Catlin, Jordan square off in first debate

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The fall campaign season is upon us. Tonight, candidates for NC House District 20 met for a debate sponsored by WWAY and WHQR. Rick Catlin and Betsy Jordan squared off in a candidate’s forum, and both candidates started off talking film incentives.

“That’s not the way to do business,” said Rep. Catlin, the incumbent Republican in the race. “The way to do business is to try to find ways that work for the whole state.”

Democratic challenger Betsy Jordan said, “I believe that this incentive benefits not just this area, but all the areas where films are produced.”

Catlin did not support the incentives outside of a one-year extension. Jordan says film is the reason she got into the race.

Talk soon turned to public education.

“Since the Republicans have been in charge we have raised public education funding by almost a billion dollars,” Catlin said.

“Is the movement and mentality going on in the legislature one intended to strengthen public education,” Jordan asked, “or one that is intended to weaken it?”

Catlin and Jordan also touched on the economy and the environment.

The two though are very different candidates.

“If I cause controversy,” Catlin said, “it might be that I am doing something right. So I do what I think is right; not what I think is politically correct.”

“I just believe it’s time for voters to understand that they matter,” Jordan said. “To step up. To take action.”