By: Erin Smith
Todd Johnson, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the 9th Congressional district, recently spent some time in Bladen County and discussed issues such as education, environment, and agriculture. He spent time touring Bladen County, talking with the residents and learning what is important to the voters.
Johnson said that decisions regarding the education system and curriculum should rest in the hands of the individual states and the federal Department of Education should be abolished. Johnson also said the Common Core curriculum is not working.
He gave an example where he was attempting to assist his son with some homework involving the Common Core curriculum. Johnson noted that the homework problem assigned was very protracted and frustrating to solve.
“I graduated from UNC in 2000, and I can’t help my child with his homework,” said Johnson of the Common Core curriculum.
He said that decisions about the curriculum and what to teach in the classrooms should rest with the teachers and parents.
Johnson said that agriculture is important to our economy. He said he grew up the son of a turkey farmer in Anson County and that Union County, where he currently resides, is number one in wheat production. He added that because of his background, he understands the needs of our farmers.
He spoke about the Waters of the United States bill and said that, basically, the act allows the federal government to very strictly regulate all bodies of water. He said that if a landowner needs to move or change the route of their drainage canals, this act could potentially impact their ability to make the necessary changes.
Johnson noted that agriculture is an important part of the economy not only in North Carolina but in the United States and farmers need to be supported in their endeavors. He also noted that he would like to see the “death tax” abolished as it penalizes the heirs of those that work hard to leave a legacy for their families, including farmers.
Johnson said it is unfair to see heirs having to sell off their inheritance in order to simply pay the “death taxes” owed.
He also noted that he would like to see Obamacare defunded and repealed and replaced with a system that truly works.
Johnson said we need to keep our promises to our Veterans. He noted that our veterans are important and they deserve better pay and better treatment.
Johnson has served one term as a Union County Commissioner where he reduced taxes and saw the unemployment rate drop from about 9 percent to 4 percent. He also serves on the NC State Board of Community Colleges, the Monroe-Union County Board of Economic Development, the Board of Union County 4-H Foundation, and is a member of the Monroe Rotary Club.
To learn about Johnson and his platform you can visit his website at:
www.votetoddjohnson.com or visit his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ToddJohnsonNC9/
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