Burke DISTRICT 44 Caldwell

Dear Friends, It’s hard to believe that the month of April is coming to a close. We will see if the old adage, “April showers bring May flowers” will hold true this year. This week I presented my third bill, entitled “North Carolina Century Farms” on the floor of the Senate. Being married to a Burke county girl who grew up on a Century Farm that was once owned by Col. Waightstill Avery, the first attorney general of North Carolina, I was pleased to be able to present the Century Farms bill. To give you a little background, in 1970, a "Salute to Agriculture," was the theme of the 1970 State Fair. To highlight this theme, State Fair officials began a search for all families who had continuously owned or operated a farm in North Carolina for 100 years or more. This began the tradition of honoring Century Farm Families during the State Fair. Today, there are approximately 48,000 farms in North Carolina, and of those, approximately 1,600 farms in 98 counties are honored as North Carolina Century Farms. (Dare and Swain counties do not have a registered Century Farm.) The Century Farms bill codifies the responsibility for administering this program as an official duty of the Commissioner of Agriculture. In a newsletter last week, one of my more liberal Senate colleagues criticized Republicans by proclaiming this legislative session as the “Year of the private sector.” The response that comes first to mind is, “Thank you, Senator, for the compliment.” After a decade of public-sector growth at the expense of private sector jobs, I believe it is about time that we focused on making North Carolina a friendlier place for our people to start and grow their businesses. As Pat McCrory said recently, “If the government and the hospital continue to be the two biggest employers in every county, our state has no economic future.” In order to address this problem, the legislature has already acted to pass legislation that places a moratorium on new regulations, and makes reforms to medical malpractice laws. Also, we are now working on a comprehensive tax reform package. I will be able to provide more information later in the session about the details of the tax reform proposal.

Continued on page 2

CONTACT INFORMATION: Senator Warren T. Daniel Legislative Office Bldg., Room 411 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Email: warren.daniel@ncleg.net Phone: 919-715-7823 Fax: 919-754-3265 District Office of Sen. Warren Daniel 348 Harper Avenue NW Lenoir, NC 28645 Email: senwarrendaniel@bellsouth.net Phone: 828-754-9335 Fax 828-754-9335 (Please call before faxing)

www.facebook.com

** http://bit.ly/SenDaniel

(For pictures, more news, resources)

APRIL ISSUE #4

Dog for Sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Auto Repair Service: Free pick-up and delivery; Try us once, you’ll never go anywhere again.

Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home, too.

We do not tear your clothing with machinery; We do it carefully by hand.

Dinner Special: Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00.

No matter what your topcoat is made of, this miracle spray will make it really repellent.

For Sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

CONSUMER BEWARE! (ACTUAL ADVERTISEMENTS)

APRIL 29, 2011

House Page Jana LaBrose (Granite Falls)

and Sen. Daniel

Burke DISTRICT 44 Caldwell

Page 2

Finally, I was glad to visit briefly with a bright group of students from Mrs. Karen Causby’s 3rd grade class at Forest Hill Elementary School in Morganton earlier this week. Most of you don’t know it, but I am a proud alumnus of Forest Hill. Remarkably, one of the teachers (Ms. Hatley) who was at Forest Hill when I attended still teaches there and actually came down with the group. Thanks to Mrs. Causby for bringing her students to Raleigh to visit.

Until next week, I hope all of you enjoy this warm spring weekend. Please continue to contact my offices about your concerns and ideas. My staff members are always ready to assist you with issues that affect your families and communities. Sincerely,

Last of the Mohicans (1992) - A full-scale fort was built next to the Linville boat access on Lake James for the filming. The fort was later destroyed and the land replanted with trees. Many of the extras who played settlers, British soldiers, and Native Americans were locals from Burke County.

The Hunt for Red October (1990) – The final scene was filmed using Lake James as a backdrop (the actors never left Hollywood). Named for tobacco tycoon and benefactor James Buchanan Duke & contains 4 earthen dams created between 1916 and 1923 as a

hydro-electric project. Contains approximately 60 billion gallons of water.

LAKE JAMES IN FILM & OTHER FUN FACTS

Congratulations to

Minnie W. Murphy!

Ms. Murphy was recently honored by the Governor’s NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service by receiving a 2011 Medallion Award for National Service. Ms. Murphy has served as a Foster Grandparent for the Senior Corps program for 11 years. She assists in a Head Start classroom with children ages four-five, most of whom are non-English speaking. She helps the children improve their reading, socialization skills and verbal behavior. Minnie is observant and caring of the children. Her dedication and commitment for volunteering is inspiring. At 97 years old, she normally volunteers four days each week in a local Morganton school.

APRIL 29, 2011