Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Mr. Donnie Oldham, for his induction into the Carolinas Associated General Contractors of America Hall of Fame.

As President of Sanford Contractors Incorporated since 1989, and team member since 1975, Mr. Oldham has had a lasting impact on the company and the wider construction industry through his many years of leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to safety.

Mr. Oldham has contributed immensely to support North Carolinians through his volunteer work and career. Mr. Oldham was awarded the Man of the Year by the Lee County Community Foundation for his volunteer work

and philanthropy. He has also served as a board member for the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, and Lee County Education Foundation, among others.

In his career, Mr. Oldham's company's involvement in a variety of projects, including critical infrastructure, commercial buildings, site development, and utility construction have been critical for the development of North Carolina.

Mr. Donnie Oldham embodies the mission of Sanford Contractors to deliver the highest quality projects that exceed expectations while ensuring the safety and professionalism of team members.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Mr. Donnie Oldham on his induction to the Carolinas AGC Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 3rd annual Peach Week, taking place in my home county of Moore, North Carolina, this week. Peach week is a kickoff to summer fun but also shows the importance of peaches in our agriculture industry and as a staple of our state.

This year, Peach Week will run from July 18 to July 27, featuring a variety of events. Due to its popularity, Peach Week has garnered a record number of nearly 40 participating restaurants, specialty outlets, and food trucks taking part in the Peach Week promotions. Attendees will have the opportunity to try a variety of peach-themed dishes ranging from breakfast, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition to these promotions, ticketed and complementary events will be available, such as the Run Your Peach Off 5k, Putt n' Peach mini golf, and the Peachgrass festival at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities. To complement the activities, farmers markets from Southern Pines, Vass, and Carthage will also be offering peaches and peach products during the celebration.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 3rd annual Peach Week, in North Carolina's 9th District, as a fun and exciting week celebrating the peach, a major agricultural product of my home state of North Carolina and a symbol of summertime.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 196.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Ms. Betty Doster, for her dedicated service to The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, my alma mater, as Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Relations and Partnerships.

After nearly fifteen years in this important position, Betty announced her retirement, with her last day being Monday, June 30, 2025. Throughout her many years of service, Betty played an immeasurable role in the growth of UNC Charlotte into an R1 research institution. Even though she is a proud UNC Chapel Hill alum, Betty's passion for UNC Charlotte was enormous. Her efforts significantly contributed to the growing influence of our universjty across the state of North Carolina, around the country and around the world. It was a pleasure to work with Betty on many of these initiatives over the years.

As Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Relations and Partnerships, Betty worked closely with federal, state, and local officials, as well as economic development partners to secure important public investments for the University. Betty's efforts helped acquire major student-focused initiatives, including authorization for the University Recreation Center, expansion of the Collegiate Recovery Program, and support for UNC Charlotte's esports initiative.

It is my honor to take this opportunity to recognize Ms. Betty Doster for her incredible service to UNC Charlotte, and her significant impact on the University. While I'll miss working with Betty and discussing the 49ers, I wish her all the best in her next adventure and hope she will be able to enjoy more time with friends and family.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring my friend, Ms. Betty Doster, for her nearly 15 years of dedicated service to UNC Charlotte and the lasting impact she made on the university and everyone she met along the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the strong-willed commitment Richard Koch holds for the people of Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Mr. Koch served as the Cabarrus County Attorney for 19 years alongside serving as the County Planning and Zoning Attorney for an impressive 32 years.

Mr. Koch earned his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University, where he was a member of the swimming team. He then went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest Law School, and he has been a licensed attorney for 47 years. Mr. Koch currently serves as both the Administrative Law Judge for North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health, and the Harrisburg Town Attorney, which he has been doing for 37 and 32 years, respectively. Serving on two boards, the Historic Cabarrus Board and the Cannon School Board, there is no doubt that Mr. Koch is dedicated to his county.

Over the past 37 years, Mr, Koch has exemplified high levels personal sacrifice and commitment to Cabarrus County. The magnitude of his efforts and dedication cannot be overstated.

Renee and I offer our most heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Koch for the decades of loyal service he gave to Cabarrus County. We wish him continued success and happiness as he moves forward on to his next adventure.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Mr. Richard Koch for the lifetime of service he dedicated to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Downs for a lifetime of dedication and commitment to the people of Cabarrus County. Having served as deputy county manager for 8 years and going on to serve as county manager for another 14 years, he was the longest standing county manager in Cabarrus County history.

