NC Governor
Prepared by AAUW, Brevard, NC Branch
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NC Governor Prepared by AAUW, Brevard, NC Branch You may scroll down to begin viewing the
information provided by the candidates in this race,
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NC Governor Race, 2004
Information provided by Candidates
to AAUW, Brevard Branch
Candidates:
Democrat:
Mike
Easley
Libertarian: Barbara
Howe
Republican: Patrick
J Ballantine
NR,
indicating No Response to a particular question, will appear until a response
is received.
….#, indicates that the response exceeded the 50 word limit.
What are your strongest qualifications for this position?
Easley (D): I have made the tough decisions and set the right priorities for North Carolina. As a result, we remain a national leader in education, have the best business climate in the nation according to Site Selection Magazine, and are ranked 4th in the nation for fiscal management by USA Today.
Howe (L): As a Libertarian, I believe that one should not use force to achieve social or political goals. Government is force. It is involved in too many areas where it does not belong. I recognize this. I will bring this philosophy with me when I become governor.
Ballantine (R):
NR
| Economy: The recent North Carolina Progress Board Report points out that in tough economic times, demands for state services increase, while state income declines. |
List three (3) steps you would recommend to meet these state budget challenges:
Easley (D):
1. Continued use of the spending cap implemented by this administration
to ensure that our budget does not grow beyond growth in the economy
2. A line item veto to prioritize spending
3. New revenue from a lottery to secure education funding and allow
for additional investments in education.
Howe
(L):
1. Begin by implementing
the John Locke Foundation’s recommendations found in the “Changing Course
Budget.”
2. Eliminate
all corporate welfare.
Ballantine (R):
NR
| Economy: North Carolina revenue is based on a system of taxes established in the 1930s. A shift in our economy from products which are taxed to services which are not taxed has greatly decreased sources of state revenue. Also sales tax revenue has declined with the rise of out-of-state and internet sales. |
Easley (D): After resolving the state's budget crisis, North Carolina was ranked 4th nationally in fiscal management. However, for continued fiscal security our current tax system needs reform. That is why I appointed the Governor's Commission to Modernize State Finances. I intend on incorporating their recommendations into the right solution for reform.
Howe (L): Drastically reduce corporate and personal income tax rates. Move to user fees in as many areas as possible. Eliminate programs that government has no business doing, thus reducing the need for additional revenue.
Ballantine (R):
NR
| Economy: Between 2000-2002 North Carolina's poverty rate grew to over 1.07 million people. (BTC Reports: October 2003. NC Budget and Tax Center) |
What types of legislation would you support to address the needs of the state's poor?
Easley (D): We must continue our investments in education beginning at 4 years of age straight through our community colleges and universities. Coursework should be rigorous, but relevant to moving students into well paying jobs. Finally, we should enact an earned income tax credit for low-income taxpayers as was proposed in 2001.
Howe (L): First, I would propose to end occupational licensing laws that impede entry into many professions. Additionally, I would work to reduce corporate and personal income taxes to stimulate the overall economy of NC and provide more jobs.
Ballantine (R):
NR
| Health: Health costs associated with Medicaid continue to consume more of the state budget |
How
do you propose to deal with these costs as the number of people eligible
for health care under Medicaid continues to increase?
Easley (D):
Economic growth and Medicaid are inexorably linked. An improving
economy meant that new caseloads grew 5% lower than expected through 2003,
a savings of $167 million. Additionally, sound fiscal management
allowed us to cut costs without cutting services. Continued economic
growth and sound fiscal management will keep Medicaid costs controllable.
Howe
(L): Health care is
not the responsibility of government. We must wean our citizens from
this welfare scheme as quickly as possible. As we get government out of
the health care business, the costs will come down.
Ballantine (R):
NR
| Environment: Environmental issues, particularly air quality, are of major concern in North Carolina . |
List three (3) steps you would recommend to address the air quality problem:
Easley (D):
1. Pressure on surrounding states via the EPA to reduce sulfur dioxide
and nitrogen oxide emissions,which travel downwind into North Carolina
2. Continued enforcement of 2002's landmark Clean Smokestacks Act
3. Expanded testing of vehicle emissions
Howe
(L):
1. Depending
on whom you believe, air quality is actually improving. Air quality
is a particularly difficult issue in a free society. The environment
is best protected by a strong enforcement of property rights.
Ballantine (R):
NR
| Education: The
funding of education programs that are required by state and federal
governments is a major concern of educators at the local level. Local
school districts are often asked to carry out state or federal mandates
without additional funds to do so.
Do you support or oppose allocating more state funds to carry out mandates in the areas of: |
(D) |
(L) |
(R) |
| Special education |
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| Diabetes care plans | Support |
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| Four-year educational plans for high school students |
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| Reporting and testing requirements |
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| Education: No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a significant federal initiative to improve public school education. However, it has been criticized for not providing sufficient funds to states to carry out its requirements. |
What is your opinion of this federal initiative?
Easley (D): North Carolina is a leader in requiring our students and teachers to achieve high standards. NCLB is essentially an affirmation of what we have accomplished. We aggressively work with our representatives and with the Bush Administration to make NCLB better, which begins with making sure federal mandates are fully funded.
Howe (L): Glad you asked. The federal government should have absolutely no role in education. NC can improve education by moving toward a free-market based education model where we fund students through tuition tax credits. See my plan regarding the Taxpayer Choice Scholarship Plan at <www.votehowe.com <http://www.votehowe.com/> >.
Ballantine (R): NR
Easley (D): http://www.mikeeasley.org/