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MECKLENBURG COUNTY
VOTER
GUIDE
2014
Funding Our Schools
Good Jobs
Voting Rights
Health Care
ELECTION DAY IS NOV. 4
Polls open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Early Voting is Oct. 23 - Nov. 1
See Early Voting times and locations on the back cover
THIS NON-PARTISAN VOTER GUIDE WAS PRODUCED BY
About This Guide
This Guide is produced and distributed by the League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Democracy
North Carolina. We are non-partisan organizations and make no endorsements.
Candidates for each race were asked the same questions and the answers received by deadline are provided verbatim.
Unless otherwise noted, vote for one candidate in each race. The judges’ races and the Soil & Water Conservation
District Supervisor race are non-partisan; party affiliation is noted for all other candidates after their name.
This Guide is available online at www.GoLeagueGo.org and a limited number of paper copies are distributed to public
locations such as libraries.
DEBATES: The League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg works with WTVI PBS to produce debates. The
debates are set to be taped on Oct. 21 and shown on WTVI on Sunday, Nov. 2. They will be available after taping on
www.GoLeagueGo.org.
Have Your Say
This year, North Carolina will elect: a U.S. Senator who could determine which party controls the Senate, the make-up
of the U.S. Supreme Court, and the priorities of the federal budget; members of the NC General Assembly who set state
policies in every aspect of your life; the majority of the NC Supreme Court and many other judges who can overrule
lawmakers; and many local officials who enact and enforce the laws that affect your schools, health, land use and family
life. Don’t let these officials make decisions without consulting you!
VOTING IN 2014
Am I registered? You must be registered in your county by
October 10 to vote this year. Learn if you are registered at
www.ncsbe.gov. Click on “Voter/Absentee Look-Up” under
“For Voters.” Enter just your last and first name, not a
middle name or birth date, and hit Search. If your name
doesn’t appear, try using just a couple of letters of your
first name with an asterisk (*) as a wild card, or see if you
registered using a middle or nickname as your first name.
For help, call the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections
at 704-336-2133.
Where do I vote? Who is on my ballot? The look-up feature
for checking if you are registered (described above) takes
you to your registration page, which includes the location
of your precinct’s polling place and a box for “Sample
Ballots” with a link to your ballot for the general election
(click on the 4 or 5 digit code under Ballots).
What are the main issues? You’ll have a chance to vote on
who is in charge of the justice system and public schools,
as well as the lawmakers who represent you in Congress,
at the General Assembly, and on the county level. NC
voters will elect a majority of the NC Supreme Court this
year and perhaps the deciding seat in the U.S. Senate that
determines which party controls the Senate, appointments
to the U.S. Supreme Court, and other crucial decisions.
When should I vote? The best time to vote is during
Early Voting, from October 23 to November 1. See the
locations and times for Early Voting on the back cover.
You can update your registration if you’ve moved within
your county, and you can address other issues that may
arise. And it may rain or worse on Election Day! If you wait
until Election Day, November 4, you must vote in your own
precinct’s polling place. You may also vote by mail; see
page 3 for details about using “absentee voting.”
Tips for Voting
Show ID? Until 2016, you generally do not need to show
an ID to vote. See the box on page 23 for more about ID
rules.
ballot, contest by contest, to cast a vote. Be sure to look on
both sides of the ballot. Judicial and other candidates in
nonpartisan races do not have party labels by their names.
Straight Ticket. Voters will no longer have the option of
marking one box to select all the candidates of one party.
Candidates in partisan races will still have their party’s
label by their names, but voters will need to go down the
Lists. You can take a list of your choices into the polls
to help you, but don’t leave the list behind or show it to
others inside the voting room. Have the list on paper;
using a cell phone inside the voting room is not allowed.
Page 2
Tips for Voting (cont’d)
Assistance. A family member can help you vote at the
polls. If you have a disability or difficulty reading (due
to language or vision), you have the right to assistance
from anyone of your choice except your employer or union
agent.
Back-up. If you have a problem at the poll, you have the
right to receive a provisional ballot and a way to learn if
that ballot counted, or if not, the reason why not. If you
make a mistake on your ballot as you vote, ask the official
for another one. Tip: You must vote in your own precinct if
you wait until Election Day.
3 WAYS TO VOTE IN NORTH CAROLINA
1
EARLY VOTING IN PERSON (Oct. 23-Nov. 1)
Before Election Day, you can vote early at any of the several Early Voting locations in Mecklenburg County from
Oct. 23 to Nov. 1. See the back cover for the locations and times. Note: 21 sites are open on Sunday, Oct. 26.
You do not need an excuse to vote early. Some sites are open in the evening or on Saturdays. Early Voting can save you
time and trouble on Election Day, when it might be raining or worse. Early Voting locations also make it easy to update
your address and vote if you have moved within the same county.
2
IN PERSON ON ELECTION DAY (Nov. 4)
If you wait until Nov. 4, you must vote in your assigned polling place. The polls open at 6:30 AM and close at
7:30 PM.
If you are in the line by 7:30 PM, you will be able to vote. If you cast your ballot in another precinct, it probably will
not count.
If you don’t know where your precinct polling place is, call the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections at 704-3362133 or follow the directions for “Where Do I Vote” on page 2 of this Guide.
3
MAIL-IN ABSENTEE VOTING
Any registered voter can vote using this method. You don’t need to be out of town on Election Day or have a
special reason to vote by mail. The first step is to submit a request form for an absentee ballot. Get the form
at www.demnc.co/absform and learn more at www.demnc.co/mail.
The request form must be completed and signed by the voter or the voter’s near relative (a near relative is a spouse,
brother, sister, child, parent, grand-parent, grandchild, stepparent, stepchild, or mother-, father-, daughter-, or son-in-law).
Mail the signed request to Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 31788, Charlotte, NC 28231 (mark the
envelope “Absentee Request”). It must be received by October 28 at 5 PM. Once a valid request is received, a ballot and
return envelope will be mailed directly to the voter.
When you receive the mail-in ballot, be sure to follow all the directions,
including having two witnesses or one notary sign in the appropriate
place on the envelope that is provided.
To be counted, the voter (or the voter’s near relative) can return the voted
ballot in three ways: (1) at the Elections Board’s office by 5 PM, Nov. 4;
(2) at an Early Voting location from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1; or (3) by mail so it
is postmarked by Nov. 4 and received at the Board of Elections by Nov. 7.
Returning your ballot will take two first-class stamps. Some mail centers
do not apply postmarks, so take it inside the post office and request a
postmark if it’s near the Nov. 4 deadline.
Questions?
Call the hotline!
1-888-OUR-VOTE
Election experts are standing by to
answer all your voting questions!
Page 3
US SENATE CANDIDATES
Kay Hagan (D)
Occupation: U.S. Senator
Age: 61
Website: www.KayHagan.com
Education and Training: B.A. from Florida State University; J.D. from the Wake
Forest University School of Law.
Background and Experience: Worked at North Carolina National Bank for 10 years, becoming Vice-President; elected to
the North Carolina State Senate in 1998; elected to the U.S.
Senate in 2008.
1. The Voting Rights Amendment Act is a bipartisan bill to
restore voting rights protections that were diminished by a recent US Supreme Court decision. Will you vote for passage of
the bill and restore the needed protections? Please explain.
I would vote for passage of the bipartisan bill and restore
these needed protections because I am committed to ensuring fair and equal access to the ballot box. In North Carolina
and across the U.S. we should be eliminating barriers to the
ballot box, not installing new ones.
2. Will you vote to pass the Disclose Act which requires
reporting of campaign contributions before rather than after
elections? Please explain your position. I support the DISCLOSE Act because North Carolinians deserve to know who is
behind outside, special interest group attacks and I am working in the Senate to improve transparency and require groups
to report who is funding them. The voices of everyday North
Carolinians deserve to be heard, not drowned out.
3. What changes, if any, would you propose to the Affordable
Care Act? There are some commonsense fixes we can make
for this law to work better for North Carolina. I am focused on
pragmatic solutions, like repealing the Medical Device Tax and
elminiating a burdensome paperwork requirement for small
businesses as we have already done.
4. In addition to the Veterans’ Healthcare Bill, passed at the
end of July, 2014, what would you propose to improve services
to our veterans? I have a record of results for North Carolina
veterans. They have made tremendous sacrifices for us, and
I will continue to fight for them. We need to ensure our VA
system works for all veterans. I am focused on cutting through
red tape to open new clinics, hiring more doctors and nurses,
and eliminating the backlog in disability claims.
5. From your perspective, what would be the most important
elements of comprehensive immigration reform and why?
We need to fix our broken immigration system. I voted for the
bipartisan Senate immigration bill that ensures that everyone
plays by the same rules. By passing commonsense immigration reform, we can secure our borders, boost our economy,
and reduce our deficit.
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Thom Tillis (R)
Candidate did not provide requested information.
Sean Haugh (L)
Occupation: Pizza delivery driver
Age: 53
Website: www.seanhaugh.com
Education and Training: Attended Tufts
University, Medford MA.
Background and Experience: I’d represent all people, not just those who agree with me. I’m the
only candidate who will stop all war and stop spending more
money than we have.
1. The Voting Rights Amendment Act is a bipartisan bill to
restore voting rights protections that were diminished by a
recent US Supreme Court decision. Will you vote for passage
of the bill and restore the needed protections? Please explain.
Yes, although I think it should go further and cover the entire
country. Congress has Constitutional authority to regulate
federal elections, and I would like that power to be used
to standardize ballot access and other aspects of elections
nationwide.
2. Will you vote to pass the Disclose Act which requires
reporting of campaign contributions before rather than after
elections? Please explain your position. Yes. This is another
area where Congress has clear Constitutional authority, and
should use that power to create transparency as well as limiting corporate electioneering.
3. What changes, if any, would you propose to the Affordable
Care Act? It should be repealed. This has nothing to do with
healthcare. It’s just straight up corporate welfare for the insurance companies.
4. In addition to the Veterans’ Healthcare Bill, passed at the
end of July, 2014, what would you propose to improve services
to our veterans? First we need to stop all war so that we have
fewer veterans, with fewer disabilities caused by war. I’d refer
to see VA reform driven by doctors and veterans than politicians.
5. From your perspective, what would be the most important
elements of comprehensive immigration reform and why? I
believe in open borders. We must stop the war on drugs, and
stop interfering in the affairs of other nations. It’s our warlike
policies that create the conditions which cause people to seek
a better life here.
US HOUSE - DISTRICT 8
Richard Hudson (R)
Antonio Blue (D)
Website: richardhudsonforcongress.com
Website: n/a
Background:
Richard Hudson was elected in November 2012 to represent North Carolina’s
8th Congressional District. Rep. Hudson
currently serves on the Committees
on Agriculture, Education and the Workforce, and Homeland
Security.
Background:
I am seeking election for the seat of
US House of Representative for the
8th Congressional District of North
Carolina.
Richard decided to run for Congress because he was fed up
with Washington’s inability to get things done. Since being
elected, Richard has stood by his principles and worked with
both Republicans and Democrats to advance common-sense
solutions to the many challenges we face today.
Richard graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte
and UNC Charlotte. He lives in Concord with wife Renee,
where they attend Crossroads Church.
Candidate Statement:
Since I began running for Congress in 2012, I’ve always said
my top three priorities are jobs, jobs and jobs.
The way I’ve tried to help bring more jobs to North Carolina
is to be someone of integrity who stands on conservative
principles but isn’t afraid to reach across the aisle to achieve
common-sense solutions.
While I’ve been very frustrated at times with the inability for
folks from both parties to sit down and discuss the big issues
facing our country, I’ve achieved some successes working
towards practical solutions.
As the Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee
on the Homeland Security Committee, I was able to pass a
major reform to the way TSA purchases and implements new
equipment. This was a reform that saves taxpayers hundreds
of millions of dollars and keeps us safer, and I was able to get
it passed through the US House of Representatives by a vote
of 416-0.
In an environment where Republicans and Democrats can’t
agree on much of anything, I think this bill was a step towards
showing how we can work together for the good of the country to get things done.
I look forward to continuing my work as your Congressman to
promote common-sense measures that will put North Carolinians back to work.
I was born in Richmond County and graduated from Richmond
Senior High School.
I attended various colleges while in the U.S. Army.
I served honorably 24 years of active duty in the U.S. Army.
I am currently serving my second term as Mayor of my hometown, Dobbin Heights, NC. As Mayor, I have secured $2 million
dollars in grants for Dobbin Heights.
We are currently erecting a $500,000 community center for
community outreach.
