U.S. House candidates talk inflation, education, work shortage

Republican Rep. David Rouzer is the incumbent in Congressional District 7. He is competing against Max Southworth-Beckwith in the GOP primary. The Democratic primary comprises Charles Evans, N.C. Rep. Charles Graham, Yushonda Midgette and Steve Miller.

Republican Rep. Richard Hudson is the incumbent in Congressional District 9. He is being challenged in the Republican primary by Jen Bucardo, Francisco Rios and Mike Andriani. Ben Clark is the only Democrat who has filed to run for the seat.

Below are the primary candidates who responded to a questionnaire.

7th Congressional District Republican

David Rouzer

Age: 50

Immediate family: Charles Rouzer (father) Jennifer Rouzer (mother) Drew Rouzer (brother)

Occupation: Member of Congress

Elected office held: U.S. Representative, N.C. 7th Congressional District

What is the No. 1 issue facing the United States and how would you address it?

On the domestic front, we have multiple problems that are equal in their devastating effects: an energy crisis, a crime crisis, an inflation crisis, a border crisis, an education crisis and a moral and spiritual crisis. (The latter can only be fixed by the family and the church.) At the outset, this administration and Congressional Democrats declared war on fossil fuels with the ultimate goal of eliminating them. It’s had a devastating effect on energy prices at home. We must not punish those who explore for oil and gas; instead, open up all federal lands and leases and incentivize production. Secure the border by reinstating President Trump’s policies that disincentivized illegal border crossings, including the reinstitution of the Remain in Mexico policy. You fix the crime crisis by openly supporting and funding the police — not degrading and defunding them. Excess spending under the guise of COVID-19, particularly paying folks not to work, is a big reason for the inflation we see today. It’s also a key reason (not the only one) why we have a major worker shortage, which will also likely lead to a recession later this year. Every employer I know is having a difficult time finding the honest, hardworking and conscientious employees they need. It’s time to get back to teaching the basics, including moral values, and making sure students in K-12 can read. Critical Race Theory and all the other social junk being taught needs to go.

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Despite relatively low unemployment, a number of Americans are still struggling financially. What is your plan to help people achieve financial security and live out the American dream?

We have a very low unemployment rate right now because so many have quit looking for a job. A number have chosen to retire early, and many are out of condition for the workforce after such a long layoff from employment. Our nation’s commitment to free enterprise and innovation enabled us to create the strongest, most resilient economy in the world. Our embrace of free-market values, the belief in self-determination and hard work, and the desire for excellence set us apart from the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the massive expansion of the welfare state that disincentivizes work, arbitrary government mandates, and the excessive federal spending under the Democrat Party’s leadership during the past year have led to major inflation and further worsened the supply chain crisis by incentivizing many not to work. Congress must rein in federal spending, incentivize work, boost domestic energy production, eliminate unnecessary government regulation stifling business, promote a business-friendly regulatory and tax environment so that all Americans have the opportunity to achieve and fulfill their God-given abilities.

Is North Carolina competitive in the global economy? If not, how can it improve? If so, what steps can be taken to ensure the state remains competitive going forward?

North Carolina is highly competitive in the global economy, but more can always be done to advance our contributions – especially following the COVID-19 pandemic where worker shortages and supply chain challenges have diminished our ability to contribute to the global economy to the fullest extent. To ensure our state remains competitive, we must support economic growth through reduced regulation and taxation as well as produce a highly skilled workforce. Additionally, since our nation’s founding, agriculture has been a key component of our economy and success. Agriculture has always been the dominant industry in North Carolina and currently contributes $96 billion to our state’s economy, far outpacing any other industry in economic output. In 2019, North Carolina’s agricultural exports totaled $3.4 billion. To continue this success in one of our state’s most vital sectors, we must implement policies allowing our farm families to thrive. To this end, I have advocated for a predictable trade environment, limiting burdensome regulations negatively impacting our farm families, and making our economy more attractive for agribusinesses as well as other manufacturing.

More: U.S. House District 7: Congressional race in SE North Carolina has a Wilmington tilt

7th Congressional District Democrats

Charles E. Evans

Age: 62

Immediate family: None

Occupation: Disabled veteran

Elected office held: City Council, County Commissioner at Large

What is the No. 1 issue facing the United States and how would you address it?

Education. I think that we have gotten away from teaching our children life skills. One of those life skills is money management. Knowing the cost of living and the different expenses that come with being an adult might seem like something that should be taught at home. But what about those children who don’t have someone to teach them or they have someone, but they are not equipped to provide that information.

Despite relatively low unemployment, a number of Americans are still struggling financially. What is your plan to help people achieve financial security and live out the American dream?

