Former NC State Senator Goss

State Senator Steve Goss is an Ashe County native who now resides in Boone. State Senator Goss has a "B.S in Social Science with a minor in Education from ASU and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest." Recently State Senator Goss answered a list of questions regarding his re-election campaign and his vision for North Carolina.

1) What have you done during your term in office to create more jobs and bring new enterpreneurs to the regions of Wilkes,Ashe, Watauga? What have you done to address these concerns of the economy in the past ?

State Senator Goss Stated:

"Working for the people of our district is a fulltime job. I have focused on job creation from day one meeting constantly with local small businesses and companies such as GE Aviation, Leviton, and Chem-Con seeking their collaboration on creating new jobs for Ashe County. Tax breaks for small businesses have been instrumental in setting the table for new hiring opportunities for them. I also was chief co-sponsor of a bill with a colleague and 20 Republican senators to eliminate the corporate income tax gradually over several years. As chair of Transportation Appropriations and Transportation Oversight I have succeeded in moving the building of new US 221 up significantly which will open the door to potential job creation. Many companies I meet with ask about access to the county being sub-par, and this project completion will change the minds of prospective employers in relocating to Ashe County. We have the detention center on the horizon in Wilkes and the Health Sciences Building in the district which will create hundreds of jobs when completed. The addition to the Alexander Detention Center brought a number of jobs to that county. These are just examples of projects which will enhance the job market in the area.

On numerous occasions I have hosted state leaders in the district. As a result we now have several divisions from Commerce to Agriculture to DOT coordinating potential projects that will enhance each county’s ability to work with employers in such area as product marketing and delivery of the products..

The employment issue in this state did not start at the beginning of this unprecedented economic downturn of our lifetime. The job losses date back decades when manufacturing jobs were shifted oversea through the move toward a global economy. NAFTA and CAFTA did not set forth a level playing field and placed NC and America at a disadvantage. The key will be a collaborative effort at the federal level to revisit all trade agreements to make sure we have a level field. I will put our working population at the top of the list in ability. They simply need to have fair chance in competing.

Also, I have helped bring millions of dollars into the district through the grant process. Working with local governments and Economic Development Commission as well as Advantage west, and Region D Council of Governments has been key to the process. These infrastructure grants and small business awards have been instrumental in bringing jobs to the area as well as setting the table for future job growth."

2.How do you respond to the allegations that your a career politician who wants to "spend wastefully", increase regulations and tax more NC residents?

Senator Steve Goss stated :

"I have not heard such an allegation. I suspect it is coming from the outside group who is pouring at least $500,000.00 into the election on behalf of my opponent. I have been in office for less than four years. Prior to that I had never held nor run for public office. In fact I believe we need to take a strong look at term limits which would assure us that no career politicians would be in office for an unlimited term of service. I have been fortunate to rise to several committee chairmanships in my short time in office. I work very hard having traveled over 75,000 miles around the district to meet with our people and local officials on a regular basis whether it is an election year or not. The people deserve to have the person representing them close at hand on a regular basis. Through office hours in each county and town hall meetings I have taken back to Raleigh valuable tools and insights about the needs of our people."

3) What does your record show? What do you stand for? Why did you run for office in the first place? What do you feel you have accomplished in your term?

State Senator Goss stated:

" I stand for the people and not the political parties. Among 170 legislators in the Senate and House I have crossed over many times to simply vote my conscience. I was recruited to run for office.

There have been many accomplishments that should be include in the press releases. The main focus has been to bring this district back into focus as to making sure we are not an afterthought in Raleigh. I have accomplished this through the projects either completed and those planned over the next few years."

4. What is your plan for job creation and for NC economy? What do you want to accomplish for Wilkes,Ashe and Watauga?

State Senator Steve Goss stated:

"Job creation has and will continue to be my top priority. We must continue to cut spending in Raleigh as we move forward. The real key will continue to be our small businesses for job creation. Seventy-five to eighty-five per cent of all jobs are created by small businesses. There are over 15,000 small businesses in the 45th District which can benefit from my planned tax reform effort that will significantly streamline their ability to deal with the Dept. of revenue. This is a constant problem for them. I am actively working with the DOR to build a plan specific to small businesses that will lessen their paperwork and financial expenses."

5. What are the ingredients to create jobs, opportunities in the region?

State Senator Steve Goss stated:

"Creation of jobs takes a collaborative effort of local and state officials working together to set the environment for private industry to be able to create jobs. Tax credits are a key element for small businesses, but in the long run officials must work together in pursuing potential employers for the local communities. Tax cuts which will be a part of the tax reform initiative I mentioned earlier will be critical to the future growth of the the business community. The bottom line I to be in the community with the 170,00 plus people in our district and listen to them carefully. They know the needs of their respective communities well. Through working with them the door opens to opportunities that might otherwise not be possible. Most good legislation in Raleigh comes from the community where our people live; not the other way around."

So, State Senator Steve Goss has a deep desire to keep serving the community and taking on the growing issues in the region and North Carolina. He has supporters who really believe he is the man for the job and are working hard for his re-election. Former Wilkesboro mayor and WCC Humanities instructor Pete Mann noted that Senator Goss is regularly working in the district he represents rather than hanging out in Raleigh. "According to Mann, "Goss shows up consistently at meetings of civic clubs, professional organizations, and charitable events.

