Sager will run to keep his seat in N.C. House
By Matthew Whittle
Published in News on January 14, 2010 1:46 PM
N.C. Rep. Efton Sager
State Rep. Efton Sager, R-Wayne, announced Wednesday he will seek re-election to his District 11 seat.
Sager, a former county commissioner for eight years, was elected to the state House in 2008 after former Rep. Louis Pate decided to make an unsuccessful run for state Senate.
"I had intended when I first filed that, if I won, I would run for at least two terms," he said. "I feel that I know the ropes now and can be an even more effective legislator.
"I just feel obligated to the people to go to Raleigh and to make common-sense decisions and listen to what the people have to say."
He also said he feels an obligation to be part of the change in power he hopes will occur in Raleigh in November.
"The thing that sets me apart (from any future competition) is I'm fighting for a change in the leadership in Raleigh. I'm very upset with some of the liberal things they passed, including the budget. We shouldn't have raised taxes like we did, not with $1.6 billion in stimulus money available," he said. "If we can change the leadership, I can be even more effective, and I think we stand an excellent chance. I think there are enough people that feel government is not listening to them. The best way to be a good elected official is to listen to the people."
He said he is proud of his stances against the budget and other items, such as the bullying bill and the Racial Justice Act, as well as his sponsorship of military friendly legislation, including bills easing restrictions on hunting permits and driver's license renewals.
And if re-elected, as well as during the upcoming session in May, the three items he plans to focus on are giving localities more control over 911 funds, working the state Commerce Depart-ment to bring more jobs to eastern North Carolina and the state budget.
Candidate filing for the 2010 May 4 primary will begin at noon on Feb. 8 and close at noon on Feb. 26. Election Day will be Nov. 2.