To remove a number of barriers that prohibit individuals a chance to achieve their goals. To give them the resources needed to receive jobs that will help with obtaining employment opportunities.

Is North Carolina competitive in the global economy? If not, how can it improve? If so, what steps can be taken to ensure the state remains competitive going forward?

Here we are again. To be competitive in the global market we should afford the opportunities to all individuals.

Steve Miller

Age: 77

Immediate family: 2 adult children – one in North Carolina and one in Maryland

Occupation: Retired

Elected office held: None

What is the No. 1 issue facing the United States and how would you address it?

Protecting democracies around the world and in the United States is our No. 1 problem. The war in Ukraine has reminded us of the fragility of peace in the world, and the dangers of authoritarian rulers who will wage war for their dreams of empire. Our national security is always a top priority. I will work to strengthen NATO and solidify all our international alliances to maintain peace through strength. Here in America, numerous states are attempting to curtail Americans’ accessibility to the ballot box. I will work tirelessly to pass voting rights laws to protect every citizen’s unimpeded right to vote

Despite relatively low unemployment, a number of Americans are still struggling financially. What is your plan to help people achieve financial security and live out the American dream?

I will work to pass a $15/hour national minimum wage. Community colleges are one of the best value institutions that we have in America. They not only serve as a low-cost springboard to a four-year college degree, but they also provide training for high wage trade jobs, such as plumbing, nursing, diesel mechanics, IT network management and so much more. The tuition for such institutions should be free and the U.S. Government should make sure that happens for all graduates of community colleges. Free universal pre-K would enable 3 and 4 year-olds to get a great head start on their education while also allowing so many more parents to enter the workforce without worry about the exorbitant cost of child care. America’s manufacturing base has shrunk in the past few decades. I will work toward all manner of incentives for manufacturing industries in America. That would include tax incentives, worker retraining and manufacturing research and development. Manufacturing jobs can provide reliable and long-term employment and generally come with higher than average wages.

Is North Carolina competitive in the global economy? If not, how can it improve? If so, what steps can be taken to ensure the state remains competitive going forward?

I believe that North Carolina has many areas of excellence. The Research Triangle area is strong in biomedical and IT capabilities while Charlotte has a powerful financial sector. The coastal areas that I would represent are developing a powerful capability in marine technology, as well as becoming a major transportation and logistics hub for overseas freight movements. The agricultural sector is a leader in poultry and pork production and processing. Federal R&D funds for environmentally safe offshore wind development will help the competitiveness of the wind power industry. More Corps of Engineers funding to improve the shipping lanes around the Port of Wilmington will significantly help that sector. North Carolina beaches are among the most sought after recreational destinations on the East Coast and for travelers from abroad. Limiting and installing adaptive measures to deal with climate change will help to maintain those areas, which are great engines of economic growth for the coastal regions of the state. I will work toward lowering international tariffs on poultry, pork, and other agricultural exports from North Carolina

9th Congressional District Republican

Richard Hudson

Age: 50

Immediate family: Wife Renee, and son, Lane

Occupation: U.S. Congressman (Incumbent)

Elected office held: U.S. Congressman

What is the No. 1 issue facing the United States and how would you address it?

Inflation and high gas prices are the No. 1 issues impacting every family in Cumberland County and across our country. In Congress, I will work to stop reckless government spending that began this inflation crisis. I will also work to increase domestic energy production to end our dependence on foreign oil and bring down prices at the pump. As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I cosponsored the American Energy Independence from Russia Act to unleash our nation’s energy production and will continue to fight for it as your Congressman.

Despite relatively low unemployment, a number of Americans are still struggling financially. What is your plan to help people achieve financial security and live out the American dream?

Working to reduce inflation will have the most immediate impact on helping families realize the American dream. Currently, the highest inflation in 41 years and highest gas prices on record are costing the average household $5,200 more this year compared to last. We must do everything possible to reduce government spending and increase our domestic energy production. In the long-term, we must also continue growing our economy and developing our workforce so that every person in our community has the skills and opportunities to succeed. Finally, I am also working to reduce prescription drug prices so necessities like health care do not impact a family’s financial situation.

Is North Carolina competitive in the global economy? If not, how can it improve? If so, what steps can be taken to ensure the state remains competitive going forward?

North Carolina and our region are blessed with world-class universities, a skilled workforce, our large military community, and infrastructure to connect our communities to the world. However, there is more we can do to ensure North Carolina and our nation can compete and win in the global economy, especially against adversaries like China. For example, I have sponsored legislation to protect intellectual property and boost manufacturing in our nation, especially for needed medical supplies. North Carolina can be a leader in both of those areas, but we must implement policies that unleash our state and nation’s potential.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Voters’ Guide 2022: US House candidates Congressional districts 7,9