Candidate Statement:
Jobs: I know the importance of getting this economy growing
and creating jobs. I am committed to helping business be
successful which in return will help create jobs. I will focus
my efforts on bringing in federal dollars to be used to retrain
our workers due to outsourcing.
Education: I will work with the Department of Education to
assure that our children are given the resources they need
to be successful and productive citizens, and higher learning
more affordable for all persons.
Healthcare: I support the Affordable Healthcare Act. It is not
perfect; there is room for improvement, however it is imperative that healthcare is provided for all citizens.
Veteran Affairs: As your congressman, I will work tirelessly to
ensure that every veteran is treated with dignity and respect
as they served their country. Likewise, I am grateful for the
sacrifices our veterans have made to our country, and I will
work each and everyday to ensure the promises made to them
are kept.
I am faithful to my political convictions and I support the
tenets of the Democratic Party. As your congressman, my goal
is to serve the people of the 8th District in the same manner I
served my country for 24 years.
Page 5
US HOUSE - DISTRICT 9
Robert Pittenger (R)
Website: RobertPittenger.com
Background:
Robert Pittenger is serving his first
term in the US Congress, representing
NC’s 9th Congressional District.
He is dedicated to the idea that America is at its best when it is built from the ground up. Establishing a solid foundation of honesty, fairness and hard work,
Robert has created meaningful growth in his family, faith,
community, and in government.
Before being elected to Congress, Robert worked for Campus
Crusade for 10 years, served 3 terms in the NC Senate and ran
for Lt. Governor in 2008.
He is Chairman of the Congressional Taskforce on Terrorism
and Unconventional Warfare, and also serves on the House
Committee on Financial Services.
Candidate Statement:
As a small business owner, Robert Pittenger understands the
costly effects of burdensome regulations and excessive tax
burdens.
America grew as the greatest country in the history of the
world, not because of a great government bureaucracy but because of great people who sacrificed, worked hard, took risks
and had the freedom to achieve their goals.
Note: Mr. Eckles is qualified as a write-in candidate whose
ballots will be counted. His name will not appear on the
ballot, voters will need to use the “write-in” position to cast a
vote for him.
Shawn Eckles (U)
Website: ShawnEckles.com
Background:
Shawn Eckles, native of Troutman
NC, earned a Political Science BA at
Morehouse College, then two masters
degrees in health care management
and marketing.
Since 2000, Shawn is an entrepreneur in many media fields, as
writer, director of documentaries, producer of events, television, music, websites and more.
Shawn first ran for office and earned over 22,000 votes (46%)
in 2012. Last year he lost a municipal race by 100 votes – both
times without a party.
In my free time, I paint Wall Music. Everywhere I go, everyday, I
talk with people because people are the focus of my life.
Candidate Statement:
Shawn Eckles will bring changes that North Carolina needs
when he goes to Washington. Common-sense problem solutions are his goal and practice.
Those freedoms and liberties are being encroached by an
ever-consuming and more powerful federal government that
wants to micromanage and control our lives.
His core values are health and education, the modern rights to
life and liberty. For-profit entities will not protect these rights;
that is the job of government.
We are in a battle for the heart and soul of America and must
bring fiscal accountability on Washington’s spending problem
that will cause a financial collapse on its present course.
My district needs more and better jobs and economic opportunities. Current “conservative” ideology about growing the
economy by cutting taxes and chopping down government
has made things stagnant and worse for average citizens.
We are as well mindful that America has enemies and we
must be vigilant and strong to secure our freedoms against
terrorists and nation states who seek our destruction.
As your Congressman, Robert Pittenger is committed to an
America that embraces freedom, opportunity, and strong
moral values.
He has voted against Obamacare 20 times, works to free businesses from job-killing regulations, and is fighting to bring
sound fiscal and security policies to ensure a bright future for
our families for generations to come.
We are watching our roads, our schools, our environment, and
our civic social life deteriorate because wealthy tyrants have
bought the media that puts them in charge of the American
People’s money in the US House of Representatives. Send me
to Washington to change this.
Why is Eckles a write-in candidate? Due to identity theft,
collecting over 20,000 birthdates, addresses and signatures is
prohibitively difficult for a candidate without party affiliation
to have his name on the ballot. So, Eckles collected the 250
signatures NC requires for write-in status.
We must change our public service from obeying the ideology
of a powerful minority to working honestly with the real people government exists to protect and help succeed.
Page 6
US HOUSE - DISTRICT 12
Vince Coakley (R)
Website: coakleyforcongress.com
Background:
Vince Coakley is a former broadcast
television journalist, anchor, and radio
host in Charlotte, and candidate for the
12th Congressional District.
After a great deal of prayer, reflection, and counsel with his
family, Vince decided to run to end the dysfunction in Washington.
Vince and his wife of 22 years, Debbie, live in Charlotte and
are the proud parents of four children.
Candidate Statement:
Vince Coakley is ready to end the dysfunction in Washington, D.C. and Congress that’s keeping Americans out of work
and keeping small businesses from growing and hiring new
people.
Vince believes we must empower families and communities
by restoring and defending freedom, liberty, and opportunity
for all Americans.
It’s not about political parties or labels; it’s about getting
America and Americans working again.
Alma Adams (D)
Website: almaadamsforcongress.com
the tough issues for North Carolina families. I led the effort
to increase the minimum wage, fought to protect the rights
of women, and worked to increase investment in our schools
and our children.
I’ve been a fighter for the families of North Carolina my
whole career, and that’s exactly what I’ll be in Congress.
In Congress, I will work to increase the minimum wage, pass
the Paycheck Fairness Act so women can earn the same as
men for doing the same job, protect voting rights, strengthen
Social Security, and protect Medicare. We cannot go back on
our promise to our seniors.
I’ll stand up to the Tea Party Republicans and fight against their
reckless cuts to vital programs working families depend on.
DO I NEED
A PHOTO ID TO
VOTE? NO!
When you go to vote in 2014, an elections
official will ask you if you have one of the
acceptable types of photo IDs that will be required in 2016, but you do not need to show
it to vote this year.
Background:
Rep. Adams has spent the last two decades in the General Assembly leading
the fight to raise the minimum wage,
protect the reproductive rights of
women, and increase North Carolina’s investment in education.
The new law is being challenged in court. It
would require a person inside the polls to
present one of these, beginning in 2016: a
NC driver’s license or ID card from NC DMV;
military or veterans card; passport; or a tribal
enrollment card.
Prior to her time in the legislature, Alma was the first African American woman elected to the Greensboro City School
Board, and would later serve on the Greensboro City Council.
Until 2016, the only voters who need to show
some kind of ID at the polls are the new or
first-time voters in a county whose registration could not be finalized because of some
incomplete information on the registration
form. When they go to the polls, voters may
show any photo ID or a non-photo ID document, such as a utility bill with the voter’s
address, a bank statement, or a notice, permit,
or letter from any government agency. It’s
generally smart to carry a photo ID or other
ID document with you.
Alma is a former educator, a mother of two, and an active
member of the New Zion Baptist Church.
She has been endorsed by numerous community leaders and
organizations, including EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood,
NARAL, the AFL-CIO, NC Fire Fighters, and the North Carolina
Association of Educators.
Candidate Statement:
I’m a mother, grandmother, educator, and legislator.
From the classroom to the capitol, I’ve spent my life taking on
Page 7
NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES
Members of the NC House and NC Senate adopt laws on issues that affect everyone in the state, from
child care to standards for justice. Because the majority party controls drawing district lines, many
districts are not competitive and only one candidate is on the ballot.
NC SENATE - DISTRICT 37
Jeff Jackson (D)
Candidate is unopposed
NC SENATE - DISTRICT 38
Richard Rivette (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.voterivette.biz
Occupation: Marketing Services
Background/Experience:
Business executive with over 30 years
experience helping build companies
from startups. Worked with large multi-million dollar projects, so I understand how to eliminate waste and fraud, while
balancing budgets. Devoted a portion of my life to community
service since I came from humble beginnings. Instead of telling people to trust me in office, I stand alone by not accepting
lobbyist dollars, and by specifically enumerating my positions,
presenting plans to solve problems. A leader should know
what they want to accomplish for the district, not just say
they will do a good job as my opponent touts. See my entire
background at www.voterivette.biz
Unlike my opponent, I WILL meet and listen to voters. Our
current Senator had one townhall in April 2013. I believe we
need constant interaction so the people are represented. I
want to go to Raleigh for the people, not as a purchased voice
for others.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
I have helped guide a group of young men towards achieving
their Eagle scout awards, as well as worked with others to
earn Honor Society membership. I taught them how to build
their own entrepreneurial venture to fund their own camp,
equipment and other needs, instead of asking parents for
money. By instilling a work ethic and higher aspirations in
scouts I believe we can make a difference in the future. Additionally, I worked hard to support common sense solutions to
difficult economic challenges in our state. I hope to expand
upon that as your next State Senator.
What are three important issues you want to address?
1. Support middle income job creation by making North CaroPage 8
lina the most attractive state on the East Coast.
a. By overhauling the entire tax structure and eliminating
impediments to growth and investment.
b. Improve the Community college system for trades, support lower costs, tuition, eliminate fees. Increase CC budgets
for transitional training for vets and long-term unemployed.
(e.g. welding, plumbing, electric, framing, masonry, trades,
steam fitting, manufacturing, computer networking, project
management, CNC machining, pharmacy and medical assistance.)
2. Support Small Business entrepreneurs / relieve red tape
community level, review regulations.
a. Create incubation centers as I proposed in 2011.
b. Become a global player in import/export using our major
cities as hubs.
c. Apprentice position incentives for college students, vets,
and long-term unemployed.
d. Prison rehabilitation programs for targeted training in
semi- to higher-skilled jobs that exist.
3. Improve public education with extensive 20 point plan I
proposed in 2011.
Joel Ford (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: votejoelford.com
Occupation: Operations Executive
StoneLaurel
Background/Experience:
He currently is the business operations
executive for StoneLaurel in Charlotte. He began his professional career with Waste Management of Atlanta, GA, then
returned to Charlotte, NC. While substitute teaching in the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, he developed a business plan
to launch his own waste management company. An entrepreneur at heart, Joel has owned several businesses including the
waste hauling company, restaurant, barbershop and salon.
He was born in Charlotte, NC, raised in Belmont, NC (Gaston
County) and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1992 from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical
State University (NCA&T) in Greensboro, NC,
List up to three of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five years.
Joel is a former Charlotte Housing Authority commissioner
chair for the City of Charlotte, served on the Stratford-Richardson YMCA board of directors, and is on the school leadership team (SLT) at Myers Park Traditional Elementary School.
Joel served as chair of the Mecklenburg County Democratic
Party from 2008-11. He graduated from the Institute of Political Leadership (2009) and Leadership North Carolina, Class X
What are the three most important issues in your district that
you want to address if elected?
When I ran for the North Carolina Senate District 38 in 2012,
part of my platform was to bring a common-sense approach
to state government and advance bipartisan efforts to reform
our outdated tax code. We need to reduce the rate, expand the
base and close the loopholes to make our tax system more
equitable and efficient.
As a Senator for the people of North Carolina, I know that we
must move our state forward. To build a state that attracts
investment, cultivates research and innovation, provides
public education to all of our citizenry, and creates a safe and
nurturing environment for all ourfamilies.
Our best is yet to come, and my promise to you is that I will
be a leader in achieving that positive direction. North Carolina
can again be a beacon-not only for the New South but also for
the nation.
NC SENATE - DISTRICT 39
Robert (Bob) Rucho (R)
Candidate is unopposed
NC SENATE - DISTRICT 40
Joyce Waddell (D)
Candidate is unopposed
NC SENATE - DISTRICT 41
Jeff Tarte (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jefftarte.com
Occupation: Chairman Emeritus of Applied Revenue Analytics, a healthcare
IT consulting firm.
Background/Experience:
This last session my colleagues and I have been fighting to
create a path to prosperity for North Carolinians.
Our pro-business legislation has resulted in North Carolina
having the 2nd fastest dropping unemployment rate in the
nation, changed our state from being the 46th worst tax climate for business up to 11th best, as well as now having the
highest compensated teachers in state history.
We have made progress for our businesses, community, and
citizens. I look forward to continuing to fight for North Carolina families in the NC Senate.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
-Fixed the flawed 2011 Mecklenburg County Property Tax
Revaluation
-Increased pay for all teachers in North Carolina, while cutting
taxes for everyone.
-Increased education spending every year I have been in office.
I am proud of the work we have done in the North Carolina
Senate.
What are three important issues you want to address?
