The closing statements proceded from right to left around the table and lasted a maximum of ninety seconds.
Stires began the closing statements, thanking the sponsors and calling the event a success. He said there was a “clear choice” in the senate race. He said that one could hope for things to get better. He also said that a better senator was needed.
The challenger to Berger said that his opponent was rated 49 out of 50 by NC Free for effectiveness. He promised improvements in the next two years.
Berger responded in his closing statement that the non-partisan North Carolina Policy Research Center has been doing effectiveness ratings for 20 years, and they had rated him 33 out of 50 in his first term, higher than Fred Smith, the Republican nominee for Governor who was ranked 34.
Berger informed the audience that the NC Free group is a Republican-dominated group that has indicated who is most hostile to what they advocate, and that they have targeted him as the number two person they want out of office.
Berger said he wanted to quickly answer a question on Home in Henderson, which he said has been an important part of the democratic process in this community. He said that someone wanted to know why he was endorsed by the Equality PAC [Equality North Carolina].
Berger noted that this is a gay organization. Berger went on to say that he does not support gay marriage, and that the only marriage he supports is the happy marriage between a man and a woman. He said that he also does not believe in discriminating against gays. He said that they ought to have the same opportunity for jobs and the right to visit loved ones in their home. Berger said that is why he was endorsed by that group.
Berger told the audience that he was the only candidate endorsed by that group and the National Rifle Association.
White said he was proud to sit before them as the Democratic nominee for Sheriff. He said that he has not “bad-mouthed” anybody.
The candidate also said that the majority know who they are going to vote for.
White once again encouraged voters to look at his resume, training, and other credentials.
He asked people to set aside their biases. He once again stated that the Sheriff’s Department belongs to the people and he thanked the audience for their support.
Hoyle stated that he has worked in Vance County for thirteen years. He said there is a difference between what a state patrolman does and what a deputy does. He said together we can make Vance County safer one neighborhood at a time.
Hughes reminded the audience that he is “pretty young”. He also said that he does not own a successful business. He asked voters why they would elect someone as young as he. Answering his own question, he said he has experience working in several different counties, and he cares. He said he has children he wants to go to college and come back to Vance County and work and have jobs.
The candidate said he was running for change. He said that he has good ideas and asked the audience for their support and their vote.
Hester said that the group had decided that the quality of the forum was excellent. He said that if he was elected he would continue to work with city, county, state, and federal elections to make the quality of life in Vance better.
Brummit asked the audience why they should vote for him. He said if they were content, maybe they should not. He said the same folks in charge do the same things over and over again. He said if people want something better, then a change is necessary. He said if elected he would work to make their lives better.
Boyd took the time for his closing statement to go into the zoning issue. He said that Vance County needs every job it can get. He said if that means people starting a business in their basement, so be it. He said he would be making a motion “in that line” during Monday’s meeting.
The District 4 incumbent said he had served on many committees in his career. He said he has reached out and taken every phone call. He said he has served with honesty and integrity. He asked to be considered for the next election.
Bill Edwards offered closing remarks. He apologized for not being able to get to all audience questions, but said that some had been combined. He thanked those who had participated in the forum and told the audience that the candidates would be available to meet with the audience.
He wished the candidates success, because “one of these gentlemen will be leading us for the next few years.”
Listen to Closing Statements and Panel Closing here.