Voter Guide Pitt County NC Election 2022

Party: Democrat

Background: An eastern NC native, who went from tobacco fields to graduating from the Air Force Academy and working Air Force One operations. Served as an ECU assistant professor and the mayor of Snow Hill. Now a six-term state senator and Presbyterian minister.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
As a champion for eastern NC, Senator Davis delivered on a new ECU Brody School of Medicine, $1 billion in broadband and a veteran tax exemption. In Congress, priority will be fighting for health care access, a stronger economy and needed resources to low-performing schools in distressed areas.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Option 3 –  What specific steps would you take to address economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods: The East experienced economic stress before high prices at the pump and grocery store. Too many are leaving eNC for opportunities elsewhere. We must get our fair share in D.C.—health access, broadband, and workforce development are essential for good-paying sustainable American jobs and products.

Website: VoteDonDavis.com

Party: Republican

no response from candidate

Party: Democrat

Background: I am a Nationally Certified Reentry Coach, a Certified Reentry Professional, and founder of a NC based nonprofit for wellness and reentry services. I hold a BS in Behavioral Science and a MS in Justice and Security Administration.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Criminal Justice Reform on all levels, Healthcare that is accessible and affordable for everyone especially here in Rural Eastern NC, Assistance for Veterans to access their benefits, reentry service after returning home such as mental health and/or substance use

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Option 2 – What specific steps would you take to address new restrictions on abortion access: Roe versus Wade should be codified. The issue with abortion is that it is a healthcare issue and should not be publicized or turned into control of a person’s body. Abortion is and should be a decision made between a person and their doctors based on their specific healthcare needs.

Website: Barbara4Congress.com

Party: Republican

no response from candidate

Party: Republican

Background: I was a NC Representative for the 10th District 2012-2013. I taught  Public School for 5 years.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Education, Lower Taxes and Inflation

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Option 3 –  What specific steps would you take to address economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods: We need to reopen the US gasoline lines.

Website: KarenKozel.com

Party: Democrat

Background: Occupation: State Representative, Consultant; Education: BS, Sociology – Charleston Southern University; Career background: City Council Member (City of Greenville), Mayor (City of Greenville), Mental Health Case Manager/Supervisor

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Affordable Housing, Mental Health, and Criminal Justice Reform are my campaign’s three priorities. Chief among them is housing, which has reached crisis levels the past few years and can be deeply connected to a host of other issues in a person’s life. Shelter is a basic human need.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Option 2 – What specific steps would you take to address new restrictions on abortion access:
The government has no right to control a woman’s body. The best way to prevent new abortion laws in NC is to safeguard the Governor’s veto by working to ensure pro-choice candidates are elected this November. And in the legislature, I would never support any abortion ban or effort to control women.

Website: KandieSmith.com

Party: Republican

no response from candidate

Party: Democrat

no response from candidate

Party: Democrat

Background: -First-term State Representative. -Has worked in both the private and public sectors. -Delivered over $315 million in direct investment to Pitt County in first year in office, including new $215 million facility for the ECU Brody School of Medicine.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:

1. Make strong public schools available to every Pitt County child, no matter what zip code they live in;
2. Expand Medicaid to improve access to quality healthcare for 600,000 North Carolinians; and
3. Champion tax breaks and affordable childcare options for working families.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Option 3 –  What specific steps would you take to address economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods: Rep. Brian Farkas sponsored legislation to reinstate the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families and make childcare more affordable. He filed a bill giving tax credits to small businesses that hire local, so we can create better-paying jobs here at home. He’ll continue to push for passage.

Website: BrianFarkas.com

Party: Republican

Background: I am an emergency physician and educator, who has spent his career caring for the sick and injured. I will dedicate my time and energy to advocate for rural communities, develop relationships and work to solve problems and improve North Carolina.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Working to ensure an environment to support business to ensure citizens have a good job. Ensuring our educational system is safe and provides for an exceptional education. Making sure the health care system is improved to ensure access and quality care.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Option 3 –  What specific steps would you take to address economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods: We need to increase the availability of all sources of energy, ensure that regulations and taxes are minimized to stimulate business development.

Website: DrTimReeder.com

Party: Democrat

candidate is unopposed

Party: Republican

candidate is unopposed

Party: Republican

candidate is unopposed

Party: Democrat

candidate is unopposed

Party: Democrat

candidate is unopposed

Party: Democrat

candidate is unopposed

Party: Republican

Background: I have over twenty years of business-to-business experience, which should help me grow relationships in a positive way between the people, the county, the municipalities, and the private sector.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
I’ll encourage responsible and consistent economic growth here in Pitt County. While doing this, I want to keep many more of the high school and college graduates that our tax dollars currently help pay to educate.  This will in turn bring prosperity and lower the tax burden to all in Pitt County.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Jobs for youth: We need to work with municipalities, along with state government, to find creative ways to attract new businesses to come to Pitt County. We need to focus on industry that best caters to our high school, college, and university graduates to make them want to stay and thrive here in Pitt County.

Website: Facebook:  @NealDriver

Party: Democrat

Background: Educator, Attorney, and longtime community advocate.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Education: Ensure that our students and teachers are supported to do an ever more challenging job in the classroom. Jobs and Quality of Life: These two go hand in hand. Quality employers and jobs locate where the cost of living is low and community assets are attractive.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Climate change and conservation: Growing a resilient community in the 21st century is growing the economy while enhancing and capitalizing on the natural beauty of our region. This means supporting more recreation spaces for the public and strategically shifting government ops. toward a carbon neutral to carbon negative footprint.

Website: ChrisNunnally.com

Party: Republican
no response from candidate

Party: Democrat

Background: Undergraduate (UNC-CH), Graduate (ECU), Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Worked as a mental health therapist and social worker for over 30 years providing clinical care and case management services and supports to children, families and adults.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
I will be a champion for smart economic growth policies that protect and promote our quality of life; I will support our educational institutions; I will fund public safety and mental health and substance abuse services and supports.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):
Jobs for youth: I will advocate for partnering with the reputable private sector employers to create safe jobs for youth,  year round and summer.

Website: FayeBordeaux.com

Party: Democrat

Background: I’ve lived in Pitt County all of my life, except for my college years at UNC Chapel Hill. I’ve taught in the English Department at ECU for more than 20 years.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Strengthening our public schools, by giving more support to our teachers and funding necessary repairs and upgrades to our school buildings. Addressing inequities – those forces that keep us from the American ideal of everyone having a chance to succeed.

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):
Climate change and conservation: I would encourage the use of renewable resources and supporting the infrastructure to move the county in a greener direction. I’d urge the county to purchase electric vehicles, to install solar panels in county buildings.

Website: facebook.com/Tocc4Commish

Party: Republican

Background: I’m currently serving my 5th term as a Winterville Town Councilman, and I am serving my 10th year as Mayor Pro Tem for Winterville.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Education,  Community  Safety and bringing more businesses to Pitt County

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):
Climate change and conservation: I believe in being good stewards of our earth but I believe our climate is controlled by Almighty God.

Website: none provided by candidate

Party: Republican

Background: Currently serving as the district 6 commissioner; co-operator of a diversified farming operation; mother of two children in public school; advocated for lower taxes for the citizens of Pitt County

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Public education – continue to work with the school board to have an SRO at every school in Pitt county; public safety – citizens safety is a priority, continue to work with county staff to have a fiscally responsible budget that best serves the citizens of Pitt Co. without digging deep in their pockets

Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (new restrictions on gun ownership; OR new restrictions on abortion access; OR economic stress from higher prices for gas, groceries and other goods):

Jobs for youth: Continue to provide funding for Pitt Community College for the workforce training center to provide job training for the youth of Pitt County

Website: Facebook – Lauren White, District 6 Commissioner

Party: Democrat
candidate is unopposed

Party: Democrat

Background: I am a 30+ law enforcement officer. I started my career as a clerk/jailer. I attended BLET and was hired as a patrol deputy in Pitt County. After many promotions during my career, in 2018 I was elected as Sheriff of Pitt County.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Expanding on my award winning detention programs to combat the opioid epidemic and mental illness. Obtaining the latest tools in crime detection that will aide my agency in deterring and solving crimes.

As Sheriff, what steps would you take to enhance community accountability, such as prompt release of law enforcement videos and funding for mental health personnel?
Expand on mental health services to those in crisis on calls for service. Embedding more mental health co-responders to respond with officers on mental health calls. In my first term, I fought for and obtained body-cameras to provide transparency with the community.

Website: Dance4Sheriff.com

Party: Republican

Background: Over 34 years as a law enforcement officer.  Retired supervisor from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Currently working at Chocowinity Police Department.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
My top priorities will be school safety, increased personnel on patrol and in the schools, personnel training and retention, and supporting the voices of all victims. These priorities will be successful by prioritizing partnerships with local community leaders and other law enforcement agencies.

As Sheriff, what steps would you take to enhance community accountability, such as prompt release of law enforcement videos and funding for mental health personnel?
I would release any videos or other information that would be allowed by law. I will support the Crisis Intervention Training or Mental Health First Aid course for all personnel. I will partner with local, state and federal agencies to get the assistance needed for mental health funding.

Website: GaryWeaverForSheriff.com

Background: I am a Pitt native with grandkids in Pitt County Schools. I have served as supervisor for many youth organizations in which my duties included adopting curriculum, approving a calendar, etc as well as getting my Master’s degree.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:

Be prepared to participate responsibly, Focus on serving all children, Represent the community, not a single constituency, that is how I will impact students, staff and parents.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
We should stop focusing on race and look deeper into the problems such as economics, family, social standing, learning ability, and resources of the individual student. Money should not prevent any child from a quality education in Pitt County Schools.
Website: facebook.com/DavisJr4PCSDistrict1

Background: Background: Pitt County native, product of Pitt County Schools, parent of 3 children attending PCS, and am a school psychologist. Experience: currently serving a 4-year term, served as Vice Chair for 1 year, and serving as Chair of Policy Committee.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Some of my priorities are continuing to address student learning gaps and other needs resulting from the pandemic and continuing to increase the local supplement to aid with recruitment and retention of school staff.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Some ways of addressing disparities are to provide equitable resources and opportunities across schools, provide strong implementation of MTSS which adjusts the level of need and intervening based on the individual student, and ensuring that we provide strong core instruction.

Website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058024873460

Background: Worked at public school in NYC special education, 1978-1980, started Godly Hands child care service, 1986-1995. Presently, I am working with the Joshua generational camp, a (501c3).

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Better communication between parents and teachers, parents’ rights, curriculum, preparing children for the world of work, skill trades, 9th thru 12th, 2nd language K thru 12. No mandates.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Parents should prepare their children for school, as well as communication with parents and teachers, curriculum is important, all children can learn no matter what socially economic, race. We as a board tutor those who have a difficult time because of the home environment, etc.

Website: KenJonesForPittCountySchoolBoard.com

Background: I have been on the board for the past 4 years. I am also a teacher. I have taught in the public schools and now teach at our local community college. I understand the ins and outs of public school and what it takes to lead.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
I will continue to pursue equity in our classrooms through our strategic plan that you can find on the PCS website. I will continue to vote in favor of increasing teacher supplements to attract more highly qualified teachers.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
I feel like we have been working toward this the past 4 years. We have hired people in leadership that are working on equity and meeting the needs of all of our students. This is an issue that will continue to need a lot of work. We must work together to lessen this gap.

Website: facebook.com/AmyColeBOEdistrict2

Background: I am a retired teacher who taught and worked here in Pitt County for over 20 years. I know the challenges and rewards of being a teacher. I’m also a parent of a child who went through Pitt schools.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Helping to establish better communication and transparency between parents, teachers and the board will help build back trust that has been lost over the last couple of years. Getting back to the basics of education would also help raise proficiency levels for our students.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
We have some of the best teachers in Pitt County and we need to trust that they know what their students need. They need to be allowed to teach without a lot of busy work, which takes away from planning lessons and collaborating with colleagues.

Website: JuliannaJaquith.com

Background: I have worked and volunteered in pre-k through college settings for over 30 years. Additionally, I am a licensed family therapist and proud mother of two children who attend, and one who recently graduated from, Pitt County Public Schools.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
My priorities are: (a) equitable policies preparing all students for success in a rapidly changing world, (b) forward-thinking policies ensuring our schools are safe, well-resourced, and environmentally friendly places, and (c) creative ways to recruit new talent and retain our experienced teachers.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
The Board can address disparities by (a) reviewing every policy and decision for how it will impact students of varying social locations (e.g., races, economic status), and (b) conducting routine needs assessments where input is solicited from all neighborhoods served by the public school system.

Website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075928106503

Background: Retired DuPont Lab/Quality Manager. I have managed labs, technicians, handled personnel issues and constructed million dollar budgets annually. As Plant Quality Manager, I represented the site on third party ISO audits to maintain our certification.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Safety – Fund two resource officers at each school. Secure children/staff. Covid – Schools remain open/mask optional. Parents – Must have input on curriculum. Curriculum – Teach reading, writing and arithmetic. Parents will teach sex education at home.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Secure funds and grants to provide free tutoring services for students to address disparities in learning.

Website: none submitted by candidate

no response from candidate

no response from candidate

Background: Product of Pitt County Schools. Public school parent. School Improvement Team parent representative. Graduate of Parents for Public Schools Parent Engagement Program.

Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Teacher Support. Facilities. Collaboration. Teachers and students will come, stay, and thrive when given access to support services, respect, space, and compensation. Creatively using what is already available provides access to safe physical spaces and necessary tangible supports.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Collaboration among schools, elected officials, families, and communities that addresses individualization is key. We must address the individual needs of each child and each school. Equity, rather than equality, is the goal. This is not about “my” child. It is about all of our children.

Website: KellyWeaverForSchoolBoard.com