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James Roberson, candidate for NC House District 39

Name: James Roberson

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 60

Campaign website: N/A

Occupation: Legislator

Education: BA Communications, Radio TV and film; Masters in Library and Information Science

Have you run for elected office before? Yes. Town Council and mayor for the Town of Knightdale

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Education, Economic development and public safety; created the Knightdale Arts and Education Festival which addresses education and provides scholarships for students in South East Raleigh and Eastern Wake County; led the efforts in the redevelopment of Harper Park, which is the oldest park in Knightdale.

What are the three issues that you see as most important to your district and what will you do to address them?

Better pay for state employees and teachers, Medicaid expansion, permanent pay increases for state retirees & affordable housing.

At a time when costs are rising, state government has a surplus. How should it be used?

Better pay for teachers and state employees and permanent pay increases for state retirees.

Will you vote for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?

Yes.

What has the legislature gotten right, and what has it gotten wrong, about public education in North Carolina?

The legislature hasn’t gotten anything right until Leandro is fully addressed and funded.

Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?

Undecided.

Please add anything else voters should know about your position on the legality or availability of abortion in North Carolina.

Although I do not believe in abortions, I do believe in a woman’s right to choose. These decisions shouldn’t be made by men who have no clue of the challenges a woman faces when it comes to these decisions, whether it be rape, incest or lack of resources. There should not be this tremendous overreach in taking away a woman’s fundamental rights to choose and decide what to do with her body. I’m of the opinion that that’s between her and her God.

Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?

Yes.

What, if anything, should the legislature do to shape curriculum dealing with topics of race, sexuality and gender?

Create a bipartisan commission to address the lack of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?

Yes.