We can Change our World One VOTE at a time

I, for one, believe that unless each of us take strong interest in the state of our ecomony and the state of our nation we are at risk of watching both fail.  I learned a lot. I am going to provide these bullets to you for your information because some of these topics are  very timely.

Please keep in mind that these notes were from speakers whose purpose was the training of ACTIVISTS. My prayer is that the outcome is a better educated public as these folks go to work in the community. My determination is that we who are activists can also ensure the correct information gets to the voting public.

Activists have the purpose of motivating the masses- not everyone is an activist, but everyone needs to take action. There are inherent differences on how each individual uses their gifts. For now, my action will be to help other conservatives get elected and to get more registered voters to the polls on November 2nd.

Clearly, several commentators pointed out that local newspapers do not adequately expose legislators. I agree. Therefore, activist groups need to use all our own skills to ensure the legislator’s actions are well known by our local communities. I pray you intend to help in this endeavor and expose any issues that concern you to the rest of us whenever it is related to any of our elected officials.  Good exposure and bad exposure are valuable.  I intend to do the same.
 
Almost 1/2 of us are convinced we are being ignored by our legislators. Therefore, we are angry. However, this season is the very season when we need to put a stop to waste, greed and ignorance so that educated, qualified Christian leaders take back our nation.

Civitas is an NC organization that reports details of legislators activities, and we can expect these reports will be used by the community in decision making. The TEA Party folks believe that legislators are not listening to the people and that neither party represents their concerns.

KEY ISSUES:

·       Smaller government

·       Decrease spending

·       Decrease taxes

·       Ensure national defense

·       Control illegal immigration

·       Correct healthcare

·       AVOID Hot Button issues

GOALS: To provide Knowledge and Education

              Set a basic belief system

               Non-party affiliation

Comments from Onslow AFP-Tye Rudy to the group of about 300 people:

·       Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and in Onslow, and I am an executive in the Republican Party, Onslow is corrupt. We need revitalizing of the Republican Party. We are all conservatives and we are all very good at getting favorable support in the community. We have discovered how to get favorable support:

o   1. We create controversy.

o   2. Invite the press.

·       Our commissioners are spendaholics.

·       Our members pay dues; we figure if we make them put a little skin in the game and shake them up, then we will get favorable support. We have gone from 7 members to 800 dues-paying members.

·       We are very good at putting on a pep rally but we are not winning the game.

Brian  Balfour of CIVITAS reported that the business TAX climate of NC is now worst in the Southeast, 39^th of 50 states. Now, I just read an article in “Executives Digest” saying NC ranks right behind TX as the BEST business climate state- however that article includes issues other than just TAX….

              Our sales tax rate at 7.75% is the 11^th highest in the nation. Corporate tax rate 6.9% is second highest in SE. Combined state and local weighted sales tax rate is 8.07% across the state, so Onslow is below that and still looking good, I think.

              Of the 43 states that ha e income tax (7 do not- and we should go there!)… NC is 7^th highest- and higher than NJ.

We discussed this at some length. Basically, income tax is very volatile, like now with 11% unemployment, the state is in trouble because income tax revenues have crashed… Income tax is also a burden to business expansion.  MO and SC are scrapping income tax for CONSUMPTION or VALUE-ADDED TAX. One of those states has reported an expected 10-15% increase in investment and small business in ONE YEAR. FL, TX and TN already have no income tax.

RECOMMENDATION: Value-Added (sales tax)

·       reduces the burden of government

·       removes underground economies, black market, illegal hiring and pay practices, etc.

·       Income tax laws are confusing, regressive

·       Income taxes stifle economic growth and small business enterprises.

·       50% of our adults do not pay income taxes anyway.

Joe Colletti of John Locke reported the PROBLEM IS SPENDING.

Hand-held devices for teachers are about to cost us $15 Million dollars- and oh, by the way- Jim Hunt is on the board of directors of the only company to get the contract.

THREE THINGS ARE NEEDED:

1.        Put budget items and bills online for 72 hours before vote so that public comment can be accomplished.

2.       Create a 5 year Plan

3.       Set aside 10% for the Rainy Day fund that has been robbed. We have been ignoring this, and without saving (tithe) we will become deficient at the next major disaster.

Also noted: Stop corporate incentives and targeted tax breaks across the board. That alone will decrease corruption and eliminate the need for corporate taxes across the board as well. This has already proven successful in stimulating growth in other states, when there is ZERO corporate tax. Joe mentioned that if the incentives were outlawed at the state level,  counties would be grateful because then that  level of corporate haggling would be removed. It is like a win-win situation.

{During QA, someone commented that illegals are a major concern in Onslow County…. FYI- }

Also, create a “TAX ME MORE FUND” for NC. There is currently no way for people to give extra cash to pay for budget items.

Sincerely,

Tracey