Huntersville Officials Endorse Thom Tillis

For Immediate Release:  April 5, 2006
Contact: Press Office, 704-248-2980

In step with their colleagues in the Town of Cornelius, all of the Republican elected officials in the Town of Huntersville have unanimously endorsed Thom Tillis in his challenge against incumbent Representative John Rhodes for the North Carolina House.  Joining the call for a change and offering support for Thom Tillis are:

Mayor Kim Phillips - Registered Republican, Member Hopewell High School School Leadership Team, Member Hopewell High School PTSA Executive Board.  Ms. Phillips was elected in 2005 by an overwhelming majority against two challengers.  As the Mayor of the largest of the North Mecklenburg towns with some 35,000 residents, Mayor Phillips has worked closely with the local delegation of the General Assembly.  Mayor Phillips says, "We have heard time after time that our representative isn't doing us any favors in getting things done for North Mecklenburg.  We are missing out on opportunities to receive funding and/or support for important projects, such as road improvement.  I have worked with Thom Tillis in his capacity as Town Commissioner and in his role as the President of the Hopewell High School PTSA.  I am convinced that the 98th District will be best served with Thom's leadership in the North Carolina House."

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Sisson - Registered Republican, Business Owner, former Candidate for the NC Senate District 40.  Mayor Pro Tem Sisson is serving his second term as a Commissioner on the Huntersville Town Board, receiving the highest number of votes in the 2005 election.  Mayor Pro Tem Sisson said "As a Huntersville Town Commissioner, one of the biggest battles we face is getting help from Raleigh.  Our current Representative has decided that his party and his ego are more important than the people he represents.  Thom will bring a new face and a new attitude to Raleigh for the Lake Norman region.  Please join every elected Republican official in the North Mecklenburg towns and support Thom Tillis for the 98th District seat in the NC House."

Commissioner Charlie Jeter - Registered Republican, President of a transportation company, active volunteer in the community).  Mr. Jeter was first elected to the Huntersville Town Board in 2005 in his first bid for elected office.  Mr. Jeter said his decision to endorse Thom Tillis over John Rhodes was straightforward saying "The people of the 98th District need effective leadership and John Rhodes' track record shows that he is not providing it.  Thom Tillis is a true Republican who defends and promotes solid Republican ideas.  He is an effective leader who will be able to get things done for the 98th District.  It is time District 98 had strong leadership in the State House.  It is time for Thom Tillis."

Commissioner Teri Leonhardt - Registered Republican business owner.  Commissioner Leonhardt was re-elected to the Commissioner seat in November 2005.   Ms. Leonhardt has worked with Thom Tillis in connection with regional issues involving the Towns of Cornelius and Huntersville.  Ms. Leonhardt said "We have no working relationship with the current 98th District Representative and it is harming our efforts to move the area forward.  We need a change.  Thom Tillis would be a welcome change, and he will bring the leadership we need in the NC House of Representatives."

Commissioner Jill Swain - Registered Republican, active community volunteer.  Commissioner Swain was re-elected to the Board of Commissioners in November 2005.  Commissioner Swain serves in a number of capacities on advisory boards and has direct experience with Mr. Rhodes and Thom Tillis and she is an outspoken support for Thom Tillis' bid for the 98th District Seat.  Commissioner Swain says "It is a pleasure to see someone who embraces challenges and gets things done.  Thom is a rare commodity in that respect."

The Town of Huntersville is the largest of the three Towns in North Mecklenburg, which combined constitute approximately two thirds of the 98th District.  With a Republican Town Mayor, Kim Phillips and 4 out of 5 Commissioners who are registered Republicans, the Town board is solidly conservative in its vision for the Town.  The Town Board is working hard to get the support they deserve from Raleigh to avoid the Town's taxpayer dollars being spent on projects that should be funded by the State taxes our citizens are sending to Raleigh.  The consensus among the board is that Thom Tillis can help the Town of Huntersville get the priority they deserve to improve roads and education in North Mecklenburg.

For more information regarding Thom Tillis' campaign for the NC House, visit the Thom Tillis campaign web site at http://www.electthomtillis.com.