Queens Civic Engagement and the College Democrats brought in North Carolina House of Representatives 9th District Libertarian candidate Jeff Scott to speak to students in the Belk Chapel during common hour on November 5. Scott`s main topics were his anti-war and anti-taxes beliefs for the United States. This was his last campaign event before Election Day on November 6.
Scott is the Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Mecklenburg County, and said he is running to influence other candidates to campaign for the party, referring to this strategy as “building the virtuous circle.” However, the candidate does have changes he would like to implement into this country.
“Rarely have I met someone who wants our troops to stay in Afghanistan,” said Scott. He added that he is also opposed to ramping up sanctions because “the people of those countries are the ones that suffer,” and “they do not want us there.” Scott stated he is against weapon sales to Saudi Arabia as well. He wanted it to be known that he “is not a pacifist or isolationist,” and believes in “a strong military with a purpose” as well as “expanding trade but not military bases and presence.”
The next portion of the event was spent talking about his anti-tax stance. “Taxation is worse than theft… (and) is used to target people for political purpose,” the former finance professional said. Scott touched upon how taxes can create barriers when banking in other countries. One thing he is not opposed to though, is a “value-added tax/fee,” because it “provides a protection of the product” a consumer is purchasing. When asked how the government would have enough money to function under the system, he said, “By shrinking government [control], this value-added tax and businesses will be able to fund what is important.”
Jeff Scott finished last in the race behind Democratic candidate Dan McCready and Republican winner Mark Harris, but the event was successful as a part of Queens Civic Engagement and the College Democrats efforts to boost voter participation. On the next day, election day, the two clubs held three events to top off their work: walking students to the polls at Myers Park Elementary school behind Queens, celebrating voting in the South Lawn with a cook out, and a non-partisan watch party of the results.
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