As Cleveland County’s second member of the House, Republican Rep. Kelly Hastings is a close ally of Speaker Tim Moore. In office since 2011, the real-estate agent and Marine Corps veteran from Cherryville (he also represents parts of Gaston County) leads the budget subcommittee that handles major construction projects as well as the nominating committee that picks UNC Board of Governors members.
This session, he sponsored a pending bill that would increase penalties for attacks on emergency responders.
Age: 60
What are some of the past jobs you’ve held outside of state government? Throughout my career, I have held jobs as a waiter, manufacturer, construction worker, farmer, retail and finance management trainee, dock worker, machine operator, educator, congressional staffer, field representative for a lieutenant governor, parole officer and real estate agent. Currently, I am a REALTOR, but serving in the General Assembly prevents me from being as active in real estate as I used to be.
What lessons from those roles have you applied to your current position? All of these jobs taught me about perseverance and the importance of respecting people.
If you could enact a single piece of legislation into law today, what would it be? If I had to choose one law to enact, it would be a law that perfectly protects children and others from physical and other types of abuse. In fact, I filed Caylee’s Law (which creates a legal duty to report abuse or neglect of children). This was passed into law a few years ago. I consider it a “signature” bill and law.
Where do you most enjoy taking an out-of-town visitor in your district? I enjoy taking people to the rural locations that display the natural beauty of the area.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work? My favorite hobby is hiking/exercising, but I have many hobbies.
Who do you most admire, and why? I most admire God/Christ. The act of sacrificing a loved one and suffering for our forgiveness is constantly on my mind.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about how to get legislation passed? The best advice I have received about passing legislation has to do with preparation and including a lot of knowledgeable people in the process. Teamwork is extremely important.