Education: I wish to address teacher pay, per pupil expenditure, and strategic investments in higher education in the
next biennium. We should find ways to increase spending on
all of these items, while also making sure to introduce more
accountability into the system
Economy: I want North Carolina to be able to work with its
business community to make sure we are not letting government get in the way of creating jobs. We have had several
rounds of regulatory reform in North Carolina. I will continue
the effort to make North Carolina the best place to own or
start a business.
Infrastructure: I will continue to work with my colleagues to
make sure North Carolina has the infrastructure needed to
make us the leader in growth across the nation. My goal is to
enable our state to be able to continue to reinvest in itself.
Latrice McRae (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.latricemcrae.com
Occupation: Business Owner Cason
McRae Consultants
Background/Experience:
I am a working and active parent who
has the experience managing and prioritizing, which will
allow me to be an efficient and effective leader as a legislator.
I am a small business owner who can deliver common sense
solutions in Raleigh that would be fiscal responsible but fair
and understanding to working families. I am an accountant
who can recognize when laws don’t add up for families in
Mecklenburg County. My profession will allow me the skill set
to help balance the state budget, without balancing it on the
backs of hardworking North Carolinian’s, but by identifying
inefficiencies in state government that can be improved.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
I am the candidate in district 41 that sincerely understands
the daily challenges facing today’s family. I am the candidate
who is in touch with the working families and who is truly
committed to effectively advocating for you and the issues
that impacts our daily lives. My interests are only to serve the
people, not for politically advancement. I am a parent, accountant and small business owner who will take these experiPage 9
Latrice McRae (D) - cont’d
ences to Raleigh and advocate for families beginning with
education, jobs and small business. I will nurture a better way,
I am committed to a new day.
What are three important issues you want to address?
The key areas of my campaign are adequate jobs, quality
education and resources for small businesses. We have seen
NC regress over the last few years due to the decisions of our
current legislators. More families lack of adequate jobs, causing a hardship in the homes. Public education has suffered
due to drastic budget cuts, thus paralyzing our schools. Small
businesses are finding it more challenging to thrive due to
unavailable resources, which have been redirected to big business. When elected, I will make sure education, jobs and small
businesses are accounted for.
NC HOUSE - DISTRICT 88
Rob Bryan (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: friendsofrob.com
Occupation: Attorney, Womble Carlyle
Sandridge & Rice
Background/Experience:
My wife Dottie and I are longtime residents of Charlotte. We have six children and attend Uptown
Church. I’m a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University Law School and currently practice law. Before serving as
an attorney, I taught with Teach For America in inner city Los
Angeles.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
In my first year of office, I worked to pass the largest tax cut
in state history, which returns $1 billion to the taxpayers over
the next 5 years. As a result, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation
improved our tax climate from 44th worst to 17th best nationally.
I also led the effort to streamline our regulatory system, so
red tape would no longer impede small businesses from
growing. We also prevented outdated and overlapping regulations from occurring by creating a sunset date for every rule.
Now, Rich States, Poor States ranks North Carolina with the
6th best economic outlook.
What are three important issues you want to address?
For the last several years, state government hasn’t worked
well. I’m working to reform the way it works, putting an
emphasis on results. The Charlotte Observer applauded my
efforts to lead a new way and called me one of the “strong
thinkers” who is standing up to his party.
With six kids and my classroom experience, I am determined
to improve our public schools right away. In my first term, my
efforts to improve teacher salaries earned bipartisan support,
Page 10
including CMS Teacher of the Year, Democratic Rep. Tricia
Cotham. I am currently working with NC Teacher of the Year,
James Ford, to identify the best evidence-based strategies to
pay, evaluate, and retain teachers. Working together, we can
improve our schools to prepare each child for the modern
workforce.
Margie Storch (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.MargieStorch.com
Occupation: I hold two part time jobs:
Director of Development for House of
Mercy (nonprofit AIDS residence)
Self-employed Graphic Designer
Background/Experience:
I am the mother of two children, a small business owner, a
nonprofit director and have worked in political campaigns and
as a community volunteer for three decades. I believe representatives should serve their constituents, not monied special
interests!
My professional qualifications include: Design team for an
international management consulting firm (Hay Group);
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Instructional Design Center;
NC field organizer for the Equal Rights Amendment campaign;
Self-employed graphic designer; Development director of a
nonprofit.
My community leadership includes: Mecklenburg County
Personnel Commission; Founder - Families and Aspergers
Support; Leadership Charlotte; Business Opportunity Network - Charlotte Chamber of Commerce; President - National Organization for Women, Charlotte Chapter; Executive
Committee - NC Democratic Party; CMS Leadership Team - Park
Road School; Task Force - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community
Relations Committee; President - Penn State Association of
Women Students.
Graduate (Design Major) of Pennsylvania State University’s
College of Arts & Architecture.
Graduate (Salutatorian) of Camp Hill HS, PA.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
1. As the mother of a child with special needs, I educated
schools about autism and founded support groups for families
dealing with autism.
2. I provided in-kind/low-cost design and communications to
help elect women to public office. Women compose less than
1/4 of the NC House. I believe our legislature will make better
decisions with diverse representation.
3. I’ve been an active volunteer with PTA/PTOs of Chantilly,
Dilworth, and Park Road Schools and Charlotte Secondary
School. I also promoted Chinese culture (my adopted daughter’s heritage) through the Little Lotus Dance Troupe.
What are three important issues you want to address?
I will be an independent voice for NC House 88! As your
representative, I will listen to stakeholders and work to find
common ground to:
√ Invest more in public education; Respect and pay teachers
as professionals.
(My opponent slashed education funding per pupil - NC ranks
48th in the US - and he approved public funds for private
school vouchers)
√ Promote economic security for the middle class: Increase
skilled job training; Raise the minimum wage; Increase access
to affordable healthcare.
(My opponent cut education and social services to give big
tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations; He cut unemployment benefits; Denied medicaid for 500,000 citizens;
Restricted women’s access to birth control and reproductive
healthcare.)
Robin Bradford (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.robinbradfordnc.com
Occupation: Retired from Fidelity
Investments (Boston Coach Div.) as
Operations Director
Currently a Business Consultant
Background/Experience:
Attended CW Post Long Island Univ. - Political Science/ Communications
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Chairing the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party. Under my
leadership I turned the Party’s financial negative to a positive
by raising over $12,000 and paying off debt created by the
previous Chair.
√ Protect our water, land and air; Support renewable energies.
I prepare and feed the Homeless/Community every Saturday
for the pass 10 years at Little Rock AME Zion Church
(My opponent weakened protections of natural resources,
relaxed landfill rules, expanded areas for coal ash chemicals,
supported fracking.)
I facilitate Self Esteem Building workshops for Women, Men,
Teens and Couples for over 10 years
See for yourself: http://votesmart.org/candidate/136373
NC HOUSE - DISTRICT 92
Charles Jeter (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.votejeter.com
Occupation: President of Intermodal
FCL, a trucking a logistics company I
started in 2004
Background/Experience:
B.A. in Business Economics from Wofford College (1995)
North Carolina House of Representatives (2013-current)
Huntersville Town Board (2005-2012)
Past Member of the Board of Directors for... Lake Norman
Chamber of Commerce, Lake Norman Transportation Committee, Visit Lake Norman, Arts & Science Council, Huntersville
School Advisory Council, Centralina Council of Government,
United Way of Lake Norman
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Received Emerging Leader Award from the North Carolina
Sustainable Energy Association in 2014. Ranked as the 44th
most influential legislator by the NCPPR. First freshman in
2013 to be given a gavel to Chair a Committee in the NC
House of Representatives.
What are three important issues you want to address?
Education - Continuing to improve teacher compensation,
working to move away from testing and back to allowing
teachers more freedom in the classroom and increasing digital learning and STEM based educational training.
What are three important issues you want to address?
Education
Environmental
Healthcare/Women Health Rights
Economy/Jobs
Voter Suppression Law
I understand that these are more then three but these issues
have not been addressed nor voted on by the General Assembly in respect of District 92 nor the citizens of North Carolina.
We are currently living in a “State of Regression” & needs to
STOP!
NC HOUSE - DISTRICT 98
John R. Bradford, III (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ElectBradford.com
Occupation: CEO & Founder - Park Avenue Properties (2003 - Current); Sales
Executive/Manager - IBM (2000 - 2010);
Sr. Environmental Engineer - ExxonMobil (1996 - 2000)
Background/Experience:
I believe my family, faith, corporate experience and public
service have uniquely prepared me to serve in the NC House
of Representatives. I have been married to my high school
sweetheart for 13 years and we have four children. We are
also members of St. Mark’s Catholic Church.
I have worked for the largest companies in their respective
industries, ExxonMobil & IBM. I am serving my second term as
a Cornelius Town Commissioner. In this role, I have protected
Page 11
John R. Bradford, III (R) - cont’d
tax payers’ dollars by voting twice to lower and maintain our
Town’s tax rate.
I am a business owner. My firm is headquartered in District 98
and I have created over 50 new jobs. My formula for success
is based on the old fashioned way of doing things: a lot of determination, many long days and nights, plenty of hard work,
a common sense approach and absolutely no government
assistance.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
- Recognized and awarded as the “Most Business Friendly
Town Commissioner” by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce
- Recognized and awarded as the “Business Person of the Year”
by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce
- Saving the Cornelius taxpayers over $2 Million dollars by
not settling for a proposed aesthetic bridge design with a
$4 Million cost estimate. I refused to settle and take “no” for
an answer. I personally led the effort to find and deliver an
alternative bridge design that was unanimously selected and
hailed as a timeless design. The cost estimate was only $2
Million - a 50% savings.
What are three important issues you want to address?
- Education: We need to ensure we are paying our teachers
competitively so North Carolina can retain & recruit top rated
educators today to teach our children tomorrow. I believe we
need to first reform our education system and then invest in
the tools, talent, and time needed to make our students successful from when they first enter the public education system
until graduation from NC Universities.
- Business: NC needs to be competitive in attracting new business & retaining current businesses. The top challenge facing
NC is the continued need for business growth/expansion
while removing the unnecessary regulatory burdens on our
business owners. I intend to help reform our regulatory and
tax codes to create jobs in NC.
- Infrastructure: The challenge facing our state is an infrastructure system that is in much need of increased strategic
investment. I will support more funding in urban & high density areas that greatly need greater infrastructure.
Natasha Marcus (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.NatashaMarcus.com
Occupation: Attorney, Brooks, Pierce,
McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard.
Judicial Clerk, Honorable Frank W. Bullock, Jr., U.S. District Court.
Background/Experience:
I received a B.A. summa cum laude in public policy from Hamilton College in 1991 and earned a law degree with honors
Page 12
from Duke University School of Law in 1994.My law degree
and experience as an attorney have prepared me to be a
strong advocate for the people I represent and to understand
how laws impact the everyday lives of people. My experience
as a mother of two teenagers has taught me the importance
of budgeting, seeking balance, living within means, and that
family support is the basis for success in school and in life. My
experience as an active volunteer in various local schools and
charities gives me first-hand knowledge about the needs and
dedicated commitment of the people of this community. I am
not committed to other paid work at this time, so representing the people of this district will be my full-time job.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Leading a team of volunteers to register to vote over 1,100
people in N Mecklenburg County prior to the 2012 Election.
Helping hundreds of uninsured people get quality medical
care by volunteering weekly at the Free Clinic of Our Towns in
Davidson, NC
Serving in many roles at my childrens’ schools, including PTA/
PTO rep, fundraising committees, media center volunteer,
teacher appreciation committees, and room parent
What are three important issues you want to address?
- Supporting public education, from pre-K to college, and
respecting and retaining quality teachers for our State.
- Supporting small businesses, which create over 70 percent
of the jobs in our state and make up the unique fabric of
our communities, including creating a fairer tax structure for
small businesses, working families and retirees.
- Demanding fair treatment and transparency from the legislature and the NCDOT on transportation issues that impact
our region.
NC HOUSE UNCONTESTED RACES
District 99 - Rodney W. Moore (D)
District 100 - Tricia Cotham (D)
District 101 - Beverly Miller Earle (D)
District 102 - Becky Carney (D)
District 103 - Bill Brawley (R)
District 105 - Jacqueline Schaffer (R)
District 107 - Kelly Alexander (D)
NC HOUSE - DISTRICT 104
NC HOUSE - DISTRICT 106
Dan Bishop (R)
Trey Lowe (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.votedanbishop.com
Occupation: Attorney
Email: [email protected]
Website: treylowe.com
Occupation: Assistant National Account
Manager
Background/Experience:
Lifetime resident of Charlotte. Graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
and two degrees from UNC-CH. 24 years of business litigation
experience. Two-term former Mecklenburg County Commissioner.
