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Note: NBC17 surveyed only those candidates who had opponents for the primary race. Although your partisan ballot on May 6 may contain more names than seen here, it is because the candidate does not have any same-party opposition and will appear on the November ballot without contest.
NBC17 did not change, alter or edit the responses from the surveys. The answers below are as written by each candidate.
Candidates For North Carolina State Senate
District 14: Democrats Vernon Malone and Ann Akland will be on the primary ballot May 6.
Vernon Malone - Incumbent - D
Raleigh
Age: 77
Current Profession / Occupation:
Retired Educator
Why should voters select you on Election Day?
--Effective proven leadership --Concern for welfare of others --Advocate for education and health issues --Understands importance of strong economy
As a state legislator, what can you do to improve the economy in North Carolina?
To strengthen our state's economy, I have led the charge to invest in critical economic growth initiatives to help attract new jobs and employers and to help existing businesses grow and prosper. We must continue using smart, targeted, performance-based incentives. To help working families, we capped the gasoline tax to help consumers and businesses cope with rising fuel costs, and we reduced income taxes for roughly 30,000 small businesses. And our new Earned Income Tax Credit will help more than 700,000 low-income working families make ends meet. I believe that we must invest in education to improve the economy as well. High tech jobs are the jobs of the future. We have to educate our children to compete in the 21st century economy. A sound education from pre-kindergarten through community college or one of our state universities is the key.
As Senior Chairman of the Education Public Instruction Committee and Senior Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education/Public Instruction, I have worked hard to improve our state's education system and we are seeing improvement. I supported Learn and Earn, which allows students to attend a high school located on a college campus, and in no more than five years, students can earn a high school diploma and finish with two years of college credit or earn an associate's degree, at no cost. Here in Wake County, we have Wake County Early College High School as a Learn and Earn school and 17 Learn and Earn online schools.
Gov. Easley just unveiled a new health plan. What is your view of health care in North Carolina?
I believe that health care should be right, but it's been a privilege for far too long. I thing the fact that we seem to be headed toward universal coverage based on the presidential campaign shows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and gives me hope. It is unconscionable that over 45 million Americans lack health insurance. In the Senate, I've led the fight to cover our uninsured children. Last year, we expanded our Health Choice program which provides health coverage for uninsured children. We invested $120 million over the next two years in NC Health Choice. This covers over 117,000 people. NC Health Choice covers families who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford rising health insurance premiums are able to get free or reduced price comprehensive health care for their children. This plan is the same as coverage provided for the children of state employees and teachers, plus vision, hearing and dental benefits.
How do you think money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should be used?
I believe that we must end the Highway Fund transfer and I am hopeful that we will do that this year. The blue-ribbon committee appointed by the Governor and the House and Senate is finalizing recommendations and I am told that this is likely to be part of it. North Carolina's strong economy has resulted in rapid growth that has strained our transportation system. This is a long-termed problem and we are not going to solve it overnight. I am pleased with the progress of 540, but I will keep working to expedite the completion in Southern Wake County.
A poll conducted by NBC17, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and WCNC showed that many people think illegal immigration is a major problem in North Carolina. What should be done to address this issue?
Any discussion of immigration brings out passion on all sides. However, stereotypes and misunderstanding do nothing more but divide us all further. We are a compassionate nation of immigrants. That said, we must obey the rule of law, while maintaining the spirit that makes America great. Immigration is first and foremost a federal issue--but since the federal government has failed to enforce immigration laws, we at the state level approved allowing state and local law enforcement agencies to give their officers the authority to investigate and arrest illegal immigrants. We have also passed measures to strengthen driver's license security measures, to prohibit state government from hiring illegal immigrants, and to check the legal status of prisoners.
Ann Akland
Knightdale
Age: 59
Current Profession / Occupation: Management Consultant; Small Business Owner
Why should voters select you on Election Day?
I live in Knightdale with my husband, Gerry. My family instilled in me the traditional values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and a commitment to give back to the community. My early experiences taught me how to turn concerns into actions, achieving change. I know the value of hard work. I worked on my family's tobacco farm, and after high school graduation, I spent the summer working as a teacher's aide and bus driver for Project Head Start. I began my federal career as a clerk typist.
