Politics

McGrady launches campaign website

By Bill Moss, Published: February 27, 2014

State Rep. Chuck McGrady, who is one of the more communicative politicians around here, launched a new website when he filed for a third term in the state House last week.

His official announcement when he filed on Friday was typical boilerplate.
"I'm running because there is still unfinished work, and I'm in a position to really deliver on some important issues," he said.
The website offered a little more color. McGrady has never tried to hide his frustration with the oily parts of the job, the rigid demands of caucus leaders and their whips and the grueling schedule of committee meetings. Like most legislators from the mountains he tires of the long drive to Raleigh.
"There have been times when I asked myself, 'What am I doing here?' But I'm here because my Henderson County neighbors have chosen me to represent them," he says on his website. "They've put their faith in me. Every day I think of what a significant honor this is, even when budgeting challenges and fractious partisan politics make the job frustrating. My pledge is that I'll strive to get the best possible outcome for the people of my district and for the State of North Carolina on whatever issue arises."
OK, it does lapse back into political speak. But you have to give McGrady credit. He writes a decent press release and he doesn't mind sharing with the world his anxiety about a job that can be confounding and exhausting.
A photo shows McGrady in front of Bridal Veil Falls at DuPont State Forest. McGrady counts his work on helping to preserve and fund the state forest as one of his achievements in conservation.
The website "will also will serve as a way for supporters to volunteer to work on or contribute to the campaign," he says. "People can use the website to ask him questions about his record or his policy positions."
McGrady faces Ronnie Edwards in the May 6 primary.