Johnston Reporter

North Carolina Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) expressed concern over what he considers is the slow pace Gov. Roy Cooper is taking reopening the state.

Perry voiced his objections in a statement to Neuse News that was published on May 22 along with other Republican lawmakers, who, in some cases, also put their reactions on social media outlets such as Facebook. 

"We asked Gov. Cooper to reopen restaurants and other personal care services a week earlier. He said it was not safe, then he opened the next week. I will continue to support a cautious, reasonable approach, but we need Gov. Cooper to address the inconsistency of his decisions," Perry told Neuse News. "We have received conflicting information about high school graduations. We see businesses that are not afforded equal protections. These issues may not seem important to some in Raleigh, but I can promise you they are important to me, and the people I represent. These decisions are impacting lives too.”

Perry said Cooper's slow pace is concerning because of the impacts it could have on businesses in North Carolina, according to Neuse News. As of May 22, Cooper's reopening plan allows restaurants to open with 50% capacity along with hair salons and tattoo parlors, but bars, gyms, movie theaters and several other businesses have to remain closed. 

He told Neuse News that Cooper should speak with North Carolinians and take questions to address the unemployment and other issues people are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“I would like for the Governor to speak to the people, and take open questions from the press," Perry told Neuse News. "The hard truth is that Governor Cooper is responsible for unemployment and DOT, and they are both a mess. I think he needs to give the people a real plan to address all of these issues.“