REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES UNITED IN OPPOSITION TO GOODYEAR INCENTIVES PLAN 

RALEIGH—As originally reported by Ryan Teague Beckwith in his Under the Dome blog for The News & Observer, each of the three Republican candidates for Governor have come out in opposition to H1761, the Goodyear incentives bill.  The quotes along with the stories from Under the Dome are linked below.

Bill Graham

“Although I will rarely agree with Gov. Easley on policy matters, I applaud his decision to veto this irresponsible bill.  This was a bad deal for the North Carolina taxpayer and I urge the legislature not to override this veto.”

http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/graham_opposes_goodyear_incentives

Bob Orr

“It was a terrible piece of flawed legislation, and unfortunately I see (the Governor’s alternate) proposal as merely a way to essentially do it through the back door.”  Orr also called corporate incentives to existing businesses “the ultimate in slippery slope.”

http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/orr_opposes_incentives_alternative

Fred Smith

Smith said that it is “bad policy” for the state to offer targeted incentives to “a select few companies.” 

“These incentives have gotten out of hand.  Every business owner in North Carolina is entitled to compete on a level playing field.”

http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/smith_opposes_goodyear_plan

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party made the following statement:

“The best way to lure businesses to North Carolina and ensure that they remain here is to lower our overall tax burden by cutting our high individual and corporate tax rates.  Experience has shown that creating and maintaining a favorable economic environment, strong education system, and high quality of life is the way to bring jobs to North Carolina.  If North Carolina wants to be competitive in drawing companies interested in coming to the Southeast, then we cannot continue to have one of the highest tax burdens in the region.  More targeted giveaways will not provide the solution to the comprehensive challenge of keeping jobs in North Carolina; lowering taxes both on individuals and businesses will.”

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