Senator Fred Smith Visits Windsor

Very soon after North Carolina U.S. Senator Richard Burr was in Windsor to check on progress at the Bertie Memorial Hospital, North Carolina State Senator Fred Smith paid us a visit as well. Senator Smith's purpose was to check on status as well, but this time the status was the growth of the Republican Party in Eastern Carolina.

North Carolina State Senator Fred Smith

Party leaders from 3 local counties, Bertie, Hertford and Martin, were on hand in Windsor to hear an animated presentation from Senator Smith on the growing importance of Eastern Carolina to the future of the Republican Party. Though there is not a single Republican office holder in the region, the party sees that changing in the coming years.

Though the purpose of this visit was party building, there is rumored to be another long term goal as well. This impressive and self made business success, a former lawyer, is considered by many Republicans to be the ideal candidate for Governor of the State of North Carolina. Raised in the orphanage that his parents worked in, his humble beginnings have helped Senator Fred Smith become a likable and charismatic leader.

He is a former star athlete, won a football scholaship to Wake Forest and continues his interest in sports and physical fitness through the athletic clubs that are a part of his business empire.

Though he was given a very complimentary article in the Charlotte Observer last month, while discussing TV presence the paper did have to say that Sentor Smith has a "slightly nasal voice". It did not come across that way face to face, but TV is always an interesting medium. It is highly likely that you will see him on TV so you can judge for yourself.

Official Meeting Is Over And Conversations Continue All Over The Room

The meeting was well attended by all 3 counties, and further meetings are already in the works. Most attendees were impressed with Senator Smith's grass roots credentials. Unlike many of the very successful and wealthy candidates who get into politics, Senator Smith has paid his dues along the way, starting his political career as a County Commissioner.

Newspapers are saying that Senator Fred Smith has a "plain name". However there is nothing else plain about Fred Smith.

Carpenter's Tools - By Pastor Wallace Phillips

This weeks messsage: Lottery Or The Lord?

I’m sure you Carolinians have heard the news by now…THE NC STATE SENATE PASSED THE LOTTERY. Did you hear this part? That Mr. Basnight reconvened the Senate as soon he was aware that two key Republican Senators would be absent. Senator Brown is on his honeymoon, and Senator Garwood is hospitalized. Key conservative voices were not present. Gambling is now acceptable in North Carolina.

Gambling is destructive. It is addictive. It robs families and especially children from the provision that is needed when parents will spend money on this vice. Oh…and as I write this I can hear that Christian who says this…”I buy one ticket. That’s just a dollar.” Well that’s just one way that you teach your children to investigate gambling and open the door on something that can be destructive financially.

Take your dollar and give it to missions in your local church. Support that which God has ordained and placed His blessing upon. I rarely use my column to take a stand on an issue, but I must proclaim to you today that I am opposed to any plan that can bring down families.

I have heard the great stories of how the lottery will improve education in States. I lived in Florida where less than 2% of all lottery funds were received by the schools. Millions of dollars are received in the lottery. Oh and by the way, statistics tell us that you are 7% more likely get struck by lightening than you are to win the lottery. So what will it be for you? Will you teach your kids that the lottery is something that you should try, or will you show them that the godly way is as Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap…..” Luke 6:38.

I’ve tried God’s plan. It works! What will it be for you? The Lottery or the Lord?