Through hard work and continuing education, I was elevated to a Senior Executive Position. the highest civilian rank in the federal government. I retired after 32 years' service and since that time I have given back to my community as a volunteer by leading nonprofit organizations, establishing services and advocating for people with disabilities. I continue to use my skills as an Executive Coach and management consultant. In addition, my husband and I have started and co-own two small businesses.
However, I am proudest of my accomplishments as a volunteer: founding President of Derek's Renaissance House, a licensed state day program for adults with severe mental illness and rejuvenating the Wake County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) making it one of the most recognized mental health advocacy organizations in the state. I has been honored by receiving numerous awards including an EPA distinguished career award. Other honors include: Knightdale Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year 2005; NAMI NC Advocate of the Year, 2005;Tar Heel of the Week, Raleigh N&O, 2006; Citizens Award, Independent Weekly, 2002. Wake County and North Carolina are among the best places to live in the country, but there are challenges facing many of our citizens that require energetic, visionary, leadership and new ways of making things happen. I am committed to representing everyone, no mater what race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or occupation. Virtually every candidate across the state makes a similar statement. I bring a difference--a history of accomplishment, a passion for helping people with disabilities, and a very special interest: YOU!! If you want change, join with me.
As your State Senator, I will: 1) listen to you and value what YOU have to say 2) Bring leadership to the Senate to fix the broken service system for people with disabilities. Over $400M of your tax dollars to help disabled people has been wasted because of lack of leadership and oversight. Tax funds will not be wasted on my watch. 3) These are my priorities for bringing the American Dream to everyone in the District and state: a) providing affordable insurance and health care for everyone and quality care for people with disabilities, b)enhancing the safety of our communities by providing quality education and fighting gangs and drugs, c) providing essential infrastructure to ensure our state is ready for the future and, d) ensuring competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain the best and brightest people to keep our schools and state agencies operating efficiently. My pledge: You are my special interest. I will be a catalyst for change, using all my experience and energy to be an effective champion for our families, communities, and people with disabilities. My responsibility is to the citizens of this state, not special interests.
As a state legislator, what can you do to improve the economy in North Carolina?
At the same time our businesses are struggling, there are needs for infrastructure improvements. I would support state investments in these areas which would spur our economy.
Gov. Easley just unveiled a new health plan. What is your view of health care in North Carolina?
There are too many uninsured people who have difficulty accessing decent health care, and there are too many people left with huge unanticipated medical bills. We need universal health insurance.
How do you think money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should be used?
On the surface, the answer would be "roads" but the intent of the original law passed in 1989 was to generate $170M in revenue for other purposes. If replacement revenue can be found so the other programs aren't damaged, it may be ok to restrict the funds to building and maintaining roads. Otherwise, no changes should be made.
A poll conducted by NBC17, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and WCNC showed that many people think illegal immigration is a major problem in North Carolina. What should be done to address this issue?
I believe passages of the Kennedy Immigration Bill at the federal level would be a step in the right direction.
District 16: Democrats Jack Nichols, Joshua Stein and Wilfred Shea will be on the primary ballot May 6. Stein and Shea did not respond to the NBC17 Survey.
Jack Nichols
Your Age: 56
Occupation: attorney
Why should voters select you on Election Day?
I am a Proven, Principled, Progressive candidate who wants to make Wake County better, not just bigger. Proven: I am the only candidate with previous local government experience. I have fought to improve our schools, plan for growth and protect our environment. I served as Governor Jim Hunt’s Deputy Legislative Director and helped pass significant laws, including the Safe Roads Act which cracked down on drunk drivers. I have also been active in our community; I was a Co-founder, Planned Parenthood of Greater Raleigh (which now operates in 4 states) and Co-founder of Wake County SmartStart. I have served on the boards of Interact, the Women’s Center, the Montessori School of Raleigh, and Wake Education Partnership.
I am a life long member and leader with the Boy Scouts of America and a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Principled: I want to get past politics as usual and have proposed new ideas, such as my proposal to end the constant conflict between the county commission and the school board which is threatening the public’s confidence in our nationally recognized schools by moving County Commissioner elections to be held at the same time as School Board elections and having County Commissioners and School Board candidates run from the same districts. Like the Raleigh and Cary Town Councils, candidates would be primarily elected from districts with a few at large members. Details of the proposal are on my website, jacknichols.org. Progressive: I understand that our economy depends on strong public schools, a healthy environment, and having growth help pay for itself. I believe that health care, including mental health care, is a right. I will fight to make the Dix Hospital property our “Central Park” after the hospital is closed and patients are transferred. I have been endorsed by: teachers [NCAE Wake County)]; State Employees (SEANC); Nurses; Law Enforcement [North Carolina Police Benevolent Association]; and the North Carolina National Organization for Women.
