Anson’s representatives in the N.C. House and Senate usually see eye to eye on most issues. However, even though they are both Republicans, Rep. Mark Brody and Senator Tom McInnis have very different opinions on the proposed $2 billion bond package that voters will decide on during the March 2016 Primary Election.
“I voted for and will be supporting the Connect N.C. Bond Package,” Sen. McInnis said. “The original bond proposal called for a far greater amount of debt, which gave me some heartburn. The reason that I am supporting the current version is the fact that it will bring a significant amount of new money to every county in the 25th Senate District.”
Rep. Brody, on the other hand, voted against the bond package, although it passed the N.C. House of Representatives by a 76-29 vote. “It was almost $3 billion of what I call second-string projects,” he explained. “These were projects that didn’t make the budget, and either were not needed or were ‘wants.’”
Although the final bond proposal has been whittled down to $2 billion, Rep. Brody said that doesn’t make him feel any better about it. “Republicans complained about Gov. Bev Perdue running up our debt to $8 billion, and then Republicans go and do the same thing,” he said. “You wouldn’t go to a bank and borrow money, and then give it away. That’s essentially what they’re doing here. It’s a $2 billion slush fund in control of the leadership of a political party. It’s setting a bad precedent. It’s just a bad bill.”
McInnnis praised the bill, pointing out that it will provide more than $3 million for new construction, repairs and renovations at South Piedmont Community College (although which campus is not specified), and it will provide $300 million for infrastructure improvements.
The $300 million will be available for all towns and cities in the state, McInnis’s legislative assistant Libby Spain said.
The $2 billion Connect N.C. Bond Package also calls for $8.5 million for public safety training statewide, and improvements to state parks across the state.
“I am especially proud that our community colleges will receive much needed funds for repairs, renovations, and new construction,” McInnis said. “Every city, town, and county will be eligible to apply for crucial water and sewer infrastructure funds. Finally, our UNC System will receive funding for major building projects. I am particularly pleased that UNC Pembroke will be receiving funding for a new business school where future entrepreneurs from the district will be able to obtain a first class education and hopefully return to our district to start new business ventures.”
Brody said even with all the proposed good the bill could do, he isn’t supportive of sticking taxpayers with the bill. “I don’t want to put the citizens of my district in debt,” he said, “whether it’s $2 billion or $3 billion. What if, a few years from now, there’s another economic downturn? We should borrow money for needs, not wants.”
Still, his colleague in the Senate had no problem voicing his support for the plan. “The Connect N.C. Bond Project is a prudent use of our borrowing ability and will provide new opportunities for every citizen in North Carolina,” McInnis said. “I urge every voter to support this bond package.”