List three important political/civic accomplishments: n/a
What are three important issues you want to address?
Economic growth is the issue.
Eric Cable (L)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.EricCable.net
Occupation: Business Process Analyst
including Management Information
Systems development and design in
the Financial Services industry for past
14 years.
Background/Experience:
I served for ten years in the United State Navy. I have extensive experience as a volunteer administrator of various
non-profit organizations. I was a member of the Board of the
Candlewyck Homes Association for four years. I ran for the
Charlotte City Council last year.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
I was one of the founders of the Charlotte Curling Association
in 2010. After playing on hockey ice for four years, we will
open the first curling facility in the Carolinas in November.
As a member of my HOA board I helped change the way the
organization managed its budget which led to an increase in
reserves and allowed for some much-needed improvements in
the neighborhood.
I am very proud of my involvement in the Freemasons in the
community. This organization has a long and proud history in
Charlotte and North Carolina as a whole.
What are three important issues you want to address?
Reduce and eliminate legislative social intolerance. I believe
in equal treatment for all including marriage equality, equal
pay for women, and eliminating discrimination.
Improve the employment market in the state by lowering
taxes on employers.
Fully fund our schools and make our schools a place both
teachers and students want to be.
No Photo
Background/Experience:
Auburn University - Bachelor in Business Administration
Wingate University - MBA with dual concentrations in Finance
and Healthcare Administration
I’ve had a career which has encompassed administration,
management and sales over several fields. I believe this
diverse background (which always centered around business)
will be very beneficial to our state. We need more business
minded people running our budgets. If this were the case
our leaders would realize what a deficit is and very simple
ways to avoid them. Allocation of tax funds need to be done
correctly as to give back the most to the people who pay them
every year.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
n/a
What are three important issues you want to address?
- Increase education spending (i.e. teacher pay, after school
programs, improved facilities, technical programs)
- Decrease taxes for the working class and small businesses.
- Institute better prison reform programs. It costs a lot of money to keep prisoners housed every year. We need programs
which will help train and employ these former inmates to
help them from going back to prison and living off the taxpayers dime.
Carla Cunningham (D)
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.carlacunningham2012.com
Occupation: Registered Nurse, Bachelor
of Science Degree in Nursing
Background/Experience:
I have practiced as a health care professional since 1981 in
North Carolina. In 1981, I graduated from Central Piedmont
Community College LPN Diploma Program. In 1996, I graduated from Gaston College obtaining an Associate of Science
Degree in Nursing. In 2009, I graduated from Winston Salem
State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with honors. I have practiced in multiple nursing fields,
Intensive Care, Coronary Care, Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics,
Geriatrics, Home-Health, Industrial Nursing, Nursing Education,
and Hospice Care.
Page 13
Carla Cunningham (D) - cont’d
My nursing experience and my community involvement as
a community activist have allowed me to be a servant in
this community. Additionally, these experiences allowed me
to sharpen my critical thinking skills and to develope and
strenghthen new and old relationships with individuals. I tend
to focus on issues, values, facts, and outcomes when making
important decisions.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
1. I was appointed and served on the NC Commission for
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilites, and Substance
Abuse Services.
2. I was Co-Chair of the Charlotte Health Care Coalition that
supported healthcare for all citizens in the United States.
3. I continue to advocate for Mental Health, Women, and
Children in our community and the state.
What are three important issues you want to address?
Jobs/Equality Issues
Health Care
Public Education
REFERENDA
Countywide
NC Constitutional Amendment
Mecklenburg County Sales And Use Tax
Constitutional amendment providing that a person accused
of any criminal offense for which the State is not seeking a
sentence of death in superior court may, in writing or on the
record in court and with the consent of the trail judge, waive
the person’s rights to a trial by jury.
Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent
(0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use
taxes.
City of Charlotte
Charlotte Public Improvement Bonds
SHALL the order authorizing $110,965,000 of bonds plus interest to provide funds to pay the capital costs of constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, extending and improving certain streets,
including streets and roads constituting a part of the State highway system or otherwise the responsibility of the State and including the cost of related studies, streetscape and pedestrian
improvements, relocation of utilities, plans and design; acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, widening, extending, paving,
resurfacing, grading or improving streets, roads, intersections,
parking lots and pedestrian bicycle paths; acquiring, constructing, reconstructing or improving sidewalks, curbs, gutters, drains,
bridges, overpasses, underpasses and grade crossings and providing related landscaping, lighting and traffic controls, signals
and markers; and the acquisition of land and rights-of-way in
land required therefor, and providing that additional taxes may
be levied in an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds be approved?
Charlotte Housing Bonds
SHALL the order authorizing $15,000,000 of bonds plus
interest to provide funds to pay the capital costs of acquiring,
constructing, developing, equipping and furnishing housing
projects for the benefit of persons of low income, or moderate income, or low and moderate income, including without
Page 14
limitation loans, grants, interest supplements and other
programs of financial assistance to persons of low income, or
moderate income, or low and moderate income, and developers of housing for persons of low income, or moderate income,
or low and moderate income, and construction of infrastructure improvements related thereto and the acquisition of
land and rights-of-way required therefor, and providing that
additional taxes may be levied in an amount sufficient to pay
the principal and interest on the bonds be approved?
Charlotte Neighborhood Improvement
Bonds
SHALL the order authorizing $20,000,000 of bonds plus interest to provide funds to pay the capital costs of infrastructure
improvements in various neighborhoods of the City, including the cost of related studies, plans and design; acquiring,
constructing, reconstructing, improving, installing or providing
curbs, gutters, storm drainage and sidewalks; paving, resurfacing, grading or improving streets, roads and intersections; and
providing related landscaping and lighting and acquiring any
necessary equipment, land, interests in land and rights-of-way
therefor, and providing that additional taxes may be levied in
an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the
bonds be approved?
MECKLENBURG COUNTY LOCAL CANDIDATES
County commissioners and other local officials set the policies that are closest to voters, including the
school budget, zoning decisions, environmental health, and the local judicial system.
BOARD OF CO. COMMISSIONERS AT-LARGE - vote for 3
Scott Carlisle (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.scott4meck.com
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate
Appraiser, previously worked for as a
general contractor.
Background/Experience:
After observing the recent divisiveness on the current board,
I want to help bring balance and civility back to our county
government. I was born and raised in Mecklenburg County
and have a clear understanding of the challenges facing our
community today. I want to use my personal and professional experience to better serve and help our citizens. Through
responsible fiscal policies we can aid in our community’s
continued growth and success. I’m not here to represent one
narrow interest or idea, I am running to advance the interests
of Mecklenburg County and everyone that calls her home,
both now and in the future. My unique personal experiences
as a former home builder and now a commercial real estate
appraiser makes me especially suited for the issues facing our
community like the botched revaluation and problems with
the county building inspections which hampers development
and slows our economy.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
1. Served as both the Chairman of the Young Republicans and
Campaign Chair for the Mecklenburg County GOP.
2. Volunteered with great organizations such as Beds for Kids,
Charlotte Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity and the Adopt
a Highway program. Volunteering is one of the most civic
duties any citizens should be involved in.
3. Got Married to the love of my life Kelly Carlisle in the
church where we met when we were only three years old.
Kelly is a pediatric nurse in the NICU at Levines Children’s
Hospital and my biggest supporter.
How can you best represent all of Mecklenburg County?
I was born and raised right here in Mecklenburg County, and
I want to serve the community that has given me so much. I
want to represent all 1 million people that call Mecklenburg
County home, and be their voice of practical politics on the
board. I believe that a good idea does not have a party affiliation, and I want to listen to the people. I have never been a
straight ticket voter because if either of the parties were correct on all subjects, we would only have a one party system. I
believe in working across the aisle to advance the quality of
life in our county and to listen to both sides before making an
informed decision.
Emily Zuyus (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.emilyzuyus.com
Occupation: My husband and I own
Carolina Staffing Consultants -- a
recruiting company that specializes in
the accounting industry.
Background/Experience:
I have a varied business background. I have worked in the
banking industry for a mid-sized regional bank where I was a
marketing manager and a retail branch manager. I have also
worked for a large corporation in an outside sales function.
Currently, my husband and I are small business owners of a
recruiting firm – I manage the financial aspects of our business.
We are CMS parents and I have volunteered for over nine years
with my daughters’ schools. I also have leadership experience
as an elder for my church and I am president of a homeowner’s
association. I have the communication skills and business acumen to add value to our board of county commissioners.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
In 2011, Mecklenburg County assigned new values to over
300,000 real estate properties (2011 Revaluation). These values
determine our tax bills and approximately 1/3 of these values
resulted in an illegal tax hike to thousands of citizens. I have
spent the past several years fighting for the taxpayers to get this
revaluation fixed. I have had countless meetings with Mecklenburg County officials, commissioners, and citizens to work for a
resolution. This involvement led me to want to represent the
citizens on the county commission. I will use the same tenacity
and drive for the betterment of Mecklenburg County.
How can you best represent all of Mecklenburg County?
I was very disappointed when trying to get the 2011 Revaluation fixed, that some of our commissioners were not engaged.
My emails were not returned by some and my only ability to
communicate with these commissioners was to show up at a
meeting and address the group at the dais. This is not acceptable to me. I commit to holding one citizen meeting a month
in different locations all over the county to hear the concerns
of the citizens -- and not just in an election year. An At Large
commissioner should be accessible to all citizens.
Page 15
Patricia (Pat) Cotham (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.patcotham.com
Occupation: Worked at a non-profit
helping persons with a criminal record
find jobs
Background/Experience:
Knowledge of Mental Health, Poverty,
Struggles of families, Business Owner,
Trustee at the Blumenthal Performing arts Center, HIV AIDS
Council, President of the Democratic Women three times,
Received leadership awards from the Democratic Party, one of
seven DNC members for NC, Served on Boards of Chamber of
Commerce, Center City Partners and several others, active in
St. Matthew Catholic Church,
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Chair of the Uptown Democratic Forum for14 years
Distinguished Democratic Woman of the Year 2013
Grassroots Democratic Leader of the Year 2012
How can you best represent all of Mecklenburg County?
I do that now by meeting with Mayors from the Small towns,
attending town halls, and events throughout the county. I am
active on social media more than other candidates. Citizens
often say “you are everywhere” and Iam
Trevor M. Fuller (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.votetrevorfuller.com
Occupation: I am an attorney, and I
have been practicing law for the past
22 years.
Background/Experience:
I received my undergraduate degree from Hamilton College
in upstate New York, and my law degree from Georgetown
University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Since 2012, I have
served as a County Commissioner At Large, and for the last
year as chairman of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
In the past two years I have been in office: (1) I have led the
effort to bring about the proper funding of our educational
system, particularly our teachers; (2) we have adopted a strategic agenda for the county; (3) I have led the effort to create
a comprehensive and coherent economic development policy
and plan for the first time in Mecklenburg County; (4) I led the
board in hiring our new county manager by unanimous vote;
and (5) through respectful and capable leadership, the Board
of County Commissioners has gotten back on track.
How can you best represent all of Mecklenburg County?
Mecklenburg County is poised for tremendous economic
growth and vitality. Strong, steady, and effective leadership is
Page 16
critical to continuing our path toward this greater prosperity.
As Chairman, I have used my leadership abilities to help the
Board of County Commissioners develop and build consensus
around commonsense solutions to difficult problems. When
nearly 25% of the residents in Mecklenburg County receive
services from the Department of Social Services, it is critical
that we focus on economic development as the key to creating jobs in our community so that we can move people from
dependency to self-sufficiency.
As a county commissioner at large, I am directly accountable
to all 1 million people who call Mecklenburg County home.
So I’m running for re-election to continue to help solve the
big problems we face as a community.
Ella B. Scarborough (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ellascarborough.com
Occupation: Adjunct Professor CPCC
Background/Experience:
A servant of the people serving ten
years on the Charlotte City Council,
former President of the North Carolina
League of Municipalities, served on the
Uptown Development Corporation Committee, Chaired the
Housing Committee and several Ad Hoc Committees while on
the City Council. Served in many leadership positions in my
profession: member of Special Libraries Association - Chaired
the Public Utility Section, locally served as President of the
Metrolina Librarian Association.
Worked in many leadership roles at Friendship Missionary
Baptist Church.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Served as President of the Matthews Chapter of Zeta Phi Bêta
Sorority, Inc., Chaired Social Action and the Election Committees Nationally, and served on Committees on the State and
Regional levels of the Sorority. Chairs the Prayer Breakfast
for Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, sang on the Church
Choir, Scholarship Committee and the Phillip& Phoebe Ministries.
