Democrat Maria Cervania, candidate for NC House District 41, answers our questions
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Candidates for NC House District 41
The Democratic incumbent, Rep. Maria Cervania, is running for reelection. Libertarian Matthew Laszacs is her challenger. District 41 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: Maria Cervania
District/seat: House District 41
County or counties represented: Wake
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 56
Campaign website: mariafornc.com
Current occupation: State representative
Professional experience: My career as an epidemiologist/biostatistician and a public health professional includes roles in Medicaid, adult and child protective services, disability and behavioral health, maternal-child health, early childhood intervention, minority health and crisis management during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Chicago heat wave, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and H1N1 Influenza and COVID-19 pandemics.
Education: University of Illinois, Chicago, Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics; University of California, Berkeley, Bachelor’s in Integrative Biology and Physical Education, minor in population studies and demography.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. North Carolina state representative on the following committees: House Oversight and Reform; Appropriations, Appropriations - Health; Health; Energy & Public Utilities; Select Education Reform. Wake County commissioner on the following committees: Economic Strength (chair); Community Health & Vitality; Education; Growth & Sustainability. Civic experience: Poe Center; Wake Smart Start; Wake Pre-K; Alliance Behavioral Health; United Arts Council of Wake County; Town of Cary Police - Citizens Assisting Police Team; Wake Community Health Needs Assessment.
What would be your top priority if elected?
If reelected, my top priorities: Improve access to quality and affordable health care. Protect professional standards and personal choice in medical decisions, especially with reproductive health care. Fight for fair elections and expand access to voting. Increase funding for public schools, early childhood education and child care. Increase job creation, implement a thriving wage and foster economic growth. Maintain sustainable energy policies and protect North Carolina’s natural resources.
By percentage, what raises should state employees, school staff and teachers receive in the next state budget?
Our state employees, school staff and teachers must receive a respectful and thriving wage. I have advocated using the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a reliable and fair resource for determining a proper wage. The calculator considers the cost of living in different counties and provides a wage for workers to meet their basic needs (livingwage.mit.edu). Then, integrating education, certification and experience is my suggestion on the criteria for how to provide raises.
What legislation would you support to improve Triangle transportation, housing or infrastructure? Please be specific.
I support: A fully integrated regional transit network that connects all towns in the Triangle, including the RDU Airport. Transit-Oriented Development that promotes development around major transit hubs, creating mixed-use areas where people can live, work and grow. Expansion of biking lanes, greenways and pedestrian pathways to reduce car dependency. Growth of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incentives for EV adoption to reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
As legislators, we have a constitutional responsibility to provide every child access to sound basic education. When more than 80% of our students attend public schools, we cannot let the political environment continue to underfund public education. The North Carolina public school system was nationally known for being one of the best school systems in the country. Now, we rank in the bottom quarter in America. We are responsible for providing students with the best possible education and future.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
No, there are not any issues that I disagree with my party.
