To the Editor:

Pat McCrory and his allies in the legislature are at it again; first with sweeping cuts to our education system, and now they want to devastate North Carolina’s economy.

McCrory regularly points to Florida and Tennessee as examples of the tax policy he would implement in our state if he were elected governor.  In these states, where they have little to no personal income tax, they pay tremendously high sales taxes and food taxes.  It’s hard to imagine how, in an economy like this, Pat McCrory would want to implement a higher food tax; one that wouldn’t be a problem for North Carolina’s elite, but could keep food off of working families’ tables.  Eliminating the state’s largest source of revenue, just to put higher taxes on the things North Carolina’s families need the most?  Shame on you, Pat.

McCrory has proposed a policy for North Carolina with no explanation of how to pay for it.  First it was his education proposal, which calls for sweeping reforms with no mention of funding.  Now, it’s coming in his constant praise for the tax policies of Florida and Tennessee, two states where they pay little to no income tax, but pay monstrous sales taxes, and taxes on food.  If McCrory wants to eliminate North Carolina’s income tax, the only way for the state to make up the gap would be to copy Florida and Tennessee’s high consumption taxes.

It’s almost unbelievable that, just as we are coming out of this recession, McCrory and his legislative allies want to put another burden on the backs of North Carolina’s working families.  That at a time when many in this state are struggling just to get by, Ol’ Myers Park Pat wants them to have to make hard choices to be able to put three square meals on the table.  Pat’s lack of concern for the working people of this state is alarming, and his inability to explain how he’d pay for his plans is just plain irresponsible.

On the campaign trail, McCrory and his allies have repeatedly praised the tax structures in Tennessee and Florida as models for North Carolina’s future. Implementing a plan like that at a time like this would be a devastating blow to North Carolina’s already struggling lower and middle-income families.  High sales and food taxes disproportionately affect those who are already at a disadvantage.  Many North Carolinians will have to choose between putting a balanced dinner on the table, or eating something from a drive-thru because it’s cheaper.  A choice between spending money on gas for your car, or on food for your family.  It’s disturbing and disheartening to think that this state’s potential governor would even consider putting a burden like that on North Carolina’s people.

Anthony R. Clark, Chairperson

Northampton County Chapter of the

North Carolina Democratic Party