“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the loss of U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, a true statesman. As Mayor, Senator Helms provided impeccable constituent services and was always friendly and accessible. He kept his word whenever he made a commitment and he always put North Carolina first. Senator Helms was a friend to all North Carolinians, particularly Charlotteans, through his diligent work to help Charlotte secure its first federal grant for light rail. Without Senator Helms support from the very beginning, the highly successful Lynx Blue Line would not be a reality today. As a friend, I will miss Jesse’s warm smile and genuine hugs and friendly demeanor. It is an ending tribute that Senator Helms passed on Independence Day, as he was always a strong defender of our country’s security and family values. His passing is a great loss for our State and Country. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dot and the entire Helms family.”