Indyweek Questionnaire
In your view, what are the three most pressing issues facing Wake County? If elected, what will you do to address these issues?
Affordable Housing may be the biggest crisis facing our county right now. When elected, I will be the only commissioner who does not currently own their own home. Having this perspective on the board right now is crucial. We are THE hotspot for real estate in America. While current homeowners have gained tens or hundreds of thousands in wealth as their home values increase, those who do not yet own a home face unprecedented…
Education has always been a priority of mine. Not only did I attend and benefit from our public schools, but my mother was also an 8th grade English teacher here in Wake County for more than 2 decades. As commissioner, I will work with our school board and staff to determine what we can do for our schools, and make sure we find the best ways to fund those projects moving forward. If elected, I will particularly look for ways to impact our early education and K-3 literacy programs….
The Economy in Wake County is strong, and Wake County is a top destination for employers and entrepreneurs. As a result, we continue to see record job growth and investment in this region. While I look forward to helping Wake County maintain its competitive edge, and remain a leader in jobs, employment rates, wages, and quality of life, I also want to make sure that our rising tide is lifting all boats….
League of Women Voters Questionnaire
If elected, what infrastructure projects will you prioritize for your county?
Our schools have $1.1 billion in capital improvement needs over the next 5 years, and $3 billion over the next 10. When we don’t take care of our schools, they begin to crumble. To preserve our investments and make certain our student have safe, clean learning environments, we must invest in those repairs and updates.
We also have a $2 billion rail line being proposed that would run from Clayton to RTP, servicing only an estimated 12,000 riders per day. This line, while clearly only a first step in creating a robust public transit system, does not provide service to most of Wake County, and will therefore be largely unusable for most residents. Critically, this route fails to include a stop at RDU Airport, opting instead for a stop nearby, requiring riders to take a shuttle. This is a notoriously bad deal for Wake County and will haunt us for generations to come. I will fight to get us a train stop at RDU.
News & Observer Questionnaire
What is Wake County doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?
Wake County has a long-term plan called PLANWake that outlines strategies for land conservation and smart growth. It is a collaborative effort between the county and all the municipalities to chart a course for growth over a ten-year period, and it was completed in 2021. It is great that our county and municipal government staff and elected officials can work collaboratively to create such a plan, and I applaud them for that effort.
When I worry about Wake County, I think about what we will look like in 20, 30, 40 years, and even beyond. Creating a comprehensive public transit system convenient to most areas is something I have heard so much talk about, but little action. Bus lines and bike lanes are important, but they will not solve our current or…
Sierra Club Questionnaire
What three goals do you have while filling this position?
- 1) Support our public school system by fully funding their budgetary requests and providing overdue investments in capital needs.
- 2) Keep Wake County a diverse, inclusive community by expanding access to affordable housing and helping first time buyers enter the market.
- 3) Continue the legacy of the current D1 Commissioner Sig Hutchinson by promoting conservation, smart growth, access to parks/greenspace, and a robust public transportation system.
Voter Ed Coalition Questionnaire
Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners?
I am running for this seat because I love Wake County, and I want to make sure it remains the best place to live, work, play, and raise a family. I am 39 years old, on the cusp of home ownership, hoping to adopt a child, and struggling with student loans. In many ways, my experiences and struggles are typical of those faced by my generation, and we are ready to have a seat at the table so we can get to work creating lasting solutions. If we are not at the table, we are on the menu.
Wake Weekly Questionnaire
Briefly list your government background and other relevant experience. (100 words or less)
I am an attorney with experience in criminal defense and securities litigation. I am also a FINRA arbitrator, a small business owner, and public education advocate. I have served as the Wake County Young Democrats’ Treasurer, on the Democratic Party State Executive Council, and I stay active with my precinct, 13-10. In the past, I have volunteered at the Wake County Animal Shelter and have served on the board of the Capital City Clauses (a local children’s charity).
WRAL Questionnaire
Why are you running? What sets you apart from the other candidates in the primary?
I am running because I love Wake County and I want to make sure it remains the best place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Although a strong Democrat, I am not part of the established group of elected officials and community advocates who have controlled local politics for more than a decade. It is time we elevate the next generation of bold, progressive leaders to tackle our most pressing issues with the urgency and creativity required to keep our community diverse and inclusive. At age 39, I am ready to lead and would be honored to serve the people of Wake County.
Zero Waste Endorsement Questionnaire
Do you believe that humans are a contributing factor in climate change? What role, if any, do local governments play to protect the environment and its citizens from climate change?
When it comes to climate change, humans are absolutely a contributing factor. I’m no expert, but I’d imagine we are more responsible for it than not. Even though climate changes are natural, we are clearly accelerating the pace of change and are seeing the consequences.
It’s very sad that we can’t work together, across political and jurisdictional lines, to combat this issue. Local governments must lead on these issues when their state or federal officials will not act. Wake County has a comprehensive, long term growth strategy, and we invest in land conservation, parks, greenways, public transportation, clean energy. We do a good job here, but we can certainly do better.