It is important for candidates to be able to share their positions on important issues and for the constituents in those districts to know about those positions. Carolina Jews for Justice (CJJ) is a nonpartisan nonprofit “fighting for a just, fair and compassionate North Carolina.” As a nonpartisan nonprofit, CJJ cannot endorse or oppose candidates or parties; however, we are committed to promoting voting and giving people in our state the information they need to vote.

Carolina Jews for Justice-West (CJJ-West) is a chapter of CJJ. Here in western North Carolina, we wanted to promote the opportunity for candidates and constituents to connect and decided on a three question candidate questionnaire.

The process was as follows:

• CJJ-West focused on two issues where bills had been introduced in both chambers of the NC General Assembly, but little action had been taken to bring the bills forward for a vote.
• An introductory email was sent to all candidates (28 in total) from the 9 NC House and 4 NC Senate seats in the west to inform them of the questionnaire on July 15th. The email noted they would receive the online questionnaire around July 29th.
• On July 28th, an email was sent to all candidates by district with a link to the online questionnaire. Here is the specific language contained in the questionnaire, noting the deadline to complete questionnaires was August 26th.
• During the week of August 17th, constituents from each district contacted all the candidates for that district to either thank them for completing the questionnaire or encourage them to complete the questionnaire by the deadline.
• On August 27th, this compilation of responses was created. 
• The goal was to have this ready to be sent out to all candidates, the general public, and the media by September 1st. That would enable voters to have this report prior to receiving an absentee ballot and when sample ballots would be available through the NC Voter Search page. 

Important elements of this questionnaire included:

• We stated there would be little editing of the responses. It was important that voters read the exact words of the candidates.
• Phrasing of questions was done to take out wording that might assume there was a right or wrong answer to any question. The key was to have candidates share their positions.
• To contact candidates, we downloaded information from the candidate filing through their county’s Board of Election website for their contact information - phone & email.
• If candidates did not respond, they were informed that we would list their names but enter the words “Did Not Respond”.
• In total, candidates had 29 days to complete the questionnaire. 

Finally, we want to extend our thanks to the candidates, the volunteer constituents who contacted candidates to express the importance of responding to these questions for them and other voters, and to many individuals and nonpartisan organizations who supported this effort. 

All are welcomed and encouraged to share this report with all who may be interested.

Ron Katz
CJJ-West Voting, Democracy Rights, and Civic Engagement Lead

Candidate Races 

District's Counties Served

• NC House 85: Avery, McDowell, Mitchell
• NC House 113: Henderson, Polk, Transylvania
• NC House 114: Buncombe
• NC House 115: Buncombe
• NC House 116: Buncombe
• NC House 117: Buncombe, Henderson
• NC House 118: Haywood, Madison, Yancey
• NC House 119: Haywood, Jackson, Swain
• NC House 120: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon
• NC Senate 47: Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Yancey
• NC Senate 48: Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania
• NC Senate 49: Buncombe
• NC Senate 50: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain

Other Important Information

Please note before the election you can determine voter registration status through the NC Board of Election by using the Voter Search tool. Once you enter your information and follow the prompts, you will access your voter page. On that page, under Jurisdictions, you will find all your districts, including those for the NC House and Senate.

North Carolina House District 85 

Avery, McDowell, Mitchell

Ted Remington (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

1. Broadband for all.  And I mean ALL.  A state-wide public utility dedicated to providing access to service to every household in the state
2. Education -- I would completely change the way we do this now. State education tax, based on gross income before deductions.  Per capita distribution to the school systems.  No funds from the counties, so decreases in property taxes. Set aside money to refurbish/build schools.  Prioritize refurbishment so the worst schools see the first money. Increase salaries for teachers to at least the average paid by the ten highest-paying states.  No more last place.  Ever.
3. Police reform starting with required citizen review boards with teeth. Increase educational requirements over a ten-year period.

