N.C. Rep. Mike Speciale, from Facebook

N.C. Rep. Mike Speciale of New Bern, who is running for reelection in the Republican primary, posted a long response on Sunday night to opposition from a fellow conservative who is not even on the ballot.
Speciale tore into Tyker Gonzales, a Cove City resident who advocates on behalf of independent farmers and humane treatment of animals.
As Speciale tells it on his Facebook wall, “A lady by the name of Tyker Gonzales is having a hard time grasping the facts about a puppy mill bill from six years ago.
“She has chosen to make my debate on the House floor against this bill an issue in this year’s primary election. She is supporting my opponent who apparently is leading her to believe he would have supported this bill, and together they are trying to paint me as someone who does not like animals.
“That is pure nonsense, and anyone who knows me knows that I love animals. This is one reason I would not support this bill.”
Gonzales, who said she has been blocked from commenting on Speciale’s Facebook wall, was alerted to his posting by a friend.
Here is her response. After that, read the rest of Speciale’s comments.
From Tyker Gonzales:

Tyker Gonzales, from Facebook
WOW…..So tonight I was tagged in this post by a friend, a post by NC House Rep. Michael Speciale…..Wouldn’t you know Mr. Speciale’s post was written concerning yours truly! Oh my word. To make it better, he blocked me from commenting on it.
So let me be clear, I am NOT nor have I ever voted for Michael Speciale and let me explain why.
Years ago, Mr. Speciale used to work at a feed store where I purchased our horse feed. He was always very smug, acting as if he did not want to be there. I tried many times to get a smile out of him, to no avail. The next thing I knew he was running for the NC state house of Representatives……. My family was stunned. We did not vote for him as previously stated.
I have been present when he was a guest speaker at several CCTA meetings after he was elected and was still not comfortable with him representing some of us in NC with his views and overall thought process.
My discernment was confirmed when he made horrible comments on the house floor in 2013 referring to the puppy mill bill. I called him out on those comments on Facebook, and his response was that it was a ridiculous bill and he was pointing out it’s ridiculousness with his comments.  ‘Exercise on a daily basis’ – if I kick him across the floor, is that considered daily exercise?” Speciale said. ‘Euthanasia performed humanely’ – so should I choose the ax or the baseball bat?” This was reported in Rolling Stone magazine and covered by WRAL. Even many of his colleagues were disgusted. He replied to WRAL with this statement, “For those of you who were not there and did not understand the context and the moment, reading my printed words could give the wrong impression, so get off your high horses and do your research before you take what you read as gospel. I will debate as I believe to be most effective, and I will not succumb to political correctness.”
Now, Mr. Speciale has not tried to correct the bill, reintroduce the bill, nor did he vote for it when it did pass the house in 2015 (two years later). This shows to me he has no interest in this bill other than making a mockery of it.
Furthermore, there was another post on Facebook in the last month asking if kids should be taught how to grow plants and vegetables while at school. Mr. Speciale responded no, they should concentrate on reading, writing and arithmetic.  I responded in disagreement- pointing out how kids think their milk comes from Walmart and burgers from McDonald’s. It was important for them to learn where their food comes from and how to learn to raise it.
Those of you that know me, know farmers and animals are in my heart. You know how I feel about personal responsibility, and irresponsibility.The Bible clearly speaks about farmers and animals also, “The righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel” Prov. 12:10 “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.”James 5:7 “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops”.2 Tim. 2:6…. Regarding life, teaching patience and hard work…….animals and farming are life lessons.
Mr. Speciale, I am sorry you feel you had to lash out to me personally seeing I am not on the ballot. I am also sorry you think Mr. Queen is “leading me to believe he would have voted for it” as we have never even discussed it honestly. I am supporting Mr. Eric Queen because of his integrity, his service, his experience in protecting others in pinpoint circumstances while in the Marines, his honesty, the fact that he visited and showed interest in our animal shelter asking questions to see what is needed, what is lacking and how the state is involved, the solutions he proposes for the opioid epidemic are solid, school safety is one of his specialties (you should hear his testimonies of protecting Afghanistan schools).
So for those of you watching this race, I ask you again to vote for Eric Queen. It is crystal clear to me now more than ever that while Mr. Speciale is also a child of God and loved by God and me, we are given the choice of who best represents us- and I believe that man is Eric Queen.
Here is the rest from Speciale’s post:
The facts are that the bill was pure nonsense, and this bill has been presented every session for years, and every session it has not passed.  In 2013 Governor McCrory’s wife made it her pet bill and Speaker Tillis, as well as several members of the House, were determined to pass this bill in order to please her.
In order to get the bill to pass the individual committees, it was successively watered down with each committee, so that by the time it came to the House floor, it was so generic and watered down as to be useless to law enforcement and unenforceable in a court of law.  My objection to the bill was its ambiguous wording and its unenforceability.
The American Kennel Society was against the bill, as were many other organizations and individuals.  The bill exempts breeders of hunting dogs, breeders of less than 10 dogs, breeders of show dogs, breeders of sporting dogs, breeders of dogs kept for purposes other than pets, and field trials.  So who does this bill apply to?  What is the purpose of the bill?
When new laws are written, they must be specific enough to be easily recognized, charged, and adjudicated in court.
Nothing in this bill is specific enough to prevent opinions of what is or what isn’t being done.  The bill states that dogs must:  Have access to exercise on a daily basis.  Access?
Who determines what access is?  That is not specific enough, and leaves it up to an officer to determine if a violation has occurred.  Must have access to food and water.  Again, access is not defined.  Must be humanely euthanized.  What exactly does that mean in a legal sense?  Some folks have use axes to euthanize their dogs, and they thought that was humane because it was quick.  What does humanely mean when there is no apt description.  This and others like this are why I fought to defeat this bill.  I used strong verbage like the reference to the axe to get my point across to my fellow Legislators, whose votes I was trying to turn against the bill.  I did succeed in turning some to vote no, but not enough to stop passage.  The bill died from neglect in the Senate.  It was brought up again in the 2015-2016 session and did not pass, and again last year, where it did not pass the Senate.
Tyker Gonzales is taking my words on the floor of the House in this debate to mean that I hate animals, and that is nonsense and the idea is absurd!  Instead of worrying about how I chose to debate, she should be happy that this watered down bill did not pass and make everyone feel all good inside as if they accomplished something.  You, the citizens of this District, did not send me to Raleigh to pass useless bills for the Governor’s wife at your expense.  My words are not the problem here, the bill was the problem but my opponent apparently would vote yes for this bill if given the chance.  Please vote for someone who reads the bills and can discern their meaning and their effect and vote accordingly.  Don’t be fooled by my opponent, Vote Michael Speciale.

