A Leader for Our Time

July 9th, 2012 by Julie Emmons - Comments (0)

(Author’s Note:  This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in May. These sentiments are as heartfelt as they were then, and I wanted to remind our readers of why Dan Forest is the clear choice for our next Lt. Governor)

“The challenge of statesmanship is to have the vision to dream of a better, safer world and the courage, persistence, and patience to turn that dream into a reality.” (Ronald Reagan)

Vision. Persistence. Leadership. Courage. These are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of Dan Forest.  Over the past 14 months, Dan has consistently demonstrated these traits as he’s crisscrossed the state to ask North Carolinians for the honor of being their next Lt. Governor. 

As the July 17^th primary run off draws near, I want to outline some key things that make Dan Forest the clear choice to help lead our state at this crucial time in our history. 

• Vision:  As an architect, Dan knows what it is like to create and execute a plan.  He has a clear vision for our state and the proven leadership abilities to bring this vision into reality.  Dan’s vision includes key things such as smaller, smarter government, the preservation of free enterprise, returning our nation to God and re-establishing character and integrity in our society and the public square. 
• Persistence:  Dan has a work ethic and focus that I’ve rarely seen in over 20 years of political involvement.  He knows what he is called to do and has set about to do it to the glory of God.  Dan has traveled over 130,000 miles, visited nearly every county, been to countless meetings, and listened to the concerns of voters in coffee shops and restaurants from Murphy to Manteo.  It will take this kind of persistence to bring about the true change we need in Raleigh.
• Leadership: Dan is a leader in every sense of the word.  He is the Sr. Partner and former Office President of one of NC’s largest architectural firms.  He is an entrepreneur who knows what it’s like to turn a vision into reality.  He’s also served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the NC Heritage Foundation, Triangle Leadership Forum, and Faith Driven Consumer. 
• Courage:  Anyone with a finger on the pulse of our society knows that it takes courage to stand up for faith and conservative values.  For many years, Dan Forest has courageously fought the fight for Life by supporting pro-life efforts and believes in traditional family values.  We witnessed this courage in May when Dan responded to a newspaper reporter who criticized the placement of a Bible in a campaign ad.  “Not only is the Bible on my bookshelf, but if I win, I will put my hand on it and swear to uphold the duties of my office and the Constitution, because there is no other source worthy enough to bind my word to my actions.” 

Dan Forest’s vision, persistence, and courage are what we need in Raleigh today. The people of his Old North State are waiting for such a leader, and in God’s providence we’ve been given one for such a time as this.  Please, vote for Dan Forest for Lt. Governor on Tuesday, July 17^th.  Thank you.