NHC GOP's Podcast

NHC GOP

News and views from the New Hanover County Republican Party.

  1. Smart Leadership For Wilmington:  Richard Collier for City Council

    09/29/2025

    Smart Leadership For Wilmington: Richard Collier for City Council

    Send us Fan Mail Richard Collier is a candidate for Wilmington City Council and a seasoned civil engineer with thirty years of local experience, including service on city and county planning boards. Collier details his pivotal role in updating the city’s land development code in 2020, emphasizing significant changes such as improved tree preservation ordinances, new residential density regulations, and increased buffering to protect established neighborhoods. He highlights the importance of engineering in community planning, referencing his involvement in major developments like River Lights and Mayfair, and clarifies his identity as an engineer focused on infrastructure rather than a developer. Throughout the conversation, Collier addresses urgent local issues such as rising property crime rates and the Wilmington Police Department’s staffing challenges, which he attributes largely to compensation and workplace culture. He calls for competitive pay and a renewed supportive culture to retain officers. On homelessness, Collier endorses amendments making local ordinances more effective, advocates for integrating mental health professionals alongside police, and praises nonprofits such as Good Shepherd and Salvation Army for their role in addressing homelessness and expanding shelter capacity. He also discusses zoning updates to encourage adaptive reuse and expand affordable workforce housing, stressing the critical need for incentives and clear definitions in city regulations to balance growth with community priorities. The interview explores economic drivers in Wilmington like the growth fueled by UNCW, Cape Fear Community College, and public-private partnerships, alongside expansions at the port and airport. Collier shares his vision for mitigating traffic congestion through regional collaboration, infrastructure upgrades, and smarter planning. He emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in politics, accountability in city leadership, and transparent decision-making. The hosts and Collier wrap up by encouraging participation in upcoming candidate forums, highlighting the nonpartisan nature of municipal ballots, and urging all residents—regardless of party—to vote and take part in shaping Wilmington’s future. Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    44 min
  2. Bold Leadership in the NC State House - Ted Davis for NC 20

    09/25/2024

    Bold Leadership in the NC State House - Ted Davis for NC 20

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of the NHC GOP podcast, Reuel Sample interviews Representative Ted Davis, Jr. about his re-election campaign and key legislative issues in North Carolina. They discuss the recent immigration bill, the importance of veto overrides, and the impact of school choice on education. Ted shares insights on economic policies that have helped North Carolina maintain a surplus and the need for continued focus on environmental issues, particularly water quality. The conversation emphasizes the importance of Republican unity and the challenges posed by liberal policies. Takeaways The immigration bill aims to hold sheriffs accountable for cooperating with ICE.Veto overrides have been a significant achievement for the Republican majority.Transgender participation in women's sports raises fairness concerns.School choice is essential for parents to decide their children's education.Economic policies have led to a surplus in North Carolina.Community initiatives are crucial for addressing local issues like opioid addiction.Environmental legislation is being pushed by Republicans to ensure clean water.The importance of maintaining a supermajority in the legislature is emphasized.The podcast highlights the need for informed voting and understanding of legislative actions. Sound Bites "This immigration problem is a very serious problem.""We can't have this.""I just don't understand this wokeness."Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    40 min
  3. Inspired Leadership for North Carolina:  Senator Michael Lee

    09/23/2024

    Inspired Leadership for North Carolina: Senator Michael Lee

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Senator Michael Lee discusses various pressing issues in North Carolina, including the economy, education reform, transportation infrastructure, and immigration policy. He highlights the state's economic challenges, the importance of fiscal responsibility, and the impact of recent education legislation aimed at providing more choices for families. The senator also addresses the need for improved transportation funding and the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters, emphasizing the importance of community safety and accountability. Takeaways The economy in North Carolina is experiencing inflationary pressures.The state has built significant reserves for disaster response.Fiscal policies are designed to promote job growth and economic stability.Education reforms aim to provide families with more choices.Transportation funding is being addressed through innovative measures.Opportunity scholarships are designed to help low-income families access better education.The mobility formula helps prioritize transportation projects based on data.The governor's education policies are under scrutiny and debate.Immigration policies are being re-evaluated to ensure community safety.Senator Lee emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government.Sound Bites "We're still in a downward sort of spiral.""We've really been able to build up our reserves.""We're able to walk and chew gum at the same time." Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    26 min
  4. The Republican Write In Candidate:  Wallace West for District 18 State Representative

    09/06/2024

    The Republican Write In Candidate: Wallace West for District 18 State Representative

