R.C. Soles, Jr.

Press Releases

  • Soles Sets the Record Straight on Crime

    Tabor City – Sen. R.C. Soles, Jr.’s, time in the General Assembly has focused on efforts to make families and communities safer.

    “From passing Jessica’s Law to helping to secure funds for crime labs and gang prevention, Senator Soles has been a trusted partner in helping to protect our communities” said Surf City Mayor Zander Guy.

    Soles’ tough-on-crime record during the 2007-2008 legislative session includes:
    - Passing Jessica’s Law to make sure sex offenders serve more time in jail and are monitored electronically if they are ever released.
    - Increasing funds for the SBI crime lab equipment to help solve gun and drug crimes.
    - Criminalizing gang activities and providing more than $14 million for gang prevention.
    - Adding judges and prosecutors to the court system to help reduce the backlog of cases.
    - Helping sheriffs enforce immigration laws and tightening driver’s license security.
    - Extending protections for victims of domestic violence.

    Soles notes the ads accusing him of not doing enough to fight crime are misleading. “I could never imagine the incredible pain of losing a loved one at the hands of a violent criminal,” he said. “I would actively seek justice on behalf of the victim. For my opponent to suggest otherwise is untrue, and it sounds like she’s already begun to take her cues from the Raleigh politicians who will do and say anything to gain more power for themselves.”

  • Soles announces drop-out prevention grant

    Raleigh – Columbus County high schools will receive a grant from a dropout prevention initiative lawmakers created last year, Sen. R.C. Soles, Jr. announced today.

    The Committee on Dropout Prevention awarded $81,100 for funding initiatives to keep students in school at East Columbus High School, South Columbus High School, and West Columbus High School. The faith-based program will be run by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

    “Every student in North Carolina should have an opportunity to succeed in school and in life,” said Soles. “The first step in putting our students on a path to success is making sure they stay in school so they can learn the skills they need.”

    Senator Soles supported creating the Dropout Prevention Grant Program in the 2007 state budget, to assist local school systems that are using innovative efforts to reduce dropout rates. The 2008 budget included $15 million in dropout prevention initiatives to be distributed statewide.

  • Soles endorsed by 28 Mayors Across Southeastern NC

    Senate District 8 - State Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. received the endorsement of 28 mayors across Southeastern North Carolina today. Soles said “I am humbled to receive the endorsement of these upstanding public servants. I look forward to working with them in the future on projects vital to ensuring that Southeastern North Carolina remains an excellent place to live, work, and raise a family.”

    The mayor’s released the following statement:

    “Let it be known that the undersigned Mayors of the cities and towns within the 8th Senatorial District of the State of North Carolina do hereby personally acknowledge the many contributions Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. has made to the District he so faithfully serves.
    Senator Soles has assisted the 8th District of North Carolina with many transportation improvements, community development grants, preservation and economic development improvements.

    We are always grateful for the responsiveness Senator Soles displays toward our needs and requests and for his dedicated assistance in fulfilling many needs. Senator Soles has greatly contributed to the betterment of the 8th District of the State of North Carolina.”

    Mayor Debbie Smith, Ocean Isle Beach
    Mayor Larry Lammert, Village of Bald Head Island
    Mayor Charles Thurlow, Belville
    Mayor Anthony Clemmons, Calabash
    Mayor Harry Simmons, Caswell Beach
    Mayor Allan Holden, Holden Beach
    Mayor Walter Fuch, Leland
    Mayor Eulis Willis, Navassa
    Mayor James Knox, Northwest
    Mayor Robert Cruse, Sandy Creek
    Mayor Sandy Spencer, Southport
    Mayor Ron Klein, Sunset Beach
    Mayor Lonnie “Jack” Turner, Atkinson
    Mayor Johnny Vereen, Oak Island
    Mayor Rudolph Williams, Brunswick
    Mayor Royce Harper, Tabor City
    Mayor Spruell Britt, Fair Bluff
    Mayor Pete Cowan, Burgaw
    Mayor Ivan Wilson, Lake Waccamaw
    Mayor Marion Knowles, Jr., Watha
    Mayor Dewey Smith, Bolivia
    Mayor Robert Barnhill, St. Helena
    Mayor Judy Galloway, Varnamtown
    Mayor Randy Williamson, Boardman
    Mayor Sonny Hammond, Cerro Gordo
    Mayor Marty Kesmodel, Boiling Springs Lake
    Mayor Perry Dixon, Sandyfield

    Senator Soles has been endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Educators, the NC Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

    Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. is seeking re-election in senate district 8. He currently serves as the Senate Majority Chair and Chair of the Commerce Committee in the General Assembly.

