Letter to editor - Jones, Perdue deserve support

As a general rule, I am not one who submits letters to the news media. However, in the upcoming North Carolina primary there are two candidates I feel strongly about.

I know first hand what each has done over their many past years in providing assistance to our area. It matters not to me which party they represent because both have represented our area extremely well.

Their support and many accomplishments undoubtedly improved our quality of life. These individuals are Walter Jones and Beverly Perdue.

It is from my personal knowledge that I am proud to relay some of their major accomplishments that benefited our area citizens.

For instance, Congressman Jones introduced short-term federal legislation that allowed the city of Havelock to be USDA eligible until 2010 while its troops from MCAS Cherry Point were serving overseas. This legislation along with Congressman Jones' support resulted in the city being USDA funded for $2.97 million in a low interest loan and $250,000 grant for critical sewer line repairs.

This same USDA legislation also resulted in a $691,000 low interest loan and $50,000 grant to construct our Senior Citizens Center.

More recently it also enabled the city to obtain another $3 million USDA low interest loan for building a much needed fire station on our city's rapidly growing west end.

In addition, I am aware of Congressman Jones' assistance in securing an Economic Development Grant of $905,200 to help make the Havelock Tourist and Event Center the showplace that it is.

These are only four of the many things that Congressman Jones has done to help the public in our area.

Lt. Gov. Perdue has been a staunch supporter of the Havelock area since she was elected to the N.C. House nearly 20 years ago.

I know that the Britthaven Nursing Home in Havelock is a reality because of Beverly Perdue's personal effort.

I also know that the New Bern Convention Center and the Havelock Tourist and Event Center exist today because of Bev's determination to secure a revenue source for their construction and operation. Both of these excellent facilities were built with revenue generated by the hotel occupancy tax.

Both Walter and Bev have been continuous supporters of our military in general, and in Cherry Point and the Fleet Readiness Center in particular. The success of our area in the 2005 BRAC are in no small part due the effort of Walter and Bev.

Have they always done what I wanted, certainly not.

However, I learned a long time ago that no one does everything just as we would like. I don't always please myself with some of the actions that I have taken. Who does?

So, when looking at a candidate, I look at them the same way I look at anyone else. I look at what their overall record is and judge accordingly.

Therefore, when you go to the polls to vote, remember to vote for the candidates that have a proven record of supporting our needs. Both of these individuals have worked hard for this area and deserve our support in return.

The accomplishments referenced in this letter are not statements without basis. These are things known from personal knowledge and fact. I was there, and I saw what they did to make a difference for us.

I know them both and I know that they have represented us well and I am certain that they will continue to do so.

Jimmy Sanders Sr.

Havelock mayor