“It is the Governor’s job to not only recruit jobs to North Carolina, but also retain the ones already here.”

For far too long, the Governor has not created an environment for businesses to grow.  Jobs are leaving the State and new companies don’t have good reasons to move here.  It is the Governor’s job to make sure that North Carolina is a competitive marketplace for not only North Carolina companies, but also for companies thinking about coming to North Carolina.

As Governor I will focus on the following areas to increase our economic development:

• Lower taxes.
  North Carolina has one of the highest income and corporate taxes in the south.  We are taking too much money out of the pockets of hard working North Carolinians.  To be competitive with other states, we must make sure that people keep more of their money.
  

• Create infrastructure that supports job growth.
  We must make sure that the infrastructure supports a growing economy. Our transportation system must be able to support sustainable growth, and a long-range vision of where growth will be.  Putting the roads in areas of future congestion, and not in the areas the powerful politicians live, is paramount.
  

• Provide companies with the workforce of the future.
  Our children must have the skill to meet the changing demands of a 21st century economy.  The school system must focus on technical skills to create this workforce.  Instead of importing engineers, mechanics, and other specialist, we must train them and keep them in North Carolina. 
  

• Work with other Governors in the South to reduce incentives paid out.
  When states are pitted against each other, this increased competition to provide incentives costs taxpayers too much.  I will work with other Governors to limit the practice of incentives. In North Carolina, we need to provide lower income and corporate taxes, a solid infrastructure, and a strong and educated workforce.  These things are the best incentives to attract more industry and jobs.
  

• Eliminate the Death Tax.
  The last thing we need to do is impose a tax on North Carolinians once they die.  Far too many families must pay large tax bills for inheriting their loved-one’s possessions or business.  Often, these families have small family businesses and must sell them, simply because the government is forcing them to pay too much.  I want to eliminate this, as soon as possible.

• Advocate for North Carolina.
  As governor, I will use a hands-on approach to bring jobs to North Carolina.  By actively lobbying on behalf of the citizens of this state, I will recruit new industry and increase the workforce of North Carolina, while making sure that we keep the industry and jobs that we already have.