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Meet the District 58 candidates [News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. :: ](News & Record (Greensboro, NC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 17--Name: Kerry Graves Office sought: N.C. House 58 Address: 809 Rollingwood Drive, P.O. 49917, Greensboro Email/Website/Social Media: [email protected]; www.gravesfornchouse.com Age: 42 Profession: Private investigator Highest degree earned: Bachelor of science in criminal justice and political science, N.C. State; master's of social work Leadership experience: U.S. Army veteran, past president of American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, legislative committee chairman of the N.C. National Association of Social Workers, vice chairman of VFW Post 2087, NASW-NC LPU Guilford County Questions As a minority party member, how will you be able to get things done for your constituents?: As a minority member, constituents still have concerns and I am willing to advocate for my constituents regardless of my party's status in the House. I plan to be an effective legislator for this community and available to my constituents. How can the state's rivers and lakes be better protected from coal ash and other pollutants?: Corporations doing business in North Carolina must be better custodians of our natural resources and our environment. The recent coal ash spill exposed the danger to North Carolina when our state leadership sells our safety to the highest bidder. Would you support an independent commission for redistricting? Why or why not?: I would support an independent commission. Elections should not be decided in the primary. The current districts are "packed" and "stacked" to dilute the votes of minority and Democratic voters. It's an absolute shame how politics are being used to mute the voices of so many. Should North Carolina expand Medicaid coverage? Why or why not?: Absolutely! It makes no sense that North Carolina did not expand Medicaid. It saddens me that we walked away from the chance to make the lives of so many North Carolinians better because of heartless ideology. Expanding Medicaid in North Carolina is a top priority for me and the people of North Carolina. Are there parts of the 2013 voter reform that you would change?: Suppressing the votes of students, the poor, and elderly by requiring one type of ID is unfair. I would advocate to allow the use of a student ID or utility bill as proof of residence as allowed in other states. Same-day registration should also be permitted. Would you support an increase to the state minimum wage? Why or why not?: Minimum wage jobs are no longer short-term for many North Carolinians. I support an increase of the minimum wage because it is the right thing to do for North Carolina families and our state economy. Working people should not have to depend on the government to make ends meet. Should the state privatize its economic development efforts?: No. Privatizing economic development shuts out local businesses, municipalities, and constituents from having a say in what happens in their communities. Advocates for privatization don't know where the money is coming from and that puts everything at risk from lottery funds for education to depending on fracking to fund development. North Carolina is 46th in teacher pay. What's the best way for North Carolina to improve teacher pay?: As a former GCS school teacher, I understand the pay challenges of teachers. Improving teacher pay in NC must begin with a change in attitude toward education and the teaching profession by many in the state legislature.Teachers are on the frontline of our children's futures. Stop vilifying public education. What should be done about the funding crisis in the state's higher education system? Should tuition or state funding be increased, or is there another solution?: Tuition should not be increased. State funding should be increased to improve curriculum with an emphasis on job creation and innovation. Structural improvements to campuses should take a backseat to increases in instructor pay, expanding technical education, and lowering tuition for students statewide. Return the focus to academics and performance. Do you think any other firearm law reforms are needed?: As a U.S. Army veteran and gun owner, I understand the feeling of security that owning a weapon provides. I believe in background checks. Municipalities should have the right to regulate firearms. Local law enforcement should have discretion over unclaimed weapons. We need to prevent unnecessary deaths by gun violence. Should the Moral Monday protesters have been arrested? Would you support changes to the legislative building rules to allow peaceful protests?: Peaceful protesters should not be arrested. Moral Monday shined a light on the reckless policies passed by the legislature during the last session. I would support changes to building rules to allow peaceful protests to continue. What kinds of energy development should North Carolina