Voters sent to unmistakable messages on election day. First, they are angry and don’t like the direction of the country. They didn’t much like the president, his policies or his lack of attention to issues of concern to voters like inflation and the sad state of our democracy. Even though President Trump wasn’t on the ballot, mid-terms usually are a referendum on the president. The disconnect propelled a housecleaning in both Washington DC and Raleigh.
Many are learning that the term blue wave is not a naval term. Democrats are now in charge of Congress in Washington. Here at home, along with the Governor’s office, Democrats also now control at least one House of the North Carolina General Assembly – and maybe two.
What will they do? Gov. Stein and presumptive speaker of the House, Democratic State Representative Robert Reives have already said they want to work with Republicans, reduce the cost of living and invest in education. Stein has said “the cost of housing, electricity and healthcare are too high for North Carolina families.” These are complicated problems. Money can help, but we all know, we can’t spend our way out of these problems.
Which brings us to the other message North Carolina voters sent loud and clear to lawmakers on Election Day. They want guardrails on government spending. Voters overwhelmingly approved constitutional amendments to limit the maximum income tax rate to 3.5 percent and also approved levy limits for property taxes. Both measures passed with over sixty percent support from voters. Yes, I said over sixty percent. The income tax amendment received majorities in 96 counties, while tax levy limits had majorities in 95 counties. Can anyone name another measure that has garnered similar levels of support across political, economic, geographic and racial categories? It’s hard enough to get people to agree on anything, but they agree and support these two constitutional amendments. The results don’t mean North Carolinians are anti-government. Rather, they mean we want government that is right-sized and efficient.
Over the last few days Democrats and Republicans have sounded a bipartisan tone to solve the problems facing North Carolina. That’s good. Let’s hope it lasts and that lawmakers remember not only why they were elected but that they also strive to keep government lean, and fiscally responsible. If they do, North Carolina we will a good start in solving the challenges that lie ahead.
