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.
Position/philosophy statement
Changing the Face of Politics
Current Occupation
Retired
Age (optional)
73
Campaign Phone
704-564-3309
I have many years of experience in the public and private sectors. Having spent twenty-seven (27) years in North Carolina County government, I know how State and local governments operate and specifically, how they should work together for the betterment of North Carolina citizens. My professional training (engineering) has equipped me with analytical skills that are needed for resolving a variety of problems. I have served in leadership positions in many civic and professional organizations. My experience and skills are unique, and they make me the best candidate for this elected office.
Of my three priorities (economic development, infrastructure and education) the most important is economic development because it touches most aspects of quality living. The North Carolina General Assembly should facilitate wealth creation in a way which enriches poorer citizens, listens and responds to the needs of all citizens, and partner with investors to stimulate job growth and employee opportunities.
North Carolina needs a clearly articulated strategy regarding education. I believe that strategy should be to make sure North Carolina ranks above average in all aspects of our education efforts, including teacher pay. We must make education more rigorous as needed to prepare our future workforce.
Tax policy is the primary tool used by State and local governments to support the economy and address citizen's needs. While I am opposed to wasteful government spending, we must be bold enough to devote fiscal resources where they are most needed.
We must make sure our laws are addressing the most urgent safety issues; for example, should resources be committed to prosecuting marijuana users or those seeking abortions? I would not promote any changes to existing safety laws until the consequences are discussed and supported in public forums. Safety can be an individual perception issue, and I therefore will listen to understand what drives the perception.
I recently finished Matthew Desmond's book, "Poverty, By America" and agree with him that we can and should do more to combat poverty. While I do not agree with some of his recommended socialistic approaches, we live in a plentiful country and we can do better.
People sometimes think I am a woman because of the way my first name is spelled. On the 2016 ballot, I attempted to be transparent by referring to myself as Mr. Bobbie Shields. That backfired and I was accused of being chauvinistic. I learned that words and actions can be misinterpreted and, therefore, encourage additional questions if anything I have written is unclear.
Position/philosophy statement
My experience as a legislator, educator, and community leader has prepared me to serve effectively and understand the real challenges families face. I bring years of experience developing public policy, advocating for public education, protecting ret
Current Occupation
NC Senate
Campaign Phone
7045776778
My experience as a legislator, educator, and community leader has prepared me to serve effectively and understand the real challenges families face. I bring years of experience developing public policy, advocating for public education, protecting retirees and state employees, supporting small businesses, and helping constituents navigate state government. Most importantly, I listen. I understand that effective leadership requires collaboration, accountability, and a willingness to work across differences to find practical solutions that strengthen our communities and improve the lives of North Carolinians.
My most important priority is ensuring that North Carolina’s growth benefits the people who call our state home. That means strengthening public education, protecting the benefits our retirees and state employees have earned, supporting small businesses, and addressing the rising costs families face every day. I want to ensure that working families, seniors, and future generations have access to opportunity, financial security, and the resources needed to thrive.
Every child deserves a quality public education, regardless of ZIP code. My priorities are competitive salaries that help recruit and retain excellent teachers, adequate funding for classrooms and student support services, safe learning environments, and strong career and technical education opportunities. We must also support our community colleges and universities. Education funding should be viewed as an investment in our children, our workforce, and North Carolina’s economic future. We cannot expect our students to compete globally if we do not invest in their education.
Tax policy should help North Carolina remain economically strong while ensuring we can meet the needs of our people. I support a balanced approach that provides reasonable tax relief for working families and encourages small-business growth without reducing the revenue needed for public schools, infrastructure, healthcare, and other essential services. As costs continue to rise, we must be careful that tax policies do not shift greater burdens onto families, seniors, or local communities.
Improving community safety requires both strong laws and addressing the conditions that contribute to crime. I support responsible gun-safety measures, stronger protections against domestic violence, and laws that hold repeat violent offenders accountable. We must also invest in mental health and substance-use services, effective reentry programs, and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Public safety should focus on prevention, accountability, and giving people a real opportunity to succeed.
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