Mary Belk, candidate for NC House District 88

Name: Mary Belk

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 66

Campaign website: marybelk.com

Occupation: Retired small business owner

Education: Garringer High School; UNCC, BA Political Science

Have you run for elected office before? Yes, this will be my fourth NC House District 88 election.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: PTO president, Executive Board DCDA, CCHS Foundation, Board of DWMC, worked with refugees through CPCC ESL program, tutored public school students with Missionaries of Charity.

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

District 88 is one of the most economically diverse in the state, and I will champion policies that help families gain middle class economic security. First, our schools must be funded enough to adequately prepare students for skilled work or college. Second, we must invest in affordable housing so families have the basic security they need to build wealth. Third, we need state funds for the CATS Silver Line, which will connect West Charlotte residents to our job centers.

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

Right now, we have major needs in public schools across the state that should be addressed using the money currently marked as “surplus.” Those needs fall into three main categories: competitive pay for teachers, principals and funding for nurses and counselors; instructional support for low-income students, as spelled out by the Leandro Plan; and financing for school repairs and construction.

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?

Historically, North Carolina has been a leader in recognizing the need for robust funding of public education at all levels in our state Constitution. Recently, we have made mistakes in implementing charter schools, which were promised as a way to pioneer school reforms, but have not performed, as a whole, as well as public schools. Then, reforms recognized as improving student performance at charters, like flexible schedules, are barred from public schools at the legislative level.

Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?

There should be no restrictions on abortion.

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

The decision to get an abortion is a deeply personal one that a woman needs to make in consultation with her doctor and those she chooses to trust. It is not a decision that politicians should make on behalf of anyone, because it is not a decision that is up for public debate.

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?

First of all, lessons on these topics need to be age appropriate and evidence based. Detailed examinations of the institution of slavery or the nuances of gender identity should be reserved for high school, when students have the intellectual capacity to engage the topics. However, it’s perfectly reasonable to teach elementary school students that some kids have two dads or two moms.

Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?

Yes.