N.C. Senate District 8 candidate information

Bill Rabon

Party | Republican

Age | 58

Address | 404 W. Brunswick St., Southport, N.C.

Occupation | veterinarian and businessman

Education | DVM, N.C. State University

Political experience | none

Civic involvement | vice-chair, Brunswick Community College board of trustees; past chairman, N.C. Navigation Commission; past chairman, Brunswick County Board of Health; Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee, the Cape Fear Council BSA; charter member, Southport Rotary Club

Military | none

E-mail/website | www.billrabon.com

David Redwine

Party | Democratic

Age | 63

Address | Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Occupation | small businessman

Education | Shallotte High School; East Carolina University, bachelor of arts, history; honorary associate of arts degree, Brunswick Community College

Political experience | N.C. House 1983-2002

Civic involvement | Elder, Shallotte Presbyterian Church; president, South Brunswick Islands Chamber of Commerce; Mason/Shriner; trustee Brunswick Community College; trustee, East Carolina University; N.C. Economic Development Board; N.C. Higher Education Oversight Committee; N.C. Turnpike Authority Board; N.C. Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Military | N/A

E-mail/website | info@davidredwine.com" target="_new">www.davidredwine.com/info@davidredwine.com

The candidates answer our questions

Q. | Campaign literature distributed to support your candidacy has called your opponent a liar. What does that say about you?

Rabon | The premise of the question is false. No literature distributed on behalf on my campaign has called my opponent a liar. Some literature from our campaign has pointed out the lack of credibility of my opponent as he launches false negative attacks on me and the inaccuracy of those attacks. However, to use the word "liar" would be beneath the serious debate on the issues that the voters deserve and I will not use that word.

Redwine | My opponent has consistently distorted my record during this election with half-truths, mistruths and untruths. My response has been in an effort to set the record straight on the issues. While my opponent would prefer to run his campaign in the mud I want to stay focused on the issues facing our area like jobs, education and transportation. Though we have taken the time to defend my record from erroneous accusations, my campaign continues to look forwards, not backwards and put out a true plan to create jobs in this area and get people back to work.

Q. | Should counties be financially responsible for the construction and maintenance of secondary roads? Why or why not?

Rabon | No. Counties do not have sufficient resources to fund these needs. This should be the responsibility of the state.

Redwine | At present, the state government takes care of the maintenance of these roads. However, if specific counties are interested and are willing to participate in the funding of the construction of secondary roads I would be willing to consider this.

Likewise, if the county has a specific project they would like to be moved up on the list of projects to be started and they want to contribute to its funding I would also consider it. I don't believe that counties should be mandated to fund the construction and maintenance of secondary roads but I believe that if the county desires to they should be allowed to participate.