By the end of this week, I’d spent time in Belwood, Lincolnton, Shelby, Gardner-Webb, Lexington, and back home in Casar. Looking at my calendar, it seemed like another busy week of meetings and events. Looking back, though, that’s not what I’ll remember. I’ll remember the conversations. Thursday evening, a small group of us canvassed in
I’ll Remember the Conversations Read More »
One question I hear almost everywhere I go is, “What’s Raleigh doing now?” Whether I’m at the farmers market in Shelby, having coffee with friends, or talking with folks after a community meeting, that question comes up again and again. Most people don’t have time to follow the General Assembly every day. That’s understandable. That’s
From Raleigh to Home — August 3, 2026 Read More »
One thing I’ve learned during this campaign is that some of the most important moments happen between the meetings. Living in Casar means there’s no such thing as a quick trip. Whether I’m headed to Polkville, Waco, Fallston, Kingstown, Shelby, Lincolnton, or Cherryville, the miles add up. I don’t mind them. Some of my best
Around District 44: The Miles Between the Meetings Read More »
What I’m hearing from voters, what the data shows, and where North Carolina should go from here. One subject comes up over and over when I’m having conversations with people across Senate District 44: immigration. People ask whether undocumented immigrants are taking jobs from North Carolinians. Some wonder whether they are driving wages down. Others
About Immigration and North Carolina’s Workforce Read More »
A Weekly Look at the North Carolina General Assembly Every week, the North Carolina General Assembly makes decisions that affect our schools, local governments, businesses, public safety, health care, and our daily lives. Most people don’t have time to follow committee meetings or read hundreds of pages of legislation. That’s understandable. That’s why I’m starting
From Raleigh to Home — July 20, 2026 Read More »
For 30 years I taught history and civics in North Carolina public schools. Today I live in Casar, serve as Chair of the Cleveland County Democratic Party, and am running for the North Carolina Senate because I believe rural communities deserve a stronger voice in Raleigh. But one of the main questions I keep coming
Who Is Looking Out for Rural NC? Read More »
Over the last few months, I’ve been hearing the same thing from retired folks across Cleveland County, Lincoln County, and Cherryville. Everything costs too much. Groceries. Power bills. Insurance. Prescription drugs. Home repairs. The everyday expenses of life seem to climb higher every year. As a retired public school teacher, I consider myself fortunate. When
Retirement Should Mean More Than Getting By Read More »
