Friends/media invited to Travis filing

Please join Craig Travis at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Governmental Center for a rally and press conference.

REIDSVILLE - Craig Travis of Reidsville, a Republican candidate for Rockingham County Commissioner, will file to run for office on Monday at the Rockingham Governmental Center.

Travis, a Navy veteran and 10 year employee of AT&T, is dedicated to bringing sense and sensibility back to local government.

“As a life long resident of this county, I feel its time for positive change right here at home,” Travis said. “I can no longer sit by when we need jobs here. Jobs that would create bigger cash flow into the county economy, eliminating a need for more or higher taxes.”

These three issues will form the core of the Travis campaign to bring sense and sensibility back to Rockingham County government.

1. Government growth and spending

We must reorganize county government to reign in out of control spending. We must have priorities for our limited tax dollars. This will help identify areas were savings can be made.

2. Jobs

We must continue to sharpen the three prong focus of economic development in the county: Increasing retail activity to improve sales tax income, promoting industrial development along the US 220 corridor and seeing the NC158/68 connector become a reality. This broad approach benefits citizens from across the community and will lead to a better employment situation. Improved transportation and connectivity to major transportation/distribution centers in Greensboro, when combined with the high quality of life offered in the county, can only increase our marketability to potential business and industry. Continued rebranding of the county’s natural and cultural resources to attract new visitors is a vital component of improving the business climate.

3. Transparent and responsive government

We must reconnect citizens with their local government. Too often average people see government as an oppressive force that pays little heed to common sense. We must unite the people with one voice to express their wishes to local elected officials. We must bring an end to special interest politics in this county. We must have leaders willing to make hard decisions, not delay unpopular decisions until no one is looking. I dedicate myself to voting the conscience of the people as an elected representative.

Travis is a dedicated husband and father to his two sons. He intends to represent the people with the regular common sense residents of Rockingham County use to run their households.

Please join Craig Travis at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Governmental Center for a rally and press conference.

Press inquiries to Robert at 336-280-1267.

On the web at www.tcraigtravis.com

JONES TO FILE FOR ELECTION TO THE NC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rockingham County – Former Rockingham County Commissioner Bert Jones announced today that he will file for election to the NC House of Representatives next week when the filing period opens. Jones served as a commissioner from 2004 to 2008, before opting not to seek another term.

In 2004, Jones ran a successful campaign on a platform to protect citizens’ rights and to control government spending. He says that he wants to take that approach to state government. “The government is literally spending us into bankruptcy, and more people are realizing this is not sustainable,” Jones said. "We must preserve our children’s future by spending within our means." Jones noted that together the national and state debt is now about $250,000 per family and continuing to grow at a rapid pace. “We are fast moving toward a social and economic trainwreck, and no one is even slowing down the train, much less changing course.”

Jones said his experience as a commissioner would be invaluable as a state representative. “Where do we even start?” Jones began. “No one understands better than the commissioners how the state saddles economically depressed counties like ours with its unfunded mandates. It leads to higher taxes and less funding for critical services, and cripples our potential for job growth. And, look at what they did to the mental health system, and now government wants to control healthcare!? And, while we struggle to update our 100-year-old courthouse and jail, some of these politicians in Raleigh are raising taxes to fund their campaign promises and to build things like teapot museums. That’s just not right."

"I hope people are ready to say ‘enough is enough’,” said Jones, who is running as an independent unaffiliated candidate. “For me, it begins with what I believe to be biblical and moral truth, and that shapes my philosophy about government and politics. We’ve seen too many examples of arrogance and corruption in Raleigh, and government at the state and national levels is out of control. I believe most people are ready for a change from politics as usual."

The election will be November 2.

Mabe to file for county commissioner

To all Rockingham citizens,

As you know the 2010 election for 2 County Commissioner seats will be open this year. Mrs. Dallas and Mr. Stanley are democrats who currently hold those seats. There are currently ALL DEMOCRATS (5) on the Board of Commissioners. It is my intention to break up the tax and spend liberal’s party of democrats and put some common sense and conservative ideas and plans on the table.

To do this we will need lots of help from many people across the county. Our team is looking for people to help look after the finance, town hall meetings, fund raising, and getting other teams across the county to help work the voting districts and help get out our message.

