Today, Representative Paul Tine sent the following communication to his constituents:
I am writing to let you know that I will not be seeking a third term in the House of Representatives. I will be completing my term which ends January of 2017, but will not run for re-election. Since returning home two weeks ago, I have come to realize that my absence has taken a heavy toll on my family. It is important that I take the time while my children are still young to be a father and husband.
Currently there are no announced candidates for this race. With the registration in December I felt it was important that I give the public time so that good candidates can come forward.
I am extremely proud of the work I have done for eastern North Carolina and the state. This past year was busy with the additional responsibilities that come with co-chairing the Transportation Appropriations Committee and with all of the issues that face our district. Our region had some important wins including:
- Establishing permanent funding for dredging our waterways
- Increasing our investment in our ferry system
- Creating a community college satellite campus in Washington County
- Revitalizing our oyster industry and fostering better water quality
- Requiring a statewide plan for broadband infrastructure development
- Reducing the regulation so existing rural hospitals can reopen should they be closed
- Resolving the dispute on Bonner Bridge
Overall, I am proud to say that this past year I was a primary author of 14 bills that passed into law either on their own, by rolling them into larger bills, or by substituting language into Senate bills. Getting more done this session came at a cost of less time at home, however. After another year in this office it will be time to come home. There is still much work to be done for Dare, Hyde, Washington, and Beaufort and I hope to find ways to help when my service in this office is completed.
It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve the people of District 6. While I will continue in office through next year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your Representative. As always, should you wish to contact me on any issue that is important to you please contact me on my cell at (252) 305-5133.
Paul Tine