Democrat Terence Everitt, candidate for NC Senate District 18, answers our questions
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Candidates for NC Senate District 18
Republican Ashlee Adams is running against Democrat Terence Everitt, the incumbent. Libertarian Brad Hessel is also running. District 18 encompasses parts of Wake County and Granville County. Get to know the candidates with our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Terence Everitt
District/seat: Senate District 18
County or counties represented: Wake and Granville.
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 50
Campaign website: Terenceeveritt.com
Current occupation: Small business and employment attorney, member of the North Carolina General Assembly.
Professional experience: Representative for North Carolina House District 35 from 2019 to present.
Education: The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Representative for North Carolina House District 35 from 2019 to present.
What would be your top priority if elected?
If elected, my top priority would be leading our General Assembly back towards a path that focuses on the real needs of North Carolinians, and away from co-opting the government to serve the interests of politicians and wealthy donors. When I talk to constituents, they discuss the need to invest in our public schools, keeping the government out of women’s health care decisions, and addressing traffic as our communities grow.
By percentage, what raises should state employees, school staff and teachers receive in the next state budget?
One in four state employee jobs are currently vacant. We need to create competitive wages if we want to retain talented employees. I would also seek to remove the arbitrarily low salary cap on teachers’ pay, and create a new teacher compensation ladder that accelerates pay increases, rewarding teachers who take on additional work, receive high evaluations, have relevant extra credentials, or teach in high-need areas.
What legislation would you support to improve Triangle transportation, housing or infrastructure? Please be specific.
I have supported numerous bills, including House Bill 645, House Bill 343, House Bill 1028 and House Bill 998, that address our lack of investment in infrastructure regarding transportation and housing. Unfortunately, Republican leadership in the General Assembly has been more interested in lining their own pockets and those of their donors.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
The taxpayer-funded private school voucher scheme is designed to take funds away from our local, public schools. I support giving families a real opportunity to choose where to send their kids to school by fulfilling our constitutional obligation and fully funding our public schools.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
My focus has been on finding common ground, not seeking out points of disagreement.
This story was originally published October 3, 2024 at 7:57 AM.