As a state legislator, what can you do to improve the economy in North Carolina?
First and foremost, we must improve our schools. Quality public schools ensure that citizens can obtain employment, businesses will re-locate here, and local businesses will expand. Secondly, we must balance the benefits of economic growth with protecting the environment. We need to grow not just bigger, but better. Third, we must assist local governments and potential industry with the infrastructure that will ensure growth, such as good roads, water and sewer, and public transit. Finally, in those instances where the State provides financial incentives, we must ensure that we obtain the benefits from the industries that locate here based on those incentives.
Gov. Easley just unveiled a new health plan. What is your view of health care in North Carolina?
One out of six non-elderly North Carolinians are without health insurance, which is 1.6 million citizens. Approximately one-third of the uninsured are working for small businesses which cannot afford to pay its employees' health insuance. We cannot simply wait for the federal government to solve this problem. We must expand the newly enacted program that provides support to small businesses who provide health insurance for their employees. Also, we need to expand the SCHIP program so that children who are above the Medicaid funding levels and are without health insurance can receive the health care benefits of that program.
How do you think money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should be used?
The Fund should be a capital improvement account so that roads and other transportation needs can be planned and funded. We should eliminate transfers from the Highway Fund to the General Fund which are used to pay personnel costs; the General Fund should sustain those needs. Also, we need to provide additional funding for mass transit. Our urban areas, particularly the Triangle are, need to plan and fund for mass transit in our area.
A poll conducted by NBC17, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and WCNC showed that many people think illegal immigration is a major problem in North Carolina. What should be done to address this issue?
Of course, the solution to the immigration problems is largely a federal issue. I support comprehensive immigration reform. I don’t think it is in public interest for a piecemeal approach and have the States fighting with each other. Our employers need clear policies that will allow them to hire lawful workers. I anticipate that the upcoming General Assembly will have to deal with the problems of drunk driving by undocumented immigrants, and payment of community college tuition for children of immigrants, who may or may not have documentation.
District 23: Democrats Moses Cary, Jr. and Ellie Kinnaird will be on the primary ballot May 6. Kinnaird did not respond to the NBC17 survey.
Moses Carey, Jr.
62
Current Profession / Occupation: Retired Health Administrator/lawyer
Why should voters select you on Election Day?
I am the best qualified in terms of experience and the ability to get results to serve district needs. My public health and legal training has prepared me to contribute in Raleigh. I have served for 24 yrs on the Orange county board of Commissioners.
As a state legislator, what can you do to improve the economy in North Carolina?
The best way to improve the economy is to train workers to work in the industries of the future. That means we must eliminate drop outs and support public schools and universities including Community colleges to meet student needs. Improving education will prepare young people to contribute to society and support their families which will stimulate the economy and provide jobs of the future. We must also help build infrastructure in areas of the state where is is badly needed to attract jobs. we must provide an environment which supported markets for green industry and promote conservation of our scarce resources. The greatest future water resource lies in our ability to conserve. The State must take the lead in promoting conservation industries.
Gov. Easley just unveiled a new health plan. What is your view of health care in North Carolina?
Health care and access to health insurance must be improved. My experience of over 35 yrs. in public health and primary care has prepared me to make a contribution in this area. We cannot wait on the Federal gov't to do the right thing in this area. We can improve access to health care including mental health by using the experience of those who have worked in theses fields for many years. We must invest in more prevention to address the increasing amount we are spending for health care without the best results in terms of access and quality. Health care including controlling cost is the most important issues we will face in the near future. We must learn from other states efforts and move toward a system of universal health insurance in a incremental manner as we address the many issues affecting our State, which includes strengthening mental health parity as well as insuring preventive care parity with sick care. We must also train professionals to care for the aging population the state will experience in the future. I served for 18 yrs. as CEO of Piedmont Health Services which provides primary care to more than 30,000 patients annually regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. this experience has prepared me to work with others who can help move the State forward on this issue.
