Dear Voter,

​

One of the joys of running for political office is catching up with old friends and making new ones. Sadly, the person-to-person connections that are such an important part of political campaigns are on hold for now, until the coronavirus has run its course.

​

But the virus can’t stop me from speaking out about the importance of this year’s election. Voters in District 17 of the North Carolina House of Representatives need to know there’s an alternative to the misguided policies of the GOP-controlled state legislature and my opponent.

​

That’s why I’m reaching out to you; I want to explain my vision for the people of District 17 and the entire state.

​

When I was 10 years old, my life boiled down to two choices: Remain in the abusive environment that was my home or run away. I chose the latter. I was fortunate to live in North Carolina, where I was taken in by the Boys and Girls Homes and where I lived until I completed high school.

​

Thanks to the care and support of this organization — and the compassion of so many others — I went on to attend three universities, earning a doctorate degree in education. Against all odds, North Carolina made me the best man I could be.

​

Now, I want to help North Carolina become the best state it can be. Here’s how:

​

• North Carolina will be at its best when all its citizens can protect their physical health without worrying about their financial health.

• North Carolina will be at its best when its public schools rank near the top in the nation, not near the bottom.

• North Carolina will be at its best when the value of its teachers and other education staff is reflected in their paychecks.

• North Carolina will be at its best when its politicians clear a path for all voters and stop obstructing the path for some.

• North Carolina will be at its best when its citizens earn a living wage, regardless of where they work or what they do.

• North Carolina will be at its best when its water is pure and its beaches pristine.

• North Carolina will be at its best when the well-being of its least fortunate is not sacrificed to provide tax cuts for its most fortunate.

 

My childhood experience taught me that no person is an island. We’re all in this together. And together, we’ll build a North Carolina that’s the envy of all of America.