Our Three Voices in Raleigh Are Failing Henderson County
Our three voices at the North Carolina General Assembly—Senator Tim Moffitt and Representatives Jennifer Balkcom and Jake Johnson—all voted for SB 382, twice. In fact, Mr. Johnson was one of three sponsors of the bill.
Described as “disguised as disaster relief” by a Hendersonville Lightning editorial, SB 382 has significantly weakened local zoning control, making it harder for cities and counties to protect farmland and limit development in floodplains.
Who Are They Really Representing?
It is fair to ask: What led Moffitt, Balkcom, and Johnson to think SB 382 was good for Henderson County?
Did they even read the bill?
Did they understand its implications?
Or did they simply follow NCGA Republican leadership rather than voting in our best interests?
The frightening truth is clear in a Republican Party NC District 11 Chair’s email to Republican voters before last November’s election.
Her verbatim instructions:
“If you are a registered Republican—your mission is clear—VOTE FOR ALL REPUBLICANS ON YOUR BALLOT”
“I don’t care if you don’t like them”
“I don’t care if they hurt your feelings”
Nowhere in these instructions is there mention of Republican values or a party platform. Are Republican voters even allowed to judge their own candidates anymore? The reality is clear: Republican leadership prioritizes seizing and holding power over quality governance.
SB 382: False Promises and Real Consequences
SB 382 was touted as providing $250 million in Hurricane Helene relief for hard-hit western counties. However, with an estimated $50.8 billion in damage, that $250 million covers only 0.5% of the financial support needed.
This is not real relief. This is a talking point, a PR stunt, and another failure of our local legislators to stand up for our needs.
Ignoring the Will of the People
Henderson County voters chose Governor Josh Stein in the last election. They did not choose him so that his executive powers could be stripped away. Yet, SB 382 does exactly that, violating the fundamental principle that the legislature should not both create the laws and choose the leaders who enforce them.
Once again, Moffitt, Balkcom, and Johnson ignored their constituents, bowing to partisan directives instead of serving the people they were elected to represent. They have no reason to meet with us, no reason to engage in honest discussions about policy, and no reason to care about the consequences of their votes.
School Vouchers: Welfare for the Wealthy
Moffitt, Balkcom, and Johnson also voted to expand North Carolina’s school voucher program, further draining public school funding.
To put this in perspective:Among families applying for NC vouchers:✅ 55% have incomes above $115,000✅ Only 19% have incomes of $57,000 or less📌 (Source: North Carolina State Educational Assistance Authority)
This means our tax dollars are funding "Welfare for the Wealthy"—instead of supporting our public schools and teachers.
Henderson County Deserves Better
Local needs should always come before outside interests. Our citizens, small businesses, farmers, public schools, and quality of life should never be sacrificed for partisan politics.
Final Thoughts
This Weekend Joe is an expanded version of remarks delivered to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners on February 3, 2025.
✉️ Joe Elliott – ejoe2397@gmail.com
✉️ Carolann Connor – ccnana0920@gmail.com
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