May 2013 received the Masters of Science In Organizational
Leadership from the University of Charleston West Virginia.
How can you best represent all of Mecklenburg County?
Work with Staff, my colleagues and the citizens of Mecklenburg County on solutions to help make Our County the
BEST place to live and raise a family. Attending constituents
meeting is my way of staying in touch with what is on their
agenda then make recommendations to my colleagues on the
Commission to enhance or change policies.
BOARD OF CO. COMMISSIONERS - DISTRICT 1
Jim Puckett (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jimpuckett.com
Occupation: Owner / President Long Creek
Industrial Services Inc. (Electo Painters Ceiling Pro)
Background/Experience:
UNCC Bachelors Business/Marketing/Operations, Mecklenburg
County Board of Commissioners, Budget Committee, Efficiency
Committee, Mecklenburg County Economic Development Committee (Chair), County Manager Review Committee (Chair)
Environmental Committee, Mecklenburg County Board of
Health, Mecklenburg County Board of Area Mental Health,
Mecklenburg County Board of Social Services, Centralina Economic Development Commission (Chair), Mecklenburg-Union
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO), Charlotte
Mecklenburg Planning Liaison Commission, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education, Budget Committee,
Facilities Committee (Chair)
Policy Committee, Citizens for Effective Government Board,
Host of Speak Out Charlotte Cable TV 21, WTVI Board, Lake
Norman Charter School Board, Historic Rural Hill Board
Board of Advisors: May 20th Society, Brookstone Home Owners Association President
Nathanial Alexander Elementary School PTSA President, Long
Creek Industrial Services Inc Owner (2007- Present), Southeast
Electrostatic Owner / Chairman (2008-2013), Electro Painters
Inc. Carolinas Regional Manager (1992-2007), Mitchell’s Formal Wear Carolinas Operations Manager (1984-1992)
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
As board member of Historic Rural Hill we expanded the
facilities and events at the site that has led to a tremendous
growth in economic impact for Northern Mecklenburg County.
As an Elder at Hopewell Presbyterian Church chaired the
Long Range Strategic Planning Committee that examined
and realigned the mission of the church and the staffing and
programs needed to meet those mission objectives.
With my wife supported the education of my eldest daughter resulting in a brand new Public School Middle School Science Teather
What are three important issues you want to address?
Lowest Responsible Tax Rates with Priority Based Budgeting:
We have Constitutional, Federal and State mandated spending
as well as quality of life mandates. , ALL additional discretionary spending should be prioritized, have the financial impact
on the taxpayer displayed and then voted on individually.
Efficient, Open, and Accountable Governance:
This shouldn’t be an issue but with the recent disclosure of
scheduling of officials to discuss Tolls so as to avoid open
meetings laws it is apparent there is little appreciation for
the public’s right to know currently on display in North Mecklenburg.
Parent and Student Centered School Management: The Board
of County Commissioners holds the checkbook to a substantial portion of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) funding.
We need to make certain that continued financial support
will come with demonstrated success in those areas PARENTS
deem important.
Leonard Richardson (D)
Email: richardsoncampaign@gmail.
com
Website: www.vote4richardson.com
Occupation: Charlotte Mecklenburg
School teacher
Background/Experience:
Growing up in foster care as well as
experiencing poverty and the supportive resources the county provides gives me a unique perspective on the value and purpose of our county services. I along
with countless others have been given the tools necessary to
get my education and to be cared for through food stamps,
Medicaid, and monthly financial assistance checks. This along
with being a teacher in CMS makes me the perfect choice for
the citizens of District One. We deserve representation that
is focused on serving everyone and involving all citizens in
moving our district forward with fresh collaborative ideas.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
My career as a teacher affords me the opportunity to make
a real difference in our community with our children. My
wife and I recently organized a Christmas party for the foster
children at Elon Homes for children. We also give clothes and
help serve food at New Christian Outreach Ministries.
What are three important issues you want to address?
Three of the most important issues in District One is Education, small business investment, and effective leadership. Investing in our students and teachers is paramount in securing
the future of our children and community. We must also invest
in our community members who start and run small business
to help them hire additional workers and provide higher
wages which both will stimulate the local economy and
create more jobs like falling dominoes. And finally effective
leadership is needed which requires visibility and accessibility
to the constituents and local leaders in order to communicate
and collaborate on the issues and concerns affecting District
One. As your District One Commissioner I will work with you
and for you to find the best solutions to move our county and
district forward with stronger communities built on strong
education and a vibrant small business economy because of
the effective leadership that will bring!
Page 17
BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
UNCONTESTED RACES
District 2 - Vilma D. Leake (D)
District 3 - George Dunlap (D)
District 4 - Dumont Clarke (D)
District 6 - Bill James
wr (R)
BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
- DISTRICT 5
Matthew Ridenhour (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.voteridenhour.com
Occupation: Operations Management
Consultant
Background/Experience:
I received my bachelors degree from
AIU in Atlanta, and am currently pursuing my MBA at Liberty University. I am
an experienced operations manager, with strengths in budgeting, process improvement, and personnel management. Having served for eleven years in the military, I know how to make
tough decisions with the best available information, as we are
often required to do in government service. I also believe that
the experience I gained in the last two years of service on the
County Commission was invaluable. It was a period of great
change and transition, and the lessons learned will help me
be an effective leader during future challenges.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
1. I am the Chair of the Economic Development Committee,
and we are well on our way towards crafting a new economic development policy, and are working on creative ways to
improve the business climate.
2. I am very pleased that we were able to find such a good Tax
Assessor, to guide us through the challenging time of correcting the 2011 tax revaluation.
3. Voted for giving teachers bonuses, while also cutting taxes
last year. It failed a 5-4 vote, but I am proud of finding a solution to a difficult issue.
Page 18
What are three important issues you want to address?
1. Jobs and Economic Development-- Though things are
certainly improving, and we see the unemployment numbers
steadily dropping, too many people are still failing to find
work. While government cannot create jobs, we can certainly
improve the climate to allow the private sector to flourish.
2. Education/Workforce Development-- Although the State recently increased teacher salaries by an average of 7%, we can
still increase our local supplement to further increase teacher
pay. This local supplement is our tool to recruit the best and
brightest to Mecklenburg. Additionally, we need ensure that
we have effective programs for linking job training programs
with actual jobs.
3. Efficient Government-- Folks want government that is efficient, effective, and responsive. Our new County Manager has
made a number of changes within the County which will help
push us to reaching that goal. I will work towards continuing
to improve government operations.
Art Cardenas (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website:
ElectArtCardenas.wordpress.com
Occupation: Business Intelligence
Developer
Background/Experience:
24 years experience in Information Services
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Candidate Mecklenburg County Commission, District #5 (South
Charlotte)
Volunteer Central Church of God
Volunteer St.Peter’s Catholic Church
What are three important issues you want to address?
Public Transportation / Traffic
Property Taxes
Security in trouble neighbourhoods
DISTRICT ATTORNEY - D. 26
Andrew Murray (R)
Candidate is unopposed
CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
Martha Efird (R)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.efird4clerk.com
Occupation: Attorney with Moore &
Van Allen, PLLC, Litigation Team
Background/Experience:
As a former Assistant Clerk of Superior Court, I presided over
thousands of guardianship, foreclosure and estate matters
which are within the Clerk’s jurisdiction. I managed personnel and operations of the Estates and Special Proceedings
Divisions that included knowledge of the receipting and
disbursements of funds managed by the Clerk. Before joining
the Clerk’s office, I maintained a private practice for 14 years.
My practice included civil, criminal, estate, real estate and
guardianship matters. I developed management skills while
working with Piedmont Airlines/USAirways for 7 years in operational and management positions. Last fall, I joined Moore
& Van Allen where I support the litigation and other attorneys
in state court procedure and matters before and involving the
Clerks Offices,the judicial assistants, and the court administrators in counties across our state. I possess the skills and have
legal, administrative and judicial experience that qualifies me
for the office
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
(1) Serving on the Charlotte and Metro District Executive
Team for United Methodist Women whose purpose and work
supports women, children and youth throughout the world;
(2) Serving and supporting the USO of North Carolina;
(3) Prevailing in the 2014 Republican Primary to become the
Republican Candidate for Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court with a margin of 73% to 27% and continuing the
efforts to be elected Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior
Court.
What improvements would you make as Mecklenburg County
Clerk of Superior Court?
As Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court, I will manage
the processes, procedures and people with the professionalism and integrity demonstrated by our current Clerk and her
predecessors. I will work with all available and appropriate
resources to ensure that the available technology is fully utilized in all areas. I will bring energy, commitment and action
in listening to staff, other court officials, the Bar, paralegals
and citizens to evolve and develop processes and procedures
so they are relevant and current while ensuring that the duties and responsibilities are efficiently, properly and faithfully
carried out to serve all.
Elisa Chinn Gary (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.elisachinngary.com
Occupation: Educator, Attorney &
North Carolina Court Administrator
Background/Experience:
I proudly serve the Mecklenburg
County community as the Administrator of the Juvenile &
Family Court Division of the 26th Judicial District. Within
the courts, my specific areas of oversight include the Family
Court Case Management Unit, Child Custody & Permanency
Mediation Programs, Family Law Facilitator Program and the
Mecklenburg County SelfServe Center. I am also charged with
providing administrative support to the Chief District Court
Judge and the members of the District Court Bench in the areas of caseflow management; human resource management;
education, training and development; information technology
management; strategic planning; grant writing and project
management. I hold a Masters in Social Work and a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I
have been licensed to practice law in NC since 1999.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
I am the proud recipient of the prestigious Julius L. Chambers
Diversity Champion Award, presented by the Mecklenburg
County Bar to individuals who embody high ethical standards,
unquestioned integrity, consistent competence and who
champion diversity in the legal profession. I have received like
honors from Justice Initiatives and UNC Charlotte Alpha Phi
Honor Society.
In collaboration with the Charlotte School of Law, I developed
an experiential access to justice law clinic. It prepares students to provide legal information to those who cannot afford
traditional legal representation. The clinic was recognized by
the NC Bar Association for its excellence and service.
What improvements would you make as Mecklenburg County
Clerk of Superior Court?
My vision to advance court excellence includes improving accessibility, collaboration, efficiency and redefining the culture
of the office. (1) Accessibility. As the elected Clerk, I pledge to
be accessible to my staff, other key court officials, members
of the bar and the community. Greater accessibility equates
to greater responsiveness. (2) Collaboration. I pledge to work
collaboratively with the Judiciary and the Trial Court Administrator’s Office. My knowledge of the resources and capabilities
of each of these branches, as well as my established collegial
relationships therein, will enable me to work strategically to
build an administration marked by intra-agency cooperation.
(3) Efficiency. I pledge to focus on core administrative principles that define, promote and measure high performing
courts including reduced delays, improved accuracy in data
recording and increased reliability of case files. (4) Culture. I
pledge to create a culture that deeply values its employees
and public service.
COUNTY SHERIFF
Chris Hailey (R)
Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.votehailey.com
Occupation: Former Director of Public
Safety Training, CPCC
Page 19
Chris Hailey (R)- cont’d
Background/Experience:
With over 28 years of experience in public safety, I have
served in the following positions:
• Raleigh police officer
• Trooper with the North Carolina State Highway
• Director of Public Safety Training with CPCC
I was appointed to the NC Community Corrections Advisory
Board.
I have a BS from Shaw University and an MS from Pfeiffer
University.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
I take pride in serving on numerous boards within Mecklenburg County as follows:
• Member of the Board of Directors for the Lake Norman
Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Chapter of the
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Board of Directors for the Samaritan House
• Member of the Board of Directors for Charlotte Mecklenburg
Crime Stoppers
• Member of Rotary International
• Former volunteer with Mecklenburg County Guardian ad
Litem
Top three changes you would make as Sheriff:
• Decentralize the Sheriff’s office and establish temporary
detention facilities in the northern and southern ends of
the county making it easier to conduct business and process
arrestees.
• Implement electronic visitation for inmates. This will allow
attorneys and families to communicate with inmates remotely
from the convenience of their offices and homes.
• Establish a mentoring program for at-risk children in grades
K-3 wherein law enforcement officers will serve as mentors.
This program will help to keep our children on the right paths
and out of the criminal justice system.
