In response to my opponent’s irresponsible comments on this website, I wish to make the following statement.

As a lifelong conservative Republican, I am adamantly opposed to tax increases. During my time in the General Assembly, I have consistently opposed tax increases. But whether I opposed or supported certain legislation, I always conducted myself in a manner that respects others and tries to build consensus and find solutions.

As a grandparent, parent, and Forsyth County taxpayer for over 21 years, I believe that the issue of taxation and efficiency in our schools is an important one. I also believe that every member of the Forsyth County School Board is deeply committed to the best interests of our children and to the efficient administration of our great public schools. That does not mean that we will always agree on every matter. But I respect the positions of responsibility these leaders have and I believe the way to find solutions to differences is to talk them through as partners committed to the well-being of our children.

Effective leadership listens and offers suggestions on how to improve in a constructive manner that disregards petty personal grandstanding and instead embraces the politics of solutions and effective representation.

Aside from being simply wrong on some of the key facts – my opponent is apparently unaware that Forsyth senior citizens over the age of 65 already enjoy a school property tax freeze – the tone and approach of my opponent and recent newspaper editorials by other Republicans is simply wrong.

All of us are committed to what is best for our children and to the principles of fiscal responsibility. But neither are served well by public rants laced with inaccurate information.

Experienced leaders know that to be an effective leader one must communicate in a way that does not embarrass or attack other elected officials and instead offers constructive advice and solutions.

With his recent public comments, my opponent has clearly demonstrated he does not have the experience, nor the temperament, to be an effective leader for our community.