Democrat Allen Buansi, candidate for NC House District 56, answers our questions
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Candidates for NC House District 56
Republican Jeffrey Hoagland is running against Democratic incumbent Rep. Allen Buansi. District 56 covers Orange County. Get to know the candidates with our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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To help inform voters about 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: Allen Buansi
District/seat: House District 56
County or counties represented: Orange
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 38
Campaign website: allenbuansi.com
Current occupation: Attorney
Professional experience: Attorney
Education: Dartmouth College, BA | University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Current State House Representative | Former Town Council Member
What would be your top priority if elected?
Fully supporting public schools.
By percentage, what raises should state employees, school staff and teachers receive in the next state budget?
I would support a raise of at least 5% for state employees, which includes non-certified school employees. I would support a teacher pay raise by at least 8.5%. This increase in teacher pay would put North Carolina near the first in the Southeast for beginning teacher pay and raise us from the bottom half of the country in average teacher pay. Gov. Cooper has also supported these kinds of raises in the past budget cycle.
What legislation would you support to improve Triangle transportation, housing or infrastructure? Please be specific.
I was proud to be a primary sponsor of the Transportation for the Future Act to increase the proportion of North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) funds that must go to bicycle lanes, sidewalks and other modes of transportation, such as light rail and commuter rail.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
No. Private schools receiving these vouchers are not required to adhere to any state assessments and reports; public schools are required to do this. There are no required federal background checks on employees at schools receiving these vouchers; public schools are required to do this. The curriculum at private schools are not required to align with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study; public schools are required to do so. We need to fully fund public schools, for our children’s sake.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
In the 2000s, the Democrat-led General Assembly had an opportunity to create an independent, nonpartisan redistricting commission, in order to ensure fair maps. However, the General Assembly chose not to go that route. We need to rectify that mistake, and I would push for an independent, nonpartisan redistricting commission. This will help restore voters’ faith and confidence that they have a legitimate chance to elect someone who represents their interests.
This story was originally published September 27, 2024 at 4:00 PM.