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

I will sponsor legislation to expand Medicaid to all. No one in the US should be without medical coverage. Ever.  After we get everyone medical coverage we need to address other health issues, particularly dental.  I also have a plan to pay tuition, etc., to medical school and nursing school students in exchange for a 10-year commitment to practice in NC.  See a similar program called Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, a wildly successful program at the Federal level.  Sooner or later we will have a nationwide system not tied to an individual's job.  Should have done this decades ago.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, independent redistricting to draw the districts. What is your position on who should draw districts? Please explain why you hold that position.

I REALLY like SB 673.  I want to take the entire process out of the hands of politicians.  They all have too many personal interests in the process.  I will introduce a similar bill in the House, but part of me wants to consider just turning the whole thing over to a Special Master, appointed by the Special Commission.  No matter what, it needs to be completely insulated from the political process. You may be interested in the views I express at the website outsidetheboxwithted.blog

Dudley Greene (Republican) 

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House District 113

Henderson, Polk, Transylvania

Sam Edney (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

- Ending gerrymandering and the corruption in Raleigh

- Medicaid Expansion

- Helping NC recover from the public health and economic crisis through public investment bonds primarily for school infrastructure and broadband expansion 

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

North Carolina has a moral, public health, and economic responsibility to assist these folks get health insurance and healthcare. That is why we must expand Medicaid. This will create jobs and ensure those 500,000 North Carolinians in the coverage gap and get healthcare. Furthermore, the need has been heightened in the wake of COVID. The poverty in parts of my district, particularly in Polk and Transylvania counties highlights the need for Medicaid expansion and investment in rural healthcare so we can not only close the coverage gap but also provide healthcare in an effective manner. 

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

I support House Bill 69 to create a nonpartisan redistricting commission. This is the quickest method to break the stranglehold politicians have on the state by ending gerrymandering right away. Politicians should not choose their voters; voters should choose their politicians. I firmly believe we need to end gerrymandering so we can have a truly representative government that responds to constituent needs, not special interests. 

Jake Johnson (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House District 114

Buncombe

Susan Fisher (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

Medicaid Expansion, Increased Teacher Pay, More funds/resources toward Public Education.

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

We must assist those in the gap.  We are already paying for these folks through higher health costs and increased premiums on currently insured North Carolinians.  If we expanded Medicaid, we would lower the cost of insurance for all, we would see increased job opportunities, along with more tax revenue for counties. In a post pandemic economy, with a surge in the number of uninsured or underinsured, we must bring these medicaid dollars back to North Carolina.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

The districts should be drawn independent of the legislature.  There should be a non-partisan redistricting commission similar to what has been successful in other states to keep legislators from choosing their constituents and making sure that constituents choose their legislators.  I have co-sponsored bills to create this nonpartisan commission and will continue to support this policy.

Tim Hyatt (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

Lyndon John Smith (Libertarian)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House District 115

Buncombe

John Ager (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

Expand Medicaid, end gerrymander, support land, water and air conservation

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

Expanding medicaid is step #1. For the long term, we need to create a new health care model that covers everyone.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

We need to end the gerrymander with the least political involvement possible.

Mark Crawford (Republican)

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

I'm currently in my 26th academic year of teaching in some capacity or another in the classroom (every level from primary through university), so naturally making sure we have the very best education system possible for our children is paramount with me as a priority.  Next, due to my work with the "Clean Smokestacks Bill" when I served in the NC House of Representatives before, ensuring we have the best environment possible is another priority.  Thirdly, reducing the economic suffering brought on by the Covid pandemic and rebooting the economy would be my priority.

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

I  would love to be able to resolve this issue and ensure that all are able to obtain not only sufficient, but affordable health care.  Twenty-six years ago, when I was first researching the issues of healthcare (as part of a book I tried to have published), I came to the conclusion through my research, that what is most needed is to attack the overall costs of health care [through whatever means necessary] to ensure that everyone was given the opportunity to have available healthcare that is actually affordable.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

As a former member of the NC House of Representatives, when then-Representative Larry Justus offered a nonpartisan redrawing of the districts, I was literally the only Representative, on either side of the aisle, to stand up and call for impartial drawing of districts, without regard to any demographics except that which is stipulated in our Constitution. This is how the districts should be drawn, and I stand for it because this is what I believe. 

