State Senator Fred Smith brought his gubernatorial campaign to Newland yesterday- offering free barbeque and exchanging ideas with Avery residents.

It was part of Smith's 100 county barbeque tour.

The Republican senator is running on a platform of "straight talking," and attempted to demonstrate that attitude by discussing his take on statewide issues, like the drought and water shortage.

"The short term solution is rain and the long term solution is to try to build more reservoirs and to make sure that we are conserving and using water in the best possible way."

When asked what current Democratic Governor Mike Easley's been doing wrong, Smith was not short on words. He says Easley continues to be part of a "democratic mindset" that tries to increase the government's role in the state.

"I think we've go to look at the strength of our state as our people. What government needs to do is remember that the government doesn't exist so the people can serve it. Government exists so it can serve the people."

If elected governor, Smith hopes to help encourage more jobs statewide. While he's not opposed to state incentives under certain circumstances, nurturing entrepreneurship and the private sector can best increase the job market, he says.

"What does that is the lowest possible tax rate, the least possible regulations, the best education system, and government building infrastructure like roads, water and sewer and trying to work together to make sure we have the most affordable healthcare."

Smith hopes to bring Raleigh directly to the people of Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties.

"The people in western North Carolina feel like sometimes they are not treated fairly in the expenditure of funds. I would make sure that they are treated fairly. I would make sure that we're seen often in North Carolina."

Smith says he's visited western North Carolina 55 times over the past 14 months of his campaign and that, if elected, his presence would be a regular sight.

The article above by Lauren Ohnesorge is available online HERE.