Mr. Downs received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Business Administration Management and Operations in 1983 from Pfeiffer College (now University) in Misenheimer, North Carolina, where he also played both varsity basketball and baseball. He was inducted into the Pfeiffer University Hall of fame for both sports in 2017. Beginning his career in 1986 as a zoning inspector, Mr. Downs has spent nearly four decades serving his community. He is known for his strong leadership and management skills.

Mike has served on a multitude of boards and volunteered for many charitable and service organizations. Among them, The Cannon Foundation Advisory Board, Greater Cabarrus Foundation. Cabarrus Rotary Club, Pfeiffer Falcon Club and Legacy Club. His service has been honored with the Executive Level Leadership Award, Leadership Cabarrus Alumni Impact Award, and Hometown Hero Award to recognize his service, to just name a few. He is also a Shriner and has served in many capacities with them.

Over the course of Mr. Downs' career, he demonstrated his hard work ethic, commitment to service, and dedication to his county. He undoubtably is leaving Cabarrus County in a better place than where he found it.

Renee and I offer our most heartfelt appreciation to Mike for his decades of service; we wish him well and hope he enjoys this new chapter where he can spend more time with his wife, Beth, along with his children and grandchildren. I am confident that I speak for the entire community when I thank him for all he has accomplished.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Mr. Mike Downs for a lifetime of extraordinary service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained in my district at Fort Bragg and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 160; YEA on Roll Call No. 161; YEA on Roll Call No. 162; and YEA on Roll Call No. 163.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Greg Murphy, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of North America's largest steel producer and recycler, Nucor Corporation. Tomorrow, June 7, 2025, Greg will retire from Nucor after serving the past decade as head of the company's legal department and overseeing Nucor's public affairs, communications, and environmental functions.

A native of Western New York, Greg spent his career in Charlotte after receiving his undergraduate degree from Canisius College and law degree from the University of Michigan. Greg had the honor of clerking for one of North Carolina's most well-known federal judges, the Honorable James McMillan, followed by a quarter century practicing law with Moore & Van Allen, where Greg led the Litigation Practice Group and served on the Executive Committee.

Greg's success would not have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Marcy, and their children, Sean and Alexandra. In addition to enjoying time with family, golf will play a prominent role in Greg's retirement. He is not only an avid golfer, but Greg was also once named the Southern Piedmont Conference Golf Coach of the Year, another accomplishment showing his dedication to the things he loves.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Mr. Greg Murphy for his outstanding career with Nucor and leadership in North Carolina's legal community. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize North Carolina native and NASCAR legend, Greg Biffle, for his courageous and selfless contributions to the Hurricane Helene recovery effort.

In the wake of the chaos and destruction brought about by Hurricane Helene, Mr. Biffle utilized his personal helicopter and piloting skills to assist in emergency rescue efforts. Without hesitation, Mr. Biffle put himself in harm's way by flying into dangerous and unpredictable areas of North Carolina to evacuate stranded individuals, deliver supplies, and support first responders. Mr. Biffle's decisive actions directly contributed to relief efforts and brought aid to those in need.

It is my honor to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Greg Biffle for risking his personal safety to help those in need. In a time of great divide, Mr. Biffle's actions are a reminder of the unwavering American spirit that exists throughout the great state of North Carolina, and the country.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Greg Biffle for his selfless actions in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Mr. Speaker, the voting machine did not register the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 146.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration, or what we call the Meck Dec, that took place on May 20, 2025.

A pivotal moment in the history of both the United States and North Carolina, when brave North Carolinians--united by their common pursuit of freedom--became the very first Americans to declare independence from the British. The Mecklenburg Declaration is the earliest known document to formally declare independence and paved the way for the establishment of the United States and our great democracy. Signed on May 20, 1775, the Mecklenburg Declaration marked one of North Carolina's most consequential actions during the Revolutionary period.

The history of the Mecklenburg Declaration not only prompted independence for our entire nation but showed the passion of the citizens of our state. This passion led British Commander General Cornwallis to describe Charlotte as ``a hornet's nest of rebellion.'' After American victories at the battles of Lexington and Concord, Mecklenburg delegates gathered to draft the document severing ties with the British Crown. In the same spirit, our community continues to stand for liberty, justice and freedom.

Sadly, all that has survived are copies based on oral recollections from some of the original delegates after an 1800 fire. Despite the physical paper's destruction, our great state commemorates this on our flag and through celebrations every year.