Irwin Carmichael (D)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.irwinforsheriff.com
Occupation: Captain with Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office; Owner of
Martial Arts Training Institute; Retired
Charlotte Fire Department
Background/Experience:
• 28-Years with Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
• Successful Business Owner since 1983
• Currently Certified in Basic Law Enforcement Training
(Sworn Law Enforcement Officer 28-years)
• North Carolina Dept. of Corrections Unarmed Self Defense
Instructor
• North Carolina Sheriffs’ Standards Commission Full Limited
Lecturer for Detention Officers
• North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training Instructor
Page 20
• 2011 Instructor of the Year-Central Piedmont Community
College Basic Law Enforcement Training
• Worked under and endorsed by Sheriff Jim Pendergraph and
current Sheriff Chipp Bailey
• Entire career of public service with CFD and Mecklenburg County
Sheriff’s Office working in the community here in this county.
• Published Author of “Success for Safety” and “Women’s
Awareness Response”
• Ninth Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Kempo Karate that
demonstrates, not only focus and conviction to be the best, but
the ability to achieve the highest of goals that I set for myself.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
1. Most important civic accomplishment was retiring from a
wonderful career with the Charlotte Fire Department.
2. Although my full-time career was with the CFD, my volunteering with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office was the
most rewarding for civic duty to keeping this county safe.
3. On the private sector and through the Sheriff’s Office, I have
been able to give seminars to over 100,000 people on safety,
through the Sheriff’s Office and share self-defense to families,
children and women to give them the confidence to “refuse to
be a victim” as a volunteer.
What are three important issues you want to address?
1. I want to build upon and improve current programs that
will give inmates opportunities to build productive futures.
These programs are self-funded and have no impact on the
taxpayers and I want to keep finding new ways to foster opportunities without impacting the tax payers.
2. I want to reach out to kids before they reach our facilities.
Right now, the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have a chance to reach
kids until the ages of 16-17 when they enter our facilities. I
want to reach out to them before they enter our facility by
building community programs with the schools, faith-based
community and in the neighborhoods.
3. I want to improve the communication between different
agencies within Mecklenburg County, to offer a mutual understanding of the way the law enforcement community can help
each other serve the community better.
Voting Rights Regained
If you have a misdemeanor conviction,
you never lose your right to vote,
even if you are in jail. If you have a
felony conviction, you temporarily lose
your right to vote while serving your
sentence. Once you have completed
your sentence (including any probation
or parole), you are eligible to register
again and vote. Register like anyone
else. No special paperwork is needed.
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
Nancy G. Carter
Email: [email protected]
Website: n/a
Occupation: Retired
No Photo
Background/Experience:
Service on the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation
District Board since Jan., 2012, currently Vice Chair, on the NC
Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Executive
Committee, 2013 as Area VIII Chair, 2014 as Secretary. While
on Charlotte City Council, Vice Chair and founding member
of the Council’s Environment Committee and also chaired the
NC League of Municipalities’ Energy, Environment and Natural
Resources Committee (2 years), served on the National League
of Cities EENR Committee for 8 years. Participated in the
international Climate Prosperity Board.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
As one of three women Council Members, succeeded in an
environmental focus, including establishing the Council’s
Environment Committee, and worked for Charlotte’s Street
Ordinance, Tree Save Ordinance, focus on alternative means of
transportation, such as more sidewalks, bike access, greenways, and ways to make our city run greener...green construction, more fuel efficiency, etc.
What are three important issues you want to address?
Partnering with our citizens, Soil and Water can impact our
environment. We share funding for projects to improve farming efforts (yes, there are still over 200 farms in Mecklenburg
County), help best management practices for the second
largest agricultural income for a county in our state (our
greenhouses and nurseries), and educate our children about
the importance of conservation.
Stream restoration and buffering can help our water quality
and safety. We partner with the city and county as well as our
individual landowners to work to slow water flow, maintain
stream banks, deal with erosion.
Shawn Greeson
Candidate did not provide requested information.
NON-PARTISAN JUDICIAL RACES
Judges have tremendous power in our state. In many cases, they have the final say over policies that
affect your life. The NC Constitution gives voters the power to elect judges. They run without party
labels. Choose one candidate for each seat.
NC SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE
Mark Martin
Ola M. Lewis
Occupation: Chief Justice of the North
Carolina Supreme Court
Age: 51
Website: www.MartinforChiefJustice.com
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Senior Resident Superior
Court Judge, District 13 B
Age: 49
Website: www.votejudgeola.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: Experience Matters. No person has ever been elected as Chief Justice who
did not first serve on the NC Supreme Court. I am the only
candidate in this race who has served on the NC Supreme
Court or written an appellate decision. I have served on the
Supreme Court for almost 16 years and authored over 400
appellate decisions.
Personal Statement: I am committed
to fairness, impartiality, an independent judiciary and abiding
by the Constitution. I will lead the Court by setting a standard
of transparency, people-centeredness, and dedication to the
rule of law. The Supreme Court will work more efficiently to
answer substantial issues of Constitutional law. I respectfully
ask for your prayers, your support and your vote.
Favorite Endorsements
(1) Five former NC Chief Justices – members of both political parties
(2) The NC Association of Educators (NCAE)
(3) The North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ)
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
Page 21
NC SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE (SEAT 1)
Bob Hunter
Sam J. Ervin IV
Occupation: Supreme Court Justice
Age: 67
Website: www.bobhunterforjustice.com
Email:
[email protected]
Occupation: Judge, NC Court of Appeals
Age: 58
Website: www.ErvinforSupremeCourt.com
Email:
[email protected]
Personal Statement: My judicial
philosophy is to be fair to all who appear before me and do
justice in the decisions I render. I am currently a Justice on
the Supreme Court, after serving on the Court of Appeals and
practicing law. I would appreciate your vote in November.
Find out more about me at my website.
Personal Statement: The law is the
glue that holds society together. However, the legal system
cannot work properly without fair, impartial, and independent
judges. My tenure on the State Utilities Commission and the
Court of Appeals demonstrates that I can decide the cases before me fairly and impartially without political or ideological
bias, which is what citizens deserve and should expect.
Favorite Endorsements
n/a
Favorite Endorsements
NC Association of Educators
Fraternal Order of Police
Former Chief Justices Henry Frye, Burley Mitchell and Jim
Exum.
NC SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE (SEAT 2)
Eric Levinson
Robin Hudson
Occupation: Superior Court Judge
Age: 47
Website: www.LevinsonforJustice.com
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Attorney; Associate Justice,
North Carolina Supreme Court
Age: 62
Website: www.robinhudson.org
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: I have a unique
combination of trial and appellate
court experience because I have served as a Judge of the (1)
District/Family Court; (2) Court of Appeals; and (3) Superior Court. I served as the Justice Attache to Iraq for the U.S.
Department of Justice. My record demonstrates commitments
to consistency; judicial restraint; and impartial adherence to
the law.
Favorite Endorsements:
N.C. Fraternal Order of Police
Hon. I. Beverly Lake, Jr., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of
North Carolina (ret.)
Personal Statement: B.A., Yale. J.D.,
UNC-CH. Over 38 years legal experience. Elected to Supreme
Court 2006, to Court of Appeals 2000. First woman elected to
the appellate bench without being appointed first. I’ve decided thousands of cases fairly and impartially, without political
or personal agenda. I always apply laws as enacted, if constitutional. Married, two adult children, one granddaughter.
Favorite Endorsements:
North Carolina Association of Educators
North Carolina Police Benevolent Association
North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys
RIDES TO THE POLLS!
If you need a ride to go vote during Early Voting or on Election Day, you’re in luck! Democracy
North Caroilna, a nonpartisan group, is providing this service for Mecklenburg County
residents. Call them at 888-547-9955.
Page 22
NC SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE (SEAT 3)
Mike Robinson
Cheri Beasley
Occupation: Attorney at Law in Private
Practice for 34 years
Age: 58
Website: www. votemikerobinson.com
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Associate Justice, NC Supreme Court
Age: 48
Website: www.JusticeCheriBeasley.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: Our State’s
highest court should have at least one member who has
spent over three decades representing small businesses and
businessmen and women. I will enforce the laws of this State
consistent with our State and Federal Constitutions. I have
been a servant leader both locally and state-wide. I appreciate
your vote.
Personal Statement: It is an honor to
serve on the Supreme Court of North Carolina since 2012. I
am the only candidate for this seat with ANY judicial experience. With your support, I will continue to serve justice by
applying the law fairly and impartially without undue favor
as well as make decisions based upon NC law, the US and NC
constitution.
Favorite Endorsements:
Former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr.
Fraternal Order of the Police
Former North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert Orr
Favorite Endorsements:
NC Association of Educators
NC Police Benevolent Association
NC AFL-CIO
NC COURT OF APPEALS (SEAT 1)
Because of a late vacancy, 19 candidates are running against each other to fill Seat 1 on the NC Court of Appeals.
Marion Warren
Occupation: District Court Judge
Age: 48
Website: www. JudgeWarren.com
Email:
[email protected]
Personal Statement: When starting
my legal career twenty three years ago, I swore to defend
the Constitution. I have never lost sight of this obligation
and believe the rights and liberties of the individual must be
protected. Always, I have worked to see the law applied fairly.
Judges should be guardians of the rights and liberties guaranteed by due process of law.
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
Chuck Winfree
Occupation: Self-employed attorney,
owner of law firm with five employeesAge: 54
Website: www.electwinfree.com
Email: n/a
Personal Statement: Our best judges
are the ones that remember that they are servants of the
parties who come into their courts seeking relief. Judges who
forget this undermine the public’s confidence in and respect
for our legal institutions. My professional career and service
on the State Board of Elections have demonstrated diligence
and fairness that would serve our citizens well on the Court of
Appeals.
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
John M. Tyson
Occupation: Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals 2001-2009; Recall
Judge, NC Court of Appeals, 2009-2013
& 2014-present; Emergency Superior
Court Judge, 2009-2013 & 2014-present; Adj Professor, Campbell University
School of Law, 1987-present.; Chairman of the North Carolina
Ethics Commission 2012-2014
Age: 61
Website: www.judgejohntyson.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: I was elected to and served on the NC
Court of Appeals for eight years, the only judge with this judicial experience. I promise to uphold the Constitution & apply
Page 23
NC COURT OF APPEALS (SEAT 1) - cont’d
John M. Tyson - cont’d
Jody Newsome
the laws fairly and impartially. I do not believe in judicial
activism, where judges create laws in rulings. I request your
vote to return me to the Court of Appeals. www.judgejohntyson.com
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 42
Website:
www.newsomeforcourtofappeals.org
Email: [email protected]
Favorite Endorsements:
1. North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police
2. Supreme Court Justice Edward Thomas Brady
3. City of Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson
Elizabeth Davenport Scott
Occupation: Litigation Partner with
Williams Mullen
Age: 54
Website:
www.elizabethdavenportscott.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: Close to thirty
years of experience in the practice of law will guide me in
reaching sound and fair decisions that are grounded in the
rule of law. My experience representing parties in commercial
and business disputes will be particularly helpful in reviewing
important legal issues affecting business and industry in the
State. Please vote for me on November 4.
Favorite Endorsements:
Keith Kapp, Immediate Past President, NC State Bar
Former U.S. Senator Lauch Faircloth
My former law partner Tom Ellis
State Auditor Beth Wood
Tricia Shields
Occupation: Attorney at Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo
Age: 54
Website: www.shieldsforjudge.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: Proud son of
retired U.S.C.G. officer and elementary schoolteacher. Former
librarian and police officer. Law Clerk on both N.C. Appellate
Courts. Attorney (14 years) for individuals, small businesses,
and non-profits. Trial and appellate litigator in State and
Federal Courts. Signed NCBA Resolution, agreeing to conduct
campaign with professionalism and civility. Won’t accept endorsements or contributions from PACs or interest groups.
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
Marty Martin
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 62
Website:
www.ElectMartyMartinJudge.com
Email:
[email protected]
Personal Statement: Diverse legal and life experiences have
prepared me to serve as a North Carolina Court of Appeals’
judge: Martin Law Firm - est. 1987. See: MartinLegalHelp.com •
Wake County District Attorney’s Office - Prosecutor • North
Carolina Court of Appeals - Law clerk - John Webb, Associate
Justice N.C. Supreme Court who taught me about a judge’s
integrity, judgment, independence, toughness, and gentle
humanity.
Favorite Endorsements:
• Nan E. Hannah, Past President Wake County Bar Association
and Tenth Judicial District Bar
• Walter E. Brock, Jr. Past President Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar
Hunter Murphy
Personal Statement: My service as law
clerk to Chief Judge Hedrick at the NC Court of Appeals, and
27 years practicing law in our trial and appellate courts, has
taught me that justice is served when judges apply the law
fairly to everyone, regardless of background, wealth, political
affiliations, race, gender or personal views.
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 33
Website:
www.HunterMurphyForJudge.com
Email: [email protected]
Favorite Endorsements:
I have been endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (civil defense attorneys organization), as well
as by the Past Presidents of that Association.
