Denton Lee, candidate for US House of Representatives District 13 in NC

Name: Denton Lee

Political party: Democratic

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 45

Campaign website: dentonleenc.com

Occupation: Teacher

Education: Business Management Degree - University of Mount Olive, 1999; Master of Arts in Teaching, East Carolina University, 2013

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): In 2020, I was the only unaffiliated candidate in the state of NC running for the General Assembly. I ran for NC House District 26.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Former member of Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Board, Former member of Cleveland Elementary School Parent Advisory Council, Former golf coach at Smithfield-Selma High School

What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?

Traditional measures to combat inflation are risky since the root cause was a pandemic, but we are close to needing minor intervention. The two main factors — supply chain issues and $5 trillion of newly circulating money — are short-lived catalysts and should partially self-correct naturally.

What is the federal government’s role in controlling or ending the COVID-19 pandemic?

At this point, the best tactic they can take is to continue supplying the best scientific information they can, but no further mandates, stimulus packages or legislative countermeasures are necessary unless a gravely serious variant or health care collapse is imminent.

What is the federal government’s role in combating the effects of climate change?

Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have contributed to a 48% increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, the major catalyst of climate change. We know what causes that, so it’s our duty to correct it, regardless of stock market impact. It is our obligation to give our kids a healthy planet.

What is your plan for reducing violent crime?

For a variety of reasons, the violent crime rate has been almost cut in half since 1991. To further lower it, I’d like to see more relationship-building by our police in high crime areas. Secondly, because it breeds opportunity, the most significant way is through an increased focus on education.

What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

If that happens, we will have reached minority rule in the U.S. and our elections would need to be altered to allow more competition to Red v. Blue (needs to happen anyway). Less than 20% of Americans want abortion banned in all cases. 80-85% believe it needs to be legal in at least some cases.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?

Yes, but I’ll focus on one. Democrats are fans of “free.” It’s killing arguments for programs they want. Most “free” stuff benefits certain segments of the population rather than all. If a worthy goal like universal health care has any chance, it’s an easier sell against four “free” programs than 14.

What are your top issues? Pick up to three.

▪ Health care

▪ Education

▪ Voting and elections

This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 8:33 AM.

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan

The News & Observer

919-829-4877

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan is the Capitol Bureau Chief for The News & Observer, leading coverage of the legislative and executive branches in North Carolina with a focus on the governor, General Assembly leadership and state budget. She has received the McClatchy President’s Award, N.C. Open Government Coalition Sunshine Award and several North Carolina Press Association awards, including for politics and investigative reporting.