Beth Jones

Office seeking:

NC Senate District 44

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 43

Hometown: Lenoir (Draco Community)

Occupation:

Veterinarian (business owner)

1. Why are you seeking this office?

Our district is in an economic downturn worse than any we have ever experienced in our lifetime. I talk to people every day that are either not working or struggling to provide for their families – this should not be the case. Our best natural resource is our people – we are innovative, smart, and hardworking. I am running for office because in times like these, we need representation that will bring opportunities for our neighbors to live up to their potential. Character, ability and determination will save us in this bad economy and we need leadership that will take this message to Raleigh and beyond.

2. What makes you a qualified candidate?

Our state educational system has given my entire family a wonderful education. Our state university system provided me with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from NC State and a Masters in Public Administration at UNC-Charlotte. Our community has given me a successful veterinary business right here in Caldwell County with 12 talented local employees. I want to give back to this community that has been so generous to my family. I will apply my education and business experience to vigorously represent our Western North Carolina values in Raleigh.

3. What experience will you bring?

As a business owner I have daily responsibilities in making and balancing budgets, paying bills, managing employees, and keeping proper records. I have integrated innovative services to attract new clients and expand my business in a bad economy. I have applied these skills to the budget and policy processes of local and state government as a trustee at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, board member of the Caldwell County Board of Health and leadership positions with many other local organizations.

4. What are the greatest challenges facing the office you seek?

The greatest challenge facing a state legislator is finding a way to balance the state budget in an economy where state revenue is down by a significant amount. With sales tax and state income projections falling, legislators have made deep cuts and eliminated programs across the board to maintain a balanced budget. Some of these cuts have been necessary, some irresponsible. Fiscal responsibility means not only cutting wasteful services but also protecting essential services.

5. How do you plan to deal with those challenges?

I will fight to retain budget items that are crucial to our district. Funds that will bring jobs and economic opportunities to our area will be critical. Public education in our K-12 schools and our Community Colleges will also be a priority. Nothing is more important than training our workforce and getting our people back to work at a level where they can support their families.

6. What do you offer that no other candidate can?

As a small business owner, my income and the income of my employees is determined not by creative accounting or shrewd business practices, it is based on hard work and innovation. As a veterinarian, I am the only candidate with health care experience, and I will make it a priority to push real healthcare reform. As a mother with children in the public school system, I have a hands-on knowledge of the challenges educators face in our district and in the state. With the experience I have gained working in local government and my master’s degree in public administration, I can apply these talents to our state government and truly represent the values of our friends and neighbors.