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Wallace West is running for District 18 state representative in New Hanover County as the Republican Write-In Candidate. He decided to run after realizing that no Republicans were running for the position due to redistricting. West emphasizes the importance of family values and believes that strong families are the foundation for strong communities. He also focuses on economic growth and supports reforms that strengthen small businesses. West proposes eliminating or reducing the capital gains tax and franchise tax to help small businesses thrive. He believes that these tax reforms will benefit not only small business owners but also the overall economy. Wallace West, a write-in candidate for District 18, discusses various topics including the impact of regulations and taxes on small businesses, the importance of school choice, the need for workforce education and strengthening the trades, criminal code reform and community policing, and the importance of public safety. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to regulations and taxes, the importance of providing educational opportunities for all children, and the need to support law enforcement and address issues like human trafficking and drug trade. He also highlights the need for criminal code reform to ensure fair and appropriate sentencing. Takeaways Strong families are the foundation for strong communities.Supporting small businesses is crucial for economic growth.Eliminating or reducing the capital gains tax and franchise tax can help small businesses thrive.Tax reforms that benefit small businesses also benefit the overall economy. Regulations and taxes can have a significant impact on small businesses, affecting their ability to pay wages and provide benefits.School choice is an important issue for parents who want to have the option to send their children to different types of schools.Workforce education and strengthening the trades are crucial for providing opportunities for individuals who may not pursue a college education.Criminal code reform is needed to ensure fair and appropriate sentencing, and to address issues like human trafficking and drug trade.Public safety and supporting law enforcement are essential for protecting families and communities. Sound Bites "Family is the foundation for a strong community.""Supporting reforms that focus on building up and strengthening small businesses.""Eliminating the capital gains tax and franchise tax to help small businesses.""It does affect individuals and it does affect families.""If we reduce regulations, then we're able to reduce government.""I am an advocate for school choice." Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    51 min
  5. Educational Excellence:  David Perry for NHC Board of Education

    09/04/2024

    Educational Excellence: David Perry for NHC Board of Education

    Send us Fan Mail Summary David Perry, a Republican candidate for the Board of Education, discusses the importance of finding a new superintendent who is invested in the local school system and can learn on the job. He emphasizes the need for local people who care about the community and have a strategic vision aligned with the school board's goals. Perry also highlights the low academic performance of students in New Hanover County and the need for more qualified teachers and smaller classroom sizes. He criticizes the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, arguing that they divide people based on race and hinder individual achievement. Perry calls for a colorblind school district that treats all students equally. He also discusses the importance of fiscal responsibility, proper utilization of taxpayer dollars, and the need for more school buildings and armed school resource officers for student safety. Perry encourages people to support his campaign financially and get involved in grassroots efforts. Takeaways Finding a superintendent who is invested in the local school system and can learn on the job is crucial for the Board of Education. Local people who care about the community and have a strategic vision aligned with the school board's goals are ideal candidates for superintendent. Improving academic performance requires more qualified teachers, smaller classroom sizes, and a focus on excellence in education. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs can be divisive and hinder individual achievement; a colorblind school district that treats all students equally is preferable. Fiscal responsibility and proper utilization of taxpayer dollars are important for the school district's success. Investing in school buildings and having armed school resource officers contribute to student safety. Supporting David Perry's campaign financially and getting involved in grassroots efforts can make a difference in the local elections. Sound Bites "We need to find somebody who's going to think like us, who has the same vision, strategic vision and goals that our school board does." "Most kids aren't reading at grade level. They're not. They're not on grade level for math, history, American civics. It's just atrocious." "We need to concentrate on doing our one job well and get laser focused on that." Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    42 min
  6. Ready to Go!  Natosha Tew for Board of Education

    08/29/2024

    Ready to Go! Natosha Tew for Board of Education

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Natasha Tew, a Republican candidate for the Board of Education, discusses the impact of the Supreme Court's decision on Title IX and the need to protect the safety and privacy of students. She emphasizes the importance of strong leadership, effective communication, and fair discipline in schools. Tew also highlights the need for parental involvement and support for teachers. She proposes the idea of a teacher savings account to provide financial assistance to educators. Tew is a member of Moms for Liberty and emphasizes the importance of parental engagement in shaping the future of education. She encourages early voting and urges voters to support conservative candidates at all levels. Takeaways The Supreme Court's decision on Title IX reinforces the need to protect the safety and privacy of studentsStrong leadership, effective communication, and fair discipline are essential in schoolsParental involvement and support for teachers are crucial for the success of studentsA teacher savings account could provide financial assistance to educatorsMoms for Liberty promotes parental engagement in shaping the future of educationEarly voting and support for conservative candidates are important Takeaways The Supreme Court's decision on Title IX reinforces the need to protect the safety and privacy of studentsStrong leadership, effective communication, and fair discipline are essential in schoolsParental involvement and support for teachers are crucial for the success of studentsA teacher savings account could provide financial assistance to educatorsMoms for Liberty promotes parental engagement in shaping the future of educationEarly voting and support for conservative candidates are important Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    42 min
  7. Common Sense - Nikki Bascome for New Hanover County Board of Education

