Sig Hutchinson Endorsed By News and Observer and Indy Week

Sig Hutchinson announces today the News and Observer and Indy Week have endorsed his candidacy for Senate – District 15. On October 8, the Sig for Senate campaign responded to weeks of misleading mail from his opponent in an unusual fashion. He has mailed voters in District 15 a map of Raleigh and Wake County Greenways.

The News and Observer says:

‘Hutchinson has been an energetic voice on many other positive causes in this community, and his public activism has, in our view, earned him a chance to serve in the Senate. He’d be a fresh voice with a different perspective. The Senate’s Republicans have not distinguished themselves in power, and the party has not distinguished itself with its barrage of mailers attacking Hutchinson. Change is needed. Sig Hutchinson can be part of it.’

Hutchinson’s campaign will continue to focus on quality of life improvements through education, the environment and the economy. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

In discussing why he chose the greenway map mailers, Hutchinson said, “Voters are sick of useless, misleading negative mail paid for by special interests. I am running for Senate because I know we can do better, and it starts with my campaign.”

“It’s about giving voters something they could actually use,” Hutchinson continued. “I am proud to have led the effort to create more than 150 miles of award winning greenways which contribute to our quality of life and help attract high paying jobs.”

Hutchinson is widely recognized in Wake County for his efforts preserving open space, protecting water and air quality, expanding the greenway system and promoting transportation options, such as transit.

For the last month, The North Carolina Republican Party has mailed voters a series of mail pieces attacking Hutchinson, calling his efforts ‘Wacky,’ and referring to greenways as ‘Horse Tails.’ In a recent press conference, former Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker criticized the GOP mail. “The ads are false or misleading on several fronts. Political campaigns sometimes involve exaggeration, but false statements simply need to be responded to," said Meeker on September 25.

Hutchinson’s campaign has decided to spend efforts talking to voters about real concerns. Hutchinson’s mailer, which began hitting mailboxes on October 12, says: “Why is Wake County the best place to live and work in America, while attracting high paying jobs? Investing in education, economic development and the environment- all while protecting our AAA bond rating.”

For a free greenway map, voters can contact the campaign at SigforSenate.com or sighutchinson.com.

About Sig Hutchinson:

An entrepreneur and small businessman, Sig Hutchinson has been on the front lines of making Triangle communities healthy and livable for more than a decade. Sig is the owner of Sig Hutchinson Communications, a sales and communications consulting firm that over the last ten years has coached and instructed hundreds of aspiring students and sales professionals, teaching them the skills and techniques they need to become effective salespersons. Known locally as ‘Mr. Greenjeans,’ Sig is a green advocate who has put his communication expertise to use, successfully spearheading and passing a number of bond initiative projects that have funded over $200 million dollars for open space preservation as well as the continued development of our nationally recognized parks and greenways system. He has also worked on a number of air quality, water quality, transportation and affordable housing initiatives. Sig also serves on a number of boards, including the Triangle Land Conservancy, the NC Alliance for Health, Be Active North Carolina, Advocates for Health in Action and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Commission for the City of Raleigh. He is also Past Board Chair and current board member of Triangle Transit, Past President of the Triangle Greenways Council, Past President of Triangle Off Road Cyclists, Co-Founder of The Raleigh Downtowner and currently Chairs the Open Space & Parks Advisory Committee for Wake County. Sig holds has a B.A from Texas Tech University and an M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina.