By Michelle Bliss
10-19-10 – Last week, WHQR brought you a series on the four candidates running for New Hanover County Commissioner and their plans for future budgeting in a tough economy. Today, WHQR is taking a look at the candidates' varied professional experiences.
Democratic candidate Sid Causey says his 40 years in law enforcement, including time as New Hanover County Sheriff, have prepared him for the job of commissioner. He's the only candidate who has served in elected office. Causey is also a life-long southeastern North Carolinian.
"I was born and raised here. I intend to be buried here and spend the rest of my life here, and I want it simply to be the best county it can be free from corruption."
Candidate Deborah Butler, also a Democrat, grew up travelling up and down I-40 for her father's work in the furniture business. She's an attorney who settled in Wilmington 16 years ago and opened her own business called Port City Properties. Butler says her professional life has taught her some handy skills.
"I think having the ability to communicate well is very important when you try to build consensus and get things done. You know, the partisanship nonsense we've seen in Washington is certainly something we need to move away from."
Despite their diverse backgrounds, both candidates agree that raising property and sales taxes is not the solution to closing the gap in the county budget.
As a part of this series, WHQR also aired a story on the two Republican candidates for New Hanover County Commissioner, as well as stories about each candidate's ideas for balancing the budget.