News 14 Carolina sent a questionnaire to everyone running for office in the Charlotte viewing area and in statewide races. Read what the Republican candidates for U.S. Congress 10th District had to say.

Lance Sigmon
Position Seeking: U.S. Congress District 10
Party: Republican
Age: 49
Occupation: retired Air Force officer, attorney
Family: Married 22 years to Melissa, two children, Kirk, 19, and Leah, 16
Length of time living in current location: 3 years since retirement

Why are you running for this office?
I want to restore maturity, decency and integrity to our District’s representation in Washington. Our District deserves real leadership in Washington—not a career politician only concerned with personal advancement. Our representative should understand the people who live here and the challenges we face. I was born here—this is my home. I want to help the people of this District and to help make a better life for our future generation. Our district has suffered devastating job losses, a shift in our economic base, and a change in demographics. We have to face these changes and develop ways to return this District to the thriving economy it once was.

What are your top 3 priorities?
1. Illegal Immigration
2. Economy and job creation
3. Restructuring health care to be accessible and affordable for everyone

If elected, what is the biggest issue facing your constituents over the next term?
I consider the economic welfare of our citizens along with job growth the number one priority for the next Congress. Additionally, we must solve the illegal immigration crisis in our country and not just continue putting band aids on the problem. There has been too much talk and not enough action taken to secure our borders and develop an effective way to locate, detain, and deport those who have broken our laws by illegally entering our country. This issue has an enormous impact on the 10th District and affects every aspect of our lives here—not only are illegal immigrants using the services and infrastructure that we as taxpayers have funded, but they are taking jobs that our own citizens need—and many illegal immigrants continue to break our laws by driving drunk and committing violent crimes. However, we must develop a regulated guest worker program to provide seasonal workers for farms and other industries.

How do you consider yourself different than your opponent(s) in this race?
My life experience and maturity are totally different than my opponent's. Despite his claim to be a small businessman, my opponent has never held a job outside the political arena since he was an adult. I have worked in a variety of jobs beginning age 14, and I enlisted in the Air Force at age 18. I served as a crew member on a combat aircrew for 4 years, and after being honorably discharged I returned home and completed college and law school. I rejoined the Air Force as an officer, and retired in 2005 as a Lieutenant Colonel and a military judge. I know what it means to sacrifice and to serve my country. I have negotiated with people of different backgrounds and nationalities in order to achieve a common goal. I know how to make difficult decisions when I believe they are right. I have been married for 22 years, and have two teenage children. I know what it means to raise a family, to make ends meet, and to work to make a better future for my children. I rely on my faith in God to guide me in everything I do.

Why are you running for this office?
So I can continue fighting to change the status quo in Washington. The status quo has given us broken borders, reckless spending, and a government that is wasteful and inefficient. My mission is to bring conservative change to Washington and deliver results for Western North Carolina.

What are your top 3 priorities?
1 Promoting economic growth and job creation
2 Stopping illegal immigration
3 Lowering gas prices

If elected, what is the biggest issue facing your constituents over the next
term?
Bad trade deals have had a major impact on our economy. I voted against CAFTA and will continue voting against any trade deal that hurts Western North Carolina workers. I also voted to expand Trade Adjustment Assistance programs that provide workers with the tools and resources they need to transition to good-paying jobs.

The key to creating jobs in Western North Carolina begins with improving education and infrastructure and providing an economic climate that allows businesses to grow and create jobs. I will continue working with local leaders in education, healthcare, business, and government to deliver the policies and programs our region needs to thrive.

How do you consider yourself different than your opponent(s) in this race?
My record. I am delivering on my promise to be a leader on the challenges facing Western North Carolina, like fighting illegal immigration, promoting economic growth, fighting tax increases, and taking a strong stand against business as usual in Washington.