Posted on 04/12/2004 5:14:34 AM PDT by TaxRelief
CURRITUCK Citing jobs as the number one issue facing North Carolina, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Richard Burr told an audience of Camden and Currituck Republicans Tuesday night that the state must do a better job utilizing its assets if it's to compete for economic development.
Burr, a congressman who represents North Carolina's 5th District, also briefly discussed the U.S. Navy's plans to build a practice landing field in Washington County. Burr said state officials are preparing to propose an alternative site to the Navy for the airfield, which is also known as an outlying landing field.
In a meeting last week with state Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary William G. Ross, Burr said he was informed that Ross has an alternative site for the OLF that will be pitched to the Navy.
Burr did not have the exact location of the site, but said it does meet the requirements the Navy says it needs to build the airfield.
Burr acknowledged that his involvement with the OLF issue has been limited to notifying individuals about the project and emphasizing the importance of the Navy following correct procedures as it locates the airfield.
"I'm not going to pick up the phone and tell the Navy Here's where you can and can't do something,' but I expect them to follow the process and I think that they are on notice as specifically as they probably can be," Burr said.
On the issue of jobs, Burr said the state must take advantage of its university system and extensive network of community colleges to lure employers to North Carolina.
"As a state, we have to concentrate on our assets," Burr said. "We also have to look at the country and understand the shortages and where the community colleges and universities can fill them."
Addressing agricultural issues, Burr said North Carolina farmers need more export markets. However, he also noted that the state is being adversely affected by international trade agreements.
"We have to open up new markets around the world that we can sell into," Burr said.
On the war in Iraq, Burr stressed his continued support for President Bush, and said he believes the administration's efforts to bring democracy to Iraq will be successful. He supports U.S. efforts to turn control of Iraq to the Iraqi Governing Council by June 30, saying it's a necessary step for the people of Iraq to move forward.
"There's no doubt in my mind that the president made the right decision" going to war in Iraq, Burr said. President Bush "is committed to doing exactly what he thinks is right."
Burr, who is seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, implored local Republicans to work hard this fall to help keep the Senate in the GOP's control. If Republicans increase their hold on the Senate, they'll be able to confirm the President's judicial nominees as well as pass key energy legislation, he said.
Burr's expected opponent in the November General Election is Erskine Bowles, a Charlotte businessman and former chief of staff to President Clinton.
Burr, who also made stops in Martin and Dare counties Tuesday, is expected to meet with College of The Albemarle President Lynne Bunch and tour the COA campus today. Later, he's scheduled to visit Chowan Hospital in Edenton.
(Contact Randall Edwards at rwedwards@coxnews.com)
The most important line in the article... If the Republicans do not get 60 seats in the Senate, we might as well hand the Supreme Court over to the leftists.
Then who will need legislators?
The court will make all the rules for their pro-sex, anti-religion, pro-hegemony, anti-gun, pro-government, anti-private-ownership, pro-poverty, and pro-racist "life in America" right from the bench.
Burr is a perfect example of the modern-day republican. He thinks getting the taxpayers to foot the bill for a single make-work project will somehow revitalize the NC economy.
Memo to Burr: Ever think about cutting taxes and regulations here in NC? No, I didn't think so...
Socialists control this government and the republicans are only deluding themselves.
True, but it takes 60 votes to get a judge appointed these days. A majority is not good enough.
There is virtually no legal way that a US Congressman can affect policy within the state of NC.
There are about 40 Republicans in the US Senate and 11 'Republicans'. Try passing legislation with 40 votes some time, it doesn't work too good. And yet you are attacking Burr, who would increase the number of conservatives in the Senate. Are you slow or something?
Burr is a perfect example of the modern-day republican. He thinks getting the taxpayers to foot the bill for a single make-work project will somehow revitalize the NC economy.
That has no basis in fact. Burr IS a good example of the Reagan conservatives who make up the bulk of the GOP these days.
Memo to Burr: Ever think about cutting taxes and regulations here in NC? No, I didn't think so...
You want a congressman to cut NC taxes and regulations. Brilliant. Why don't you talk to Mike Easley about that?
Not according to the U.S. Constitution. But who cares about that these days?
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