55 If your first political campaign had a theme song, what would it have been? “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” Ethel Merman. What gave you the push to run? I was planning a sailing trip to Bermuda with some friends and when we were putting together the crew one of my buddies wanted to make sure the trip wasn’t going to interfere with the election because his wife was running. Long story short, she didn’t end up running and I thought, “Let’s give it a shot.” What do you remember as being most impactful as NC Senator? We were able to get a bill passed to provide $32 million for the state port and that port is so important to our area. Overall, did you end up enjoying the experience? I loved serving, but hated running. Now that you aren’t practicing law or serving in the NC Senate, what do you enjoy doing? I travel a lot. Frank Block on his Seapath Towers balcony. Where is one of the most interesting places you’ve ever traveled? I took a trip to Israel that was really amazing; especially now looking back. While we were there we went to the borders of Gaza and Lebanon. It’s funny because I remember wearing a bulletproof vest and standing at the fence, but I also remember not being afraid. Do you still travel extensively internationally? No. Mostly I travel to go see my children; they live in Seattle, Washington, and Charlotte, North Carolina. I don’t get out to Seattle a whole lot, but I’ll be out there for Thanksgiving. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving, probably, because it’s always near my birthday, November 24. Now that you’re retired, what occupies your time? This past Tuesday I had lunch with the R.O.M.E.Os, Real Old Men Eating Out. It’s just a bunch of us old retired guys who get together to eat and talk and catch up. www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
October 2014
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