Mary Bethel, candidate for NC House of Representatives District 37
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Candidates for NC House of Representatives District 37
Christine Kelly, Elizabeth Parent and Mary Bethel are the Democrats running for NC House District 37. The winner will face the incumbent, Republican Erin Pare, and Libertarian Christopher Robinson. Learn about the candidates in our 2022 Voter Guide.
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Name: Mary Bethel
Political Party: Democrat
Age on election night: 73
Website: www.MaryBethelForNC.com
Occupation: Retired Aging/Human Services Administrator
Education: M.Ed.
Have you run for elected office before? No, first time candidate
Civic involvement: Volunteer: Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and Church; Member - Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging; Board Chair - NC Coalition on Aging; Board - NC Senior Games; Advisory Board – NCSU School of Social Work; Ex. Comm. - NC Serious Illness Coalition; Policy Comm. - FOR in LTC
School test scores dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. What should North Carolina do to improve student performance?
Our schools must have the resources to do the comprehensive assessments that need to be done on each student, all our school personnel should be supported and adequately compensated, and there needs to be sufficiently funded and staffed specialized instructional support programs such as tutoring.
What do you want to happen in North Carolina if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
If Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, the legality of abortion would be up to each state. I would like to see North Carolina codify Roe into the state constitution or pass a Freedom of Choice Act.
What should North Carolina do to reduce violent crime?
I support focusing on adequately funding violence reduction programs that concentrate on the people, places, and social interactions responsible for the most prevalent forms of violent crime. This includes pairing focused deterrence by law enforcement with social services and peer counseling.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
Yes, it should be legalized. Polls show the majority of Americans support legalization. It is often used to treat chronic pain, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, and to increase appetite. It is safer to use than some drugs used to control pain. If legalized, its use could be better regulated.
What should the state’s minimum wage be? What policies would you support to help struggling North Carolinians?
It should be at least $15 per hour. We need to look at ways to provide incentives/supports to small businesses to help pave the way for increased wages. To help families, we must address health care challenges, food insecurity, affordable housing, and workforce development issues.
Should North Carolina expand Medicaid, and how?
Yes, I believe the state should expand Medicaid because as many as 600,000 North Carolinians, many of whom are working full time, would quality for health insurance coverage. I believe coverage and eligibility criteria should be similar to those for individuals on “regular” Medicaid.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
Not that I can think of.
What are your top three issues?
Health care, education and housing
This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 8:46 PM.