To the Editor:

From many perspectives, North Carolina is in big trouble.

Rather than governing to provide the best direction for all citizens, as our legislators are charged, some of our elected officials appear to be pursuing personal agendas aimed at serving a few rather than acting to benefit the majority.  

 A good dose of common sense, coupled with an honest and sincere desire to address the needs of all, fairly and equitably, is a prescription that could begin the healing process for our ailing economy, our critically ill education system, and mend the faltering health system. Concerns for the environment, particularly in the proposed fracking debate, could benefit, as well.

 Jane Hipps, Democratic candidate for the North Carolina Senate District 50, knows right from wrong and isn’t afraid to support her convictions. She speaks with volume, conviction and decisiveness, based on in-depth research and questioning before she speaks. She can be tough when she needs to be.

 Jane holds n indebtedness to special interest groups.  She is accountable only to her constituents and will fiercely guard and protect Western North Carolina.

 Well-equipped with knowledge and experience to treat North Carolina’s ills, she was employed, before retirement, in public education for 38 years as a teacher, counselor and curriculum advisor. She earned three master’s degrees during her educational journey: school psychology from Western Carolina University; master of science in nursing from Vanderbilt University (earned after retirement from education); and school counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill. An experienced business owner, she currently manages a farm.

 My support is unconditionally for Jane Hipps, a former colleague. Let’s not let others speak for us. We need to flood the polls in November and elect a mountain girl for mountain people.

 Edie Burnette

 Canton