How do you think money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should be used?
Money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should aonly be used for Transportation purposes. I include multi modal forms of transportation including pedestrian options in my definition of Transportation. I believe we must provide incentives for residents to get our of cars and take public transportation as much as possible. This will reduce congestion and minimize air pollution while improving our quality of life in the area.
A poll conducted by NBC17, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and WCNC showed that many people think illegal immigration is a major problem in North Carolina. What should be done to address this issue?
Illegal immigration is first and foremost a Federal regulation and enforcement issue. The State and local governments will not be successful in this area until Federal clarity is brought into this area. Until then, State and local governments should do what they do best within their roles and authority. that is to enforce the laws they are charged with to protect their residents.
District 12: Democrats Kay Carroll and Patricia Oliver and Republicans David Rouzer and Nena Reeves will face off in the May 6 primary. Rouzer and Reeves did not respond to the NBC17 Survey.
Patricia A. Oliver
Age: 60
Current Profession / Occupation: Chair Woman / CEO of Around the Clock Plumbing
Why should voters select you on Election Day?
Being a business owner I have learned one thing to be True ! Every child in North Carolina needs to be able to read and write. If you vote for me , I promise I will work to ensure that every child gets a education. I promise I will fight to keep other people from raising your taxes. Please vote Patricia A. Oliver on May 6 , I also need donations of time and money.
As a state legislator, what can you do to improve the economy in North Carolina?
I will work with Rep and Dem senators to bring industry to North Carolina without giving away all our tax dollars. I will help cut the North Carolina budget so the tax payers can still make a living and pay their taxes.
Gov. Easley just unveiled a new health plan. What is your view of health care in North Carolina?
I believe every person in North Carolina deserves health insurance. We need to look at the same insurance that Presidents and all political servants have for all the people. If political servants have this health care why can't the American citizens.
How do you think money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should be used?
For the highways of course. Pay back borrowed money from social security and the borrowed money taken away from retirement funds of the people that work for the state. I believe that if we cut the fat out of the budget of the state there will be a lot of money left. Lets manage the state like a business and keep it in the black and cut out wasteful spending. Lets take away the credit cards and cars of state employees . Let them drive their own car and buy their own gas to go work , like we do.
A poll conducted by NBC17, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and WCNC showed that many people think illegal immigration is a major problem in North Carolina. What should be done to address this issue?
Women are running across the border to have babies. Once that child is born ,its an American, it gets a check, health care , food stamps and WIC until its 18 years old. The parents get to stay in America even though they are illegal. If we remove that American child from the illegal parents and give it up for adoption to American people. Send the illegals back to Mexico , you will see a lot of this running across the border stopped. We have got to take a hard stand to keep our country, if we don't how will we be able to keep supporting all these people. The working person is holding down 2 jobs to keep their children from being hungry and pay their living expenses. People we have got to do something.
Kay Carroll
Age: 60
Current Profession / Occupation: pharmacist
Why should voters select you on Election Day?
I have been intimately involved with the issues facing District 12 for the past 16 years as a member of the board of education. During this time I have helped craft and implement a plan that has enabled Johnston County to build and renovate schools to house our growing student population and do so within our ability to pay. We have spent $350 million of tax monies and have built schools on time and within the budget. We have done this by working together to solve our growth issues in education. At the same time, I was involved in focusing on goals and programs that would improve our students education outcomes. We identified programs that worked for us and deleted programs that didn't. We drafted a student accountability policy that addressed the responsibilities of the student, the parents and the school system. We set higher expectations for all parties involved. As a board of education member, I dealt with policy and supported our administrators and teachers as they went about creating successes in education. We have moved from being in the bottom tier of school systems in N.C. to being in the top tier. I believe that I have a record of dependability, honesty, fairness and shown the ability to get the job done. I pledge to take this same effort to Raleigh for the people of District 12.
As a state legislator, what can you do to improve the economy in North Carolina?
First, we must address the way tax dollars are handled in Raleigh. Then we must make sure that we are supporting education and job training to provide an educated workforce for industry and keep our tax rates competitive with other states.
Gov. Easley just unveiled a new health plan. What is your view of health care in North Carolina?
