1. Why do you wish to serve or continue to serve in the NC General Assembly?
I have been a resident of Cumberland County since 1976 and it would be a distinct honor to be its representative in the General Assembly. I am a product of Cumberland County public schools, a daughter and spouse of its military community and actively engaged in multiple issues important to my neighbors throughout the county.
2. What are the top three changes facing North Carolina and how to you propose to address them through your office?
Education: Investment in traditional public schools especially by providing stability to Teacher’s Assistants, sufficient classroom supplies and technology and competitive salaries for all our educators.
Economy: Many Carolinians are experiencing some level of financial difficulty. Adjustment to our tax code could enable many of them to have more funds to spend locally, bolstering local businesses and generating revenue in the process.
Healthcare: Expansion of Medicaid would be a valuable means of improving the health of our residents. Also, the presence of pediatric mental health facility in this district would make it easier for our families to access those services. Ensuring local facilities are equipped to provide quality support to our large veteran community would honor their service.
3. There is a statewide issue with unmaintained roads in neighborhoods recently referred to as “orphaned roads.” A bill was introduced in the General Assembly this year but did not move forward. What are your thoughts for solving this problem?
It is unacceptable for government maintained roads to be “orphaned”. Even temporary measures focused on keeping thoroughfares safe and passable have to be accomplished until permanent repairs can take place. The process used to fund and award contracts may need adjustments to aid in getting timely repairs done. As for the bill, the circumstances that prevented it from going forward need to be addressed in order to secure the support necessary to get action on the bill.
4. What NEW ideas or incentives can you suggest to attract business into the region?
We need a marketing campaign that “rebrands” North Carolina with an emphasis that our diverse educational base can support multiple industries. We also need to showcase that as a state, we embrace inclusiveness. This will demonstrate to prospective businesses that all their employees will be productive because they will be content and safe while living in surrounding communities.
5. Do you support a further extension of a tax on services in North Carolina? Why or why not?
No, I do not. The people most affected by these taxes use these services the most and are the ones least able to afford the additional expense.