North Carolina House District 116

Buncombe

Brian Turner (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

COVID - Economic Recovery, Education, Environment

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

I fully support the expansion of Medicaid. The fact that NC did not expand before the pandemi is tragic. We must immediately reverse course and provide people with access to healthcare.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

Not only have I been able to serve on the Complete Count Commission for the 2020 Census, but I filed House Bill 69 in 2019 which would provide for an Independent Redistricting Committee. I am in complete support of independent redistricting and look forward to implementing it. 

Eric Burns (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House District 117

Buncombe, Henderson

Josh Remillard (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

When I’m elected to the General Assembly my top three priorities will be expanding Medicaid, investing in Public Education, and protecting our natural resources. I believe that it is paramount to improve access, and lower the cost of healthcare for our families, expanding Medicaid, will help hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians across our great state by reducing the cost of healthcare for everyone and combating the COVID19 pandemic. I will work to revive our legacy of educational leadership by investing in our public education system; this includes every child, teacher, and uncertified professional. The quality of our children’s education should not depend on  where they live or their background. Finally,  I believe that we are in community with our environment and that our environment is the foundation of our economy in Henderson County.  Protecting our natural resources is vital as we move NC to clean and green renewable energy and invest in new job growth. 

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

The purpose of elected officials should be to serve the people they represent and to work to improve their lives. In times of chaos and austerity we need leadership to guide us through the fog. Taking a laissez-faire attitude towards North Carolinians is unacceptable; too many families across our great state are struggling, bearing the weight of the rising cost of premiums, co-pays, prescription drugs, and medical field profits. It is the sole purpose of our General Assembly to lighten the weight and share in the burden. A healthy society means an active, productive, and prosperous economy. That is why I will work to expand Medicaid in North Carolina, which will help the estimated 500,000 hardworking North Carolina families and will help lower healthcare costs for everyone.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

Our founding fathers took a huge risk to ensure a democracy that worked for everyone; I joined the ranks of all the service members, past, present, and future who sacrificed some and some  who sacrificed all in order for our nation to mold our destiny. It’s essential that voters chose their representatives and not the other way around, our democracy cannot work the other way around. That is why I propose we establish an Independent Redistricting Commission, composed of equal parts Republican, Democrat, and Unaffiliated commissioners who oversee the drawing of the districts from an independent external group, and ultimately approve them. Making sure to put in place safeguards such as requiring approval to only be possible if there are Democrats, Republicans, and Unaffiliated commissioners voting to approve the new district lines, to ensure that they are fairly drawn. It is essential that we move NC away from every 10 years gerrymandering our districts which serve the majority party more than it does the people of NC. 

Tim Moffitt (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House District 118

Haywood, Madison, Yancey

Alan Jones (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

Expanding access to affordable healthcare, Public Education, and strengthening NC's workforce. 

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

North Carolina must expand Medicaid to allow access to affordable healthcare for low wage workers. I hold this position not only because we are already paying for the program, but because healthcare is a human right, and it's time that North Carolina start treating it as such.  

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

We need to commission an independent nonpartisan redistricting committee to handle the redrawing of our district maps. This is a way to better ensure that voters are picking their legislatures and prevent legislatures from picking their voters.

Mark Pless (Republican)

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

1) Yancey, Madison and Haywood need money to replace schools in each county; 2) The western North Carolina area needs economic incentives for job growth at the state level. Counties are trying to recruit industries and S.C. keeps taking them away with their incentives and the inland port at Greer; 3) Western NC is in urgent need of a Drug Abuse Facility located west of Asheville. An inpatient treatment facility where low and no income individuals could be admitted to start the recovery process which can take a long time.

There are countless other issues that are important to the residents of district 118 none are more important or less important. Being the Representative for district 118 means fighting for each of those and that is what I will do.

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

I have been and continue to research Medicaid expansion. Not being a current member of the legislature I do not have access to the information needed to make an informed decision. From what I have discovered while doing my own research there are a lot of unknowns about how this would affect NC. In examining other states California and New York expanded as quickly as they could however, enrollment exceeded expectations costing more money than anticipated. Now they have been forced to cut services and are examining tax increases to keep it solvent. The worst thing I could do as the Representative candidate is make a statement for expansion or against expansion merely to gain votes. In my time as a Haywood County Commissioner I have always gathered facts, researched each topic extensively and then took a position. 

