archived: 11 - 17 Sep, 2005         Back                 Next

                        NC 5^TH 

North Carolina Congressional Republicans are making a reputation – not a reputation representing the fundamental values of our citizens. 

Just weeks ago, Rep. Hayes of the 8^th Congressional District breaks his word to vote against CAFTA.  Congressman Taylor of the 11^th Congressional District essentially takes a “walk” on the CAFTA vote.  Their actions result in CAFTA being passed into law. 

Freshman Rep. Virginia Foxx of the 5th Congressional District is one of only ELEVEN Congressmen to vote against authorizing money for Hurricane Katrina victims: 

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., voted against the measure in part because it doesn't include enough accountability on how the money will be spent, her office said.

There also isn't any money for rebuilding New Orleans and other areas damaged by the storm, said Foxx's press secretary, Amy Auth.

While she supports other recovery efforts, Foxx wants "to ensure that we are spending tax dollars in the most effective way possible, so that the people who need help get help," Auth said.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 410-11; the Senate passed the package 97-0. It now goes to President Bush for his signature. – Rocky Mount Telegram  

Rep. Foxx posted this message on her website: 

My thoughts and prayers are with those who suffered through Hurricane Katrina and are continuing to suffer through its aftermath. I especially pray for those who have lost loved ones and hope they can find some comfort in this time of distress.

I commend the many volunteers, health care workers, law enforcement officials and military personnel who are selflessly working around the clock to help those who have been devastated by this hurricane.

It is my hope that my constituents will join me in making a contribution to a charitable organization. The people affected by this storm desperately need our help right away. A donation to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or other charitable groups will help provide the resources necessary for these people to survive. 

Foxx’s statement of the “desperate” need belies her vote Hurricane relief.  Her hypocrisy and vote against hurricane relief do not represent the values of North Carolinians.    

                        SEN. DOUG BERGER
                        INSIDE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
                        “One Citizen Can Make A Difference”

Junkie:  This is the second in a new series by State Senator Doug Berger; Franklin, Vance, Granville and Warren counties.  Sen. Doug Berger is joining TPJ with a weekly column focused on the last session of the North Carolina General Assembly. If TPJ readers have questions for or topics that they would like Sen. Berger to cover, simply write TPJ using FEEDBACK.

Today’s feature stresses how one citizen can make a difference.

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My District like many rural Districts across North Carolina has experienced the tragic death of a child being killed on an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). On August 19, 2005, Governor Easley signed into law legislation that provided measures to be taken to try to reduce the number of children killed while riding ATVs. 

I never have purchased one of these vehicles for my children, but I have many friends and neighbors who have.  It is a common site to see children riding these vehicles throughout the countryside of my rural District.    When the bill was first introduced, I received an e-mail from a constituent from Granville County, asking me to oppose this legislation. 

The original bill banned children aged 6-12 from being able to ride any ATV.  We exchanged e-mails arguing back and forth the merits of the proposal.  I exchanged consumer protection articles showing him the nationwide problem with children getting killed on ATVs.  He convincingly pointed out to me that these children were being killed on adult ATVs.  He explained to me that the industry had developed age appropriate ATVs with smaller engines.  

He persuaded me that the legislation as originally written involved regulations that went too far and banned a product that could be safely used by children 6-12.  I agreed to try to amend the bill in the Commerce committee where I serve as a member to allow children 6-12 to ride age appropriate ATVs.  I introduced the amendment in committee, but it was defeated by a 7-6 margin based largely on a split between rural legislators favoring the amendment and urban legislators opposing the amendment.  

When the bill came to the floor of the Senate, Senator Purcell a pediatrician by profession, agreed to compromise by lowering the ban to children 6 and under.  Children aged 8-12 would be allowed to ride age appropriate ATVs.  The bill passed and went though a series of changes in the House but this compromise remained in the legislation that eventually passed.   

Even in today’s world of politics where every group has some lobbyist to advocate their position, an individual citizen can still have an impact on how the law is crafted.