Profile in Politics - Austin Allran
Family: Judy and I have been married for 28 years and have two children--Elizabeth, 24, and Catherine, 20.
Education:
Duke, B.A., 1974;
Southern Methodist University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1978;
North Carolina State University, M.A., 1998.
Occupation: Attorney and real estate investor.
Elected positions held:
North Carolina House of Representatives, 1981 - 1986;
North Carolina Senate, 1986 - 2008.
Notable information: (This includes church and civic activities, awards, leadership positions, military service. It's generally a miscellaneous category for the candidate to list their interests and background. Keep to 6, please.)
Winner of the following awards: Legislator of the Year (Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking); Friend of the Family (Christian Coalition); Taxpayers' Best Friend (Taxpayers' United);
Member of the NC/SC Bi-State Advisory Commission on the Catawba/Wateree River Basin;
Lifelong member--Corinth Reformed Church;
Member--St. Aloysius.
For more information: (include phone numbers, web sites, etc)
Raleigh Senate Office: (919) 733-5876
Hickory Law Office: (828) 322-1410
Why are you running? I am the only conservative running for the Senate, and I want to continue fighting for fiscally and socially conservative principles. I am for less government, less spending, and lower taxes. I am pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, and am a sponsor of the Defense of Marriage Amendment. I have introduced legislation to combat illegal immigration, and I will continue to work for a Republican majority in the Senate and House, as well as a Republican Governor in order to bring about real change.
What qualities make you the best candidate? I am the only candidate with legislative experience. I have been sponsoring and passing important legislation for three decades, always with the support of both political parties. One of the best examples is the Graduated Drivers License Law, which has reduced 16-year-old crashes by 34% and saved 445 lives. I know how to get things done in Raleigh. I like people and consider it an honor and privilege to represent the 42nd Senate District. People trust my conservative, traditional family values and respect my honesty and integrity. I have helped thousands of people with their problems over the years and will continue to do so.
What is the biggest issue facing the district? What would you do to address it? The biggest issue facing the district is the need for greater economic development and better jobs. The economy is flat, and raising taxes is not the way to spur growth. We need to cut spending, cut the size of government, and lower taxes. Instead of offering expensive give-aways to attract new companies, we need to cut the corporate income tax rate on all businesses, small as well as large. We need to reduce the burden of regulations and bureaucracy and once again become a business-friendly environment. Eighty per cent of all new jobs are created by small businesses. We need to lower the burden of taxation and regulation that is stifling small business development.
