This is the last report I will be making to you as your State House Representative. I have thoroughly enjoyed my service on your behalf and thank you for the opportunity. Many of you have emailed, telephoned, written and, in some cases, met with me personally to express your views and opinions. Your comments and suggestions, advice and counsel have been appreciated.

While a few interim committees have been meeting prior to the end of the year I am not on any of those committees, so I have little to report as to legislative happenings. I have been here in the district helping citizens with problems and striving to ensure that your voices continue to be heard.

While many of you have not agreed with every vote I cast, those votes were cast with the best interest of the majority of people of District 69 in mind. My primary concerns have been with our children and grandchildren, our senior citizens, and our economy in the forefront. These are tough economic times and while our state budgets had to be austere I regret so much cutting was done at the expense of education, small business and working families. Many of those cuts were made while benefit for wealthy individuals and corporations stayed in place, or, in some cases enhanced. Too often the majority party focused on social legislation while economic development and job creation were overlooked and even ignored.

That said, we still have a lot to be thankful for in our state. As required by our state constitution our budget remains balanced and basic services continue to be provided. North Carolina remains a wonderful place to live, work, play and raise a family.

The lines of District 69, which I have represented, have been greatly changed. A portion of it is now within District 68 and represented by Rep. Craig Horn. It has been my pleasure to work with Rep. Horn during the past session; we remain good friends and I stand ready to assist him however I may. Another portion is now in “new” District 69, which will be represented by Representative-Elect Dean Arp. Mr. Arp was most recently chairman of the Union County Board of Education, another friend. Much of the rest of old 69, including all of Anson County, will be District 55 covered by Representative-Elect Mark Brody. While I do not personally know Mr. Brody, I have met him and have assured both he and Mr. Arp I will assist any way I can in the transition.

If you reside in Union County and do not know which House district you live in, I urge you to contact the Board of Elections and inquire.

Over in the State Senate all of Union will be represented by Senator Tommy Tucker while Anson will be represented by Senator-Elect Gene McLaurin. Mr. McLaurin currently serves as the Mayor of Rockingham. I know both of these gentlemen and am proud to call them my friends. I could not have served in the House without the support of my wife, Jenny, and our family, I thank them. Finally, I am indebted to my Legislative Assistant, Brittany Eller. Britt is a most knowledgeable professional, experienced in the work of the General Assembly and the legislative process and state government in general. She, also, has had your interest in mind as she assisted me in serving you.

Needless to say, after 23 years of sheriff and nearly two years as a State Representative, I enjoy public office and the political process. I look forward to being of service again should the opportunity present itself.

Please, after I leave office, do not fail to call on me if I can be of any assistance. My business office number is 704-507-3956 and my personal email address is fmcguirt@windstream.net. Thanks again and Happy New Year!