support?: I believe in supporting clean energy exploration and technology. Solar energy, wind energy, and lithium technology are currently being researched and studied right here in North Carolina. With a world-class higher education system like ours, we should be a leader in clean energy technology and development. Name: Ralph Johnson Office sought: N.C. House 58 Address: 2402 Bothwell St., Greensboro Email/Website/Social Media: [email protected]; Facebook Age: 60 Profession: Home improvements Highest degree earned: Marketing degree, N.C.A&T Leadership experience: Co-chairman of the Concerned Citizens of Northeast Greensboro, Greensboro Zoning commissioner, Friends of the Library Board, founding member of Eastside Civitan Club, member CEEJ, vice president Greensboro Groove Phi Groove Graduate Chapter, past member of Action Greensboro Advisory Board Questions As a minority party member, how will you be able to get things done for your constituents?: I believe that one must reach across the aisle regardless of the differences you may have with the majority party. As an elected official it is my duty to articulate the concerns of my constituents. We were all elected to represent the state of North Carolina. How can the state's rivers and lakes be better protected from coal ash and other pollutants?: Unfortunately with all the cuts to DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), this was allowed to happen. Strict enforcement to lakes and streams should be a priority. Duke Power, a $50 billion company was given a fine of $99,000 and no reponsibility for the cleanup before the federal government stepped in. Make companies accountable Would you support an independent commission for redistricting? Why or why not?: Yes I would suport this because it takes the politics from both parties out of it. Many of the gerrymandered districts are the result of partisan politics. The commission should be made up of three Democrats, three Republicans and three independents. Should North Carolina expand Medicaid coverage? Why or why not?: Yes they should because it is very easy for someone who has health care in the General Assembly to reject Medicaid coverage. Members of the General Assembly are given free health care paid by taxpayers. If we cancel this perk it would save the taxpayers $7 million over 10 years Are there parts of the 2013 voter reform that you would change?: Voter ID. I have not seen or heard of massive voter fraud. When you file as a new voter, a registration card is sent to you that has all the information that can be checked at the precinct.That is your ID. It's a felony to use someone's name to vote. Would you support an increase to the state minimum wage? Why or why not?: I would support this. Increasing the minumum wage would reduce the amount of government spending on food stamps and subsidized housing. Should the state privatize its economic development efforts?: No, but it is being carried out by lobbyists. Some members of the General Assembly follow the advice of them without getting all the information on an economic study. We cannot forget that the taxpayers will get stuck with the bill. North Carolina is 46th in teacher pay. What's the best way for North Carolina to improve teacher pay?: Change the tax code. Teachers and children are an investment into our future. There are many companies that are not paying their fair share of taxes to North Carolina. We are losing many of our teachers to other states. Giving the top 25 percent $500 for their tenure is an insult. What should be done about the funding crisis in the state's higher education system? Should tuition or state funding be increased, or is there another solution?: We must look at what we are spending it on. For instance, N.C. A&T and UNCG are building student union facilities in excess of $200 million, with student fees increasing, reduction in the faculty and canceled classes. It should be a freeze. This is not fair to students. Do you think any other firearm law reforms are needed?: Yes. When the law states that you can bring a gun to a park, bar, a place of worship, there is a need of reform. I am for the Second Amendment rights. but too often people are killed in bars, parks and places of worship. Should the Moral Monday protesters have been arrested? Would you support changes to the legislative building rules to allow peaceful protests?: No, because they are exercising their right to peaceful protect. These are citizens not only of North Carolina, but of the USA. This is the government of the people. To say that you cannot protest the laws that elected officials passed is like saying we accept communism. What kinds of energy development should North Carolina support?: Wind technology and solar development are the two which need to be funded which will reduce our dependence of fossil fuels and others that affect our atmosphere. Name: Dan Koenig Office sought: N.C. House 58 Address: 1801 W. Market St., Greensboro Email/Website/Social Media: [email protected]; www.dan4nc.com; Dan Koenig