By Tammy Dunn
Friday, May 08, 2009
Legislators hear from residents
Congressman Larry Kissell of Montgomery County shared a bit of trivia last week at the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce annual brunch. Kissell finally answered what many have been curious about since his election in November. When and who was the last congressman elected from this county. According to Kissell it was Edmond DeBerry, in 1850. With the question answered, it was on to more pressing issues such as the economy, unemployment and budget shortfall for all the elected officials at the brunch.
Also speaking at the brunch were Senator Jerry Tillman, Rep. Melanie Goodwin, Rep. Justin Burr and Ryan Combs representing senator Richard Burr.
Kissell began the remarks talking about the economy saying, “We have not seen bottom yet, but we will get out of this.” Kissell talked about the way he votes in Washington saying, “Number one, I vote the interest of the people that sent me here. Number two, I will vote bipartisan if needed and number three I will vote against the party when they are wrong.”
Kissell said one of the things he was most proud of since going to Washington was assuring that Homeland Security uniforms be made here and not overseas. Kissell also talked about the need to have regular people sitting on boards, giving their voice, and spoke about his first vote being against a congressional pay raise. Kissell also talked about his staff and the important roles they play in helping the people here deal with issues. Kissell once again encouraged people to call if they have issues and let him see if he can help.
Kissell spoke briefly about the president’s budget, focusing on three areas, energy, healthcare and education. Kissell said education is his number one priority because it is our future.
Representative Justin Burr, who represents two precincts in the county said, “It is an interesting year to be a freshman.” Burr noted he voted against the state employees health plan and has worked to expand the amount non-profit groups can make during a year. He said he is also working on a bill that would allow military police to count that time toward their basic law enforcement training and wants to expand the concealed carry law and is working to repeal the state mandated school calendar. Burr also touched briefly on the state’s push to take over the Yadkin relicensing permit.
Senator Tillman echoed Kissell’s statement about crossing party lines, saying he had to work across the aisle all the time, “You have to work with what you’re dealt.” Tillman also talked about the need for North Carolina to be a business friendly state. Tillman said we needed to cut the sales tax and take a hard look at the corporate tax rate if we want to be competitive. Tillman said this year’s budget plans are big but the revenue shortfall is substantial. Tillman also told local officials that he is afraid the state is going to be sending local governments additional unfunded mandates, though he acknowledged to do so is wrong and the only source of revenue for the towns and county is property tax.
Representative Melanie Goodwin talked about initiatives she has worked on including helping people keep their homes, to improve education, and the stimulus money that is coming to the state. Goodwin said that money will help but it is still a tough year.
Combs said Burr is on health care and is an advocate of tax credits for health care.
Following the officials’ comments, there was a question and answer session with the audience. In regard to veteran care, Kissell talked about the opening of two new veteran’s clinics in the state and about family members serving as long term caregivers and the need to be recognized as caregivers. Kissell also addressed the textile trade war that has heavily impacted the county. “The trade war goes on every day and sometimes we don’t show up. We are too timid and we have got to get over that.”
Tillman spoke about wanting to see all job training go through the community colleges before hearing Regina Smith talk about the school health centers and the funding they have lost. Smith said their services include nutritional programs as well as medical services. Kissell told Smith to talk to a member of his staff to see if they could help find funding anywhere.
While several people talked about the monies that have been cut from their programs, Debbie Musika also spoke in that area, talking about the cuts that have been made to the More at Four program and the Smart Start programs.
James Shuman asked about illegal immigration and what was being done. Kissell said right now the economy is first and foremost on the agenda, then the issue of illegal immigration will be dealt with.
Terry Crews, local businessman, emphasized the need to concentrate on taxes and issues such as water, sewer and education. Crews said all these things are essential to economic development. Crews added that making any cuts to education is one of the worst things we can do when it comes to economic development. Crews also added a note about keeping his assault weapon, a reference to an earlier statement by Mt. Gilead Mayor Earl Poplin about the need for a ban on assault weapons.
There were several thank yous from the audience about various issues where legislators had helped local residents and businessmen.
Randolph Electric sponsored the brunch with several representatives attending the event. General Manager Dale Lambert welcomed the crowd during the opening remarks.
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