Personal Statement: Judges should not
be politicians and politicians should not be judges. My wife,
Kellie and I have four-year-old twins, Brayden and Eden and
we are active members of Pinnacle Church. I am a Constitu-
Page 24
NC COURT OF APPEALS (SEAT 1) - cont’d
tional Conservative running to protect the role of the Judiciary
and bring my diverse education and experience to the Court
of Appeals. Thank you!
17 years, I served as a Superior Court judge. Fairness, honesty,
intellectual capacity, a working knowledge of the law, and a
strong work ethic are qualities that I value and possess.
Favorite Endorsements:
Curtis Cochran, Republican Sheriff of Swain County
Favorite Endorsements:
Congressman G.K. Butterfield
Rufus Edmisten, Former Attorney General of NC
Don Vaughan, former Mayor of Greensboro
Keischa Lovelace
Occupation: n.C. Industrial commission
deputy commissioner
Age: 39
Website:
www.lovelaceforcourtofappeals.com
Email:
[email protected]
Personal Statement: N.C. citizens deserve fair, impartial and
competent judges who serve with integrity. As a Deputy
Commissioner, I judge workers’ compensation cases and State
tort claims. In my courtroom, everyone has a fair opportunity
to present their cases and they are treated with dignity and
respect. My decisions are based upon the law. Please visit my
website for more information.
Sabra Jean Faires
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 58
Website: sabrajeanfairesforjudge.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: My pledge to you
is simple: I promise to treat everyone who comes before the court fairly, consistently, and only
in accordance with the application of the law to the facts.
Fairness and equal treatment have been the hallmarks of my
30+ year career that includes legislative, administrative, and
private practice. I would be honored to receive your vote.
Favorite Endorsements:
North Carolina Advocates For Justice
Favorite Endorsements:
Senator Fletcher Hartsell
Senator Joel Ford
Ann Kirby
Daniel Patrick Donahue
Occupation: Assistant Public Defender
Age: 56
Website: www.KIRBYforCOA.org
Candidate did not provide requested information.
Personal Statement: Having served as
a prosecutor and public defender, I recognize the importance of an objective
understanding of both perspectives. I will review all aspects of
each case to which I am assigned in order to make a correct,
fair and impartial ruling based upon the facts and the law,
without regard to status, wealth or position of the parties.
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
Abe Jones
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 62
Website: www.voteabejones.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: Experience
counts. I have served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney in criminal cases. I have also
represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases. For
J. Brad Donovan
Occupation: Deputy Commissioner, NC
Industrial Commission
Age: 60
Website: www.donovanforcoa.com
Education and Training: Juris Doctor, 1989
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: I have been a member of the bar for 25
years. Every day I have spent in public service. I spent 8 years
on Staff Counsel of the Court of Appeals, writing over 600
proposed opinions for the Court. For the last 12 years, I have
been hearing cases across the state, being assigned 20003000 cases for the Commission.
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
Jeffrey M. Cook
Candidate did not provide requested information.
Page 25
NC COURT OF APPEALS (SEAT 1) - cont’d
Lori G. Christian
Occupation: Wake Co. District Court Judge
Age: 53
Website: ElectJudgeLoriChristian.com
Email: n/a
Personal Statement: I have been a district court judge since 2007 and have
served in every courtroom except the juvenile courts. However,
as a lawyer, I represented juveniles in delinquency court and
Wake County in abuse and neglect court. My excellent reputation and the fact that I’m a highly rated judge clearly demonstrates that I have the ability to learn new and different areas
of the law with ease.
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
Betsy Bunting
Candidate did not provide requested information.
John S. Arrowood
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 57
Website: www.judgearrowood.com
Email: [email protected]
served on the Court of Appeals in 2007 and 2008 and authored 118 opinions. I have also severed as a Superior Court
Judge. I have 23 years of experience in private practice in
Charlotte primarily doing civil litigation.
Favorite Endorsements:
North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE)
Equality N.C. Action Fund the PAC for Equality North Carolina
N.C. AFL-CIO
Valerie Johnson Zachary
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 52
Website: www.ValerieZachary.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: In 1987 I graduated from Harvard Law School cum
laude and joined Kennedy Covington
Lobdell & Hickman (now K&L Gates) in
Charlotte. For the last 25 years I have practiced law with my
husband Lee Zachary in rural Yadkin County, near Winston-Salem. I have had a wide breadth of legal experience and bring
a different judicial perspective to the Court.
Favorite Endorsements: n/a
Personal Statement: My experience in
the public and private sectors make
me uniquely qualified to serve as a Court of Appeals Judge. I
NC COURT OF APPEALS (SEAT 2)
Bill Southern
Lucy Inman
Occupation: District Court Judge
Age: 34
Website: www.SouthernforJudge.com
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Special Superior Court Judge
Age: 53
Website: www.judgelucyinman.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: My experience
as a trial court judge and prosecutor
provides me the valuable real world perspective needed on
the Court of Appeals. I believe the role of a judge is to decide
cases based upon what the law is and not what the law
should be and that the efficient, predictable administration of
justice is critical to North Carolina’s economy.
Personal Statement: I am running for
the Court of Appeals to make sure that
every judge in our state treats every person fairly and with
respect. As a trial judge, I see first-hand how courts affect
families, individuals and businesses. I apply the law consistently, impartially, and with no political agenda. In every case.
Citizens deserve no less from our courts.
Favorite Endorsements:
North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police
Favorite Endorsements:
NC Association of Educators; NC Police Benevolent Association; AFL-CIO
Page 26
NC COURT OF APPEALS (SEAT 3)
Donna Stroud
Occupation: Judge
Age: 50
Website: www.DonnaStroud.com
Email: [email protected]
2006; Adjunct Professor, Campbell University School of Law,
2008 to present; District Court Judge, Wake County, 20042006; Private practice of law, 1988-2004. Education: Duke University School of Law, LL.M., Judicial Studies, 2014; Campbell
University School of Law, 1988, J.D., magna cum laude; Campbell University, 1985, B.A., Government, summa cum laude.
Personal Statement:
Unopposed for re-election.
Professional background: Judge, Court of Appeals, elected
Favorite Endorsements:
I appreciate all of the individuals and groups which have
endorsed me and I cannot name “favorites.”
NC COURT OF APPEALS (SEAT 4)
Paul Holcombe
Mark Davis
Occupation: District Court Judge
Age: 45
Website: www.judgepaulholcombe.com
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Judge, NC Court of Appeals
Age: 48
Website: www.judgemarkdavis.com
Email: [email protected]
Personal Statement: As an elected
District Court Judge, I have presided
over thousands of cases over the last six years. I am the only
candidate in this race who has presided over a criminal court,
domestic court, child support court, domestic violence court or
traffic court. I have the experience necessary to serve in this
important role. I would appreciate your support.
Personal Statement: Undergraduate, law
degrees: UNC-Chapel Hill. Appeals Court
judge since 2012. Decided approximately 600 extremely varied
cases. Almost two decades previous legal experience: private
practice, Special Deputy Attorney General, General Counsel to
the Governor. Proven record of fairness, independence. I treat
all people equally. I follow the law with no political agenda. I
oppose outside political money in NC judicial elections.
Favorite Endorsements:
North Carolina Troopers Association
Favorite Endorsements:
North Carolina Association of Educators
North Carolina Police Benevolent Association
North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys
Voters With Disabilities
Sometimes access to your regular polling place can be difficult. If so, you may want to use Early
Voting instead, since Early Voting sites are often more accessible. You may also vote from the curb
without leaving your car at an Early Voting site in your county or at your precinct’s polling place on
Election Day. Voting places have a special spot for curbside voting near the front entrance. Some
have a curbside bell; some rely on other voters notifying the poll workers that a voter is at the
curb. Only people who have difficulty reaching the polling room because of a physical disability or
age may use curbside voting.
Before you go to vote, you may also want to check the accessibility of the polling place by calling the local Board of
Elections or the State Board of Elections at 866-522-4723. You have the right to request another permanent polling
place before the election if yours is inaccessible.
Page 27
NC SUPERIOR COURT
DISTRICT 26B (Seat 1)
Lisa Bell
Candidate is unopposed
NC SUPERIOR COURT
DISTRICT 26B (Seat 2)
Eric A. Montgomery
Email: [email protected]
Website: montgomeryforjudge.com
Occupation: 2009 - MONTGOMERY LAW
FIRM; 2001- 2008, Assistant General
Counsel, BANK OF AMERICA; 1995
- 2001, Lead Attorney, Employment
Matters, SCANA SERVICES
Background/Experience:
• Eric Montgomery has practiced law for nearly 25 years, more
than any other candidate in the race for Superior Court Judge
District 26B. He is a native of Charlotte and a graduate of
West Charlotte High (Class of 83). He is a graduate of Marquette University Law School and North Carolina Central University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science, Cum Laude. He
has diverse law experience. He has represented corporations,
small business owners and his favorite, individuals. He has
litigated cases in Federal and State courts and administrative
agencies across this state. He brought favorable resolutions
for the clients he represented without sacrificing his values or
support for strong communities.
• Vice President, Mecklenburg County Bar Association, May 2014
• Guest Panelist, University of Pittsburgh, Annual Graduate
Studies in Public Administration
• Recipient of the Howard B. Eisenberg Award for outstanding
work in Community Service - Awarded by Marquette University
Law Alumni Association
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Montgomery mentors young lawyers, supporting them in their
own practices. He also created a community program that
has given away hundreds of free wills to individuals at area
churches throughout Charlotte. He is a regular speaker for the
John Leary Bar Association, an organization which provides
free legal clinics in Charlotte.
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
I envision a judicial system that affords all individuals access
to its benefits and services, regardless of financial status, race,
sex or any other characteristic that has historically denied
people rights. I would advocate expansion of alternative
dispute resolution processes and self-help service centers to
assist persons to address their legal needs when they cannot
afford an attorney. Unfortunately, more people in our country
cannot afford the legal services they deserve and we need to
find more creative ways to address this pressing concern.
Page 28
David Kelly
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.davidkellyforjudge.com
Occupation: Full-time: Assistant District Attorney (Homicide Unit) - Mecklenburg DA’s Office
Part-time: Adjunct Law Professor
Background/Experience:
I am the candidate with the most superior court trial experience. The citizens of NC are electing a trial court judge in
this election and I am the most prepared and experienced
trial court lawyer. I am endorsed by District Attorney Andrew
Murray, former District Attorney Peter Gilchrist, Sheriff Chipp
Bailey, and the Charlotte Firefighters’ Association. I am also
endorsed by many criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors,
and civil attorneys from all political affiliations.
I am a graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, UNC
Charlotte, and Wake Forest University School of Law. I grew up
residing in District 26B in Charlotte.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
I designed, and the DA implemented, my blueprint for the
establishment of a new unit in our office to target habitual
felons. I served on that unit, and supervised that unit. I believe
it had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact on our
community.I have served on the hiring committee and as intern recruiting coordinator for our office. I have expanded our
efforts to recruit qualified and diverse students/lawyers from
all backgrounds.But my biggest accomplishments are when a
trial ends with a murderer convicted and the victim’s family
feels some bit of justice was served.
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
A judge can only control what they do in their courtroom. I
believe a judge should work hard -- all week. I believe a judge
should treat all parties in the courtroom with respect. And I
believe a judge should follow the law, not personal opinions
or beliefs. I commit to do those three things and I believe that
if every judge did the same, we would have a much-improved
court system.
John W. Bowers
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bowersforjudge.com
Occupation: Appointed Superior
Court Judge for District 26B; formerly
attorney with Horack, Talley, Pharr &
Lowndes, PA
Background/Experience:
John is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill for both undergraduate
(Phi Beta Kappa) and law school (with Honors; Law Review).
He clerked for a NC Supreme Court Justice, where he worked
on criminal and civil opinions. John has broad experience in
civil litigation spanning over 16 years, focusing on commercial litigation, complex real estate litigation, employment law,
and appellate law. He frequently appears in court and has
argued in more than 40 counties in North Carolina, including
six different counties in July and August this year. John has
been selected for The Best Lawyers in America in appellate
law for 2011-2014. John has been appointed by the Governor
to serve on the bench for the remaining 3 months of the open
seat. His unique experience in representing a variety of clients
in court on a diversity of matters make him the most qualified
candidate for Superior Court Judge.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
1. I obtained a six-figure jury verdict in a complex real estate
contract dispute.
2. I served as counsel for the trustee of a law practice of an attorney who was disbarred for real estate fraud. My role included following a trail of funds, working with the FBI, correcting
and fixing titles, and disbursing trust account funds.
