While we have a lot to be thankful for in our schools, we must improve the state of our education system for the sake of our children and for North Carolina's future.  North Carolina lags behind on test scores and graduation rates, and we are consistently ranked among some of the lowest performing states.  Fortunately, North Carolina has the resources and the ability to rank well in student achievement, and we must work together to bring about positive change.

Closer to home, we must continue to improve all of our county schools. As a parent and former Mecklenburg County Commissioner, I know fundamental change is needed to get CMS on track.  Although the ultimate decision as to how the Mecklenburg Schools district changes rests with the County Commission and School Board, the scope of change needed to get CMS on the right track may require enabling legislation from the General Assembly.  I will work hard to secure support for enabling legislation to bring about the transformation of CMS.

I am a primary sponsor of the Defense of Marriage Amendment bill which would allow the voters of North Carolina to decide how marriage will be defined in this state.This may not make me popular in some segments of the North Carolina constituency but I strongly believe that to preserve the health of our families we must clearly define marriage. Numerous studies have shown that children do best in homes that have both a mother and father present. This is not to imply that other family structures can’t provide a safe and constructive home, but we must recognize the positive foundational societal influence of the traditional family.

I also believe that life begins at conception.  As an adoptive parent and foster parent, along with two biological children, I understand that there are alternatives to abortion that protect and provide for children conceived in difficult circumstances. Government should facilitate these lifesaving options and refrain from funding abortions.

back to the top of the page