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Why we are not supporting Mike Hagar for NC House 113

There have been disgruntled folks from outside of NC House 113, mostly from the Raleigh area, and an additional two within the district who have voiced opposition to our support for Representative Jake Johnson because they want us to change our support to Mike Hagar. It is very interesting that mostly outsiders are lobbying for Mr. Hagar. Why? Take note: We will not be bullied. We have done our due diligence and concluded that Mike Hagar does not represent Henderson County. This is why.


Mike Hagar came to our Christmas Party, unannounced and uninvited, but we warmly welcomed him to our gathering and thanked him for attending. It saved us the trouble of scheduling him for an interview. We wanted to hear from him, so we let him talk as long as he wanted. We then asked him questions. We did not like the answers regarding his fiscal policy and tax plan. He sounds like a Democrat.


His gimmick of no property tax on over 65 sounds good but will not and cannot happen. Our Henderson small hamlets source of revenue are property taxes. For example, in Flat Rock, there is a small commercial district with only one acre of commercial underdeveloped land, so there isn't much likelihood of growth. Sales tax revenue isn't much. There are only three people running the Village of Flat Rock with volunteers doing most of the work. Mr. Hagar was confronted with this info but blew it off with nonsense about 'unfunded mandates.' Flat Rock doesn't have much of them and not enough to make up for the loss of property tax revenue. And, since Flat Rock is easily 75% retirees, the Village would lose most of their revenue. The math doesn't match on this one and it comes across as an election gimmick that will never pass the legislature. Some of our folks called it 'hairbrained.' Insulting our intelligence for votes. So, then what? He gets elected on something he can't do and says, 'Sorry, I tried?'



Since our Christmas Party, Mr. Hagar seems to have 'altered' his tax plan. His other 'tax scheme' involves the Homestead Exemption which currently allows seniors 65 and older a 50% reduction on their tax bill if their income is $37,000 a year or less. He's running on moving the exemption to 100%. Those who qualify would pay nothing in property taxes. He claims this equates to a 2% reduction in Flat Rock's budget. Extrapolate that to the rest of the county and state. The problem is how does the county and the state make up for the loss of revenue? Raise taxes on those who make over 37K! Further burden young couples and families? Burden our businesses who are stretched now? Sorry, but it sounds not only like a gimmick to get elected, but the redistribution of wealth. Sounds like a Democrat scheme to fleece us out of our hard-earned retirement dollars. 2% this year. 3% next year and the increases go on. Come from a blue state? Sound familiar? Also, this doesn't sound legal. This will never fly in this county. The TEA in Tea Party stands for Taxed Enough Already!


It gets worse. Mike Hagar resigned his NC House seat after the 2015-2016 term and waited the 6 month cooling off period required and then became a lobbyist. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article130379184.html


Here is the entire list of industries he was registered to:

- They include Marijuana & Synthetic Gas Station Kratom 

- Gambling clients

-Developers pushing the exact bills he criticized 


- Mr. Hagar also coordinated with the DEMOCRAT in the Ralph Hise's senate race. There is an audio recording that was recorded by the democrat and then shared with local newspapers when it happened. He is heard on the recording directly coordinating with Democrats to beat republicans to benefit himself. Email me and I'll send you the recording. jane.bilello@gmail.com


Is your hair on fire yet!


Just a reminder: ATP has been fighting this fight since 2009. We stand our ground. We do strenuously believe in the principles and values this nation was founded. We only support candidates whom we believe will represent We the People by enacting laws that uphold those beliefs. We have always been diligent to vet candidates we recommend. Some win and some do not. Some who win become compromised which means we are on the lookout for a credible candidate replacement. That does not change our vigor to persevere. Shame on those individuals who are so misguided to believe they 'run' our organization and accuse us of not doing our homework. Shame on those who believe they can coerce us into compromising. Not going to happen.


Be wise in your choice of candidates. Our state and nation are counting on you to make wise decisions.


Jane Bilello

Chair: Asheville Tea Party, Inc.





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