All in Politics
This summer, Eastern North Carolina has been bustling with visitors from across the state and across the nation — coming to experience our wonderful way of life. As we draw closer to the end of summer and students are heading back to school, I'm reminded of how grateful I am to live here throughout the year.
As summer winds down, students are going back to school and legislators are getting back to business by overriding more of the Governor's vetoes and finishing up with the State Budget process. Over the last few weeks, we've been working behind-the-scenes to negotiate and build consensus with our colleagues in the NC House — and we are very close to a final product (more information follows below).
For the upcoming 2023 Municipal Election in Greene, Jones, and Lenoir County, filing opened on Friday, July 7, 2023, and ended at noon Friday, July 21, 2023. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Here are the candidate filings as of Friday, July 21, 2023, at 12:00 pm.
In North Carolina, the political label “conservative” is more popular than the terms “liberal” or “progressive.” In the most recent John Locke Foundation poll, for example, 46% of likely voters described themselves as conservatives, with 25% picking the liberal label and the rest either “moderate” or nothing at all. If we broaden out to include all North Carolinians, not just those who reliably vote, the gap shrinks a bit. But conservatives still form a plurality — and they significantly outnumber liberals.
For the upcoming 2023 Municipal Election in Greene County and Lenoir County, filing opened on Friday, July 7, 2023, and ends at noon Friday, July 21, 2023, Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
I hope you and your family are enjoying the start of summer! It’s a beautiful time of year to live in Eastern North Carolina.
Many of you have seen me use the term "Long Session," this year. In North Carolina, our state legislature operates on a two-year period known as a "biennium," with Long Session taking place on the odd numbered years and Short Session for the even numbered years.
On November 23, 2021, I loaded my handgun to potentially defend my family for the first and, hopefully, the last time in my life. Due to Covid, our children had to stay home from school, but one positive outcome was the installation of exterior security cameras around our home. At 2:00 AM, our Ring camera notifications woke me up. With one eye barely opened, I noticed a figure walking across our driveway. Once I jumped up, this man stood 15 feet from one of my daughter’s bedroom windows.
NC Senator Jim Perry (R - Lenoir, Beaufort, and Craven) was the guest speaker this morning at the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce “Wake-Up Lenoir” Legislative Breakfast, addressing pressing regional matters and advocating for tailored solutions and open dialogue. The event covered topics such as education, mental health, healthcare, and medical marijuana.
Voters in North Carolina will now be required to present photo ID when voting in NC. This new requirement will start with the 2023 municipal elections. Voters will show their ID to an election worker and they will confirm the picture on the ID reasonably resembles the voter.
Many of us fondly remember the days when Main Street was bustling with a vibrant, localized economy. Small businesses flourished, creating jobs and driving growth that directly supported our communities.
Officers responded to Hines St. in Snow Hill to investigate a reported residential break-in. The home had been forcefully entered and several items had been stolen, including precious metals and family heirlooms.
In a recent Kinston City Council meeting, several important agenda items were discussed and approved. The council addressed various matters, including the authorization of an interlocal agreement for animal control services, an amendment to the noise ordinance, and a request for a four-way stop at the intersection of Mitchell St. and North St.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for your readership of our legislative newsletter. Your dedication to remaining well-informed makes a real difference in our region, and I am honored by your willingness to make this newsletter a part of your monthly routine.
Thank you for taking the time to read our latest newsletter, which we offer as a resource for keeping constituents informed on current legislation and other recent developments that affect Eastern NC.
"Passing legislation requires good subject matter, the ability to get along with your colleagues, and an understanding of basic math because you must have enough votes in support of your issue," says NC Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Sen. Jim Perry (R - Craven, Beaufort and Lenoir). With the "crossover" date looming, North Carolina lawmakers are gearing up for a crucial period when bills must pass from one legislative chamber to the other or risk being "dead."