for NC House 58 on Facebook; @Dan4NC on Twitter Age: 42 Profession: Attorney Highest degree earned: Juris Doctor Leadership experience: Chairman, Future Fund Grantmaking Committee; Future Fund Steering Committee; chairman, Herb Falk Society Committee of GBA (pro bono service); vice president of church; Board of Elders at church; Call Committee at church; vice chairman, Seven Homes (foster care/adoption agency); executive committee, Greensboro Opera Company. Questions As a minority party member, how will you be able to get things done for your constituents?: The purpose of government is to serve the good of the whole. As a certified mediator, I would use my dispute resolution skills to look for creative solutions that serve the greater good. Actions for pure political gain or the sole benefit of special interests must be exposed and challenged. How can the state's rivers and lakes be better protected from coal ash and other pollutants?: With sensible, strong regulations that are enforced; avoid letting regulators get too cozy with regulated companies; establish a culture of honest and tough oversight; don't assume the worst about companies, but be a fair and vigilant hall monitor focused on the public good. Would you support an independent commission for redistricting? Why or why not?: Yes, both parties have engaged in opportunistic gerrymandering, but the post-2010 Republican gerrymandering went to new extremes and has made a mockery of redistricting. Districts should be formed on the basis of common sense and common interests, with an eye toward geographical cohesion, rather than electoral interests of any party. Should North Carolina expand Medicaid coverage? Why or why not?: Yes, for moral and economic reasons -- expansion would cover hundreds of thousands of poor/working poor and add North Carolina jobs. Non-expansion means lost jobs, lower revenues for hospitals, more penalties paid by businesses, and a worse budget position for North Carolina. It'll cost North Carolina more NOT to expand Medicaid than to expand. Are there parts of the 2013 voter reform that you would change?: Yes, all of it. Republicans spent substantial time and money to "fix" a problem that did not exist. North Carolina had good voting laws that were working well. The General Assembly should seek to increase access to the ballot box, not restrict it. Would you support an increase to the state minimum wage? Why or why not?: Yes, a growing majority of economists believe the benefits of doing so outweigh the potential costs. Although the Congressional Budget Office projects doing so MIGHT result in 500,000 job losses nationwide, there is more certainty that doing so WILL give 16.5 million people a raise and lift 900,000 workers out of poverty. Should the state privatize its economic development efforts?: No, poor economic performance does not equate to a structural problem when the economy is still sluggish everywhere. This is another unnecessary "fix" that is rife with the risk of political corruption and cronyism that is contrary to the public good. North Carolina is 46th in teacher pay. What's the best way for North Carolina to improve teacher pay?: Give them raises and implement a fair, progressive tax policy that provides revenues sufficient to fund our constitutional mandate to provide for a "uniform system of free public schools ... wherein equal opportunities shall be provided for all students." What should be done about the funding crisis in the state's higher education system? Should tuition or state funding be increased, or is there another solution?: Implement fair, progressive tax policy providing revenues to comply with our Constitution that "the benefits of (the UNC system), as far as practicable, be extended to the people of the State free of expense." So, funding should be increased, not tuition, to preserve this crown jewel of our state's economy. Do you think any other firearm law reforms are needed?: Yes, over 10 years, more than 11,000 people have been killed by guns in North Carolina -- twice the U.S. combat deaths in Iraq/Afghanistan combined. I support background checks for all gun purchases, restricting high-capacity magazines, and other common sense legislation. Also, we should all strive to promote a culture of non-violence. Should the Moral Monday protesters have been arrested? Would you support changes to the legislative building rules to allow peaceful protests?: Democracy works best when we listen to people with different views. Unlike most people, corporations can afford lobbyists and campaign contributions to be heard. The Moral Monday protesters have legitimate concerns. As long as they are peaceful and allow the legislature to work, they should not be arrested. What kinds of energy development should North Carolina support?: North Carolina must focus on clean, renewable energy and on providing benefits for increasing energy efficiency, which the EPA states is one of the "most constructive and cost-effective" ways to address energy prices and global climate