Berger stands against Democrats and $800 million in new state debt
I hope the rest of the state one day gets to know Sen. Phil Berger the way I have. Bright, kind, gentle, exact, but also strong, tough and a great strategist. Berger has been very patient with me, since I first called him to voice a concern I had about state government, to recent brief conversations at local political events. He is always willing to share insights and explain what goes into his actions at the legislature.
I've thought his leadership in the general assembly has been stellar. Republicans across the state would do well to look to Berger as one of the cornerstones to build a conservative legislature upon.
Take this quote for example, on the Democrat's budget, created in secret, closed door meetings, and dumped on the legislature with just hours to digest. The plan calls for more than $800 million in new debt.
AP:
*"Good gracious," said Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, a Rockingham County Republican. "I am just concerned about the level of debt -- just about a billion dollars in debt."
Berger said that much borrowing should require voters' approval, instead of letting lawmakers make the call when they vote on the $21.3 billion spending plan next week.
"If we are going to tie down the taxpayers' future, in terms of paying down the debt, we really ought to let them have a say," he said."*
Comments
tell phil berger thanks for screwing the citizens of greensboro out of passing a bill to make greensboro comply with North Carolina General Statute 160a-385 and 386
Posted by: keith | July 4, 2008 12:57 PM
Keith: I appreciate and admire your leadership on that issue.
I seem to recall Berger's stated reason for not advancing that bill this year was the long-standing tradition of not taking up local bills during the short session unless there is unanimity among the local delegation.
My advice would be to keep advancing your agenda, but don't burn bridges.
I've burnt enough bridges in haste in my life to understand that it is not a very wise thing to do.
Thanks for visiting my site and commenting.
Posted by: Jeffrey Sykes | July 4, 2008 02:13 PM
05/16/2008 NC HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION PAC
P O BOX 99090
RALEIGH, NC 27624
Other Political Committee Contribution A Check $2000.00 $2000.00
04/04/2008 NC REALTORS PAC
4511 WEYBRIDGE LANE
GREENSBORO, NC 27407
Other Political Committee Contribution A Check $4000.00 $4000.00
when Rep. Phil Berger starts getting these types of campaign contributions right before they go back into session you have to wonder about how and why he got the maximun from the N.C. Realtors PAC with this issue in the forefront.
This issue is not about burning bridges but a representative from another county where he lives and where you are from enjoy the power to use Protest Petitions in Eden and Reidsville and Madison but cannot see the real issue but to get a maximum contribution from this PAC is questionable at best.
Is it fair that every city in this state has a right to use Protest PEtitions but not Greensboro?NO and Phil Berger should have seen that but probably saw the green money instead.Probably got a directive to be the blocker.
Posted by: keith | July 4, 2008 10:18 PM