by Sarah Melton

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry had a strong message for people who attended a Denver Area Business Association luncheon May 19.

“I think everyone in Washington, regardless of party, wants to see a bright and more optimistic future with better education, better training programs and better opportunities for folks getting out of college and for the next generation,” he said.

McHenry, a Republican serving his fourth term in Congress, said small business owners are facing three main problems – health care, rising gasoline prices and federal spending.

People should take control of their own health care without interference from the government, and the United States should cut its reliance on foreign oil, McHenry said.

Lastly, unemployment and Social Security spending have increased as Baby Boomers are beginning to retire in large numbers. McHenry said cuts could be made into the country’s $1.6 trillion deficit by eliminating “waste in foreign aid.”

Keith Gaskill and Ronnie Caldwell told McHenry they were worried about gas prices. Caldwell added that he is simply “fed up with the U.S. government.”

McHenry said citizens need to demand action from their government.

“This is not a Democratic problem or a Republican problem,” he said. “Stupidity knows no bounds in party. Who’s in charge here? The people. And if the people don’t vote in folks that won’t get serious about it, it isn’t going to happen.”

Kevin Smith asked McHenry what was being done to help residents in Lincoln County. McHenry said that out of the 10 counties he represents, Lincoln was doing “extremely well.” The anticipated opening of the last leg of the N.C. 16 bypass and the Lincoln County Industrial Park are bringing more traffic, jobs and growth to the area.

“Lincoln County is a diverse county,” McHenry said. “You’ve got agricultural on one end of the county and banking and retail on the eastern end of the county.”