When Jay ran for office the issue we faced in the 96th District was all about economics. Jay has supported the policies of the Republican Party that dramatically improved North Carolina's economic condition over the past 9 years. The 2020 pandemic, and the policies in response, have done great damage to the state's economy. Now we must develop a strategy to restore the jobs that have been lost, the business that have been damaged, and the confidence that has been diminished. When Republicans took the North Carolina Legislature and the Governor's office, we were facing a similar landscape. High unemployment, debt, and suppressed business activity characterized our state's economy. Republicans proceeded to build an economy and produced economic activity at a rate that was the envy of most of the states in the country. With your support, we can do it again.
Community & Experience Collapse
One of Jay's greatest assets has been the long-term relationships he has developed in business and by participating in local government activities and community projects. It is though those relationships developed while living in Catawba County for more than 45 years he was able to fill a seat on the State Community College Board and two seats on the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. Jay has been honored to recommend Bill McBrayer, Mike Johnson, and Dean Proctor to serving on these boards.
Education Collapse
Jay graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Jay taught school in South Carolina to complete that curriculum. He has a unique grasp of the critical role our schools will play in the future of the 96th District. Education will be an extremely important component of Catawba County's future as well as North Carolina. "Excellence in Education" is absolutely essential. In 2014 when Jay ran for office, the challenge was creating jobs. Now that jobs have been created, we must have an educational apparatus that will provide a well-trained workforce to fill the jobs.
Catawba County has one of the most innovative community colleges in North Carolina. CVCC's simulated hospital, furniture academy, manufacturing academy, and construction academy are benchmarks for community colleges all over North Carolina. One of the most recent programs that CVCC has developed is K-64. This innovative program is based on the reality that our education will never end. We will be trained and educated throughout our careers. This program created the much needed linkage between the interest of business and education.
Innovation is not without risk. If a school is to innovate, it must be free to take chances, to try new methods, to move freely in the environment where it operates. We must extend this environment to the K-12 classrooms. This can be best achieved if a choice of educational options is available to families, students, as well as teachers. A marketplace of ideas for all stakeholders will provide the best outcomes.
It should be noted that during the difficult years in the late 70's and early 80's Jay attended CVCC to study mechanical drawing, computer science and real estate. His study of real estate at CVCC earned him his license in 1983 and lead to a successful career in commercial real estate.
Jay is a product of public education. Both of his children started at Oakwood Elementary School. Jay and Donna served as President of the PTA. As their children progressed in school, they determined the better option would be a private education. Whether it's a private school, charter school, magnet school, or home schooling, Jay wants to see that families have options for their children to have the best education for their capabilities.
Jay still enjoys an occasional stent in the classroom as a substitute teacher or guest speaker.
Arts
Catawba County has many unique characteristics, one of which is the Arts. These organizations cannot be bought, nor can they be purchased. They evolve from the community and exemplify the unique character of our region. Jay and Donna have been long-time supporters of the all the Arts in Catawba County. These components are tremendous assets to our community as we try to attract new businesses and workers. They are also important to our educational efforts and Jay will continue to strongly advocate for support of the Arts.
Personal Interests
Jay spent most of his adult life raising his family and supporting his church along with his wife, Donna. He has a long-time interest in motorsports, photography, and shooting sports. As a photographer, his work was featured in national magazines. He recently donated all of his darkroom equipment to a local high school. He competed in the Civilian Marksmanship Program at a national level. He is A+ rated by the National Rifle Association and has a 4 star rating by Grass Roots North Carolina.