Moore County Voter's Guide

VOTERGUIDE

Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012

PAGE 2 THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012

The League of Women Voters is anonpartisan political organization,formed in 1920, which encourages theinformed and active participation ofcitizens in government. It neitherendorses nor opposes any political partyor candidates.

After carefulstudy, theLeague doessupport oroppose issuesand influencespublic policy through education andadvocacy.

However, the League’s stands onissues are never indicated in voterguides, candidate forums or otherelection-related activities, which are

performed as a nonpartisan educationalservice.

Any citizen of voting age, of either sex,is eligible for membership in theLeague.

For information, contact the League ofWomen Votersof MooreCounty, P.O. Box203, West End,NC 27376.

We expressour thanks to

David Woronoff and John Nagy, thepublisher and editor of The Pilot; MarthaJ. Henderson, special sections editor;and Glenda Clendenin, director of theBoard of Elections of Moore County, forofficial information.

About This IssueThe Pilot publishes the Voter Guide

in conjunction with the League of WomenVoters of Moore County.

Cover and Supplement Design/LayoutMartha J. Henderson, Special Sections Editor

Special thanks to Carolyn Mealing, president of theLeague of Women Voters of Moore County, for all her hard work

compiling the information and chasing down photos of candidates.

145 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387(910) 692-7271 • thepilot.com

The local candidate information inthis nonpartisan Voter Guide has beencompiled by the Voter Service Unit ofthe League of Women Voters of MooreCounty.

Questions were submitted to

candidates in contested races andresponses limited to approximately 80words.

The responses have been printedexactly as they were received and mayhave been edited for space only.

VOTERGUIDESunday, Oct. 14, 2012

About the Questionnaire

What Is the LeagueOf Women Voters?

*

* Due to a printing error, the sample ballot incorrectly lists Board of CountyCommissioners District V as the seat Randy Saunders is running for. It should belisted as District IV.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012 THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. PAGE 3

Sample Ballots

Election Districts in Moore CountyOffice District Applies to:

U.S. Congress 2 Entire countyN.C. Senate 29 Entire countyN.C. House 52 All precincts (except Carthage, DHR,

part of Robbins, part of Westmoore)N.C. House 78 Carthage, DHR, part of Robbins,

part of Westmoore precinctsSuperior Court 19D Entire countyJudicial 19B Entire countyProsecutorial 19D Entire county

The office of president must be votedseparately. It is not included in thestraight party selection.

Also, nonpartisan races for associatejustice, judges for the Court of Appeals,District Court judges, members of the

Board of Education and Soil and WaterConservation District supervisor are notincluded in the straight party selection.

County commissioners and membersof the Board of Education are electedby all voters in Moore County.

The sample ballot on page 2 andpage 3 is the ballot for the N.C. HouseDistrict 52, which includes all precinctsin Moore County, except Carthage,DHR, part of Robbins and part ofWestmoore.

The Carthage, DHR, part of Robbins

and part of Westmoore precincts are inN.C. House District 78. The onlydifference in the ballots is in the N.C.House races in Districts 52 and 78.

Below is how the ballot will appearfor those voters in District 78 in theportion that is different.

Important Notes About the Ballot

www.factcheck.org(Annenberg Public Policy Center)

www.politifact.com(Pulitzer Prize-winning website from the

Tampa Bay Times)

www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker

Sites for Information and Analysiswww.taxpolicycenter.org

www.cbpp.org(Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

www.crfb.org(Committee for a Responsible Federal

Budget) (bipartisan committee)

www.opensecrets.org (lists howmuch government representatives get

from specific groups and lobbies)

www.snopes.com (works to debunkurban legends, rumors and myths,using a colored dot rating system)

Compiled by The League of WomenVoters of Moore County —

www.LWVMC.org

Political Fact-Check Sites


On Election DayTuesday, Nov. 6, 2012

Hours for Voting6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Voting Procedure1. State full name and residence address.2. Sign your name.3. Take authorization to vote form to ballot

table.

4. Receive your ballot and proceed to votingbooth.5. Deposit ballot into tabulator.

� Use of cellphones, radios and computersis prohibited in the polling place.

Voting BeforeElection Day

• Absentee by MailTo request a ballot be mailed to you, send a

handwritten note to Moore County Board ofElections, P.O. Box 787, Carthage, NC 28327.The request must include your full name,residence address, telephone number, mailingaddress and signature of voter.Deadline to request a ballot is Oct. 30, 2012.

• Early VotingAny registered voter in Moore County can go

to the early voting sites during the early votingperiod and vote in person.

Early Voting Main SiteThe early voting period at the main site in

Carthage begins Oct. 18 and ends Nov. 3.

� Moore County Agricultural Building707 Pinehurst Ave, Carthage, NC 28327

Dates: Thursday, Oct. 18 - Saturday, Nov. 3Hours: Monday - Friday • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 20 and 27 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 3 • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Early Voting Additional SitesWednesday, Oct. 24, through Saturday, Nov. 3

� Old West End School Gym134 Old West End School Lane

West End, NC 27376Dates: Wednesday, Oct. 24 - Saturday, Nov. 3Hours: Monday - Friday • 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 27 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Saturday, Nov. 3 • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

� Shops at Whispering Pines(Food Lion Shopping Center)

7475 N.C. 22Whispering Pines, NC 28327

Dates: Wednesday, Oct. 24 - Saturday, Nov. 3Hours: Monday - Friday • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.


