Remarks on Rep. Paul Stam
The following is the transcript of the nominating speech David gave on behalf of Rep. Paul Stam on Wednesday:
Madame Chair, My Fellow Members, Honored Guests,
Today is a historic day. We gather together as free people elected by our neighbors to represent their concerns and values and work to improve the lives of our fellow North Carolinians.
Today is filled with high hopes-as well it should be. Fond wishes from our family and friends bring smiles to our faces, warmth to our hearts, and help fuel our passion to serve.
Today, we gather together to organize this Legislature and begin our service, just as has been done only 147 times before in our long history dating back to a time before the founding of the Union. We have the support of the citizens we represent and the guidance of our state Constitution. Today we begin our work.
Today, however, is also a time of great concern for all the people of our Great State. Nearly one in fifteen of our neighbors are unemployed-unable to support their families, and meet their financial obligations.
Those most needy among us, our neighbors with physical or mental health needs often find the care they need out of reach because of price, lack of accessibility, or not available. Often the care provided by our government is counterproductive, ineffective and even dangerous.
We struggle under the burden of failing roads, unsafe bridges, inadequate water and sewer infrastructure, and escalating debt service.
Confidence in our future is shaken because our kids are not receiving the education they deserve and we have the responsibility to provide. Frustrating too is the belief held by many of our neighbors and, unfortunately, evidenced by many years of mismanagement, abuses of power, and in some cases, outright corruption, that we ourselves, the elected leaders are unable or unwilling to bring the true “change” sought by the voters and so desperately needed in this dark hour.
My friends, it is often darkest before the dawn.
Just like the beautiful red cardinal triumphantly returns after the pall of winter is lifted, the people of our state will emerge stronger and better equipped to face the future.
Today, my fellow Members, we must set about the awesome responsibility of setting right the ills of our state. Our first duty is to elect a Speaker to lead us through tumultuous times.
I respectfully submit the name of Representative Paul Stam of Wake County.
Representative Stam is a man of impeccable character with a proven record of seeking logical, free market based solutions to challenges.
Representative Stam is committed to restoring our economy by removing government burdens on employers so they can put our people back to work. He is committed to easing the taxes taken from people so that they may provide for themselves and their families as they choose, not the way a bureaucracy would dictate.
Representative Stam is committed to reform in our health-care system to make physical and mental wellness a reality, to make health care affordable and accessible.
Representative Stam understands that investment in sound infrastructure of roads, water, sewer and even access to the Internet benefits all people.
He understands that a successful business community is vital to a sound economy.
The education of our children is unquestionably the responsibility of every person desiring a better and brighter tomorrow. Rep. Stam will work to make sure our education system is based on the needs of the kids it serves and that those needs are met in whatever setting best fosters this objective. He understands that parents are in a better position to make education decisions for their children than a Raleigh bureaucrat.
Further, with Rep. Stam, we can be assured that the foundations of our society, those held dear by our forefathers and set out in our Constitution- our families and our freedom will be protected.
Today, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I respectfully and urgently ask that you join with me in taking this first step towards real recovery and real improvement in the lives of the people of our State. Today, I ask you and join me in supporting Rep. Paul Stam as our Speaker.
Thank you, Madame Chair.
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