Tomara DeCosta, candidate for Raleigh City Council, District C, answers our questions
Raleigh voters will pick a new mayor and City Council members this November.
All eight council seats, including the mayor’s, are up for grabs, with all the incumbents except for current Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin seeking another two-year term.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting runs from Thursday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Nov. 2.
To help inform voters across the state, 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: Tomara DeCosta
District/seat: Raleigh City Council, District C
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 46
Campaign website: tomaraforraleigh.com
Current occupation: Clinical research manager
Education: College
Offices Sought/Held: None
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: None
Which City Council district do you live in? C
What is the top issue facing Raleigh now and how would you address it?
As a candidate for City Council, I believe that addressing crime is the top priority for Raleigh. The recent increase in homicides is deeply concerning, and it is essential that we take decisive action to ensure the safety of our community.
I propose a thorough review of the budget to identify and eliminate wasteful spending. The funds saved from this effort can be reallocated to increase the pay for our police officers. By doing so, we can improve officer retention and ensure that our police force remains well-equipped and motivated to effectively protect our residents.
What is your strategy for increasing affordable housing in Raleigh?
Affordable housing is defined as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s income. For example, an individual earning $30 per hour can afford approximately $1,560 in monthly rent. It is clear that subsidizing housing for everyone earning below this threshold is not a sustainable solution.
My strategy focuses on creating a more robust economic environment by attracting higher-paying jobs to our city. Additionally, we should prioritize increasing the salaries of low-paying city and state workers. By doing so, we can help more residents afford their housing costs without the need for extensive subsidies, thereby fostering a more self-sufficient and prosperous community.
Should the city be more aggressive about requiring affordable units from developers or partner with nonprofits?
I believe it is essential to strike a balance in our housing strategy to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of our city. While affordable housing is crucial, we must also consider the broader implications of our housing policies.
Fair market rent is established annually by HUD and is influenced by many factors, reflecting the economic realities of our community. A healthy city offers a diverse range of housing options to meet the needs and preferences of all residents. Overemphasizing the creation of lower-quality units to accommodate lower-income brackets can lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced property values and an imbalance in our housing market.
Instead, I advocate for a more balanced approach that includes a mix of housing options to cater to different income levels and lifestyles. This strategy ensures that we maintain a vibrant and economically diverse community. We should focus on sustainable development without compromising the quality and appeal of our city.
By fostering a diverse housing market, we can attract a wide range of residents and businesses, ultimately benefiting the entire community. This approach ensures that we meet the needs of lower-income residents while also supporting the overall economic vitality and quality of life in our city.
Do you think Raleigh can support concert venues both downtown and in Dix Park?
I believe that our city is already well-served by existing music concert halls, and another such venue may not significantly add to our cultural landscape. Instead, an amusement park would offer a unique and diverse recreational opportunity that appeals to individuals and families of all ages.
An amusement park in Dix Park would not only provide a fun and exciting destination for residents, but it would also attract tourists, thereby boosting local businesses and generating additional revenue for our city. Moreover, such a development would create job opportunities, ranging from construction to park operations, contributing to our local economy.
Would you describe Raleigh’s growth as too fast, too slow or just right?
I believe Raleigh’s growth is occurring at a healthy rate, thanks to our attractive city that meets the needs of many individuals. However, without the right leaders in place, we risk losing our ability to support steady economic development, enhance infrastructure, and provide essential services, as our resources could become overwhelmed.
Do you think Raleigh is losing too many historic properties? If so, how should this be addressed?
Balancing development with preservation will require thoughtful planning and committed leadership. As the capital of our state, it is essential that we preserve the heritage of our city while allowing for growth and progress. By implementing strong preservation policies and fostering partnerships with preservation organizations, we can protect our historic properties without hindering the city’s development. This approach will ensure that Raleigh remains a vibrant and historically rich community for future generations.
This story was originally published September 27, 2024 at 10:40 AM.