New Bern native announces run for lieutenant governor
Posted: Jun 3, 2019 / 10:20 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 3, 2019 / 10:21 PM CDT
New Bern native Buddy Bengel is running for lieutenant governor of North Carolina.
The announcement came Monday at Beer Army Burger Company in New Bern.
The conservative Republican said he is focused on things such as hurricane recovery.
"I love New Bern," Bengel said. "I love eastern North Carolina. This is where I grew up. This is where my family has been. This town has meant so much to me and to see what we went through back in September and how resilient this community has been and how we rallied together, that is the perfect example for the state of North Carolina, of how we can rally as a state."
Bengel was critical of Governor Roy Cooper's response to Hurricane Florence.
"It is sad that our current governor does not recognize the needs of the people of eastern North Carolina," Bengel said. "We have a responsibility to help people in need when disaster strikes, and Governor Cooper has failed to help the people of eastern North Carolina."
Bengel said he hopes to continue the work of Lt. Gov. Dan Forest.
"Like our current lieutenant governor, I want to set a tone, direction, and environment for our state," Bengel said. "I will set goals and objectives that will be guided by conservative principals while enhancing the lives of everyone in our great state."
He is also focused on business success.
"Very similar to our president, it takes someone with a strong business background to really understand the needs of how to run a business and how to make things work," Bengel said. "I understand what it is like to work overtime and put people before you. We need to make sure we have someone in Raleigh to make sure we get the money in a timely manner to make sure people can get back in their homes, businesses can reopen and our economy to continue to flourish."
Bengel has started several small businesses and restaurants.
He is also the owner of the Morehead City Marlins baseball team.