    08/27/2024

    Common Sense - Nikki Bascome for New Hanover County Board of Education

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Nikki Bascome, a candidate for the school board in New Hanover County, discusses the changing expectations of parents and the underpreparedness of students in the dual enrollment program. She emphasizes the importance of communication between parents, teachers, and students to ensure student success. Bascome also highlights the need for support and resources for teachers and the healing process required after a toxic environment within the school system. Overall, she advocates for a collaborative approach to education. The conversation covers various themes related to education and the role of parents and teachers in the education system. The main topics discussed include parental rights, the Parents Bill of Rights, the importance of parental involvement in education, the role of teachers as professionals, the need for transparency and communication in schools, the impact of curriculum and policies on students, the importance of a balanced approach to education, the fear of the current education system, the need for support and safety for teachers, the importance of financial accountability, and the role of politics in education. Takeaways Parents today have different expectations for their children's education compared to previous generations.The dual enrollment program in New Hanover County is facing challenges due to the underpreparedness of students.Effective communication between parents, teachers, and students is crucial for student success.Support and resources are needed to address the issues within the school system and create a positive learning environment.Collaboration between all stakeholders is essential for improving education. Parents have the right to be involved in their children's education and should be informed about major health-related matters affecting their child's growth and development.Teachers are professionals in education and child development, but parents are the experts on their own children. Collaboration between parents and teachers is crucial for a child's development.Transparency and communication are essential in schools, especially when it comes to issues like child sexual assault. Children should never be discouraged from talking to their parents or trusted adults about such matters.A balanced approach to education is necessary, with the involvement of both parents and teachers. Children should be exposed to appropriate learning experiences at the right time.The current education system raises concerns about curriculum, discipline, and the treatment of teachers. Financial accountability and a focus on day-to-day classroom experiences are important for improvement.Politics should not overshadow the goal of providing quality education. Collaboration and respect among all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliations, are crucial for the success of the education system. Sound Bites "Parents were a little bit more trusting then.""Our high school students are not prepared for this dual enrollment.""Here's this wonderful opportunity for your children and especially the underserved population.""Republicans talk a lot about parental rights.""Education is all about exposure to new things at appropriate times.""Parents are the experts of their child."Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    47 min
  8. Dane Scalise - Your County Commissioner

    08/13/2024

    Dane Scalise - Your County Commissioner

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Dane Scalise, a Republican candidate for New Hanover County Commissioner, discusses his campaign and the issues that people are talking to him about. He highlights the recent flooding in the county and the need to address building and development in a careful and sustainable manner. Dane also emphasizes the importance of managing the county budget without raising taxes and the challenges posed by inflation. He then shifts the conversation to the opioid crisis and the need for stronger criminal penalties for drug dealers and distributors. Dane emphasizes the importance of local government in addressing these issues and encourages voters to complete their ballots in local elections. Dane Scalise discusses the need for proper funding for police departments and other law enforcement agencies. He emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, including clean water, and holding polluters accountable. Scalise also highlights the need to invest in schools and repair existing infrastructure rather than building new ones. He addresses the issue of development in the Western Bank and the importance of preserving green spaces and protecting against flooding. Scalise reflects on the challenges of governing in a purple county and expresses his dedication to serving the community.  Takeaways Dane Scalise is a Republican candidate for New Hanover County CommissionerThe recent flooding in the county and the need for careful building and development are important issuesManaging the county budget without raising taxes is a priority for DaneThe opioid crisis requires stronger criminal penalties for drug dealers and distributorsLocal government plays a crucial role in addressing these issuesVoters should complete their ballots in local elections Proper funding for police departments and law enforcement agencies is crucialInfrastructure, including clean water, should be a priorityHold polluters accountable for the costs of infrastructureInvest in schools and repair existing infrastructurePreserve green spaces and protect against floodingConsider voluntary purchase and preservation options for development areasLeadership should prioritize the needs of the communitySupport Dane Scalise's campaign through his websiteSound Bites "Welcome to the NHC GOP podcast. I'm Ruel Sample and my most important question of the night. Dane, who had more takes? You or the dog?""I am feeling great about the state of the campaign. We're inside of 90 days and the enthusiasm that we're hearing from the community, the support that I'm getting in forms of text messages, phone calls, emails, give me an indication that we're on the right track.""Right now people are talking a little bit, as you might imagine, about the potential danger that we faced in connection with the tropical storm that just came through.""Police departments are funded properly and the other law enforcement issues or departments are funded. What else needs to be done?""A lot of these infrastructure costs that we're going to have to bear ultimately should be the responsibility of these bad actors.""I will never, never, never, never allow anybody to stop us from fully funding law enforcement."Republicans have the answers. Check out our website at newhanovergop.org or contact us at podcast@nhcgop.org.

    43 min

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News and views from the New Hanover County Republican Party.