  • Soles seeks immediate help for dislocated workers

    Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. sent the following letter to Governor Easley and Commerce Secretary Fain asking that a Rapid Response team be sent immediately to assist workers dislocated by the Georgia-Pacific closing:


    Dear Governor Easley and Secretary Fain:

    Yesterday’s sad announcement that the regional plant for Georgia-Pacific will be shutting its doors is truly a blow to Columbus County.

    I spoke with the leadership of Georgia-Pacific who cited the national economic crises and the decline in housing construction as the major reasons for the plant’s closing. They emphasized that that this closing does not in any way reflect the quality of the Columbus County workforce. However, the over 300 employees who will lose their jobs find themselves unemployed in a county with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

    I am requesting that the Department of Commerce immediately send a Rapid Response team to Columbus County to assess the situation and determine what types of services the state may have available to assist these dislocated workers.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    /signed/

    R.C. Soles, Jr.

  • Soles Works to Grow Economy; Fennell Opposes Efforts

    Raleigh, NC — Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. spoke out today about the importance of economic development and job creation in Southeastern North Carolina. Sen. Soles, the Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, has worked to bring good-paying, skilled jobs to the area. Since 2002, North Carolina has won almost 100,000 jobs and $14.65 billion in investment from these business recruitment efforts that Senator Soles has helped lead. Today, candidate Bettie Fennell disclosed her opposition to these efforts.

    A few examples of employers that economic incentives have helped attract:

    • Brunswick Corporation in Navassa, creating 858 jobs and investing $51.2 million over five years.
    • Top Tobacco expanding its facility in Columbus County, creating 70 jobs and investing $16.8 million over three years.
    • Hart & Cooley Inc. in Columbus County, creating 180 new jobs and investing $4.5 million in the area over three years.

    “If we are going to continue to attract good-paying jobs and replace those that are moving overseas, we have to be competitive with our neighboring states. If my opponent wants to unilaterally disarm, she puts the economy of our region at risk.” Senator Soles said. “I am committed to continuing to grow our local economy, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and protecting the hard-working people who are suffering right now.”

  • Soles talks transportation issues with local citizen's group

    Southport, NC - State Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. recently met with members of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Office. The group spoke with Sen. Soles about a wide-range of issues including the proposed international port at Southport, highway and road maintenance, funding options for the Department of Transportation, and new access points into Wilmington.

    The group’s objective is to develop a long-term transportation plan for the Brunswick, Pender, and New Hanover County region that balances environmental and economic needs. CAC members are appointed by mayors and commissioners in their respective counties. Sen. Soles said “I enjoyed speaking with the committee and as always I encourage citizen input into issues that matter most to them.”

    Soles is running for re-election to the state senate. He currently serves as Vice-Chairman on the Appropriations on Department of Transportation Committee.

  • Social Workers Endorse Soles

    Social Workers Endorse Sen. Soles

    Raleigh—Citing his advocacy on behalf of healthy families and communities, the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter endorsed Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. for re-election today.

    Senator Soles has been a strong supporter of issues affecting social workers. He has been a leader in efforts to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, to promote child development, and to increase access to affordable health care. Soles helped raise the minimum wage and helped enact the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, which will help working families in poverty.

    “I am honored to have the endorsement of the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter,” Senator Soles said. “Social workers are on the front lines making sure families and children are safe and secure. I will continue to work with them to make our communities healthier and safer.”

    The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter is a membership organization that promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW-NC was developed in 1955 and the Chapter currently has 4,000 members.

  • Senator Soles named to Hurricane Study Panel

    Raleigh, NC - State Senator R.C. Soles, Jr. has been appointed to a new General Assembly study committee that will examine the effects a major hurricane could have on the affordability of property insurance. 

    The Joint Select Study Committee on the Potential Impact of Major Hurricanes on the North Carolina Insurance Industry will consider the possible effects of category 3, 4 and 5 hurricanes on the North Carolina Insurance Market.

