The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

Local News

January 17, 2008

Republican to challenge Butterfield

Stephens from Colerain

Republican Dean Stephens is looking to gain his first political office.

Stephens, 62, a computer consultant from Colerain, is seeking a seat in the U.S. Congress representing the 1st Congressional District of North Carolina. The post currently held by Democrat G.K. Butterfield.

Stephens will officially announce his campaign in Edgecombe County at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 outside the Fleming Building on the campus of Edgecombe Community College. Other stops that day include one in Greenville and Elizabeth City.

Stephens holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia State University in Atlanta. His interest in politics; however, began when he worked for the campaign to elect Arnold Schwarzenegger governor of California.

“There is a significant need to change the direction of our nation. The American people are unhappy with the partisan war over every issue that comes up, especially on the key issues of education, border security and national freedom,” states Stephens’ campaign pamphlet.

“The demand for more government by Democrats and less government by Republicans is a distraction. There is no reason this partisan war cannot be replaced by agreement to seek effective government instead.”

In an interview with The Daily Southerner, Stephens said his main focus if elected was dealing with education, tax reform, securing the borders and defending America.

“Our schools are failing,” said Stephens. “What we are doing with education is a disaster.

“… it is the poor and the minorities that suffer the most. They deserve better.”

Stephens said education needs to be tied to competition and accountability. He said the county needs to be mobilized in favor of “dramatic education reform based on competition.”

He feels the educational system is controlled by the teacher union members and administrators, and he feels “that needs to be changed.”

“There are pockets of good education where the rich go. It is the poor and minorities that (suffer) the most. They deserve better,” said Stephens.

Stephens had previously run for a seat on the Bertie County Board of Education, but lost out to his opponent.

“Unlike most Republicans, my concern with taxes is not just lowering them, but also having to use taxes as part of a spending reform,” Stephens said.

“We need a more reasonable tax system than we currently have,” he added.

Stephens said the country needs to focus on fair taxes, reducing waste and eliminating special interest payoffs.

Another top issue with Stephens is controlling the nation’s borders.

If the borders are open, Stephens said the “poor in America will be in competition with the poor of the world.”

Stephens said he also wants the borders controlled to protect the people from terrorist attacks.

“The war against Iraq is a war against an extremist act,” said Stephens. “Troops are sacrificing and getting out on the front line. They are sacrificing themselves to defend our nation.”

Text Only
Local News
  • (USE FRONT) One To Go.jpg Tractor pull again a success

    PINETOPS – The 36th annual Pinetops 300 Tractor and Truck Pull was just as big as the previous events on Friday and Saturday night. There was standing room only both nights. Everyone got their monies worth on Saturday night during the last event.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • gas prices.JPG Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally

    Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
    After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town.

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Garden 1.jpg Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers

    At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4

    Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.

    May 18, 2012

  • Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities

    Summer is a time for excitement and a time to enjoy the warm weather through various activities.
    And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs.

    May 18, 2012

  • Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:

    Community Swimming Pool
    Poplar Street
    A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
    Tennis Courts

    May 18, 2012

  • keith hale .jpg Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too

    It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.

    May 17, 2012 3 Photos

  • AIB group Submits application

    With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.

    May 17, 2012

  • DSCN3696.JPG Anew creation working to improve lives of youth

    Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community. 

    May 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Muhammad satisfied with term on council

    Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection,  he's ready to ride off in the sunset.

    May 16, 2012