High Point Democratic candidate’s position on teacher pay, taxes in House primary
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Alston prioritizes economic security, proposing investments in education, Medicaid.
- He endorses teacher pay rising from $50k start to $80k–$95k+ for veteran teachers.
- This is the first election for the seat previously held by Cecil Brockman.
To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot.
Below are the candidates running for NC House District 60 who responded to our questionnaire in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.
The candidates in the Democratic primary for the Guilford County seat are Joseph Alston, Angie Williams-McMichael, Amanda Cook and Bruce Davis.
Cook is the incumbent. She was appointed in November to fill the vacant seat of former Rep. Cecil Brockman, who resigned after being charged with felonies and after the legislature began investigating him.
Alston’s questionnaire is below. The other candidates did not respond.
Joseph Alston
Age as of March 3, 2026: 69
Political party: Democratic
Campaign website: joealstonfornchouse60.com
Current occupation: Program manager
Professional experience: Park supervisor, recreation center director, public housing authority (PHA) youth sports coordinator, PHA development manager, PHA resident services director, Executive Director, Public Housing Authority, Executive Director, State of North Carolina NAACP Conference of Branches, workforce development career counselor, Director of Adult Services, Guilford County NC Works Career Center, CSBG (Community Service Block Grant) program manager, Community Action Agency, manager COVID relief funds
Education: Greensboro College double major: business administration and recreation; Winston-Salem State University M.S. rehabilitation counseling; graduate fellow, Institute of Political Leadership
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: President High Point NAACP branch; precinct treasurer Guilford County Democratic Party (GCDP), 2nd Vice Chair GCDP, Chair GCDP, SEC NC Democratic Party, Chair One High Point Commission on Reparations, HP Workforce Development Study Task Force, Guilford County (GC) Schools Redistricting Task Force, Board Vice Chair Drug and Alcohol Services GC, Carl Chavis YMCA Board, youth sports coach, scout master BSA, Black Leadership Roundtable of HP, Treasurer Sankofa Society of NC, ED High Point Foundation
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? The most important issue in House District 60 is economic insecurity. Nearly one-third of families live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, affecting schools, health care, housing and transportation. These are connected problems. As a legislator, I will invest in public education, protect Medicaid, expand affordable housing and transit, and oppose voter suppression to move our district from survival to opportunity.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? Since the legislature sets teacher pay, North Carolina must offer salaries that attract and retain strong educators. Using the national average of about $72,000 as a benchmark, starting teachers should earn $50,000–$55,000, mid-career teachers $70,000–$75,000, and veteran teachers $80,000–$95,000+. Competitive pay improves retention, school stability and student outcomes.
As of January, North Carolina was the last state not to have passed a new, comprehensive budget. What would you do to help make sure a budget passes? I would push for bipartisan negotiations focused on core priorities like education, health care, and infrastructure, and reject political gridlock that delays progress. I support transparent budgeting, clear timelines and holding leadership accountable to act. North Carolinians deserve a budget that reflects real community needs, not partisan stalemates.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further? No, North Carolina should not further reduce the income tax rate. At 3.99%, it is already among the lowest in the nation. More cuts would mainly benefit high earners while reducing funds for schools, health care, housing and infrastructure. Instead, we should focus on tax fairness and targeted relief for working families, while protecting the revenue needed for essential public services.
Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? North Carolina does some things well, but overall taxpayer dollars are not being used as efficiently or equitably as they should. Too often, funding priorities do not match real community needs like education, health care, housing, and transportation, while corporate incentives lack accountability. The solution is smarter spending with transparency, strong oversight, and clear goals so public dollars truly serve the public good.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? Yes, I support legalizing medical marijuana. Patients with serious illnesses should have safe, legal access to treatments that can reduce pain, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Medical marijuana should be tightly regulated, prescribed by licensed physicians, and focused on patient care, not punishment, while ensuring safety, research and oversight
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? The biggest barrier to health care access in my district is affordability and lack of coverage. Too many families cannot afford insurance, copays, or prescription costs. I will work to protect and expand Medicaid, invest in community health clinics, support mobile and mental health services, and ensure transportation options so people can reach care before a crisis.