    "North Carolina has seen its fair share of hurricanes, and this study will help us better understand the steps necessary to provide property insurance to consumers in our state, "said Senate president pro-tem Marc Basnight in a prepared statement last week.

    "Homeowners should have confidence they are protected if there is a natural disaster, and this committee will give us some ideas about how to improve our existing system, " said House speaker Joe Hackney. 

    California-based Farmers Insurance decided to drop 40,000 homeowner policies in North Carolina last month due to concerns of overexposure if a hurricane were to cause major property damage.

    According to the Insurance Federation of North Carolina, the Beach Plan, the state insurance pool covering 18 coastal counties, can cover up to $2.5 billion in losses in the event of a hurricane - far short of the $75 billion in property damage that the federation says could result from a severe storm.

    Sen. Tony Rand and Rep. Hugh Holliman will chair the committee. 

  • Senator Soles Works on Annexation Reform

    Named Co-Chair on Joint Select Study Commission on Municipal Annexation

    Raleigh, NC - Senator. R.C. Soles, Jr. has been appointed to serve on a speciaal committee that will study reforming municipal annexation, Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight announced today.

    "I have strong concerns about the way our involuntary annexation laws are working now, and I am pleased to get the opportunity to be part of reforming the system," Senator Soles said.  "We must balance what is best for taxpayers with the access to services that cities provide, and ensure that any annexation process is fair and open.  I look forward to hearing the thoughts of the people of our Senate district as we move forward on this critical issue."

    Senator Soles will join legislators, residents, and city and county leaders on the Joint Select Study Commission on Municipal Annexation, which is charged with examining the state's annexation laws and proposing changes for the 2009 General Assembly to consider when it convenes in January.

    The Commission will study:

    • State law governing involuntary annexation, voluntary annexation by petition, and voluntary satellite annexation
    • Municipal compliance with current annexation procedural standards
    • Provision of services to persons in areas subject to annexation
    • The effect of creation of an independent review procedure for municipal annexation decisions
    • Current standards for judicial review and appeal of municipal annexation decisions.
    • The impact of current annexation law on municipalities and the State as a whole.
    •  Whether the State's current annexation law should be amended.

    "I am pleased that Senator Soles is willing to serve on this important commission.  He will bring valuable insight and experience to the table," Senator Basnight said. 

  • Sen. Soles and other local officials celebrate Leland Founder's Day

    Leland, NC - Several thousand people enjoyed clear skies and braved the heat at the Town of Leland’s seventh annual Founders’ Day celebration today. Attendees had the chance to hear from a number of musical groups, see a variety of performances on the demonstration stage and enjoy some home-cooked barbecue. As is the case with virtually any event that features barbecue in an election year, Founders’ Day attracted a number of elected officials and candidates.

    Musical groups performing at Founders’ Day included the Hewlett Creek Boys, Al’s Place Bluegrass Band and the Wilmington Celebration Gospel Choir. The North Brunswick High School band performed the national anthem. The demonstration stage featured Seidokan Karate, American Stepdance, CheerInfinity Cheer Group, King Tiger Tae Kwon Do and Captain Dilligen the Pirate.

    A number of elected officials attended Founders’ Day, including U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre, State Auditor Leslie Merritt, State Senator R.C. Soles, County Commission Chairman Bill Sue, County Commissioners Phil Norris and May Moore and Sheriff John Ingram. Congressman McIntyre, Senator Soles and Commissioner Sue briefly addressed the attendees.

    Check out PICS from the event HERE.

  • Senator Soles Helps Fight Price Gouging

    Tabor City--Consumers are protected from “price gouging” in times of disaster and should report any gas price spikes to the Attorney General, Senator R.C. Soles said today. This morning, Gov. Mike Easley declared a state of “abnormal market disruption” which charges the Attorney General with enforcing the price gouging statutes that Senator Soles helped enact.

    “When North Carolinians experienced gas price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I supported tougher measures to crack down on those who take unfair advantage of consumers in a crisis,” Senator Soles said. “Anyone who sees gas prices rise more than around 20 cents a gallon should report it to the Attorney General’s toll free hotline, 1-877-5 NO SCAM.”

