Since my election in November of 2008, I have had the privilege of serving the people of North Carolina as a member of key legislative committees: Energy & Energy Efficiency; Environment & Natural Resources; Finance; Juvenile Justice; Public Utilities; Water Resources & Infrastructure (Vice Chair); House Select Committee on Small Business; Ways & Means/Broadband Connectivity. Additionally, I have been appointed by the Speaker to serve on the Legislative Study Commission on Urban Growth & Infrastructure Issues; the House Select Committee on High Speed Internet Access in Rural & Urban Areas; Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and the Joint Legislative Finance Committee. My colleagues elected me as co-chair of the House Democratic Freshman Caucus.
District 107 embraces neighborhoods as diverse as those along Beatties Ford Road, Old Statesville Road, Mallard Creek Church and Prosperity Church Roads, and the Fourth Ward. At its heart you can find commercial centers of the NC Music Factory entertainment district, Mallard Creek, and Northlake. Historic Charlotte runs through the entire district, and is home to families from all walks of life, many who have lived here for generations. The district's diversity is its strength.
In my tenure, I have kept the people of District 107 informed about legislation and important executive branch initiatives with a weekly newsletter highlighting legislation on important topics including transportation and support for small business. In a series of town hall-style meetings in the district, we have hosted State of North Carolina officials like former Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco answering the questions of concerned citizens about state programs designed to assist businesses both large and small.
I pledge to continue working with you to maintain the district's high level of economic activity. The district's health rests upon the availability of employment opportunities and upon a quality of life that brings amenities - shopping, entertainment, recreation, education, public facilities - close to our neighborhoods. I am committed to our District. I am committed to you. With your vote, I can return to Raleigh and continue bringing my brand of "Forward Thinking Leadership" into the policy deliberations of the General Assembly. Together, we can make a difference.