The time is right, the year is right, and the issues have never been so important. This election is for the people and by the people of Rockingham County and the people elected should work for the people of Rockingham County and not Tom Robinson.

Please join me to help stop the wasteful spending, forced annexation, increased property taxes, increased property values, and increased sales tax. Lets put accountability, responsibility, and conservative actions in Rockingham County.To be a part of this winning team to send me an email or call me as to how you wish to help. My email iskmabe12 and my cell number is 336-613-5963 and at home 336-623-3538.

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you think would want to join us in our fight. I will make an announcement at the GOP Breakfast Feb 06 at the Golden Corral and officially file in Wentworth at 9:30 AM on Feb 08.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Keith “ZERO” Mabe
254 Meadowood Road
Eden, NC 27288
Cell 336-613-5963
Home 336-623-3538

Travis campaign releases initial policy memo

Craig Travis, the only declared Republican candidate for Rockingham County Commissioner, today released his initial policy memo:

29 January 2010

Travis 2010 Policy memo

Having watched the path our local government has set itself upon, I have decided to focus my campaign on these themes:

1. Reorganize county government to reign in out of control spending. We must have priorities for our limited tax dollars. This will help identify areas were savings can be made. This will prevent the need for future tax increases. Identifying areas of savings will allow us to channel our limited tax dollars to critical areas such as education and public safety.

2. Economic development.

a. We must continue to sharpen the three prong focus of economic development in the county: Increasing retail activity to improve sales tax income, promoting industrial development along the US 220 corridor and seeing the NC158/68 connector become a reality. This broad approach benefits citizens from across the community and can lead to a better employment situation. Improved transportation and connectivity to major transportation/distribution centers in Greensboro, when combined with the high quality of life offered in the county, can only increase our marketability to potential business and industry. Continued rebranding of the county’s natural and cultural resources to attract new visitors is a vital component of improving the business climate, thus increasing sales tax income to the county.

b. Due to the low amount of retail activity in the county we have a deficiency of sales tax revenue when compared to other counties our size. The state used to disburse sales tax dollars based on population. This changed a few years ago and they now distribute the revenue based on point of sale. So every time someone from Rockingham County spends money in Guilford County they are hurting the fiscal well being of our county government. In short, a county of our size is categorized with others with populations between 60-100,000. The average sales tax revenue for a county in that group is $12 million annual. We only receive about $7 million. Thus we have a $5 million shortfall on average, and probably a much larger shortfall since we are on the high end of that range (93,000).  We must improve that by making “Shop Rockingham County First” a priority for our citizens. Imagine what $5 million more sales tax dollars would mean to the county budget, its ability to fund schools, and the ability to keep our tax rate low. This can be achieved by promoting retail activity within the county so that more of our sales tax money stays in Rockingham County.

3. We must reconnect citizens with their local government. Too often average people see government as an oppressive force that pays little heed to common sense. We must unite the people with one voice to express their wishes to local elected officials. We must bring an end to special interest politics in this county. We must have leaders willing to make hard decisions, not delay unpopular decisions until no one is looking. I dedicate myself to voting the conscience of the people as an elected representative.

Travis campaign moving forward

Republican candidate for Rockingham County Commissioner, Craig Travis, received broad notoriety today by appearing in the Reidsville Review, Eden Daily News and the Greensboro News and Record.

Craig’s campaign needs volunteers and donations.

He is the only Republican candidate to have declared for this important office.

Mark these items on your calendar

Reagan – Helms Dinner Friday, April 16

The dinner will be held at Morehead High School. The keynote speaker will be Bill Flynn of Magic 99.5 and newly formed Rush Radio 94.5. All Republican candidates invited including Richard Burr and Virginia Foxx. Tickets will be available for sale beginning late February at $30 for individual and $50 for couples.

First Saturday Breakfast

The monthly breakfast is a chance to gather and share ideas, visit with candidates and hear from a notable speaker. The meeting, always held from 8:00 Am – 10:00 AM, will move around the county alternating between Golden Coral in Reidsville, Wray Center in Eden, and Dan River Coffee House in Madison.

February 6 Golden Coral Reidsville
*Featured Speaker = Chad Adams of John Locke Foundation

March 6 Dan River Coffee House Madison
*Featured Speaker = Tim Johnson, NCGOP Vice President and Burr challenger

Convention – March 13th at RCC from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Plan now to attend this year’s convention. Contact Steve Herr.

200 @100 Campaign

The ranks of 200 @ 100 continue to grow slowly but surely. Money received via the campaign will go directly to helping candidates directly or through advertising and events supporting all Republican candidates.

Candidates are coming forward. The Candidates Committee, chaired by Tom Schoolfield, is actively working with local candidates to fill open seats on school board, county commission, and District 65 currently held by Nelson Cole. Candidates announced: Craig Travis, Sam Page, Mark Richardson, Eric Smith

These candidates need your support. Please commit to the 200@100 campaign today !

Voter Registration Drives

Please sign up for a voter registration drive at one of several up coming sites at a First Saturday Breakfast or email an Executive Committee Member.

Rock GOP Contract with the County and Key Issues
Steve Herr is leading an effort to update the Contract with the County and clarify top issues in the county moving in 2010.

Veterans Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Wentworth on May 30.

BERGER TO FILE FOR RE-ELECTION AS DISTRICT ATTORNEY

EDEN – Rockingham County District Attorney Phil Berger, Jr., announced today that he will file for re-election in February when the filing period opens. Berger was first elected District Attorney in 2006.

In 2006, Berger ran a successful campaign for election by making commitments to the citizens of Rockingham County that, as District Attorney, his office would try more cases, reduce the number of plea bargains, and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office. Since taking office in 2007, the District Attorney’s office has tried 107 cases before juries here in Rockingham County.

“Public safety is the first order of business for government," Berger said. "The policies we put in place three years ago have made this office more effective and responsive to victims and law enforcement."

Rockingham County’s business community has also seen the value of the District Attorney’s Worthless Check Program. Over the last three years, the program has recovered more than $450,000.00 in restitution and fees.

"We have kept the promises made during the last campaign," Berger said. "I am very proud of the work we are doing, and I want to continue improving the services we provide for the people of Rockingham County.”

Executive committee meets

Rockingham County Republican Party had its monthly executive meeting tonight.
At this late date they are still not sure of officially backed candidates.But a committee is narrowing the field.The County party expressed the need to come together and be as one.They discussed Voter Registration drives and many important issues facing the party.Including a County HQ and other ways to reach out to the community.
They formed and created a platform committee to reach out to and hear issues important to voters. Next meeting is a breakfast meeting held at the Golden Carrol on the morning of Feb 6th………Updates to Come.

A call for conservative energy

It’s time to be American. It’s time to move the party forward in a positive light. What has been isn’t working. Time for change and truth in Government and Politics. Together we can stand and bring the American dream back home to Rockingham County. Stand with us and be heard. Stand with us and be a part of the history.

Reidsville native announces candidacy for Rockingham County Commissioner

Hello Rockingham County,

Craig Travis of Reidsville is a GOP candidate for county commissioner.

My name is Craig Travis. I am a life long resident of this great county, and I’m running for a seat on the County Commission. I’m running because as a citizen of the county I feel its time to bring sense and sensibility back to Rockingham County Government.

Now is the time for us as a community to come together for the common good of our county. We need to bring jobs back to Rockingham County by allowing business to operate freely in enterprise. We need to do more to attract new Business and new Enterprise here to Rockingham County. This will result in an increasing number of local jobs and create better cash flow into our county economy, raising the standard of living here at home.

We need to reorganize the priorities of county government. We need to move in the direction of progress allowing our county to grow and prosper at a comfortable pace. We must protect the rights and property of our citizens giving them reason to rest in peace at night and not fear local government but trust and respect it.

I have proudly served my Country and the Citizens of Rockingham County. As a veteran of the US Navy, I served as an Aviation Electrician/Mechanic, also helping and participating in search and rescue missions in the Persian Gulf War. I have worked in Operations Management for AT&T for the past 10 years. I serve as a Boy Scout and Cub Scout Assistant Master in Troop and Pack # 781 and as a leader in my community. I attend Reidsville Christian Church.

I only seek the honor of serving the people of this great County, and I thank you for your support.

Respectfully yours,

Craig Travis

My campaign needs your financial support. Please send your donations to:

Craig Travis for Commissioner
108 Pinnacle Cir.
Reidsville, NC 27320

Make checks payable to Craig Travis for Commissioner