodman.
“While we have weathered the storm, clean-up is just in its early phases. Recovery will take a period of time, months if not years. I have talked with the Governor and with state Emergency Management Officials to coordinate assistance and attention in our local communities that have been impacted by the storm,” said Rep. Goodman.
Subscribe Now Premium Observer