Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Rick Glazier The global financial collapse that began in 2008 had devastating impacts for North Carolina's economy, and leaders in Raleigh responded with a combination of historic cuts to governmental services along with additional revenue, designed to weather the storm while limiting damage to our core functions and keeping as many teachers in our classrooms as possible. We were successful in making state government leaner, more efficient and less expensive, while keeping our commitments to the next generation. Unfortunately, just as we began to see signs of N.C. House, District 45 ELECTION Guide 2012 supporters with a coveted appointment. I also believe we cannot cut our way out of recovery in 2011, the newly-elected majorities at the General Assembly chose not to reinvest in education and other priorities but instead ordered deep, devastating cuts to our most important institutions, while stripping away the protections for our air, water and workers. A 17 percent cut to our university system, cuts to our Community Colleges and the attempted dismantling of public education were all done under the guise of "right-sizing" government. A tax break for the most fortunate was paid for by drastically reducing access to early childhood education programs for our most disadvantaged kids. That is simply wrong. To be sure, there are still places to cut back. North Carolina currently has more than 300 boards and commissions, and the number of "patronage" seats on these was recently increased from 400 to 1,000 under the current leadership. I don't believe taxpayers should be asked to foot the bill when an elected official rewards their top VOTE ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ George Tatum will work to ensure that we are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century by focusing on the following: Economic Growth • Support North Carolina companies bidding on state contracts, using our tax dollars to create jobs at home, not overseas • Support tax credits to encourage companies to hire North Carolin- ians • Create a relationship between small businesses and community colleges, ensuring that their curriculum focuses on the skills our busi- nesses need • Strategically locate state positions throughout our state Educational Excellence • Restore funding to our Public Schools, Community Colleges and Universities • Restore funding to value driven nonprofi ts providing educational programs to children, teenagers and women Environmental Stewardship • Protect our underground aquifers • Impose necessary safeguards to protect our air and water quality In closing we must put an end to bipartisan political bickering in Raleigh. George will work hard to build consensus and compromise in the North Carolina Senate. George Tatum and his daughter Britt. the problems we face. Budgets should never be balanced on the backs of our children, especially those who have suffered most during this recession. We must, however, modernize our tax code so everyone pays their fair share, and everyone can get a fair shot. A tax system that is based on a tobacco-and-manufacturing economy does not reflect the realities of how and where we work today, and working families pay the price. The best way to stop these devastating cuts is to get more people back to work, so they can provide for their families, get our state back on track and help ensure we remain the guiding light for the South and the nation. That means protecting things like job retraining at our community colleges, not cutting them when folks need them most. That means encouraging the defense technology industry that is such an important part of our community, not slashing funding for economic engines like DSTA, as was done (over my strongest objections) this year. That means ensuring every child has the best possible education, not destroying public schools with teacher layoffs and vouchers. With the right leadership in Raleigh, we can future for themselves and their family. I pledge to continue fighting for these goals, and for the people of my district. I am proud that nearly every one of the make our state great again, not by dismantling our engines of recovery and prosperity but by ensuring everyone has an opportunity to build a brighter hundreds of bill I've introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives had Republican support, and most have had Republican co- sponsors. I've co-chaired the Legislative Ethics Committee with the Republican leader and together we took on corrupt politicians from both parties. No party has a monopoly on good ideas, and I've been proud to work across the aisle on many important issues over the past 10 years. I have continued to work with members of the new majority wherever possible, and to stand up and speak out when I see them taking our state down a dangerous path. I will seek compromise where possible and fi ght when necessary, against devastating cuts to education, extreme social measures and the unraveling of protections for our natural resources and our workers. I will do so, however, ever mindful that I serve as a representative of the people of this district, who expect me to treat my opponents not as enemies but as fellow public servants, and to conduct my affairs ever mindful of the respect and honor this offi ce deserves. It is important to remember that relationships are everything in the legislature and the key is treating all members with civility and respect — as civility breeds civility and incivility breeds incivility. ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ George Tatum is a native of Cumber- land County and grew up attending public schools. After graduating from Campbell University George received his law enforcement certifi cate from FTCC and served as a Lieutenant in the Sheriff's Offi ce. George was elected as Register of Deeds and served for 20 years and was recognized throughout North Carolina as a leader in effi ciency and technological advancement. He was appointed Com- missioner of DMV making it his priority to implement safeguards which protect our identities, such as facial recognition and central issuance of drivers' licenses. George led Fayetteville State University's emergency preparedness program as their Emergency Management Director. P.O. Box 1197 • Fayetteville, NC 28302 • getatum@aol.com • www.tatumforsenate.com • 910-624-6579 Paid for by the George Tatum Campaign Committee/Carl B. White Treasurer WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM OCT. 31 - NOV. 6, 2012 UCW 23