McIntyre visits Surf City

SURF CITY - U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre D-N.C. spent Tuesday morning in Surf City to give constituents and area town leaders the opportunity to meet with him one-on-one.

"I want to stay in touch with folks on a personal level," McIntyre said.  "The philosophy behind these one-on-one constituent meetings is to give any individual the opportunity, or any organization the opportunity for that matter, that has suggestions, ideas, concerns about how the federal government can help, or would like to give their views on any impending legislation - they can come and talk to me personally.

"Also a large part of our work here in the district is constituent services. A lot of times people have problems or personal concerns with unemployment, social security, disability ... and need personal help, so we try and handle those confidential matters as well, so this serves a dual purpose, of talking about public issues of concern and people can come with private issues of concern."

McIntyre said he plans to be back in the area in the weeks to come to offer additional one-on-one meetings.

Surf City Mayor Zander Guy met with McIntyre to discuss his concern over getting Surf City's zip code issues resolved, and to make him aware of the proposed Cape Fear Community College branch to be built in Surf City in hopes that there may be federal funding support in the future.

Part of Surf City has a Hampstead zip code and part has Holly Ridge Zip Codes. Guy said he would like to see Surf City get its own zip code.

Guy said he received help from McIntyre to get Surf City's permanent post office.

"When you call (McIntyre) he responds - he brought the postal people together to get us straightened out and helped get us designated as a permanent post office, and he will be working hard with us on the zip code issue - growth has been part of the problem," Guy said after the meeting.

McIntyre said it was exciting to hear about the proposed branch community college.

"It's very exciting news about the community college," he said. "This area is experiencing a high rate of growth, and as I travel the district every weekend, I want to make sure I keep up with all the activities that are occurring or that are likely happening and Mayor Guy has a very strong vision for his community and this area, and Pender County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina as well.

"A branch community college here would be a positive opportunity for not only the young people, but for continuing adult education which is very important."

McIntyre, co-chairman and founder of the Congressional Waterways Caucus, said beach nourishment and waterway funding for improvements and maintenance is of significant importance to area beaches.

He recently announced Surf City and North Topsail Beach received $368,000 of the $18,457,000 in federal funds budgeted for Southeastern North Carolina beaches and inlets, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Wilmington Port.

"We're very pleased to get money to help with beach nourishment," he said. "Getting (beach nourishment funding) is a constant battle in Washington - there has always been a prejudice against coastal projects by the administrations ... it's an image that those of us that represent coastal areas have to fight, because they feel like coastal projects are a local concern, but we know we can walk down the street anytime and see license plates from many states. We have a national treasure in our coastline as both an economic engine and an environmental treasure, and I always say we're fighting for every penny for every pebble of sand. Dredging of course has been ignored as well and has become another battleground, but thankfully between the House and the Senate, we going to able to get money to dredge the intracoastal waterway and the inlets."

William Powell of Surf City and Larry Lineberry of Burgaw said they appreciated the opportunity to meet with McIntyre one-on-one.

"I just have something to get off my chest," Lineberry said, when asked what he wanted to speak to McIntyre about. "I think it's great, Lineberry said about getting the opportunity to meet with the congressman one-on-one. "I think more (political leaders) should do this."

"I am in favor of offshore drilling for oil, and I came to ask him when and what his opinion is on drilling off the coast," Powell said. "I think it's wonderful we get the chance to talk with him, and meet with him," he said.