News

Senate candidates differ on trail, bond issue

By Bill Moss, Published: January 16, 2016

The Lightning asked candidates for the Republican nomination for the 48th Senate District about the $2 billion bond issue for community college and university buildings, water and sewer systems and parks and National Guard facilities; the Ecusta Trail, a proposed 20-mile greenway connecting Hendersonville and Brevard; and goals for the 48th Senate District.

Here are answers from the candidates, Lisa Carpenter Baldwin of Fletcher, Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville and Dennis Justice of Fletcher.

What is your opinion of the $2 billion bond referendum that will be on the March 15 primary ballot?

Baldwin: I believe that the $2 billion bond referendum is essentially a “pork barrel” of pet political projects that will saddle the next generation with debt. It is, essentially, a tax increase, contrary to its portrayal by the website, http://connect.nc.gov/. If university facilities, parks, the zoo and agricultural research are a priority, then these projects should be in the budget. I have two children at NC State University and I see empty classrooms and underutilized buildings on campus. With today’s technology, on-line classes and distance learning, brick and mortar is less important than ensuring we have qualified master teachers.

Chuck Edwards: This issue will now be resolved at the polls, and there is no doubt that it contains some pet projects. My two concerns as a legislator are: First, if the people vote “yes” we must have in place the means to ensure the taxpayers’ money is being spent exactly as intended, and efficiently. This vast amount spread over 98 projects has huge potential for sloppy management. Secondly, if the people vote “no” then what is our next plan to build the collegiate infrastructure needed to prepare our citizens for better paying jobs? As far the National Guard and Public Safety portions, I doubt many people would dispute today that we need to better protect ourselves.

Dennis Justice: I strongly oppose it. I am the one candidate who speaks with credibility when I say I campaigned against the defeated 1997 school bond referendum, saving taxpayers many $millions. I believe our children’s needs are our problem, not theirs. I therefore oppose long-term debt at any level and propose a state constitutional amendment to limit all future state and local debts to four years, while increasing abilities for local governments to raise revenue without the “overlord mentality” in Raleigh. When current debts are off the books, it will create virtually “pay-as-you-go” government. I also oppose the local sales tax referendum.

How do you feel about the Ecusta Trail?

Justice: I believe we should finally look into legalizing horse racing as one source of revenue for recreational projects like the Ecusta Trail. Gambling is a recreational activity, tax revenues should be for recreation. We’ll never be able to do this with the lottery (although I think lottery monies should be used to increase teacher pay), but if we legalized horse racing, we should designate 90% of revenues to local governments for recreational projects like soccer fields, parks, greenways, community centers, and certainly the Ecusta Trail. Besides, simply legalizing horse racing would create many more jobs than “corporate welfare” will.

Edwards: The unused line, currently owned by WATCO, is theirs to do with as they wish. Our economic developers would prefer to use it to help build industry, but that has been unsuccessful for 15 years. The corridor is an incredible asset for our region. In lieu of rail service, supporting research and working examples of similar projects prove there are enormous economic benefits as a trail. As federal rail banking would preserve the asset for future potential rail service, we have a win-win and there are many funding sources available other than taxes. Public support is growing. If the leaders within our district build consensus to proceed, I will work with them to accomplish their goals.

Baldwin: The proposed Ecusta Trail would make use of a former railroad bed; however, the possible $3.7 million price tag just to purchase from Norfolk Southern puts it out of reach. I believe valuable taxpayer dollars should fund core services, not greenways. If the Friends of the Ecusta Trail want to pursue donations and grants, then they should. A volunteer-led effort would be appropriate. My three sons are all Eagle Scouts and have organized multiple volunteer-led efforts that benefit the community. Western North Carolina is blessed with multiple hiking trails; I would question the amount of the ‘economic benefit’ of adding the rail-trail.

Specifically what are some 48th District goals (as opposed to statewide issues) you would pursue?

Baldwin: I have a proven track record of responding to constituent concerns within 24 hours while on the Buncombe school board. In Buncombe, school board members are elected countywide; I always responded to parent needs regardless of what school district they lived in. Likewise, I will work to actively poll citizens on their concerns in all three counties, as well as attending civic and county commission meetings. I also spend time and money in Henderson and Transylvania Counties’ retail stores. In high school, my daughter was a Pardee Hospital volunteer. My youngest son will be working with the Mountain Horticultural Research Center this summer on his senior project. My two oldest sons spent time at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Center in Rosman, building their own telescopes and then participating in one year research projects with PARI. My husband’s hobby and talent is bagpiping and he has played at events in all three counties.

Edwards: Most business and government leaders I speak with are most concerned with the security of our regional economy. Numerous factors go into those concerns. Without a strong economy we simply could not fund our government and our priorities. My background, leadership skills, and prior involvement positions me well to help address these concerns. Education seems to be on the minds of many. I’m anxious to begin work towards meaningful long-term solutions. Transportation infrastructure, particularly as it relates to I-26 and its connectivity is of vital importance to our entire district. Then there’s the ‘total’ tax burden. Even with recent improvements there is so much more to be done to help families and businesses.

Justice: The most important day-to-day job of state government is emergency management. I proposed “WNC Dome” as a concrete dome arena at the W.N.C. Agricultural Center, so residents in this district wouldn’t have to go to downtown Asheville’s Civic Center. It’s the most cost-effective way to build an arena, is energy-efficient, and most importantly can be a disaster shelter as it has proven to repel the effects of tornadoes and hurricanes, so FEMA grants are very possible. We could shelter people anywhere from the Carolinas if a major hurricane is coming, for example. It also benefits several majors at Western Carolina University, including Emergency and Disaster Management. This dome concept will be wonderful for a cost-effective gymnasium (on the former car dealer lot) at Hendersonville High School WHEN the sales tax referendum is defeated. I have a track record of researching more efficient means of school construction since the 1997 school bond defeat. These concrete domes also benefit affordable housing, agriculture, and job creation. I also propose massive increases in online education and libraries, and a regional plan for ultra-high-speed-Internet in all rural counties to reduce youth flight.