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

There will always be disputes and disagreements when the maps are redrawn. The power to change the NC Constitution rests with the voters of NC. I have no problem with putting the right amendment on the ballot and letting the voters decide. I do have a serious question about who do you give that responsibility to? Currently it rests with the duly elected representatives of the people. Democrat, Independent, or Republican the people chose who they wanted to speak for them in this matter and many other matters. Do we change the laws when we disagree with the outcome of an election? There are far greater issues in NC that need to be addressed such as the many children and adults who are homeless, the many residents of NC who are not safe in their own home from abuse or go hungry because there isn’t enough food, the many elderly who have to decide between medication and food or heat the list goes on and on. I decided to run for this office to make a difference in the lives of North Carolinians and am disappointed district maps made the list of the 3 most important issues.

North Carolina House District 119

Haywood, Jackson, Swain

Joe Sam Queen (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

1.Expand Medicaid for NC.  2.Support Public Education , including early childhood ,K-12,  our Community College System , and our University System. 3. Provide high speed broadband everywhere we have electricity 

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

I support a full Expansion of Medicaid for NC. It’s past time to stop the obstruction and waste and start helping all our citizens.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

I support having an independent commission draw the maps because if you let the Legislature draw the maps that they are to run in it is simply to tempting for them gerrymander the districts to their favor

Mike Clampitt (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House District 120

Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon

Susan Landis (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

Improving broadband access to western NC, restoring money that has been cut from local school districts, expansion of Medicaid and improving the ACA

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

Access to healthcare should be available to everyone. Our current system is expensive, depends on employment far too much, and leaves people without any coverage. NC needs to expand Medicaid and work to improve the ACA. While I believe a single payer system is best, we can only move toward that in increments and our first task is to make sure that people have health insurance that covers more than catastrophic illness. 

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

An independent committee should draw the districts and they should represent the voters. NC is notoriously gerrymandered, although some improvements have been made recently, the voters are still being chosen by the political parties instead of the voters choosing the political candidates. It threatens our democracy and creates a system that is not representative. This is one of the most important issues facing our state.

Karl Gillespie (Republican)

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

Affordable broadband, economy/jobs, affordable healthcare

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

It is in everyone's best interest that everyone has access to healthcare.  We must work together to find a solution so that all citizens have access to affordable healthcare.  

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

Districts should be drawn so they are a fair representation of the majority of the constituents in a given area.  This should be done in a non partisan manner that represents the citizens.  When developing policy, government should always work towards a nonpartisan solution.   

North Carolina House Senate 47

Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Yancey

David Brian Wheeler (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

1. Pass Medicaid expansion
2. Increase minimum wage to $15 per hour
3. Properly fund education

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

NC state government has an ethical and moral responsibility to take care of ALL its citizens.  The fact that we could cover these citizens in a very short period and have not acted is a disgrace.  The money is there to help these important people.  I will co-author a bill to pass Medicaid expansion immediately.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

Politicians should not be drawing their own districts.  I grew up in Iowa where they have an independent, non-partisan staff that draws the districts using facts and fairness.  I would introduce a bill for a similar non-partisan independent commission in NC, monitored by the NC Supreme Court, to draw the districts.  This must happen now!  

Ralph Hise (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House Senate 48

Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania

Brian Caskey (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

The environment, healthcare, and good jobs. A healthy environment is a key to a prosperous Western North Carolina and we know that agriculture, tourism, and even light industry rely on clean air, clean water and green mountains. Expanding Medicaid is crucial to the health and well-being of North Carolina. Finally, I have been successful in helping to bring good jobs to my community. After a lot of hard work, we just welcomed an Amazon distribution center to Mills River (where I serve as mayor pro tem) -- I am pleased to say that they are going to offer high wages and health benefits to their employees starting on day one.

