Republican Erin Paré, candidate for NC House District 37, answers our questions
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Candidates for NC House District 37
Republican incumbent Rep. Erin Paré is running for reelection. She faces challenges from Democrat Safiyah Jackson and Libertarian Christopher Robinson. District 37 covers Wake 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: Erin Paré
District/seat: House District 37
County or counties represented: Wake
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 46
Campaign website: erinfornc.com
Current occupation: Small business owner and state legislator
Professional experience: State representative, N.C. House of Representatives District 37; Owner, Play it Again Sports Holly Springs; Senior account executive for policy and regulatory reform, Valis and Keelen, LLC, Washington, D.C.; Government affairs representative, National Printing Equipment Association, Reston, Virginia.
Education: M.A. International Commerce and Policy, George Mason University; B.A. Government and International Politics, George Mason University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Vice chair, Town of Holly Springs Board of Adjustment; PTA president Holly Ridge Elementary School; Family readiness group leader, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Savannah, Georgia; Founder, Holly Strings Youth Orchestra.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is, and will continue to be, keeping taxes low for North Carolinians, maintaining N.C. as top in the nation for business and the economy; boost education outcomes, raise teacher and public school employee pay; update critical infrastructure for water/wastewater, energy and transportation; keep N.C. competitive for talent in state government; support public schools and parental school choice and boost school security.
By percentage, what raises should state employees, school staff and teachers receive in the next state budget?
North Carolina teacher pay should be No. 1 in the Southeast. When I was first elected, I filed House Bill 309, which increased non-certified public school employee pay — this is our teacher assistants, bus drivers and school custodians. My bill became law in the budget. We must provide proper raises for our state employees, teachers and staff to attract qualified candidates, fill critical vacancies and compete with the private sector for talent.
What legislation would you support to improve Triangle transportation, housing or infrastructure? Please be specific.
I am leading a stakeholder effort to reform transportation funding and improve cost and efficiency through streamlining permitting and project approval processes within state government. Economic development in southern Wake County is an economic driver for the state. The creation of more jobs requires more housing that is affordable. I secured a record $70 million in state funding for District 37 to expand clean water capacity to offset rate increases, and to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
As a mom of two public school students and past PTA president, I want to see higher teacher pay and well-funded public schools. The Opportunity Scholarship program has provided students with game-changing education outcomes for a decade. We can do both and we should do both. The OSP is awarded on a sliding scale according to income; priority to lower income. There is a hold harmless provision in law to protect public schools from lost funding. Parents should choose the best path for their child regardless of ZIP code/income.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
My record speaks for itself. I am a common-sense legislator who supports sensible policies that solve problems and improve life for North Carolinians.
This story was originally published September 27, 2024 at 9:32 AM.
