Focused Priorities
"If you don't know where you're going, any path will get you there" - Lewis Carroll
My priorities focus on four elements which NC residents have told me they expect their elected leaders to understand, collaborate and negotiate, address in a timely fashion, and enable – namely Affordability (prices, wages, housing, insurance, child care, taxes), Healthcare (access, coverage/inclusion, cost), Education (Leandro/State funding, a broad curriculum, teacher pay, equity across all Districts), and Transparency and Integrity (ban trading while in office, free & fair elections, campaign finance reform, term limits, restoring oversight, honesty and integrity).
By denying ANY citizen the opportunity to participate in our democratic process, the NC General Assembly is refusing to address the needs and priorities of ALL citizens. People should pick their representatives, not the other way around.
Rather than be subject to State legislative power grabs, like the pending property tax ceiling legislation currently under consideration in the General Assembly, NC would do well to return “home rule” to Counties and Municipalities in order to allow our diverse population greater control in solving local issues such as property tax equity and over-development.
I am committed to serve North Carolina residents actively and objectively using the skills and experience I’ve accumulated and refined. I will always serve and act in my constituent’s best interests. Honesty, integrity, fairness, open communication, and foresight (avoiding unintended consequences) is crucial in order to earn the public's trust.
Why Jim's Running
“Take care of the little things, and the big things take care of themselves” - Emily Dickinson
NC citizens are tired of politics as usual, and the abysmal performance of our elected officials, such as the lack of an approved state budget since 2023.
I am running for NC House District 16 to actively contribute to, effectively improve, and efficiently resolve House business. I’ve learned that reasonable people can solve almost any problem in good faith collaboration. Knowing how to do so, figuring out new ways around existing obstacles, and working hard will lead to the changes voters demand as well as lasting improvements over time.
I believe any Candidate’s qualifications are critical. Collectively, our elected officials determine law and policy matters, promote or impede economic development and equal justice, and have a generational impact upon the quality of life for NC residents. Therefore it's critical that a candidate's qualifications include leadership experience, knowledge through education, strong organization and communication skills, problem-solving skills, management skills, and a strident moral and ethical passion to serve. Using these criteria, we'll choose the best candidate every time, regardless of Party affiliation.
My understanding of these responsibilities and my unique qualifications stem from my life’s experience as well as my strength of character – I value truth, facts, clear goals and accountability for results.
Biography and History
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
I've always loved the above quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. It reflects uncharted roads and challenges along the way, always bearing the desired destination in mind.. It also notes that leadership must inspire others to follow - just as I was inspired by various leaders during my lifetime.
Michigan was my first home, then Virginia. I went to public high school, then paid my own way at Michigan State University, graduating with a BA in Finance. Later, I earned an MBA at Wayne State University while employed at IBM, working with large healthcare enterprises across the country. Before coming to Hampstead in 2017, I worked at Intel Corporation as International Marketing Manager.
My wife and I have three adult children and six grandchildren.
Currently, I lead the Democratic Party of Pender County as Chairman. Our mission is to Educate, Organize, Advocate and Mobilize, in that order, actively, peacefully and respectfully. I’ve also worked with and led many organizations in volunteer roles, including my church, HOA and local associations.
I enjoy reading, traveling all over, boating, fishing, and learning new skills through DIY projects at home, including landscape design and remodeling. When I can, I love spending time with our children and grandchildren.