HPU College Republicans attend stump speech for Pat McCrory
By Wilson Powell
Thunderous applause shook the Jamestown Oriental Shrine Club on Jan. 31 while The Who’s hit song “Won’t Get Fooled Again” played. Supporters filled the seats and WRAL News reporters lined the walls. Those in attendance included state representatives, senators, and the High Point University College Republicans. Pat McCrory, running for governor in the state of North Carolina, chose Jamestown as a stop on his campaign trail because he holds the town close to his heart.
McCrory served as the mayor of Charlotte for seven terms and was highly regarded throughout. Now, he sets his sights on an ambitious goal—to be the governor of the state of North Carolina. When McCrory first ran for governor in 2008, he was narrowly defeated by Gov. Beverly Perdue, the current governor of North Carolina.
According to a poll tracker conducted by Talking Points Memo, since Gov. Perdue took office in 2008, her approval ratings have been dropping. The most recent polling showed that 51 percent of the voters disapprove of her job performance, and only 32 percent approve of her work this term. Gov. Perdue announced in January 2012 that she would not be running for re-election.
If McCrory is elected as governor of North Carolina, he hopes to focus on several goals. One of these goals is lowering the unemployment rate, which has been above the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina’s current unemployment rate is 9.9 percent, whereas the national average is 8.3 percent.
He also plans to alleviate pressure on small businesses so that expansion can increase and more people can be hired. This can be done for both existing businesses as well as ones that may expand into the state from another area.
Additionally, McCrory wants to focus on energy exploration to provide more jobs and advance the state’s energy independence.
McCrory also hopes to improve the level of efficiency in the state government. During his speech at the Oriental Shrine Club, he recalled an anecdote describing a recent trip to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. McCrory spoke about how he felt it took much too long and he hopes to fix the inefficiencies by improving the waiting process for visitors.
“We have to do more with less money,” said McCrory at one of his political events. He feels that the state is spending much too frivolously and that we should not “accept long-term unfunded mandates.”
Justin Burr, a representative from the 67th district that includes Stanly, Union and Montgomery counties, agrees wholeheartedly.
“The highway trust fund, that is supposed to pay for the state’s infrastructure, has been robbed of $190 million,” said Rep. Burr.
However, Susan Fisher, a Democrat representative from the 114th district, has a different take on the government.
“Gridlock may be part of the strategy in order to make sure that none of the President’s initiatives are dealt with,” said Rep. Fisher. “It is all about getting re-elected and they [the Republicans] are not going to cooperate in the least with Obama if it puts their re-election campaign at risk.”
Rep. Burr feels that this election is highly important for both North Carolina and McCrory. He argues that this is the deciding point on the short-term future of the state in terms of employment and overall happiness and prosperity.
College students are one group that is especially affected by the short-term labor market because the first job they find often plays a key role in the rest of their career. Rep. Burr urges every college student to consider McCrory for governor.
“He is the best opportunity to move forward. You should elect someone who can help students get jobs upon graduation and can improve the way businesses are treated,” said Rep. Burr.
One thing that both Rep. Burr and Fisher can agree on is that this election will affect college students applying for work in North Carolina.
“Jobs are important to the state now that college students find themselves at the beginning of their careers,” said Rep. Fisher. “Almost 25 percent of recent graduates have moved back home with their parents because they can’t find work.
“College students should vote for the candidate that has proven him or herself to be focused on maintaining and further improving North Carolina’s status as the education state.”
Voters will be able to influence the decision at this year’s election. It is a fresh start for candidates who have not yet served as the state’s governor, which means the future is up to the voters. Before making a decision, research each of the candidates and, most importantly, remember to go out and vote.