FRED SMITH GOVERNOR 2008 - "A Little Extra Effort" Statewide BBQ Tour
Monday, February 18, 2008...Avery County...Surprise! Surprised the driver after church Sunday morning when fog still embraced the mountain and he inched his way 20 mph toward Newland. Surprise! His wife was home and he found a room to enjoy the Daytona 500 in peace. Today he headed to Carolina BBQ and set up the projector and screen to show the DVD. It wasn't planned but you say BBQ and he sets up the AV. The two dozen business people invited by Rep. Philip Frye and Keith Presnell watched attentively and then Fred answered questions about his position on issues and how it would affect small business. There were media interviews with the Avery Post, Avery Journal and WATA radio. Fred signed books and talked with the staff at the Journal and according to George Erwin the publisher is "impressed with Fred." There was an hour for several donor calls and an early evening reception hosted by Steve and Nicole Arnold prior to the BBQ. Fred asked George how many people he thought would attend the BBQ. George said 100. Fred said he'd be happy with 75. Surprise Senator! One-hundred eighty people, standing room only, lots of excitement for Fred Smith! Thank you Avery - clearly you knew it was no surprise that Fred Smith is your choice for Governor! See you May 6 for Primary Day!
IN THE NEWS
Smith hopes to bring Raleigh west
by Lauren K. Ohnesorge, Tuesday, February 19 2008
State Senator Fred Smith brought his gubernatorial campaign to Newland yesterday- offering free barbeque and exchanging ideas with Avery residents.
It was part of Smith's 100 county barbeque tour.
The Republican senator is running on a platform of "straight talking," and attempted to demonstrate that attitude by discussing his take on statewide issues, like the drought and water shortage.
"The short term solution is rain and the long term solution is to try to build more reservoirs and to make sure that we are conserving and using water in the best possible way."
When asked what current Democratic Governor Mike Easley's been doing wrong, Smith was not short on words. He says Easley continues to be part of a "democratic mindset" that tries to increase the government's role in the state.
"I think we've go to look at the strength of our state as our people. What government needs to do is remember that the government doesn't exist so the people can serve it. Government exists so it can serve the people."
If elected governor, Smith hopes to help encourage more jobs statewide. While he's not opposed to state incentives under certain circumstances, nurturing entrepreneurship and the private sector can best increase the job market, he says.
"What does that is the lowest possible tax rate, the least possible regulations, the best education system, and government building infrastructure like roads, water and sewer and trying to work together to make sure we have the most affordable healthcare."
Smith hopes to bring Raleigh directly to the people of Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties.
"The people in western North Carolina feel like sometimes they are not treated fairly in the expenditure of funds. I would make sure that they are treated fairly. I would make sure that we're seen often in North Carolina."
Smith says he's visited western North Carolina 55 times over the past 14 months of his campaign and that, if elected, his presence would be a regular sight.
The article above is available online HERE.
