I just got back from hearing the Cary Chamber of Commerce forum for candidates running for NC Senate. We heard from the candidates in NC Senate District 16: Josh Stein (D-incumbent), Mike Beezley (R), and Stephanie Watson (L).

Since the audience was local business leaders, the general theme centered around the economy. All said that they were in favor of economic growth in Cary (surprise, surprise). Beezley focused on his experience as a businessman and employer. Stein focused on his career in public service and his recent accomplishments in the NC Senate. Watson criticized government over-regulation and selective tax incentives as unfair to businesses.

When asked about the Wake county schools, Beezley spoke out in favor of neighborhood schools and the importance of setting aside differences and moving forward. Stein spoke about the relationship between strong schools and industry. Watson shared her experiences both as a student and as a teacher in an economic disadvantaged schools. She emphasized her stance that public school systems should be governed at the local level, since locally, they could judge how to best meet the needs of their communities.

Watson shares more of her thoughts on the Forum on her GoLiberty blog.

I was really excited, as this was my first time hearing any of the candidates in person, and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to attend. Quite frankly, though, the answers from both Democratic and Republican candidates were as expected. I would have liked to hear more specifics as to the Libertarian perspective.

I live in NC Senate District 16, which includes areas of Morrisville, Apex, Cary and Raleigh. Since the 2009-2010 legislative term, we have been represented by Josh Stein (D).

Under the guise of promoting public safety, Josh Stein has sponsored legislation that directly erodes our privacy (collecting DNA from anyone that is arrest–not convicted–of a felony). He cosponsored legislation to maintains the government’s monopoly on gambling (the NC lottery). He works against empowering parents to have choice for their children’s education, instead, choosing to align with powerful teachers unions to support the government near-monopoly on a failed primary and secondary public education.

Our state is in crisis. It’s time for change. Stephanie E. Watson offers that change. She is a liberty activist and an member of the Libertarian Party. She offers real solutions to the problems we face as North Carolinians today. Please support her in this coming election. Visit her website at goliberty.net.

Dr. Mike Beitler states, “It is common knowledge in politics that PACs only contribute to incumbents. Of course, an exception will be made if a well-funded opponent has the financial clout to beat the incumbent. The exception is made because the ultimate goal is not to help any particular candidate but to buy influence.”

via Cronyism | Beitler For US Senate 2010!.

Corporations should compete for customers in the free market. When corporations buy government favors instead of focusing on more efficient production, this leads to decreases in innovation, creativity and productivity. Corporate cronyism causes losses in production — losses in our global competitiveness — losses in our nations wealth.

We need to turn the tide. We must say “no” to the PACs and corporate special interests and say “yes” to Liberty. Support Dr. Beitler’s campaign.