The Rocky Mount Telegram
To deny local residents and the entire state the chance to improve their lives, to afford decent housing, a good education and the amenities enjoyed by the current ’naysayers’ is insane. This pipeline is opportunity, and opportunity only knocks once.
From the article:
"While serving in the General Assembly during the 1990s, I had a constituent call me inquiring about a charge of $1 on his phone bill. Under investigation, I learned that the explanation was clearly explained, in writing, on the phone bill. The charge was collected and paid to N.C. Natural Gas Company. The reason for the charge was they were not making a profit by supplying gas service to the eastern counties of North Carolina and were authorized by the General Assembly to receive the subsidy.
Upon inquiry of the representatives of the gas company, I was told emphatically that unless and until enough industry located in the eastern part of the state, the gas company could not and would not expand their services to this area. My arguments that given the availability of gas would bring industry to the area fell on deaf ears. For years, this subsidy to compensate for the limited service we received was in effect.
For 10 years, I struggled to no avail to get a natural gas pipeline either down from Virginia or up from Louisiana to this area. For years, few large manufacturing companies located in this area. Finally, now we have the opportunity to bring industry, jobs, educational improvement and more importantly, a chance for everyone, including the hard core unemployable workforce, to get a chance at a decent paying job.
I still remember with great disdain having heard and referred to the 40 counties in the eastern part of the state, as a “third world country.” If you want proof, just take a ride some Sunday afternoon through these counties and take a look. Stop before you get to the counties along the shore where all the beaches are located.
To deny these people, and the state, the chance to improve their lives, to afford decent housing, a good education and the amenities enjoyed by the current ’naysayers’ is inane.This pipeline is opportunity, and opportunity only knocks once."
Read the full article and more in The Rocky Mount Telegram