We have great health care in N.C. if you live in the more urban areas of our state. Unfortunately, the more rural areas are underserved and face hardships finding doctors that can take care of them. It is an issue of access to health care and we must do a better job of providing it across the state. I think N.C. should look into joining other states in using that purchasing power to lower drug costs for our citizens. Drug rebates should go to reduce insurance rates rather than go directly to the bloated profits of insurance companies
How do you think money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should be used?
It should be spent for road construction only!
A poll conducted by NBC17, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and WCNC showed that many people think illegal immigration is a major problem in North Carolina. What should be done to address this issue?
The Federal Government must take the lead in this issue and craft a sensible immigration policy that addresses the current illegals here and deals with validating the immigrants that come into our country today. State and local governments have to participate in this process. Certainly we have the right to expect immigrants to play by the same rules as our citizens. If not, then they have to be returned to their home country.
________________________________________
District 21: Democrats Larry Shaw and Eronomy Neon Smith will face off in the May 6 primary.
Larry Shaw
Age: 58
Occupation: CEo Shaw Food Services
Affiliation: Dem
Incumbent: Yes
Why Should Voters Choose You on Election Day?
"I am a resourceful problem solver, a high-energy leader, and an advocate of designing cost effective plans that contribute positively to Cumberland County's goals and objectives. I have an established track record in public service and consistently standing up for the will of the people. My provision of leadership secured 900 million dollars of highway expansion and outer-loop funds to the metropolitan area, representing a momentous achievement. I have assisted in the naming of the Martin Luther King expressway that flows through Cumberland County. Additionally, I was instrumental in helping to secure land for a Martin Luther King Park and Museum."
Candidates for NC State House
District 40: Samuel Brewer and Stanley Morse are both listed on the Democratic ballot, but Morse told NBC17 that he is no longer running for office.
District 22: Democrats Gregory Nathan Taylor and William Dale Brisson will appear on the ballot for the May 6 primary. Taylor did not respond to the NBC17 Survey.
William Brisson
62
Farmer
Democrat
Incumbent
Why should voters select you on Election Day?
I have worked hard for District 22 their Representative in the NC Legislature and on the County Commission in Bladen County. My record is one of a promise given a promise kept. My office is open and responsive to everyone in the district. I will represent everyone of my constituents equally and with full respect for them and their concerns. My goals are simple: Improvements in health care and mental health reform, better educational funding distribution for our area, our share of the transportation budget for road improvements, and a stronger voice for our citizens in Raleigh. Please help me achieve these goals by contacting me with your suggestions and voting for me on May 6th, 2008
As a state legislator, what can you do to improve the economy in North Carolina?
One of the most important elements of binging in new industry and improved employment is to enhance our education and job training programs. I am committed to the upgrade of both. If we are budget wise while taking care of our citizens needs for education, health care , and a clean environment we will provide the setting for better employment. As the only working farmer in the State Legislature I am committed to helping my fellow legislators understand the needs of rural and small town areas in NC.
Gov. Easley just unveiled a new health plan. What is your view of health care in North Carolina?
I have studied the plan and am supportive of enhanced health care for all our citizens that we can afford. The need for enhanced health programs must also address the need for better mental health care in our state. I will work within the legislative process to help pass programs that enhance our services but are within a budget that doesn't break the bank.
How do you think money generated by the Highway Trust Fund should be used?
I am supportive of the initial purposes set forth when the Trust Fund was enacted. Without good roads and highways we all come to a standstill both literally and figuratively. With increasing fuel costs and construction costs I am concerned that the Trust Fund may not be enough to fund our needs in the future. I will continue to work with my fellow legislators on solutions for our transportation needs. These needs will be central to the work done in the Legislature in 2008-2009.
A poll conducted by NBC17, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and WCNC showed that many people think illegal immigration is a major problem in North Carolina. What should be done to address this issue?
The Federal Government must find solutions to this issue before much can be done effectively at the state level. NC needs to be working with our congressional delegation urging solutions that do not put all the fiscal burdens for their solutions back onto the states. These solutions include, health care, criminal justice, and other social program costs that become the burden of the state systems for the illegal populations. Having competitive employees must be balanced by the enforcement of existing laws. A fair system of resolution begins with enforcing the laws we already have including protecting our borders for our own national security.
District 43: Democrats Elmer Floyd and Mary McAllister will face off in the May 6 primary. Neither responded to the NBC17 survey.
