Rachel Hunt kicks off campaign farm tour here

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SIMS — Rachel Hunt, Democratic candidate for North Carolina lieutenant governor, kicked off her statewide farm tour Saturday afternoon at Sharp Farms in Sims.

Hunt spoke about the importance of agriculture to the state and backing farmers to a crowd of more than 100 local supporters.

“I wanted to have a farm rally because I know how important farming is to North Carolina,” Hunt said. “We know that the farm industry attributed $18.7 billion to our state’s economy. The number of farms, however, has gone down by 21% since 2002; 51% of farmers have to have another job. That’s not right.”

Farmer Pender Sharp, owner of Sharp Farms, said tariffs have made it difficult to sell products in some of the traditionally biggest markets. Most of his farm’s sweet potatoes, he said, used to go to China. When tariffs on China limited their trade, he was out of a market.

Hunt, a former Wilson resident, said supporting farmers, especially during the hard times, is essential for the future of North Carolina’s economy.

“We need to make sure we fund bazillions for our farms and for our farmers,” Hunt said. “This climate is killing people. You know what not having rain has done to the corn. We have got to have funding from our state and from our national government to make a living when things go south. If they don’t get help right now, then people won’t be able to stay in farming even with one or two other jobs. That will ruin our state and ruin our country. We cannot let that happen.”

Hunt also highlighted teachers and public education. She said getting involved with the parent teacher association in her childrens’ schools opened her eyes to the significance of quality teachers.

“I learned how important teachers are to our students,” Hunt said. “Another thing we need to do in Raleigh, we need to pay our teachers what they deserve. We can do so much for so many people. We need to make sure we elect people who are working for the best of families in North Carolina.”

Hunt left the crowd with a campaign promise.

“I am someone who wants to work for everyone,” Hunt said. “I will work for not just Democrats, but unaffiliated and Republicans.”

Regional candidates joined Hunt in her support rally. Congressman Don Davis, who is running for re-election to the N.C. 1st Congressional District, and Dante Pittman, Democratic candidate for N.C. House of Representatives District 24, were also present to hear Hunt speak. Davis offered his unwavering backing of Hunt’s candidacy.

“I work with Rachel (Hunt) in the General Assembly,” Davis said. “She works very hard for her constituents. She is a very fierce legislator. I can’t think of a better choice for the next lieutenant governor of North Carolina. To know and understand her commitment to eastern North Carolina and to the state when we talk about agriculture; she’s reaching out early on this journey with farmers. Agriculture’s our leading industry in this state, and that’s why it’s important. When you see all of these farmers out in support of her, we have to do everything we can to fight for our farmers and our farm families.”

Hunt was also joined by her parents, former Gov. Jim and Carolyn Hunt, as well as other family members. Hunt will face Hal Weatherman on Nov. 5.

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