Rep. Kelly Hastings: small towns thrive when people have a voice
North Carolina state Rep. Kelly Hastings represents rural and small-town communities in Cleveland and Gaston counties, where farmland, local identity, and civic pride sit within reach of Charlotte’s rapid growth. During his time in the General Assembly, Hastings has focused on taxes, transportation, higher education, infrastructure, and constituent service, while emphasizing servant leadership. He recently spoke with American Habits editor Ray Nothstine about small-town life, local decision-making, and what America’s 250th anniversary should mean for the next generation.
One thing I’ve always noticed about North Carolina is how many small towns still feel alive here. You can drive through parts of the Midwest—not all, but parts of it—and see why people use the term “Rust Belt.” Some of those towns feel hollowed out. But in North Carolina, many small towns still have a real local identity, civic pride, and economic activity. Do you see that in your part of the state? What helps small towns flourish?
Rep. Kelly Hastings: As I think about it, I believe a lot of it goes back to the overall policy climate we’ve had since 2011, when I was first elected. We’ve done a lot. We’ve cut taxes. We’ve right-sized state government. We’ve eliminated a lot of red tape, and we’ve focused on improving student learning, reducing crime, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding broadband.
We’ve created a strong policy climate that encourages economic freedom. I think that translates down to people at the local level. It helps communities build their identity, strengthen civic pride, and support economic activity. All of that contributes to a vibrant community.
Your district sits at an interesting crossroads. It includes rural and small-town communities, but it is also close enough to larger metro areas to feel North Carolina’s growth pressures. The growth in our state has been astounding. How has that shaped the issues you’ve worked on?
Rep. Hastings: Without question, you have to look at the district. I represent rural parts of Cleveland and Gaston counties. I can leave my house surrounded by farmland, and 30 minutes later, I can be at the Charlotte airport.
When we leave our rural area and head toward Charlotte, we run into a lot of congestion. The interstate can get backed up, and on some days, it almost feels like Southern California, if you’ve ever been there.
One thing I’ve focused on over the years is transportation. As Transportation Committee chair, we focused on a data-driven process so we could prioritize the best projects for our area—projects that would improve mobility, safety, evacuation routes, military readiness, and other needs.
We are now in the process of seeing billions of dollars in infrastructure improvements in our area. But it has not been easy. It is a difficult process because we have to work with local planning organizations, the state, and the federal government to prioritize those projects.
That is one of the things we have had to do for those of us in rural areas who, within 30 minutes, can be in a place where traffic is backed up and at a standstill.
For small towns like the ones you represent, why does it matter that decisions are made close to the people affected by them? A lot of people worry about power becoming too centralized, whether in Washington or even in Raleigh. Why is local decision-making so important for the people you represent?
Rep. Hastings: In my case, I try to remember that a big part of my job is to be a servant leader. People do experience problems with bureaucracy, and we are not always going to be able to please everyone. But it is important to allow people to have a voice.
At the end of the day, they are the taxpayers. I am too, but primarily, they are the taxpayers. It is essential to make sure they are involved in the process and that their lawmakers are working for them.
What is something beautiful about your part of North Carolina that outsiders might miss? If they do not know much about North Carolina, or if they mostly know Wake County or Mecklenburg County, what might they overlook about your area?
Rep. Hastings: Well, that is pretty easy for me to answer. A person can pass through here pretty quickly—whether flying over it or driving through on the interstate—and really miss some of the most beautiful parts of the district.
To me, those are the rural parts of our district and the farmland.
Conservatives in the North Carolina General Assembly could point to a long list of accomplishments over the last decade-plus. But from your own service, what are a few accomplishments you are most proud of? And beyond politics or specific votes, what do you hope your constituents remember about the way you served them?
Rep. Hastings: Part of it would be constituent service, and part of it would be the legislative work itself. I have been blessed. I have had the opportunity to chair the Finance Committee, the Transportation Committee, the Higher Education Committee, the UNC Board of Governors Nominating Committee, Appropriations on Capital, the Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, and a number of non-standing, interim, study, and oversight committees.
Through that work, I have been able to learn a tremendous amount about our state. That matters when it comes time to help constituents. It helps to have a broad knowledge of how the state works.
At the end of the day, I hope the people trust me.
I am also especially thankful that I have been the primary or lead sponsor of more than 25 bills or resolutions that became law or have the force of law. I am very thankful to the people for giving me that opportunity.
When I say resolutions, just to clarify, some resolutions can carry the force of law. For example, when we pass a resolution naming members to the UNC Board of Governors, that carries, in essence, the force of law. So I have been very thankful to be the primary or lead sponsor of a number of bills and resolutions.
At the end of the day, I hope the people trust me. That is the main thing. If I walk away and most people say, “We trusted him to do what he said he was going to do,” then I can walk away satisfied.
You mentioned servant leadership earlier. In politics today, people often talk about power and influence, but you have emphasized service throughout your time in office. Why is that distinction important to you, and who modeled that kind of leadership in your life?
Rep. Hastings: It may be controversial to some, but it has remained true for me.
When people call me asking for help, they are often in vulnerable positions. I try to remember the suffering that Christ went through. That helps keep me grounded and humble, and I think it helps me have a better servant leader’s heart.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, what do you hope young people in your district, across North Carolina, and across the country understand about our founding? What should they know about North Carolina’s role in that story, and about their own responsibilities as citizens?
Rep. Hastings: That is an easy one for me. I have studied North Carolina history, and I know the risks that a lot of our people took, including women. They put their lives, their families, their farms, and their freedom in danger to take a public stand and break away from the British Empire.
It was not easy. North Carolinians were leaders in that process. My hope is that young people will study North Carolina history, think about it, and understand the risks people took to provide for our independence and our freedom.