I am proud of our heritage and our forefathers' stand for freedom I will always strive to represent our state with the same passion as those leaders so long ago.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration that took place on May 20, to honor the Mecklenburg Declaration and its historical anniversary for both the United States and the great state of North Carolina.

I welcome all of my colleagues to join us in celebration of 250 years of freedom, thanks to the great North Carolinians who risked it all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Mr. Louis DeJoy, for his dedicated service as the 75th Postmaster General of the United States.

Appointed in June 2020, Mr. DeJoy helped navigate the United States Postal Service through the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his direction, the U.S. Postal Service maintained its essential mission of delivering mail and packages to the American people, keeping family and friends connected in this challenging time.

In addition to navigating the pandemic, Mr. DeJoy was responsible for implementing important reforms and cost-saving measures with the goal of making the U.S. Postal Service more efficient. In pursuit of these goals, Mr. DeJoy secured $50 billion dollars from Congress for USPS restructuring, as well as sought assistance from the Department of Government Efficiency to streamline the USPS and successfully improve the inner workings of the agency.

A very successful businessman and expert in logistics, Mr. DeJoy was able to bring all stakeholders to the table. His honest, straightforward approach gained the trust of postal employees, union representatives and lawmakers.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. DeJoy for his service to the American people, and his steadfast leadership of the U.S. Postal Service marked by a return to common sense and increased productivity, and success navigating a global pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Mr. Louis DeJoy for his excellent service as the 75th Postmaster General of the United States. We wish him, his wife Aldona, and the family all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life and memory of the late Faison Kuester, Jr., my friend who passed away peacefully at the age of 79.

A proud patriot, veteran, and fourth-generation Charlottean, he attended Myers Park High School, my alma mater, and UNC-Chapel Hill.

After graduation, Faison enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably as a first lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam war. As a platoon leader, he earned a Bronze Star for his service to our country.

After returning to Charlotte, Faison began a career in commercial real estate, founded his own firm, and raised a family.

Like his father and grandfather, Faison was dedicated to serving his Charlotte community. He served as chairman of the Civil Service Board, continuing his family's legacy of giving back.

Faison will forever be remembered as a kind, gracious friend and neighbor to all, always leading with his strong and abiding faith.

Mr. Speaker, our hearts and prayers are with Faison's beloved wife, Carol, their three children, and nine grandchildren during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John N. Ogburn, III for his decades of exceptional service to the people of Randolph County, North Carolina.

A lifelong resident of North Carolina, he received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and went on to receive his Master of Public Affairs from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Over the years, Mr. Ogburn has played an instrumental role in shaping the history of our community. He became Assistant City Manager of Archdale in 1990 and retires today after over two decades as the Asheboro City Manager. He has dedicated himself to making our community a better place and has been involved in the Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce, Asheboro Blue Comets Youth Football Association, the NCSU Alumni Association and the Wolfpack Club. He is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and serves on the UNCG Graduate School Advisory Board.

Renee and I offer our most heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Ogburn for his years of exemplary service. I know I speak for the entire community in wishing him continued success and happiness as he moves on to this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring John N. Ogburn for his extraordinary career of service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Morris for a lifetime of dedication and commitment to the people of Cabarrus County. Having served for 12 years on the Board of Commissioners, and as Chairman, he has given his heart to this community for over a decade. I have seen his extraordinary leadership firsthand and can say that Cabarrus County is better off today due in large part to his efforts.

First elected in 2012, Chairman Morris has been a champion for public safety, mental health services, education, and economic stability. Since his election, Cabarrus County has grown from a population of 185,000 to around 245,000 people; added at least 10 new public schools; received over $3.5 billion in capital investments, including approximately $2 billion from Eli Lilly; and seen good paying jobs grow by more than 7,000. He also oversaw the creation of new municipal facilities, including a courthouse, EMS headquarters, and the appropriately named Stephen M. Morris Behavioral Health Center, which broke ground in November 2024.

Chairman Morris retires as one of the longest serving members of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners in history. Over the course of his career, he has extended the highest level of personal sacrifice and has dedicated himself fully to the service of others.

Renee and I offer our most heartfelt appreciation to Chairman Morris for his years of exemplary service. I know I speak for the entire community in wishing him continued success and happiness as he moves on to his next great adventure.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring my friend, Chairman Morris, for his extraordinary career of service to his community.