The North Carolina State Senate is the upper body of the North Carolina Legislature and consists of 50 members who serve a term of two years. Each member represents an average of 190,710 residents, as of the 2010 Census. The Senate elects officers from their membership including the President Pro Tempore.The North Carolina General Assembly, of which the Senate is a part, is to convene a new regular session every two years. The NC legislature makes decisions on the budget: taxes, tax credits, economic development, education funding, Pre-K, the courts, Medicaid, etc. It also passes laws that set environmental standards such as water and air quality, tax rates, tax credits, criminal justice. Legislators in both chambers serve two-year terms without term limits. Sessions begin at noon on the third Wednesday after the second Monday in January.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Current Occupation
Retired public school teacher
Age (optional)
64
Campaign Phone
7049757528
Campaign Youtube URL
I spent 30 years teaching in North Carolina public schools, much of it teaching history and civics. I earned a master’s degree and National Board Certification, but the most useful education I got came from working every day with students, parents, teachers, and families. Teaching taught me to listen, explain complicated things in plain language, and work with people who don’t always agree. I’d take those same skills with me to Raleigh.
My biggest priority is making state government work for regular people again. That means good public schools, affordable health care and child care, decent jobs, and communities where people can still afford to live. We also need to get a better handle on growth. When big companies or developers come into an area, local people shouldn’t be left paying for the roads, schools, utilities, and other costs that come with it.
I spent 30 years in public schools, so this one is personal to me. North Carolina needs to put more money and attention into the public schools that serve every child. That means better pay for teachers, assistants, bus drivers, and other school employees, along with support for career and technical education. I also want teachers to have more time to teach and less time spent chasing tests and paperwork. Public education should be treated as a basic responsibility of the state.
Taxes should pay for the things North Carolinians depend on, including schools, roads, health care, public safety, and basic services. I don’t believe working families and retirees should carry more of the load while large corporations and very wealthy people get special treatment. Tax breaks for businesses should come with clear requirements and real public benefit. If taxpayers are putting money into a deal, they deserve to know what they’re getting back.
People should be able to feel safe at home, at school, at work, and in their community. I support strong laws against violent crime, domestic violence, trafficking, and illegal gun use while respecting constitutional rights and due process. We also need better mental health and substance-use treatment, safer schools, and enough support for law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders. Prevention matters too. We should try to stop trouble before somebody gets hurt.
I’m a retired school teacher from Casar, and I’m running because I think Raleigh needs more people who understand everyday life outside Raleigh. I’ve spent this campaign traveling Cleveland County, Lincoln County, and the Cherryville area, talking with people and listening. My priorities are pretty simple: strong public schools, accessible health care, support for working families and small businesses, sensible growth, and a state government that remembers who it works for. I’ll work with anybody when it helps the people back home.
