In August, we sent out questionnaires to all candidates for local office in Craven County, asking about some of the top issues in Craven County, and let candidates know that their responses would be posted on our website. Here are the responses we received back from local candidates. If we receive more from other local candidates, we’ll be updating this page with their responses as well.
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Dana Outlaw, candidate for Mayor of New Bern
Kandi Midgette-Ward, candidate for New Bern Alderman (Ward 4)
George Corbin, candidate for Havelock City Commissioner
Brian M. Leonard, candidate for River Bend Town Council
Anita Van Amerongen, candidate for River Bend Town Council
Irving “Bud” Van Slyke, candidate for River Bend Town Council
Dana Outlaw
Candidate for Mayor of New Bern
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes the role and continuing importance of equal opportunity programs such as affirmative action and the positive effect they have through improving educational opportunities, family structure, and business opportunities in our community. We oppose any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken existing affirmative action laws and programs.
Do you oppose or support any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken affirmative action and equal opportunity programs that impact our citizens’ education or employment opportunities?
Oppose
If elected, what actions will you take regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity programs?
Continued educational, work employment, better transportation, health care, government involvement in housing and home ownership opportunities.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that appropriate vocational and workforce training increases our attraction to employers in a wide range of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial areas.
Do you support or oppose using public resources to provide and expand workforce development programs in Craven County?
[no answer]
If elected, what actions will you take regarding vocational and workforce development programs in Craven County?
We are at the ground level of partnership with the community college. We must continue to work with the Craven County Schools for alternative learning, early college, and STEM labs for our students.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that public transportation provides an important service to the public with specific benefits to the elderly, physically disabled, and economically disadvantaged. Access to important social services including health and medical services, nutritional support, and continuing education are necessary for our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the expansion of our current public transportation services to improve the services to all of our citizens?
Support
If elected, what specific actions will you take to improve the public transportation for the citizens of Craven County?
The New Bern Board of Aldermen members have met and are working with CARTS for additional transportation to the hospital, community college, and workforce development in New Bern.
EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
On March 22, 2017, the State of Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Craven County Board of Commissioners was recently presented with a request to support this amendment by the Democratic Women of Craven County, but as of this time has failed to respond.
Do you support or oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the Equal Rights Amendment?
I fully support and think we should lift up and provide a comprehensive history of all the many peoples in the past 300 years that got us up to today where we are. There are many individuals not in the history books that had a lot to do with the betterment of our society.
HATE GROUPS
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that hate groups including, but not limited to, the Ku Klux Klan, White Nationalists, Neo-Nazi, Racist Skinhead, Black Separatists, and Neo-Confederates, promote and practice violence, assault, and intimidation, and promote hate and rhetoric incompatible with the concepts of equality, freedom, and democracy that are the foundation of this country.
Do you support or oppose using the regulatory or police powers inherent in our government to identify and regulate hate groups and prohibit the assembly of openly-armed groups?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the risk to the public from marches, assembly, and intimidation by openly-armed groups?
I support peaceful assembly only. I do not support actions that obviously are to divide and breach the civility of New Bern.
DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that unchecked and uncontrolled development has a negative impact on the character and economic sustainability of our community. We further recognize that the environmental issues such as traffic and parking concerns, noise, water and air pollution, flooding and stormwater runoff, and access to public utilities are appropriate areas for regulatory intervention by our government.
Do you support or oppose government regulation of development with required and appropriate public hearings, discourse, discussion, and review?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding public review of development in Craven County?
I support public hearings, discussion, informal group meetings with staff, mayor, and aldermen for whatever parts of New Bern affected.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that installation, maintenance, and upgrades of infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways are appropriate government functions and this infrastructure has a significant impact on our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the investment of our resources in infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner through input from public advisory boards and open public hearings?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take to ensure that public resources are allocated fairly and equitably throughout your jurisdiction?
[no answer]
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Kandi Midgette-Ward
Candidate for New Bern Alderman – Ward 4
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes the role and continuing importance of equal opportunity programs such as affirmative action and the positive effect they have through improving educational opportunities, family structure, and business opportunities in our community. We oppose any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken existing affirmative action laws and programs.
Do you oppose or support any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken affirmative action and equal opportunity programs that impact our citizens’ education or employment opportunities?
[no answer]
If elected, what actions will you take regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity programs?
[no answer]
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that appropriate vocational and workforce training increases our attraction to employers in a wide range of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial areas.
