Jeff Hyde is mounting a spirited challenge against State Senator Don Vaughan. I first met Jeff after he gave an excellent speech at the Greensboro Tea Party back in the spring. But I also learned at that time that he was running for elective office; and that we coincidentally attend the same church.
Jeff has circulated a series of pieces since then that seek to differentiate himself from Vaughan. These are described as "discernible differences"; and can be found on his website.
What are the differences? I will attempt to summarize.
First, he describes Vaughan as a connected career politician, and suggests we should instead have a "citizen legislature". Makes sense.
But he further suggests that Vaughan is part of the crowd that tends to choose increased governmental control and higher taxes; create bloated, intrusive government,; and undermine free markets. He discusses Vaughan's party affiliation, which in North Carolina has meant expansion of government, unrestrained spending, interference with free enterprise, and diminished liberty.
He cites Vaughan's support for the gas tax; and his votes to raise taxes and increase state debt. He also cites Vaughan's support to give a $45 million tax break to Apple, a politically favored company, in exchange for only 50 jobs created. Jeff Hyde instead wants to create a more pro-business atmosphere statewide, and limit taxes for everyone.
Jeff points to a recent study that evaluated the value of state services delivered relative to state taxes imposed. In this study, North Carolina ranked 33rd among the 50 states. We do not even rank among the top 50% of states with respect to the value delivered to citizens. Jeff sees this as a problem. He expresses particular concern over the rapidly mounting state debt.
The North Carolina State Senate has a limited number of members; and it is conceivable that control of that body could change this year if several seats were to flip. That would be a momentous, positive change for our state. If Jeff were to defeat Vaughan, and Democrats lose control of the Senate, it would help reverse the awful cycle we have seen in North Carolina.
I am going to vote for Jeff Hyde for the North Carolina Senate.
Wasn't having a husband/wife team involved with local and state government supposed to uplift Greensboro? So far I've been unimpressed.
Posted by: Brandon Burgess | October 01, 2010 at 01:50 AM