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Recent Grad Challenges State Rep. Rapp
by Katie Powell
Ray Rapp & Chris Gowan - Photo Collage by Hilltop
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State Representative Ray Rapp, dean of the Mars Hill College Adult ACCESS program, and Chris Gowan, a recent Mars Hill College graduate, are running against each other for the seat now held by Rapp in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 7.
The winner will represent District 118 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. District 118 covers Madison, and parts of Haywood and Yancey counties.
Rapp, a Democrat, is looking to serve his third term as representative of District 118. His campaign manager is Dustin Allison, president of the MHC Young Democrats Club.
If re-elected, Rapp says he will focus on three major issues. First and foremost he will push for jobs. Second, Rapp says, "Education is the key to our employment future. Education and economic development go hand in hand like love and marriage; they go together," says Rapp. Rapp also wants to be able to provide affordable accessible healthcare.
Gowan, a Republican, graduated from Mars Hill in December 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and remains a resident of Mars Hill. He is currently a graduate student at Western Carolina University, aiming for his master's degree in accounting by December of 2006.
"I feel that I could be an asset to the State Legislature of North Carolina and help control government spending while maintaining a balanced budget," says Gowan in his press release. "North Carolina needs more fiscal conservatives in Raleigh to help decrease the state tax rate."
Rapp discussed in an interview some of the highlights of his two terms in the state legislature.
He helped negotiate a $247.5 million flood relief bill to help citizens and businesses get back on their feet after the 2004 floods. He was on the ground during the period of flooding and witnessed the loss of businesses such as Christmas tree farms and trout farms. "The funds are for severe damage and relocation," says Rapp.
During Rapp's first term, two laws were passed to improve safety. The "Amber Alert Law" was passed to alert people whenever there is a child abduction. "We are now plugged in nationally," says Rapp. Under the law, radio and television broadcasting will be interrupted to inform people of child abduction so that citizens are aware of what is happening and may be able to help spot the abductor. Rapp says, "If I've done nothing else, our children are safer."
The "Move Over Law," which will take effect on July 1, 2006, states that if you see red, blue or amber-colored lights, you must pull over or be prepared to stop. It was passed after two Haywood County police officers were killed while working on the side of the road. A truck driver ran off the road and hit their highway patrol car. "What we are saying is, pay attention when you see people or roadside assistance; pull over or be prepared to stop. If you don't, you are facing a minimum $250 penalty," says Rapp. "Good can come out of a tragic situation."
Gowan says he can bring a new perspective to the legislative job and talks about his plans for the future. He promises voters that, if elected, he would be "right there in the middle" of every issue and would keep them informed.
Gowan grew up in Tennessee, but he remains a resident of the Mars Hill community after four and a half years at the college. As a senior at Mars Hill College, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the town's board of Aldermen. In the past he has worked for CPA firms such as Gold Killian and Rodefer Moss. Gowan says he will be working for another CPA firm by May 1.
Taxes are a big issue in North Carolina. If elected, Gowan says he will focus on decreasing the tax rate, especially the gas tax. "When an individual in this district can drive to Tennessee to fill up their tanks and still save money, that is when you know your gas tax rate needs to be re-evaluated."
Gowan says he will fight for religious and traditional family values in the mountain region of Western North Carolina.
Wes Martin and Craig Smith are working on Gowan's campaign and both are graduates of Mars Hill College. Ray Lewis, the Madison County Republican Chairman is also helping with the campaign. Gowan has been doing a lot of public speaking and has recently spoken in Haywood County on his plans for the future.
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