Do you support or oppose using public resources to provide and expand workforce development programs in Craven County?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding vocational and workforce development programs in Craven County?
I support using public resources to provide and expand workforce training and development. If elected, I would encourage public/private partnerships between public entities and private-sector entities. The benefit would be each party sharing resources, as well as rewards and risks involved in delivering services.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that public transportation provides an important service to the public with specific benefits to the elderly, physically disabled, and economically disadvantaged. Access to important social services including health and medical services, nutritional support, and continuing education are necessary for our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the expansion of our current public transportation services to improve the services to all of our citizens?
Support
If elected, what specific actions will you take to improve the public transportation for the citizens of Craven County?
I support the expansion of our current public transportation services to improve the services to all of our citizens. The way to make sure we expand our public transportation services and make it available to all citizens in the most cost-effective way possible would be to support a grant writer position in New Bern to research grants. Federal grant money could help to pay for public transportation without taxpayers having to bear the burden.
EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
On March 22, 2017, the State of Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Craven County Board of Commissioners was recently presented with a request to support this amendment by the Democratic Women of Craven County, but as of this time has failed to respond.
Do you support or oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the Equal Rights Amendment?
I have marched with the Democratic Women of Craven County. As a local candidate, I don’t feel like there’s much to do outside of continuing to speak out regarding equal rights.
HATE GROUPS
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that hate groups including, but not limited to, the Ku Klux Klan, White Nationalists, Neo-Nazi, Racist Skinhead, Black Separatists, and Neo-Confederates, promote and practice violence, assault, and intimidation, and promote hate and rhetoric incompatible with the concepts of equality, freedom, and democracy that are the foundation of this country.
Do you support or oppose using the regulatory or police powers inherent in our government to identify and regulate hate groups and prohibit the assembly of openly-armed groups?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the risk to the public from marches, assembly, and intimidation by openly-armed groups?
I believe in free speech. It’s our 1st-Amendment right. However, in times like these, we need to be able to identify and regulate hate groups and prohibit assemblies of armed groups. Free speech is one thing, even if it is coming from a hate group, but violence should not be tolerated, EVER. These assemblies, marches, rallies, etc. should be strictly regulated.
DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that unchecked and uncontrolled development has a negative impact on the character and economic sustainability of our community. We further recognize that the environmental issues such as traffic and parking concerns, noise, water and air pollution, flooding and stormwater runoff, and access to public utilities are appropriate areas for regulatory intervention by our government.
Do you support or oppose government regulation of development with required and appropriate public hearings, discourse, discussion, and review?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding public review of development in Craven County?
I support government regulation of development with public hearings, discussion, and review. First of all, all of these things affect public health adversely. Environmental issues such as traffic and parking concerns, water, noise, air pollution, and stormwater runoff can be improved or eliminated by improving the capture and reuse of property for development, which is the direction I’m headed in if elected. I would work to strengthen relationships between city government and others in the community development system to ensure implementation of policies and procedures.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that installation, maintenance, and upgrades of infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways are appropriate government functions and this infrastructure has a significant impact on our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the investment of our resources in infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner through input from public advisory boards and open public hearings?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take to ensure that public resources are allocated fairly and equitably throughout your jurisdiction?
I support the investment of our resources in infrastructure due to the fact that our city is constantly evolving. For example, by helping to make bike paths more accessible, we lower transportation costs in households, enable compact development, and increase mobility and access for low- and no-income households. Working on our streets will cut down on wear and tear on our vehicles, which are a constant complaint in Ward 4. Government budgets and policies should be open for review and discussion.
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George Corbin
Candidate for Havelock City Commissioner
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes the role and continuing importance of equal opportunity programs such as affirmative action and the positive effect they have through improving educational opportunities, family structure, and business opportunities in our community. We oppose any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken existing affirmative action laws and programs.
Do you oppose or support any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken affirmative action and equal opportunity programs that impact our citizens’ education or employment opportunities?
Oppose
If elected, what actions will you take regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity programs?
I support Affirmative Action. Everyone deserves the same level and equal opportunity in all areas, subjects, ad pay. Equal pay for equal work whether it’s answering phones, operating a computer, or digging a ditch.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that appropriate vocational and workforce training increases our attraction to employers in a wide range of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial areas.
Do you support or oppose using public resources to provide and expand workforce development programs in Craven County?
Support
Oppose
If elected, what actions will you take regarding vocational and workforce development programs in Craven County?
I support the idea to provide and expand the program, but not the result of having a professional student. Those enrolled should be provided with a job skill and be removed from the welfare rolls.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that public transportation provides an important service to the public with specific benefits to the elderly, physically disabled, and economically disadvantaged. Access to important social services including health and medical services, nutritional support, and continuing education are necessary for our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the expansion of our current public transportation services to improve the services to all of our citizens?
Support
If elected, what specific actions will you take to improve the public transportation for the citizens of Craven County?
Public transportation is invaluable. However, at the county level at this time, it is not feasible or profitable. The best cost of units to travel throughout the county on a continuous and convenient scheduled path would be outside any budget the county could afford.
EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
On March 22, 2017, the State of Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Craven County Board of Commissioners was recently presented with a request to support this amendment by the Democratic Women of Craven County, but as of this time has failed to respond.
Do you support or oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the Equal Rights Amendment?
Talk to our legislators, ask why ratification has not been supported, again – again – again.
HATE GROUPS
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that hate groups including, but not limited to, the Ku Klux Klan, White Nationalists, Neo-Nazi, Racist Skinhead, Black Separatists, and Neo-Confederates, promote and practice violence, assault, and intimidation, and promote hate and rhetoric incompatible with the concepts of equality, freedom, and democracy that are the foundation of this country.
Do you support or oppose using the regulatory or police powers inherent in our government to identify and regulate hate groups and prohibit the assembly of openly-armed groups?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the risk to the public from marches, assembly, and intimidation by openly-armed groups?
Allow law enforcement to do their job with resources available at the city, county, and state level. Refuse permits to groups which are openly hostile and have a history of violence.
“It is your right to have a peaceful assembly.”
DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that unchecked and uncontrolled development has a negative impact on the character and economic sustainability of our community. We further recognize that the environmental issues such as traffic and parking concerns, noise, water and air pollution, flooding and stormwater runoff, and access to public utilities are appropriate areas for regulatory intervention by our government.
Do you support or oppose government regulation of development with required and appropriate public hearings, discourse, discussion, and review?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding public review of development in Craven County?
Regulations concerning development of any kind requires planning. I support these hearings, boards, and discussion. Without the ordinances and regulations there would be no communities, but rather a hodge-podge areas.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that installation, maintenance, and upgrades of infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways are appropriate government functions and this infrastructure has a significant impact on our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the investment of our resources in infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner through input from public advisory boards and open public hearings?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take to ensure that public resources are allocated fairly and equitably throughout your jurisdiction?
We have already assigned our streets to a listing of repair/replace system. As funds are made available (state is constantly reducing our power bill funds), contracts are set in sequence to the listing.
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Brian M. Leonard
Candidate for River Bend Town Council
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes the role and continuing importance of equal opportunity programs such as affirmative action and the positive effect they have through improving educational opportunities, family structure, and business opportunities in our community. We oppose any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken existing affirmative action laws and programs.
Do you oppose or support any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken affirmative action and equal opportunity programs that impact our citizens’ education or employment opportunities?
Oppose
If elected, what actions will you take regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity programs?
I will speak out in favor of protecting these programs.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that appropriate vocational and workforce training increases our attraction to employers in a wide range of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial areas.
Do you support or oppose using public resources to provide and expand workforce development programs in Craven County?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding vocational and workforce development programs in Craven County?
In the limited role on town council, I will speak in favor of these programs.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that public transportation provides an important service to the public with specific benefits to the elderly, physically disabled, and economically disadvantaged. Access to important social services including health and medical services, nutritional support, and continuing education are necessary for our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the expansion of our current public transportation services to improve the services to all of our citizens?
Support
If elected, what specific actions will you take to improve the public transportation for the citizens of Craven County?
[no answer]
EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
On March 22, 2017, the State of Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Craven County Board of Commissioners was recently presented with a request to support this amendment by the Democratic Women of Craven County, but as of this time has failed to respond.
Do you support or oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the Equal Rights Amendment?
I will speak out in favor of passing the ERA and ensure that the town treats all citizens equally.
HATE GROUPS
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that hate groups including, but not limited to, the Ku Klux Klan, White Nationalists, Neo-Nazi, Racist Skinhead, Black Separatists, and Neo-Confederates, promote and practice violence, assault, and intimidation, and promote hate and rhetoric incompatible with the concepts of equality, freedom, and democracy that are the foundation of this country.
Do you support or oppose using the regulatory or police powers inherent in our government to identify and regulate hate groups and prohibit the assembly of openly-armed groups?
[no answer]
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the risk to the public from marches, assembly, and intimidation by openly-armed groups?
I believe government has the obligation to protect speech by disallowing laws that are too restrictive, yet it can also encourage people to respect each other.
DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that unchecked and uncontrolled development has a negative impact on the character and economic sustainability of our community. We further recognize that the environmental issues such as traffic and parking concerns, noise, water and air pollution, flooding and stormwater runoff, and access to public utilities are appropriate areas for regulatory intervention by our government.
Do you support or oppose government regulation of development with required and appropriate public hearings, discourse, discussion, and review?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding public review of development in Craven County?
I will work to ensure development will be done in a smart, forward-thinking manner with the sunshine rule of openness as our guide.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that installation, maintenance, and upgrades of infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways are appropriate government functions and this infrastructure has a significant impact on our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the investment of our resources in infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner through input from public advisory boards and open public hearings?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take to ensure that public resources are allocated fairly and equitably throughout your jurisdiction?
I will ensure that adequate resources are provided to meet our current and future needs.
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Anita Van Amerongen
Candidate for River Bend Town Council
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes the role and continuing importance of equal opportunity programs such as affirmative action and the positive effect they have through improving educational opportunities, family structure, and business opportunities in our community. We oppose any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken existing affirmative action laws and programs.
Do you oppose or support any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken affirmative action and equal opportunity programs that impact our citizens’ education or employment opportunities?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity programs?
Although you left me no leeway in choosing, I chose to mark “support” for the following reasons. As a Caucasian woman I felt affirmative action was reverse discrimination. In the beginning I thought it may be helpful for minorities and women in facilitating equality. However, at some point, I believe it became anti-productive and made advancement for white people frowned upon and difficult, actually making this action unfair and discriminatory. As long as it remains I will, however, support it to the best of my abilities.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that appropriate vocational and workforce training increases our attraction to employers in a wide range of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial areas.
Do you support or oppose using public resources to provide and expand workforce development programs in Craven County?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding vocational and workforce development programs in Craven County?
I support any type of program that facilitates eliminating poverty-level existence, and promotes a healthy work ethic and choices that promote productive members of society and reduces the need for families to exist at poverty-level wages forcing them into a lifestyle that restricts their ability to enjoy life.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that public transportation provides an important service to the public with specific benefits to the elderly, physically disabled, and economically disadvantaged. Access to important social services including health and medical services, nutritional support, and continuing education are necessary for our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the expansion of our current public transportation services to improve the services to all of our citizens?
Support
If elected, what specific actions will you take to improve the public transportation for the citizens of Craven County?
Upon moving to New Bern, I was surprised that such a lovely community that is thought of as a tourist town had no public transportation. I would encourage any idea that would provide such transportation and feel it is a much-needed service.
EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
On March 22, 2017, the State of Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Craven County Board of Commissioners was recently presented with a request to support this amendment by the Democratic Women of Craven County, but as of this time has failed to respond.
Do you support or oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the Equal Rights Amendment?
I do support this amendment naturally being a woman and do believe any person that is capable of doing the same job should not be discriminated against on their sex alone. It should be equal and commensurate with their education and abilities.
HATE GROUPS
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that hate groups including, but not limited to, the Ku Klux Klan, White Nationalists, Neo-Nazi, Racist Skinhead, Black Separatists, and Neo-Confederates, promote and practice violence, assault, and intimidation, and promote hate and rhetoric incompatible with the concepts of equality, freedom, and democracy that are the foundation of this country.
Do you support or oppose using the regulatory or police powers inherent in our government to identify and regulate hate groups and prohibit the assembly of openly-armed groups?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the risk to the public from marches, assembly, and intimidation by openly-armed groups?
I do not condone violence for any reason, with the exception of self-defense. Our country prides itself on being a free society and also a civil one. I personally find anger does not resolve issues. However, I understand with ethnic pride, it seems white people have less affiliations in which to express love for their race without public incrimination, and wish there was a healthy alternative for them to express their pride without experiencing opposition.
DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that unchecked and uncontrolled development has a negative impact on the character and economic sustainability of our community. We further recognize that the environmental issues such as traffic and parking concerns, noise, water and air pollution, flooding and stormwater runoff, and access to public utilities are appropriate areas for regulatory intervention by our government.
Do you support or oppose government regulation of development with required and appropriate public hearings, discourse, discussion, and review?
Oppose
If elected, what actions will you take regarding public review of development in Craven County?
Since living here for three and a half years, it appears to me having talked with several people that this community has many ordinances that residents feel are invasive and impede their freedom to make decisions pertaining to their own lifestyles. I would encourage people to challenge appropriately through petition any ordinance they have resistance to and listen to the complaint and when in a government approach the complaint with compromise to my fellow council members.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that installation, maintenance, and upgrades of infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways are appropriate government functions and this infrastructure has a significant impact on our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the investment of our resources in infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner through input from public advisory boards and open public hearings?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take to ensure that public resources are allocated fairly and equitably throughout your jurisdiction?
I’m not a politician and this is my first time applying for public office. I will work diligently with other council members in facilitating the upgrades to the citizens summon the town to address, and with the assistance of the town manager and other council members, promote and implement proper procedures to accommodate our town’s desired growth.
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Irving “Bud” Van Slyke
Candidate for River Bend Town Council
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes the role and continuing importance of equal opportunity programs such as affirmative action and the positive effect they have through improving educational opportunities, family structure, and business opportunities in our community. We oppose any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken existing affirmative action laws and programs.
Do you oppose or support any attempts to reduce, remove, or weaken affirmative action and equal opportunity programs that impact our citizens’ education or employment opportunities?
Oppose
If elected, what actions will you take regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity programs?
I will continue to support EEO in our township. At present and for many years we have firmly supported EEO and affirmative action in River Bend.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that appropriate vocational and workforce training increases our attraction to employers in a wide range of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial areas.
Do you support or oppose using public resources to provide and expand workforce development programs in Craven County?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding vocational and workforce development programs in Craven County?
We are very affirmative to support these programs in all positions.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that public transportation provides an important service to the public with specific benefits to the elderly, physically disabled, and economically disadvantaged. Access to important social services including health and medical services, nutritional support, and continuing education are necessary for our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the expansion of our current public transportation services to improve the services to all of our citizens?
Support
If elected, what specific actions will you take to improve the public transportation for the citizens of Craven County?
In River Bend, we supplement this need with citizen volunteer support through the use of their personal vehicles.
EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
On March 22, 2017, the State of Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Craven County Board of Commissioners was recently presented with a request to support this amendment by the Democratic Women of Craven County, but as of this time has failed to respond.
Do you support or oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the Equal Rights Amendment?
I concur! I was a strong advocate in my firm as this was an area of my responsibility. We advanced many women to partner and senior levels of our firm (Deloitte & Touche).
HATE GROUPS
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that hate groups including, but not limited to, the Ku Klux Klan, White Nationalists, Neo-Nazi, Racist Skinhead, Black Separatists, and Neo-Confederates, promote and practice violence, assault, and intimidation, and promote hate and rhetoric incompatible with the concepts of equality, freedom, and democracy that are the foundation of this country.
Do you support or oppose using the regulatory or police powers inherent in our government to identify and regulate hate groups and prohibit the assembly of openly-armed groups?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding the risk to the public from marches, assembly, and intimidation by openly-armed groups?
Strongly support! We would strongly direct and support the law enforcement staff as they would move forward to “quell” such activity.
DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that unchecked and uncontrolled development has a negative impact on the character and economic sustainability of our community. We further recognize that the environmental issues such as traffic and parking concerns, noise, water and air pollution, flooding and stormwater runoff, and access to public utilities are appropriate areas for regulatory intervention by our government.
Do you support or oppose government regulation of development with required and appropriate public hearings, discourse, discussion, and review?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take regarding public review of development in Craven County?
We have addressed this issue some years ago and at present do not have any significant or even notable negative experiences in this area.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Craven County Democratic Party recognizes that installation, maintenance, and upgrades of infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways are appropriate government functions and this infrastructure has a significant impact on our citizens.
Do you support or oppose the investment of our resources in infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner through input from public advisory boards and open public hearings?
Support
If elected, what actions will you take to ensure that public resources are allocated fairly and equitably throughout your jurisdiction?
“Infrastructure” should be prioritized at the highest level before considerations of expenditures are considered. I have served our town for 12 years as Finance Officer in addition to my position as councilman, and I have always taken this position. We have no current problems within our infrastructure.