Local governments suffered because of state deficits. What caused the deficits and what can be done to avoid them in the future? How do state reimbursements and the local 1/2 cent sales tax option fit into the equation?

Haire: When Republicans were in power, taxes like the intangibles tax, which money went to the towns and counties, were cut. The state reimbursed this money out of the general fund. There should have been an uproar years ago. No local government should depend on the state’s general fund for income. But when times were good there was no problem. Now times are hard.

The Association of County Commissioners and League of Municipalites support the local sales tax. I believe that is more prudent than expecting money from the state’s general fund.

Matthews: NC has the highest tax in the region. This past year, while in a recession, the Democrats raised taxes by 1.3 billion dollars. Controlled spending must be implemented to allow state spending to grow by no more than the rate of inflation and population growth. Implementing zero-based budgeting will eliminate wasteful spending and a significant savings will be found when agencies and departments have to justify spending. Our local governments should not be forced to increase taxes to support wasteful spending in Raleigh.

Is there anything the state can do to help counties meet rising Medicaid costs?

Haire: Medical costs are one of the biggest crisis in the nation. As prices rise fewer people are covered and more people need Medicaid. I don’t know if there is a state solution. There needs to be a national healthcare dialouge. If something doesn’t happen healthcare is going to implode and we are either going to be without any kind of program or we are going to have socialized medicine.

Matthews: Savings found in a zero-based budget can be used to restore long term care tax credits repealed by the democrates. Expand perscription drug benefits. We must stop the raid on Medicare Trust Funds.

How do you feel about the clean smokestacks act and is more needed to guarantee clean air for WNC?

Haire: I was one of the sponsors of the Clean Smokestacks Act. We actively worked to exceed federal standards. I want to clean up the air and improve health. This act puts us in the forefront. Now we have the legal authority to seek relief from other states.

Matthews: The Clean Smokestacks Act is a step forward for improving air quality. NC has shown our state is willing to set an example. Our standards will make a strong argument in forceing states to our north and west to implement tougher standards. We must continue to place pressure on other states to reduce emmisions.

Do you support the current incentives for economic development and how would you encourage economic growth in WNC?

Haire: The incentives package is a negotiating tool. It’s an auction out there. Everybody is giving incentives and North Carolina has to stay competitive.

North Carolina’s educational system makes it one of the most desirable states for relocation. In Western North Carolina we need broad band access that’s affordable. I have been working hard with the Western North Carolina Knowledge Coalition to provide this service. There is not a lot of flat land here in the mountains and smokestack industries are becomming harder and harder to come by. I believe we need to move toward smaller plants, specialty products and technology in Western North Carolina.

Matthews: I believe stong leadership, a lower tax base and a strong fiscal government will invite new jobs and start our economy growing again.

Do you believe the state has a stake in protecting the Needmore Tract in Macon and Swain counties?

Haire: I favor the state being involved in protecting this wonderful river and that tract of land. Tourism is the largest industry in Western North Carolina and protecting Needmore would benefit tourism. The state partnered to help protect Lake Logan and I believe we should do the same here.

Matthews: While being familiar with the georaphaics of the Needmore Tract off Hwy 28 between Macon and Swain counties I don’t feel I have enough information to address the issue of state responsibility.