change. Environmental risks from off-shore drilling and fracking are not justified by the potential benefits. Name: Tigress McDaniel Office sought: N.C. House 58 Address: 2618 Battleground Ave., No. 193, Greensboro Email/Website/Social Media: [email protected]; www.queengeterdone.com Age: 37 Profession: Entrepreneur and doctoral student Highest degree earned: MS Leadership experience: High school, college (undergraduate and graduate), and community; webmaster and finance committee member for Sigma Theta Lambda Literary Sorority Inc.; founder of 522 Philanthropy. Questions As a minority party member, how will you be able to get things done for your constituents?: I iterated and reiterated in interview upon interview that the role of any legislator should be by greater good advocacy. I have yet to carry myself as a minority in any regard -- race, legislative influence or otherwise. I'll wave such resolve toward greater good decisions unaffected by political bullying. How can the state's rivers and lakes be better protected from coal ash and other pollutants?: Dr. Uzo (Uzochukwu formally) is my mentor and my adviser aforetime and now in the Internationall Waste Management Institute at N.C. A&T. I'm elated to see that he is serving in the advisory capacity for the city, as I've been a public proponent for actual scientists serving. I'll follow his lead. Would you support an independent commission for redistricting? Why or why not?: Needless to say, because I'd be restating -- Yes. The people have spoken. It's a sound greater good decision rooted in fair practice. The body of politics was not instituted for the careless wielding of unfair partisan advantage and disenfranchising citizens. We need objectivity. Greater Good. Should North Carolina expand Medicaid coverage? Why or why not?: Yes. Medicaid itself is not the problem. It actually lends toward the solution of citizens without medical care access. The administrative waste is what needs "a fixing." There are efforts in place for just that. Our local hospitals absorb the burden of uninsured citizens. That should not be. Are there parts of the 2013 voter reform that you would change?: Initially, I'm motivated to answer this question with mine own answers, but I'm quickly reminded as I've been a public proponent for participatory democracy or leadership that ultimately, my opinion is really quite beside the point. Vote for me and I'll speak for "you," as a whole. Would you support an increase to the state minimum wage? Why or why not?: Yes. I have been a public proponent for a living wage. The decision here again is one rooted in the greater good. Hard-working citizens should not be impoverished. Teachers, contractors, general laborers -- no one. Should the state privatize its economic development efforts?: Not altogether. Initially, again, I'm motivated to answer this questions with mine own answers, but quickly reminded as I've been a public proponent for participatory democracy that ultimately, my opinion is really quite beside the point. If elected, I shall seek to speak with affected sectors before proposing anything. North Carolina is 46th in teacher pay. What's the best way for North Carolina to improve teacher pay?: Now. North Carolina has danced around this issue for far too long. I have made my stand publicly known over and over again. "Next session." What should be done about the funding crisis in the state's higher education system? Should tuition or state funding be increased, or is there another solution? One problem at issue is the funding of private charter schools from the public education budget. Other issues need to be addressed. If elected, I intend to meet directly with the Guilford County Board of Education and charter school directors to propose proper legislation in the interest of the greater good. Do you think any other firearm law reforms are needed?: Registration. And I'm assuredly notscared to say it. It is a greater good decision. Standards only offend those who have none. I can't go against the same soundly having been a Ranger. I'm qualified to stand firm on my answer. If you intend no threat, register your gun. Should the Moral Monday protesters have been arrested? Would you support changes to the legislative building rules to allow peaceful protests?: No. There is always a way to wield the threat of arrest on any citizen for violating the "letter of law." In the spirit of the law ... ethically -- no they shouldn't have been arrested. Citizens were witnessing aggressive legislative abuse which merited aggressive yet peaceful protest and respectful aversion. What kinds of energy development should North Carolina support?: Sustainable. I am a renowned proponent for sustainability and it's widely known that I'm both a scientist and economist via academia and experience qualified to stand firm on my answer. It's a greater good decision. ___ (c)2014 the News & Record (Greensboro, N.C.) Visit the News & Record (Greensboro, N.C.) at www.news-record.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |