Jacksonville Daily News - McCrory Stumps in Onslow

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Jacksonville Daily News - McCrory Stumps in Onslow

By SUZANNE ULBRICH
Saturday, August 30, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: Pat Mc-Crory addresses some of the issues in the governor's race in a video on jdnews.com.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory made a jam-packed campaign swing through Onslow County on Friday, saying he believes state officials need to get out more often to see what's going on in North Carolina.

The Charlotte mayor made stops at popular eateries such at Arnold's in Richlands and Hilda's in Jacksonville to meet area residents and give them a sample of his platform while he tried the food.

McCrory said Raleigh could use a change in culture. "The egos in Raleigh need to get out of the limousines, government (offices), and mansions and see what's going on in North Carolina," he said during his visit to Hilda's.

"The customers of North Carolina are being ignored and they deserve better. My job is to listen...," he said.

McCrory faces Democratic Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, a former state senator from New Bern, and a familiar presence in Onslow County, in the Nov. 4 general election.

Some of the Onslow residents he encountered at Hilda's on Friday came away impressed.

Sneads Ferry resident Andy Canady said McCrory reminds him of another Republican from Mecklenburg County, former Gov. Jim Martin.

"One of the things I admire about (McCrory) is he put in a rail system in Charlotte," Canady said. "At first it wasn't looked upon very favorably by many, he was criticized for the expenditure and other things.... Now, with gas prices, there isn't a vacant seat on it," he said. "He looks ahead, he's progressive."

Dr. John Dudley of Hubert agreed with McCrory that the state capital needs a culture change, and he spoke favorably about the GOP candidate's experience as Charlotte mayor.

McCrory has served seven terms at mayor of Charlotte. He also serves on the Homeland Security Advisory Commission.

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