Goodman: Now that the election is over

In contested elections issues become blurred, positions get distorted, and reputations get damaged.

The Raleigh Report by Rep. Ken Goodman

The Raleigh Report
by Rep. Ken Goodman

The truth is often a victim as it is twisted to suit the ambitions of candidates.  This year, in particular, money spoke much louder than it should.  As much as this describes the election of 2014, it should be pointed out that North Carolina has a long history of bitter, hardball politics.

From the Senate race between Dr. Frank Porter Graham and Willis Smith in 1950, to the race between Jesse Helms and Harvey Gantt in 1996, North Carolina has been a place of “no holds barred” politics.

We all say we hate negative campaigning, but the sad fact is politicians do it because it works.  When negative campaigns stop winning, negative campaigns will end.

However, now that the general election is over, it is time to mend fences and heal wounds.  We need to put politics aside and focus on working together to improve the lives of our citizens.  This state and especially this region face serious economic, educational, and cultural challenges that cannot be solved if Republicans and Democrats retreat to their ideological corners until the next election.

As a Democrat, I must acknowledge there is a Republican majority because Republicans were elected by the people.  Today the main stream of political thought in this state rests with them.  The majority has earned the right to advance their agenda.  At the same time, they must consider that almost as many people voted for Kay Hagan as Thom Tillis and Democrats elected 62 members to the General Assembly.  These voters have a right to have their voices heard as well.

General Assembly members have already begun the process of organizing and choosing leaders for the 2015 – 2016 session.  I am looking forward to working with members of both parties to create a better state.  Among the newly elected members will be Senator-elect Tom McInnis.  Tom and I served together on the Richmond County Board of Education and accomplished a great deal in a non-partisan way.

I would also like to say a word about my good friend Sen. Gene McLaurin.  He was an extremely effective senator who is liked and respected by both Democrats and Republicans.  He has been a dedicated public servant whose primary goal in serving was to make this a better state.  I hope he will continue to be involved in public life.  Finally, I would like to thank you for allowing me to have the honor of serving you again in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

As we commemorate Veteran’s Day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our veterans and their families for their service to our county.  As a veteran, I appreciate the sacrifices you have made.  Also, as we approach the upcoming holidays, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, a meaningful and very Merry Christmas season, and a happy and healthy New Year.

Rep. Ken Goodman represents District 66 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. District 66 includes Hoke, Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson and Scotland counties. 

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