Despite the tensions and clouds related to ethical—or unethical—issues, the work of the North Carolina General Assembly goes on. Yet, there is a sense that a turning point has been reached. The days of personal relationships between lawmakers and lobbyists are fading away.
Since the demise of the Jim Black era, legislators are more cautious. No gifts are allowed. Not even a pair of socks. No meals in pricey restaurants or clubs. No contributions from lobbyists for political campaigns (although their PACs can contribute). A bill has been drafted to prohibit lobbyists from raising money for candidates. Nevertheless, more than 700 lobbyists are registered to be advocates for businesses, agencies, educational institutions, healthcare entities, cities and counties.
With the exception of Asheville and Charlotte, the most influential legislators represent areas east of Winston Salem. Hickory Metro is the state’s fourth or fifth largest, yet not one of its legislators hold a key leadership spot. Not one of its legislators rank in the top 50 per cent of either the Senate or the House.
For the most part, bills introduced by our area legislators never get out of committee. Don’t look for Rep. Mark Hilton’s bill to prohibit human cloning in North Carolina to make headlines. It will die. Nor will his other bills dealing with abortions and other social conservative hot buttons see light. Most legislators are concerned with education, health, highways, crime control, taxes…you get the picture.
Democratic Rep. Ray Warren who represents Alexander County and Hickory is breaking the mold of the region’s low-profile in state government. He has introduced legislation to spur economic growth by bringing funds to the Hickory Engineering Center and the Hosiery Technology Center.
A bill to authorize Alexander County commissioners to impose a one-cent sales tax levy is headed toward finance. A one-cent sales tax levy for Catawba County requires a public referendum. GOP Rep. Mitchell Setzer and Hilton have signed on to the bill. If voters approve the levy—and in Catawba County that is a big “if”—property taxpayers will save an 18 per cent increase in their assessments.
Warren’s calm and thoughtful demeanor has made him popular with House Speaker Joe Hackney and his party leadership.
ABOUT FACE! House Bill 690 would permit the National Guard to contract with federal military operations to establish Post Exchanges in areas where large numbers train for military duty. On March 28, the House Committee on Homeland Security, Military and Veterans Affairs met to consider approval. Reps. Warren and Hilton are among members of the committee.
After it was explained that the initial exchange would be located in Raleigh for guardsmen and their families and even retired military personnel, Democrat Lorene Coats of Rowan County said she had concerns. Her son-in-law is a retired military officer, she said, and he now is employed at a high-paying civilian job. Yet he uses the PXs for personal items, including wide-screen TVs. “I have a problem with that,” she announced.
Rep. Hilton chimed in with his agreement sent up an amendment to restrict sales in National Guard PXs to military apparel and “products that can be consumed on premise.”
GOP Rep. Charles Thomas of Asheville was incensed. “Shame on us if we adopt this amendment…We’re asking these people to give their lives to their country and we want to restrict what they can buy,” he insisted.
Said Democrat Ronnie Sutton of Pembroke: “ We should all be embarrassed if we vote for this…these people are asked to fight for our country.”
Hilton withdrew the amendment. It was passed unanimously and sent to the House Personnel Committee.