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  1. In general, I find Mr Speciale’s political positions, demeanor, and grasp of reality to be lacking and an embarrassment to New Bern.

  2. As an oppo researcher years ago in a local campaign, I visited a Tea Party meeting Speciale attended in which he participated in the cruelest of fear mongering. I regret his participation in our community. Embarrassment indeed.

  3. Let me see if I understand. North Carolina’s future is beholding to you and PETA because anyone who didn’t vote for one particular piece of legislation 6 years ago (whatever it said) is immoral and unworthy. Have I got that right? Hmmmm.
    FYI #1: Educating children about “how to grow plants and vegetables” will not teach them that milk does not come from Walmart and burgers don’t come from McDonalds. Neither milk nor burgers come from plants and vegetables. And it does nothing to advance the high-tech society we are becoming.
    FYI #2: Mr. Queen is not the only veteran in America. Mr. Speciale is a retired Marine, who doesn’t need to wave his awards and decorations that have no bearing whatsoever on his ability to serve as an effective legislator.
    FYI #3: Mr. Speciale’s demonstrated EXPERIENCE as a former Chairman of the Craven County Republican Party, a former Chairman of the Coastal Carolina Taxpayer’s Association, a former Director of The Retired Enlisted Association, and a Graduate Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership are far more compelling and important qualifications for leadership than Mr. Queen’s membership in the VFW and the NRA.
    But those are just my opinions.

  4. A real, experienced legislator who claims to be a good American would not waste time and public resources bringing up a bill to (a) tinker with the State constitution, and (b) repeal part of that constitution so this State could secede from the United States of America. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article134037589.html
    A real, experienced legislator who claims to understand the American government’s three branches would not waste public resources bringing up a bill to outlaw a social status (gay marriage) that has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article191920144.html
    How much more wasting of our tax money and public buildings are we going to abide with the unpleasant Speciale in charge?

  5. You stated that Speciale “tore into” Tyker, which is not the case. I’ve read his response more than once and certainly didn’t come away with that opinion. He did clarify his position in the proper context, however.
    If Michael had “tore into” Tyker, he would have heard from me as I’ve known her for a long time and she’s a very good Christian friend.
    I’ve also known Michael & Hazel Speciale for a very long time and they likewise are very good Christian friends.
    Taking things in the proper context is a good thing.

    1. Author

      You’re right. Perhaps I should have used “whined about” instead.

  6. Hi Guy. I debated on replying, but I don’t want to miss an opportunity to share especially when it comes to farming. Before I go there however, it is important to note the piece of legislation that is referred to as the puppy mill bill, was NEVER at issue. It was the comments made during the debate on this issue that showed a very disturbing, disrespectful pattern. In fact I never once said the bill was a good one, that was assumed by Mr. Speciale. I myself turned down a half-put together ordinance by our county board for much the same reason he declined to vote for it- exemptions, but I did so without demeaning comments.
    On your first point about plants and vegetables having nothing to do with burgers and milk…actually it has a lot to do with them. See, by learning how to grow plants, weed appropriately, treat for disease, and fertilize, it also teaches how to raise pastures that cows must have in order to produce. In elementary ages it begins with simple plants and vegetables, in middle school kids graduate to small farm animals such as chickens and goats, in some high schools, sheep, cows and even pigs are kept. Many HIgh Schools are part of the FFA (Future Farmers of America program). I know this as both of my children were in this program and I have had the honor of speaking to classes concerning farming. If America doesn’t start getting serious about keeping farmlands in business, as we are losing farms at alarming rates, we will be importing more food than we export. Whoever controls the food chain, controls the people.
    On your second point, I think it’s wonderful Mr. Speciale also served in the Marines and I am every bit as grateful for his service as Mr. Queens. I haven’t seen Mr. Queen “wave” around his awards though. When a candidate runs for office, their manager usually asks for specifics , awards, service, accomplishments and so on as part of their resume. Exactly like you have done in point three.
    Mr. Speciale ran the first time boasting of his belief in term limits. There is much tangible evidence to back this up. I think many of us are discouraged in the fact that term limits never happened, not only with this candidacy, but many others who also promised the same. Mr. Speciale’s accomplishments are many from your statement, but it is so important that those who have been involved in politics for quite some time, let someone who is not take the helm. I honestly don’t believe that our forefathers meant to have career politicians. I still believe strongly in term limits, maybe one day it will happen. I hope this will clarify some points.


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