3. I obtained summary judgment and won the appeal in a very
complicated lien priority dispute between lenders that few
attorneys thought could be won. The adversary proceeding
was before the Bankruptcy Court and then later appealed to
the Federal District Court.
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
Scheduling orders are issued in every case in Superior Court.
They list the major deadlines of the case, such as motions
deadlines, trial dates, etc. The challenge with scheduling orders in the 26th Judicial District is that the deadlines can begin before all parties to the case have been served and had an
opportunity to file a response. This means a party may have
to designate expert witnesses before they know the opposing
positions. This creates many problems for the court and the
parties, as the deadlines set in the scheduling orders can be
near impossible to meet and can create burdensome work
for all. The scheduling order process needs to be reworked so
that deadlines are not set until all parties have been served
and the window to answer has expired. This will allow cases
to proceed smoothly and logically, benefitting all involved.
Carla Archie
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.carlaarchie.com
Occupation: Senior Litigation Counsel
for Wells Fargo & Company
Background/Experience:
As a practicing attorney for nearly
20 years, my experience is extensive and diverse. Unlike my
opponents, I have experience handling both criminal and civil
litigation on the plaintiff/prosecution side and the defense. I
have practiced in the public and private sectors, government
and corporate organizations. As a former assistant district
attorney, I prosecuted criminal matters and later managed a
staff of attorneys as a chief assistant district attorney. I have
also handled defensive commercial litigation for large, private
corporations, and advised a government agency on sales,
marketing, procurement, employment, and security matters.
My experience with trying cases before the North Carolina
Superior Court gives me first-hand knowledge about the types
of cases that may come before me. Further, my experience as a
manager has equipped me to balance competing interests and
make difficult decisions.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
In law school, I led the effort to establish the Oliver Hill
Scholarship Fund that, twenty years later, continues to support
students who demonstrate a commitment to public service
and social advocacy.
At age 28, I was humbled to become the first African American
female Chief Assistant District Attorney in charge of felony
drug prosecutions. The position provided my first opportunity
to manage a team, make internal, executive decisions, and to
serve as a role model for young lawyers.
Now, as president of the Mecklenburg County Bar, I serve and
help guide the strategic direction of over 5,000 local attorneys.
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
My suggestions relate to our overall judicial system because
there are always opportunities to improve our system to better serve citizens. I believe that everyone who comes before
the court should be treated with respect. Our judicial system
must have judges who will administer justice in an ethical
and honorable manner with fairness and integrity. All parties
deserve to have their positions and cases presented, evaluated and ruled upon in a timely fashion, without bias, and
according to the law. Every citizen is entitled to the rights and
privileges afforded to them as guaranteed in the United States
Constitution and they must be upheld in every branch of our
government, including our judiciary. Regardless of where one
may fall on the side of the law, or whether a case is heard by
a judge or a jury, our system must protect, respect and uphold
the rights and privileges of everyone.
NC SUPERIOR COURT
DISTRICT 26C
Justin William Moore
Candidate did not provide requested information.
Bob Bell
Candidate did not provide requested information.
Page 29
NC DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT 26 UNCONTESTED RACES
Seat 1- Donald Cureton, Jr.
Seat 2- Rickye McKoy-Mitchell
Seat 3- Paige B. McThenia
Seat 4- Regan A. Miller
Seat 6- Matt Osman
Seat 7- Sean Smith
Seat 8 - Becky Thorne Tin
NC DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT 26 (Seat 5)
Yolanda M. Trotman
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.yolandatrotmanforjudge.com
Occupation: Attorney
Background/Experience:
I am an alumnus of UNC-Charlotte and I was a North Carolina
Teaching Fellow. I received my B.A. in History in 1996. I was a
history teacher, Debate & Speech coach and mock trial coach
for three years at North Mecklenburg High School. I received
my J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in
2002. I began my legal career in 2002 as an Assistant Public
Defender, where I handled misdemeanor and felony cases in
District and Superior Court. I have owned my own law firm
and have been in private practice focusing on criminal defense and family law matters since 2004, and I have extensive
trial experience. I was recently nationally ranked as one of the
“Top 10 under 40” in NC by the National Academy of Family
Law Attorneys.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
As a high school teacher I was Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools’ First Year Teacher of the Year among all high school
teachers. As a law student at the University of Pittsburgh, I
was recognized by my law school for my community service. In
May I was nationally ranked as one of the “Top 10 under 40” in
NC by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
Page 30
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
I believe access to justice is critical so there should be a
review of affidavits where one is denied the right to counsel.
It think our specialty courts should be evaluated for more efficiency for attorneys and litigants. I believe that there should
be a more comprehensive evaluation of Judges on a yearly
basis and Judges should have some opportunity to observe
one another. I think there should be a better opportunity for
non profit organizations that are dedicated to addressing
some of the underlying issues that can lead to problems in
the criminal justice system be better utilized where appropriate. Our Self Serve Center should have longer hours to allow
greater access to the resources for civil matters.
Theo Nixon
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.JudgeNixon.com
Occupation: District Court Judge in
Mecklenburg County, 26th Judicial
District since 2008.
Previously a Trial Attorney for 28 years
Background/Experience:
B.A. from North Carolina State University 1973
J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law 1977
Assistant Public Defender in Mecklenburg County 1977-1980
Partner in the firm of Goodman, Carr, Nixon,Laughrun and
Levine 1980-2000
Founding and Managing Partner in the firm of Nixon, Park,
Gronquist & Foster PLLC 2000-2008
Handled cases in District Court in seventeen NC Counties
Handled cases in Superior Court in thirteen NC Counties
Practiced extensively in Federal District Court for the Western,
Middle and Eastern Districts of North Carolina
Prosecuted appeals in the North Carolina Court of Appeals,
Supreme Court of North Carolina and the United States
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
Sitting District Court Judge in Mecklenburg County
2008-present
Lead Criminal Division Judge 2009 through 2013
Created 2 new specialized courts to make the court system
more efficient
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
Having been a Partner in two successful law firms and with
over 28 years of trial practice, I have blended my experience from the private sector to make the public sector more
efficient. After being appointed by the Governor, my first
accomplishments were the creation of a dedicated Probation
Violation Court and the resurrection of the Criminal Courts
Committee, which I chaired for 4 years. I have presided over
the Mecklenburg County Adult Drug Treatment Courts during
my entire tenure. In November of 2012, I created and have
presided over Citizens’ Warrant Court which is a specialized
criminal mediation court.
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
From the moment I became a District Court Judge, I have used
my knowledge and experience to improve the efficiency of the
court system. Having a thorough understanding of the com-
plexities of the court system, I have been able to identify and
implement two new specialized courts to increase efficiency
and make the courts more accessible to our citizens. With
alternative methods of dealing with the volume of cases and
employing specialized approaches to resolving the problems
and needs of our citizens, I have already begun the process of
addressing those needs. By using more progressive evidence
based methods that do not jeopardize the safety and welfare
of our community, I plan on continuing to change the way that
we have been dealing with crime over the years. My last six
years prove that these changes have been and can continue
to be successful.
NC DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT 26 (Seat 9)
Casey Viser
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.caseyviser.com
Occupation: current: Judge, Mecklenburg County District Court
former: Partner, James, McElroy &
Diehl, PA
Background/Experience:
I have over 14 years experience in the judicial system, as both
a litigator and a Judge. I have a diverse legal background as
a civil litigator and criminal trial attorney. Having tried civil
and criminal cases, as well as domestic/juvenile cases prior
to becoming a Judge, I am uniquely qualified to preside over
any proceeding that may come before me in District Court. My
knowledge of not only the law and procedure, but also people,
enables me to serve effectively as a District Court Judge. I
have argued cases before the North Carolina Supreme Court,
the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and the Fourth Circuit
Court of Appeals. I received my law degree from Campbell
University, where I served as President of the Student Bar
Association. I am a native Charlottean, husband, and devoted
father of three, and I am committed to serving the people of
Mecklenburg County.
List three important political/civic accomplishments:
My most important accomplishments are my three children
and my marriage. Beyond these most important aspects of my
life, I believe my most important professional accomplishment
is the overwhelming vote of confidence I received from fellow
members of the Mecklenburg Bar, to be named as a District
Court Judge, and my appointment by the Governor. My other
professional accolades include: Charlotte Business Journal’s
“40 Under 40;” Business North Carolina Magazine’s “Legal Elite”
for Criminal Defense; Superlawyers Magazine, “Rising Star” for
Business Litigation and Criminal Defense; and Best Lawyers in
America, “2013 Lawyer of the Year” for DWI Defense.
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
The 26th Judicial District is the largest and most active court
in the state. We do more with fewer resources than any other
county, and we are able to handle the largest caseload in
the state because of the extraordinary efforts by many of our
Judges, Clerks, Deputies, and District Attorneys. Our greatest
asset is the quality of the people within the system. However,
the continued cuts in funding of our judicial system endanger
the efficient administration of justice. Without the proper resources to fund the multitude of programs we have in Mecklenburg County that are designed to allow for the handling of
such a high volume of cases, the ultimate result will be even
higher costs to the public.
Alicia D. Brooks
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aliciabrooksforjudge.com
Occupation: Attorney Brooks is currently self-employed as an attorney
with The Brooks Law Firm practicing
criminal and traffic law.
Background/Experience:
Attorney Brooks graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with two
bachelors degrees and a law degree. She began her career as
an assistant Public Defender where she represented hundreds of indigent people from all across Mecklenburg County.
Later Attorney Brooks became an assistant District Attorney
prosecuting major crimes such as homicides. She has been in
private practice for 14 years where she continues to represent
individuals from all walks of life. She is a member of Mount
Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and a resident of Matthews
where she is active in her church and her community. She has
previously served on the board of directors for the Mecklenburg county Bar and for a child development center in
Matthews. Attorney Brooks is a person of integrity and has the
temperament to be an excellent judge. Her experience and
commitment to this community make her uniquely qualified
to be a District Court Judge.
List three important accomplishments:
I am the product of a single parent home and the odds were
against me obtaining a higher education. I not only graduated
tenth in my high school class, but I also graduated from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill undergraduate on
a partial scholarship with two degrees, political science and
criminal justice. I was the first generation to obtain a doctoral degree by obtaining my Juris Doctorate from UNC Chapel
Hill as well. My most important accomplishments are being
married for 25 years and raising three amazing children, two
of them who are currently attending college.
Suggestions to improve performance of the 26th District Court:
As an attorney who has practiced in many of the courtrooms
in Mecklenburg County, I have seen many improvements
in our system over the years. The area that needs the most
attention is the funding of our judicial system.There are
treatment courts which are a tremendous help in lowering
the rate of recidivism and we need to adequately fund these
courts and increase them around the state. Providing the
proper funding for our court system would help to improve its
effectiveness and efficiency.
Page 31
Democracy North Carolina
1821 Green Street
Durham, NC 27705
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1011
Durham, NC
Independent,
Non-partisan
Voter Guide
For Voters In
Mecklenburg
County
EARLY VOTING TIMES AND LOCATIONS
1. Central Piedmont Community College—Facilities Services
1325 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Oct. 23 - 24 & 27 - 31
Oct. 25 & Nov. 1
Oct. 26
Weekdays
Saturday
Sunday
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Additional locations:
2. Ballantyne Commons Shpg. Ctr.
14815 Ballantyne Village Way
9. Main Library
310 N Tryon St.
16. North Regional Library
16500 Holly Crest Ln., Huntersville
3. Beatties Ford Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
10. Marion Diehl Rec Ctr
2219 Tyvola Rd.
17. South Regional Library
5801 Rea Rd.
4. Bette Rae Thomas Rec Ctr
2921 Tuckasegee Rd.
11. Matthews Library
230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
18. Steele Creek Library
13620 Steele Creek Rd.
5. Cornelius Town Hall
21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius
12. Midwood Cultural Ctr
1817 Central Ave.
19. Sugar Creek Library
4045 N Tryon St, Ste. A
6. Elon Park Rec Ctr
11401 Ardrey Kell Rd.
20. University Regional Library
13. Mint Hill Library
6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., Mint Hill 301 E WT Harris Blvd.
7. Hickory Grove Library
5935 Hickory Grove Rd.
14. Morrison Regional Library
7015 Morrison Blvd.
8. Independence Regional Library
6000 Conference Dr.
15. Moutain Island Library
4420 Hoyt Galvin Way
21. West Boulevard Library
2157 West Blvd.
Oct. 23 - 24 & 27 -31
Weekdays
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Oct. 25 & Nov. 1
Oct. 26
Saturday
Sunday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm