Basnight to seek re-election to N.C. Senate
Friday, January 22, 2010
Manteo – Senator Marc Basnight announced today that he will seek a 13th term in the N.C. Senate, saying that creating jobs would be his continued focus if re-elected.
“As we recover from the national recession, North Carolina is on the brink of some major changes – and if the voters of the First District will give me the honor of another term in Raleigh, I can be a part of making those changes occur,” he said.
Improving math and science education, updating the state’s economic development model, giving relief to struggling small businesses, and promoting growth in the “green economy” all are things North Carolina must do to compete globally for jobs and opportunity, Basnight said.
Basnight, who has served in the Senate since 1985 and as president pro tempore since 1993, said that North Carolina must overhaul the way it educates its workers and does business as a government.
“Our economy is finally getting better, but recovery is coming slowly,” he said. “Over the long term, we need to improve our state’s ability to compete for high-tech, knowledge-based jobs. Strengthening science and math education must be a priority.”
Growing up on the coast where natural resources lead to a thriving tourist economy, Basnight’s work on environmental issues has been a central focus in the Senate. But renewable energy and “thinking green” must be considered as economic opportunities, not just environmental issues, Basnight said.
“As people learn more about recycling, or about using less plastic and energy, we must consider that green jobs could be our economic future,” he said. “Our coastline is a renowned tourism destination and if we don’t take care of it, one day we will lose a critical piece of our economy.”
Basnight also said that small businesses – which create 7 of every 10 new jobs in the state – should have lower taxes and less bureaucratic interference from government.
“For the businessman, weaving your way through the government’s red tape can be a frustrating and often expensive adventure,” Basnight said. “Small business is the heartbeat of our economy, and we need to do what it takes to help them survive these tough times, and get back on the road to prosperity.”