To the Editor:

One of the most important decisions we will have to make on Nov. 6 is who to vote for in the N.C. Senate race. When the sweeping results of voter dissatisfaction took place in the 2010 elections, some very good legislators were sent packing along with the “bathwater,” and, as a result, we ended up with a legislature full of politicians eager to advance their agenda with little regard for the future or the people they were supposed to be representing. In short, they want to force their moral views on all of us, and other issues don’t matter.

Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, our current state senator, seems to be interested in only his narrow partisan interests. He voted to do away with a 1 percent sales tax, all the proceeds of which went to education. His motivation for this remains murky; we have to assume it was for the political purpose of saying that he “lowered taxes.” Truly, was that 1 percent sales tax a hardship on anyone? Yet the lack of that money statewide has caused thousands of teachers to be sent home and increased classroom sizes. He also opposes Pre-K programs, considering them “baby-sitting.” His stated opinion is that the “greatest gift a father can give his kids is their mother at home.” That’s fine, if you make the kind of money Davis does, but not if both parents have to work to make ends meet. Any parent or teacher in later grades will tell you that Pre-K programs are invaluable in teaching social skills and basic education, and make a difference in later grades.

His opponent in this election, former Sen. John Snow, D-Murphy, has different ideas. He believes that putting the time and money into education prevents problems later in life. As a judge, John Snow saw firsthand the result of neglect and abuse on innocent children, and was a champion of taking care of children in the classroom and in life. He is also a good man of high moral character, and will represent us all, not just the interests of his party above all else. 

You know what was the major reason was for his defeat at the last election? Remember the “fishing pier” commercial? Turns out that the vote for the pier was practically unanimous, and bipartisan; the ‘fishing pier’ and aquarium have turned into a huge tourist attraction, generating tax dollars; and the commercial was paid for by  “sugar daddy” super-rich political activist.

The last election proved the old adage, “you can fool all of the people some of the time.” It’s time to correct that mistake. Elect John Snow for state Senate. Prove that we “won’t be fooled again.”

Russell Breedlove

Bryson City