October 22, 2008 - A Video Message to the Voters

April 7, 2008 - Focus Group meeting summary

Dr. Butler entertained the challenge of reducing the drop-out rate for all of NC but particularly for Watauga County Schools.

The first 30 minutes was spent on dialogue surrounding the 4 questions Dr. Butler had given for homework. The next 30 minutes was spent on the concept of identifying who "change agents" are, and just what is it that changes students to be or not be motivated in school (internal & external factors).

Dr. Butler closed the meeting with the question of how each one of us could become a change agent within our own environment and creating a "carrot" for each individual student with whom we met. The group decided to expand to include elementary personnel and parents.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2008.

Summary by Will Burgin

March 4, 2008

BOONE, NC- Dr. Jerry L. Butler, a local dentist in Boone, has decided to run as a Republican for North Carolina State Senator of the 45th district.

Butler has provided the town of Boone with dental care for the past 36 years.

Butler has a respected practice and has an exemplary history of patient care. A minor reprimand by the State Board of Dental Examiners concerning the omission of the words "General Dentistry" in an advertisement is considered his only blemish.

Since Butler has also established several small businesses which have created over 200 jobs, he hopes to form a more “business friendly” tax system to increase the amount of jobs in the local area by lowering taxes to create more of an appeal to industries and companies to generate more jobs for qualified people.  “I want people to have jobs,” said Butler, “however, state taxes need to be lowered to make this state more business attractive.”

Concerning the issue of transportation, Butler wants to see the gas prices lowered, since North Carolina has the seventh highest tax on gas in the USA. He also wants to focus on new highway construction instead of spending money on the landscaping.

“Good roads save lives,” said Butler, “I will fight for this need.”

Butler feels that the government is disconnected from the people and would like to regain that connection by organizing the tax money more efficiently.  “We don't need more taxes by our government,” said Butler. “We need more efficiency from our government."

He is concerned about the 30 percent high school drop out rate. He has a focus group meeting planned for April 7 for local educators.

"Those of us who have been blessed with the opportunity of an education have an obligation, even a duty, to insure that others have the opportunity of a quality education,” said Butler.

To receive any other information on Jerry Butler please browse the website.