Bob Brinson emphasizes affordability, jobs and rural health care
Republican state Sen. Bob Brinson is seeking reelection in North Carolina Senate District 3, with affordability, jobs and rural health care among his priorities. The district includes Beaufort, Craven and Lenoir counties.
Brinson said he wants to control growth in state spending, keep taxes low and address rising property taxes as families face higher costs.
“I am working to keep taxes low and more of your money in your pocket,” Brinson said.
On economic development, Brinson said he is working to bring more defense-related jobs to eastern North Carolina. He pointed to Fleet Readiness Center East’s expansion at the Global TransPark in Kinston and workforce training through Lenoir Community College as examples of investments he wants to support to help families remain in the region.
Rural health care is another priority. Brinson said ECU Health Beaufort Hospital needs updating and expansion. He also called for continued work to keep UNC Health Lenoir and CarolinaEast viable, saying those efforts should help make health care more affordable.
Brinson said he graduated from New Bern High School and attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point before serving a 28-year Army career as a helicopter pilot. His military experience included company and battalion command. After returning home, he served on the New Bern Board of Aldermen before joining the state Senate.
He traced his interest in public service to a high school government class and described constituent services as a central part of his work in elected office. He cited helping residents navigate government agencies, including assisting a couple with a septic permit.
Brinson said humanitarian and disaster relief work in northern Japan after an earthquake and tsunami helped shape his approach to complicated problems. Rather than waiting for a comprehensive solution, he said, leaders should begin with parts they can address.
“We need to make progress where we can and continue to work on the areas that are more challenging,” he said.
Brinson said accessibility is important to accountability. He described answering questions in person, by telephone and through mail and email, and attending community events to meet residents.
“I approach every elected office as a neighbor serving neighbors,” he said.
He said his Senate office does not screen calls or emails based on political affiliation. He also said his military experience building teams informs his approach to working with other elected officials.
“I will build relationships with other elected officials and stakeholders, regardless of party, to work on topics that have a shared interest,” Brinson said.
Looking ahead, Brinson said he wants to complete Interstate 42, particularly the Kinston bypass. He acknowledged the steps and funding challenges involved, but said interstate access matters in manufacturers’ decisions about where to locate. He linked that transportation goal to his broader plans to attract manufacturing, technology and innovation to eastern North Carolina.