As a former Baptist preacher and public school teacher and coach, he is able and eager to speak every chance he gets. But more importantly, he is willing to listen for as long as it takes for one of his constituents to say what he or she needs to say. This is most unusual and very refreshing in an elected official."

Therefore,State Senator Goss has a vision to keep working hard for his constituents in Raleigh and taking his dedication of service to others to Raleigh once again. He is wanting to keep serving and addressing the needs of the community in the region. To learn more about State Senator Goss and his vision you can go to :http://www.senatorstevegoss.com

Recently Former State Senator Goss lost to Dan Soucek. Therefore, Dan Soucek will be traveling to Raleigh to represent the region once represented by Goss.

 

State Senator Steve Goss annouced in Raleigh a Economic Update for the State of North Carolina . State Senator Steve Goss stated " The Great Recession has hit us hard , but NC is in better shape than most states. We have a fiscally responsible reputation nationally and are tied with six other states for best finances with an AAA rating from all three bond rating agencies."

He further stressed " I always mindful that the State is spending the people's money and we must be careful stewards of it. Unlike in Washington , we are required to balance the budget every year, and just like you ,we've been trying to do more with less during these tough times. As we do every year ,we will balance the budget next year in a responsible way as well."

Therefore State Senator Steve Goss is trying to address concerns in his district and in the State of North Carolina regarding the economic situation, job creation and keeping a balanced budget.Senator Steve Goss also provided this report on the economy for futher evaluation by the people of North Carolina : http://www.ncleg.net/fiscalresearch/generalfund_outlook/generalfund_outlook_pdfs/2010%20Outlooks/General_Fund_Revenue_Outlook_2010_09_15_September.pdf

Regarding the report Senator Goss refered us to the statement of Dr. Barry Boardman . Dr Barry Boardman said, “With the worst of the economic downturn behind us and a recovery, although a weak one, underway, it is important to recognize that there is still a long way to go before we return to pre-recession levels."

Senator Goss is trying to give North Carolina citizens an update to the economy and the economic impact it will have on the State. Furthermore the Senator stated : "Sure, we all want lower taxes — and good schools and roads. North Carolina’s state tax burden for individuals was rated right in the middle (28th nationally by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation). To help us create jobs, we have the lowest burden on business in the country according to Ernst & Young and one of the best business climates in America according to 9 national rankings. This year, I was pleased to support a budget that did not increase taxes and included a refundable tax credit for 125,000 small businesses that employ over 500,000 North Carolinians. When considering the 1 cent sales tax increase in 2009, there were no good choices — we cut $2 for every $1 in new revenue. Another $1 billion cut could have meant laying off 18,000 teachers or cutting the entire community college budget.

I made the tough call and believe under the circumstances, we did the best we could for the people of our state and for our future. As a Senator, my job has been tough, but nothing compared to the people I represent who are struggling hard to find a job or juggle two jobs to make ends meet. Despite the tough times, despite the heated rhetoric, I know we live in a great state, one built on a solid foundation that I am committed to preserving. I am hopeful and confident that brighter days are ahead and that North Carolina is poised to lead the nation in the recovery." Therefore State Senator Steve Goss is trying to address key concerns in North Carolina and make people aware of the reality of the North Carolina budget and where is the North Carolina economy headed

 

Senator Steve Goss introduced in Raleigh a bill that was ratified into law. Senate Bill 1356 focus was to " increase the monthly benefit to members of the Wilkesboro Fireman's Supplemental Pension Fund. " This law demonstrates that State Senator Steve Goss wants to help the firemen for their service to the community  and as a response to the economic issues the community faces According to Senate Bill 1356 it states " Any member who has served for 20 years as a fireman in the Wilkesboro Fire Department and has attained the age of 55 or has served for five or more years and has become totally and permanently disabled is entitled to receive a monthly pension from the Supplemental Pension Fund."

In conclusion State Senator Steve Goss is trying to address concerns in the community by supporting firemen who have served the community and put their lives at risk to help others. This is a response of Senator Goss to concerns in his district by addressing the needs of the firemen and his constituents in Wilkes.

 

State Senator Steve Goss proposed legislation in Raleigh to help the historic drama " Horn in the West".  Senate Bill 84 is pending review by the Appropriations/ Base Budget Committee in Raleigh. The bill states :

BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE OUTDOOR HISTORICAL DRAMA
3 "HORN IN THE WEST."
4 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
5 SECTION 1. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Southern
6 Appalachian Historical Association, Incorporated, a nonprofit organization, the sum of
7 twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the 2009-2010 fiscal year in recurring funds to
8 present the outdoor historical drama "Horn in the West."
 

The bill would help fund the the historical drama .  The drama "Horn in the West "  by Dr. Kermit Hunter according to their site recreates the lives of pioneers in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the oldest Revolutionary War dramas being portrayed in America.  It shows a little of what the pioneers lived during a time they settled the Blue Ridge escaping the British  and seeking freedom. Therefore this Bill introduced by State Senator Steve Goss and being reviewed in committee seeks to help this ongoing Historical drama.

This bill is pending but it shows the concern of the State Senator with the arts and the community. The bill would give $25,000 for the 2009-2010 year to help this drama performed which brings life in America to the time of the pioneers and the Revolutianary era,