    Under the laws enacted in 2003 and 2006, if there is a presidentially-declared disaster outside North Carolina that substantially disrupts our marketplace, the Governor may make a finding of an abnormal market disruption and bring our law into effect. At that point, the Attorney General can enforce it. The law made clear that price gouging is illegal, whether it occurs at the retail level or at the wholesale level if the retailer is simply passing on unreasonably excessive prices levied by someone up the chain of distribution.

  • NCAE Endorses Sen. R.C. Soles, Jr.

    The North Carolina Association of Educators’ Political Action Committee recently announced its endorsements in the 2008 legislative races.

    Among those receiving the coveted stamp of approval is Sen. R.C. Soles, Jr. of state Senate District 8. “We are delighted to recommend R.C. Soles to our membership,” stated Sheri Strickland, President of the NCAE. “Sen. Soles has demonstrated a genuine commitment to public schools and to public school employees.

    NCAE, the largest professional organization of educators in North Carolina, recommends candidates to its 70,000 members after an extensive interview and evaluation process. “Our process is locally driven,” Strickland explained. “Individual teachers and other school employees in local communities determine whom the Association will support.”

    Candidates are grilled on the organization’s legislative agenda. Critical issues include support for moving teachers’ salaries above the national average, support for salary improvement for public school classified employees, protection of health insurance benefits, support for retirement benefits, class size reduction, and other working conditions issues.

    “I appreciate the support and faith that the NCAE has in me,” responded Sen. Soles when told of the Association’s endorsement decision. “Strong public schools are critical to a good quality of life and a flourishing economy. I am proud to have the support of those who have dedicated their lives to the improvement of our society,” he continued.

  • Sen. Soles instrumental in bringing jobs to local economy

    August 18th - Tabor City, NC -

    Sen. Soles attended the Tabor Correctional Facility Dedication today in Tabor City, NC. 

    Soles was instrumental in getting the prison sent to the 8th district. Over 385 jobs will be created upon the prison's opening in Columbus County.  This will help in an area with an unemployment rate as high as 7.5%. 

    According to William Wilford, a Coastal First Properties agent in dowtown Tabor, the correctional facility "will be a good place for the area to start back again" economically. As Soles points out "because of the nature of the building and the facility, it's not likely that these jobs are going to move overseas.  It's also not likely that in hard times they're going to be a laid off workforce."

    To see local resident's speak on what the new jobs will mean for their community check out this link (provided by WECT-TV6).

  • Senator Soles supports responsible budget for jobs, education, and healthcare

    Raleigh – The Senate gave initial approval Monday to a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that increases education funds, improves access to health-care services for children and seniors, and invests in new resources to create jobs and boost North Carolina’s economy.

    “To keep our state moving forward we are making the right investments in education, economic development, health care, and public safety,” Sen. R.C. Soles, Jr. said. “This budget makes those investments while keeping our commitment to fiscal responsibility.”

    In addition to these priorities, the budget also includes funding for a number of important local initiatives, Senator Soles said. These include:

    o $13 million for construction of the minimum security addition at Tabor Correctional Institution.

    o $25,000 for the Penderlea Homestead Museum.

    o 1 new Assistant District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 5, which includes Pender County.

  • Soles secures $35,000 for local arts group

    R.C. Soles, Jr., the NC state senator for Brunswick County, recently helped the Associated Artists of Southport (AAS) acquire $35,000 in funding for their Elevate the Arts Fund. The money is being used to purchase and install an elevator in their historic building (built in 1904) on 130 E. West Street in Southport, NC. Soles attended the Association’s Elevator Dedication Reception.

    According to Ms. Joyce Grazetti of the AAS, “some of the older people couldn’t make it up to the second floor. We have good programs and we want everyone to have the chance to partake in them. The elevator makes it easier for us to accomplish this goal.”

    Grazetti says of Soles’ help with the project, “We couldn’t have done it without him.”

    The AAS has operated out of this building since 1979. The city takes care of the externals of the building, but the group is responsible for any work done on the inside. The elevator will make the building more user friendly, particularly for those who are senior citizens.

    Soles has served in the State Senate for 32 years. He is currently running for re-election. He serves as the Chair of the Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and is a Vice-Chair on the Appropriations on Department of Transportation and Judiciary Committees.

                                                    



Paid for by the R.C. Soles for Senate Committee