Congressman Hudson visits Main Street businesses
August 28, 2014
U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8th, visited uptown Lexington on Wednesday afternoon to become acquainted with the businesses and issues affecting the community.
"As a congressman, it's my job to go to Washington and represent the people here," Hudson said. "I feel like the more businesses I can visit and the more people I meet, the better informed I'll be so I can be a better representative."
Hudson was in Lexington from noon to 2 p.m. visiting businesses and learning about projects going on in the community. In addition to portions of Davidson County, N.C. District 8 takes in parts of 11 other counties, including Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Montgomery and Robeson.
District 8 has included part of Davidson County since 2013.
Hudson started the tour by dining at Lexington Barbecue, followed by dropping in at Conrad & Hinkle Grocers, The Candy Factory and Lanier's True Value Hardware on Main Street.
"I try to every month go visit businesses around the district," Hudson said. "Today we were doing a Main Street tour."
Closing out the tour, Hudson stopped at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center where he saw details of the city's wayfinding project, to improve signage in the city, as well as plans for the Depot District. The district will feature a multi-modal transportation center and other development on city-owned property formerly occupied by Lexington Home Brands.
Hudson said he appreciated the collaboration between Davidson County and the cities of Thomasville and Lexington on this project.
"There is such a sense here of working together," he said. "There's the new depot where you have the town of Thomasville working with the town of Lexington, working with the county because they see the impact of our region for that project. It's a can-do attitude helping make a better future for our children and grandchildren. I want to be a part of that."
Hudson said throughout his visits, people have been upset with issues their businesses have due to high taxes, regulations and health care laws.
"People are frustrated," he said. "There are a lot of challenges out there with our economy, and there's a lot of uncertainty."
Burr Sullivan, president and CEO of the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, also expressed his gratitude for Hudson visiting the community.
"Anytime we have a chance to showcase the retail business and the tourism business in Lexington, it's a good day," Sullivan said. "We found the congressman to be interested in what we are doing."
Sullivan said he thought Hudson was receptive and attentive to the needs of the community.
The tour of Lexington was part of a series of visits Hudson has been making throughout his district. After the visit to Lexington, Hudson went on a tour of Vulcan Materials Co. in Concord.
Other visits throughout the week for Hudson included stops in Goldsboro, Pembroke, Mount Gilead and Charlotte.
Lexington Dispatch, by: Wil Petty
Issues:Economy and Jobs