Economic Development
I believe that business growth must flow in tandem with growth in infrastructure. Therefore, I strongly support the utilization of all sources for the improvement of our roadways, water and sewer systems. I will work with our district on obtaining grants that may be available in Raleigh.
I also support funding from those agencies that promote travel and tourism. Opportunities to heighten awareness of Moore County and its economic potential should continue on a domestic and international level. Promoting travel between our community and fast-developing economic countries like China, is also something I think will serve us well in the future.
A strong tool in keeping and attracting new jobs is a low tax rate. Although it may sound like an oversimplification, this one factor has many ramifications for our economy. A reasonable tax rate attracts private industry which, in turn, generates jobs for our residents. The tax rate in North Carolina is in competition with those of surrounding states. SC, TN, VA & GA all offer a more attractive tax environment than that of North Carolina's 6.9% corporate income tax rate.
What do others say about me and my views relating to business and economic development? Keep reading:
Jerry Ritter, President of Thermal Metal Treating, Inc.
"Senator Harris Blake is an entrepreneur in both heart and in deed, who has always championed the cause of small businesses. I met Senator Blake twenty years ago when my partner and I needed a building to begin a business in Moore County. He listened and put us in contact with people of whom he was affiliated. He and his associates would take a chance on a fledgling company and invest their money to construct and lease this business the needed building. Twenty years later, that same company employs twenty-five people and has outgrown that original building many times over. Senator Blake continues to think and act in the ways of a businessman by striving to bring business people within his district in direct contact with international markets. He fully understands that building good businesses begins with establishing good personal relationships whether it's across the street or around the world. He has been and continues to be an asset to our community, district, state and to our country's international relationship."
Senator Phil Berger, Minority Leader, NC General Assembly (letter excerpt)
"Since January 2003 when you first took office in the North Carolina Senate, I have had the opportunity to be your Senate and Republican Caucus colleague. As a leader in the North Carolina General Assembly, you have taken strong, principled, and consistent positions on a wide range of issues including preserving traditional marriage, fighting crime and protecting victims, supporting private property rights, and working to keep government spending and taxes in check. Your common sense views on these and other matters are in line with the vast majority of conservative North Carolinians.¬†I know that you are an effective advocate for lowering North Carolina‚'s high tax rates and that you will consistently oppose efforts to initiate or expand wasteful spending programs. For these reasons and many more too lengthy to include in this letter, I encourage your constituents to return you to the North Carolina Senate."
John Garner, Business Owner, Seven Lakes
"During the 55 years I've known Harris Blake, I have observed him in a variety of capacities. I have worked for him in a business, worked with him on special projects, watched him function as Senator and have had time with him as a friend. Blake is not only an excellent businessman; he is also one who strongly represents those within the business sector. His strong support of commerce within our county and state are matched with honesty, accessibility, sound judgment and hard work.‚"