Representative Joe Pike has had careers in several fields, but he has added dedication to the citizens of North Carolina. Pike represents the 6th district (Harnett County) which is primarily undeveloped and not incorporated but fast-growing in the middle of the state. The Fort Bragg Training Grounds are included in his district, which poses unique challenges. Sixty percent of his constituents are affiliated with Fort Bragg, which means they are often short-term residents who may not be interested in long-term issues. In addition, many service people maintain their residency in their home state rather than claim North Carolina, which means that they neither vote in this state nor does the state receive their federal taxes paid.
Pike began in business at 18, owning a furniture store that had grown to six stores by the 1980s. He then moved to Detroit (and then to Charlotte)to work in sales for New Corps Steel. He stated it was much easier work than owning a small business, but he returned to small business by developing the Twisted Grape Restaurant in Cameron, North Carolina.
Now serving his second term, Representative Pike's journey to run for office began in his restaurant when former COS District Captain Doug Ewing came in every Friday for lunch. Pike and Ewing began visiting every week and discussing common views, especially related to politics. They both agreed that "elected officials serve too long and then (especially at the federal level) begin lining their own pockets." When redistricting occurred, the Republican Party asked him to run for this new seat. Because he already knew so many local citizens, and more importantly, they knew that they could talk to him, he was easily elected.
Pike's experience as a business owner makes him sensitive to legislation that affects small businesses that cannot defend themselves on a large scale. He is quite aware of the burdensome reports, fees, and taxes that many who would like to open a business find as barriers that they cannot overcome in finances and staffing. He has also gained leadership experience through his activities in Kiwanis, Eagles, and Junior Chamber of Commerce, where he continues to give informal advice to up-and-coming business leaders.
Pike serves on the following committees: Alcohol Beverage Control, Finance, Homeland Security and Military and Veterans Affairs, Pensions and Retirements. As a restaurant owner, he understands both sides of people wanting a happy hour with reduced drink prices yet feeling responsible to protect people by not over serving.
Representative Pike is most proud in his first term of reducing the abortion threshold from 20 to 12 weeks and providing more programs to women so that they will not have to be in a position to make such a decision. The issues he sees as most urgent this session are: continued relief and rebuilding from Hurricane Helene, allowance of medical marijuana, and permission for gambling facilities (not just electronic gambling). Pike's concern regarding medical marijuana is that it merely masks pain without dealing with the cause, decisions might be made without fully understanding the medical consequence, and such permission often quickly leads to legislative assent for recreational marijuana. If medical marijuana is legalized, Pike believes it is imperative that it be prescribed by a physician and controlled by a pharmacist. Pike is also concerned about the issue of electronic gambling because it "marries two highly addictive pursuits: gambling and the phone." Casinos, according to him, are a different issue because they bring revenue to the state through hotels, restaurants, and shows.
When not managing his restaurant nor serving in the legislature, Pike first enjoys his family (especially grandchildren), riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, classic cars, gold, and lake boating.
Contact Representative Pike at Pike email or call 919-733-5906.
Follow the bills he is sponsoring and how he votes at Bill Tracker - Pike