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

I have been very vocal in my support for Medicaid expansion. A few months back, I organized 15 public officials and candidates for office in WNC, and we all signed a demand that the General Assembly expand Medicaid now. I've made the promise that we will expand Medicaid on the first day of the new long session in January. The fact is, Medicaid expansion will benefit the working poor, many of whom are being penalized for working that extra job or for working longer hours. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, so those who can't work or won't work already qualify. It's the working poor who are hardest hit by the failure of this state to expand Medicaid, because as they earn more they lose their health insurance. Further, Medicaid expansion can take place at a net zero cost to taxpayers in North Carolina, and it will add 37K healthcare jobs and $4B in revenue.Link from Smoky Mountain News included in response.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

Gerrymandering is wrong, because it's done for both political and personal gain. The solution is an independent, non-partisan commission that will draw fair districts for North Carolina's citizens to ensure the concept of 'one person, one vote.' That concept is guaranteed by the 1965 Voters Rights Act, but has been weakened by the current legislature. The non-partisan commission's work should be protected by a constitutional amendment, so that we do not have to fight for another ten years to get fair districts.

This will be my top priority once elected. My opponent is against fair districts. He says that the right to draw maps is reserved for the legislature, and they can draw them any way they'd like. Well, the legislature can improve the process and ensure fair maps, too. I intend to do just that.

Chuck Edwards (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

North Carolina House Senate 49

Buncombe

Julie Mayfield (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

Assuming a Democartic sweep of the House and Senate, independent redistricting, medicaid expansion, climate change legislation

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

I believe we need a one payer system that provides everyone equal access to quality healthcare.  Until that is created at the federal level, we need to expand Medicaid to close the gap.  Until everyone has equal access to health care, we will continue to see rampant poverty and inequity in our communities.  Equal access to health care alone will not solve poverty and inequity, but it is necessary to achieve those goals.  One's zip code should no longer be the best predictor of a person's health outcomes.

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

NC should create an independent redistricting commission that will draw legislative lines along neutral, partisan-free lines, without regard to incumbency.  Legislators should not be involved except in determining the neutral criteria.  Legislators should not pick their voters.

Bob Penland (Republican)

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

First:  Would like to research and determine underlying/root cause for drug use in our youth. i.e. is it a mental issue or lack of hope etc. Second: Jobs and business recruitment for our region. Third: Work to get those who do not have interest in college to have vocational training in each high school.

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

 I think that one answer is to have more competition for healthcare and to be able to purchase across state lines which would reduce cost considerably. Expansion of Medicaid is not the answer as many Dr. will no longer accept Medicaid individuals 

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

This process is delegated to each state by the U.S. Constitution and should remain as it is. I hold this position due to having been involved for many years and the process seemed to work fine until one party lost control and both began to say the process was not fair but seemed to be fine when it was their control.

North Carolina House Senate 50

Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain

Victoria Fox (Democrat) 

1) Should you be elected to represent your district in the NC General Assembly, what would be your top three priorities for the upcoming term?

Passing the Medicaid expansion, our people here in WNC desperately need it to go through. Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage, no one who works full time should struggle to pay bills. Addressing the lack of funding and teacher pay here in WNC. Specifically ending the private school voucher program and getting our teachers and support staff a well earned raise.

2) Currently, it is estimated that at least 500,000 North Carolinians fall in what is called “the coverage gap”. Their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but they do not make enough to be able to purchase affordable, subsidized health coverage through the health insurance marketplace. What is your position on North Carolina’s responsibility to assist those people get health insurance and healthcare? Please explain why you hold that position.

Health insurance is a right and it is our duty to make sure all our citizens have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Passing the Medicaid expansion would address the coverage gap issue. 

3) Every ten years, after the US Census is completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn. In North Carolina, the current law has the NC General Assembly draw districts. Some states have moved to a variety of options for nonpartisan, 

It should be done in a fair and non partisan manner. I do not think elected officials who hold stake in how maps are drawn should have any say in the process. Like with any laws that are passed, I think voters should decide. That's who all these laws affect. 

Kevin Corbin (Republican)

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire

Clifton Ingram, Jr. (Libertarian) 

Candidate did not complete and submit the candidate questionnaire