� Trident Marketing Center(Old Kroger Shopping Center)

1930 North Poplar St.Aberdeen, NC 28315

Dates: Wednesday, Oct. 24 - Saturday, Nov. 3Hours: Monday - Friday • 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.


One-stop voting ends Saturday, Nov. 3,at 1 p.m. After this deadline,you must go to your assignedpolling place on Election Day.

• Same Day RegistrationNorth Carolina law allows residents to

register and vote during the early voting period.Same Day Registration is available at each

early voting site. To use this process, a citizenmust fill out a voter registration application andprovide proof of residency by showing theelection official identification with the citizen’scurrent name and address.The new registrant may vote only at a one-

stop site during the early voting period in thecounty of registration and not on Election Day.Acceptable forms of identification include:North Carolina driver’s license, utility bill,document from a local or state governmentagency, paycheck or bank statement.

Bensalem (BEN)Bensalem Presbyterian Church2891 Bensalem Church RoadEagle Springs, NC 27242

Cameron (CAM)Cypress Pointe Fire Dept. —Cameron Station

170 Red Hill RoadCameron, NC 28326

Carthage (CAR)Moore County Agricultural Center707 Pinehurst Ave.Carthage, NC 28327

Deep River-High Falls-Ritter(DHR)Highfalls ElementarySchool Auditorium

1220 N.C. 22High Falls, NC 27259

East Aberdeen (EAB)American Legion Hut209 E. Main St.Aberdeen, NC 28315

East Knollwood (EKWD)Moore County Airport Terminal7865 Aviation DriveCarthage, NC 28327

Eastwood (EWD)Eastwood Fire Department980 N.C. 73West End, NC 27376

Eureka (EUR)Whispering Pines Fire Department16 Hardee LaneWhispering Pines, NC 28327

Little River (LTR)Cypress Pointe Fire Department —Woodlake Station

205 Murdock C RoadVass, NC 28394

North Southern Pines (NSP)St. Anthony Parish Hall320 N. Ashe St.Southern Pines, NC 28387

Pinebluff (PBF)Pinebluff Town Hall325 E. Baltimore Ave.

Pinebluff, NC 28373

Pinedene (PDN)Southern Pines Recreation Center160 Memorial Park CourtSouthern Pines, NC 28387

Pinehurst A1 (PHA)Pinehurst Municipal Hall395 Magnolia RoadPinehurst, NC 28374

Pinehurst A2 (PHA2)UCC CongregationalChurch of Pinehurst

895 Linden RoadPinehurst, NC 28374

Pinehurst B1 (PHB1)Senior Enrichment Center8040 U.S. 15-501Pinehurst, NC 28374

Pinehurst B2 (PHB2)Robert E. Lee AuditoriumPinecrest High School250 Voit Gilmore LaneSouthern Pines, NC 28387

Pinehurst C (PHC)The Fair Barn200 Beulah Hill Road, Building No. 4Pinehurst, NC 28374

Robbins (RBN)Davis Community Center4788 N.C. 705Robbins, NC 27325

Seven Lakes (SLS)Seven Lakes Fire Department716 Seven Lakes DriveSeven Lakes, NC 27376

South Southern Pines (SSP)Douglass Community Center1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave.Southern Pines, NC 28387

Taylortown (TLT)Taylortown Town Hall8350 Main St.Taylortown, NC 27376

Vass (VSS)Vass Town Hall140 Alma St.Vass, NC 28394

West Aberdeen (WAB)Aberdeen Recreation Station301 Lake Park CrossingAberdeen, NC 28315

West End (WND)West End Presbyterian Church —Crawford Center

324 Knox LaneWest End, NC 27376

West Knollwood (WKWD)Horticultural Gardens Visitors Center— Sandhills Community College

3395 Airport RoadSouthern Pines, NC 28387

Westmoore (WEM)Sandhills Community College —Westmoore Center

2332 N.C. 705Robbins, NC 27325

� � � � � Where to Vote � � � � �

The Moore CountyBoard of Electionscan be reached at(910) 947-3868.


Renee EllmersResidence: Dunn, N.C.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree innursing from Oakland University

Experience/Occupation: Registerednurse

Civic and Governmental Activities: Reneeis active in community affairs, having served as vice presidentof community development for the Chamber of Commerceand as president elect of the Chamber for the coming year.She has also served on the Dunn Planning Board, the boardof the Betsy Johnson Hospital Foundation and the HarnettCounty Nursing Home Committee.

Other Activities and Interests: Renee volunteers at CapeFear Christian Academy where her son, Ben, is a student, andteaches Sunday School at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

What would be your suggestionsfor lowering the national debt?

We need a budget and we need to get government out ofthe way so our economy can grow again. The Housecontinues to offer solutions to pay down our debt, rein ingovernment bureaucracy, and move our country back to fiscalsanity, but the Senate hasn’t passed a budget in over 1,000days. We also have to get government off the backs of our jobcreators so they can grow their businesses and hire newworkers, which will broaden our tax base and help us bring inthe revenue we need to pay down our debt.

What would be your suggestionsfor stimulating the economy?

I am working every day to cut the red tape that is stranglingour job creators and stagnating our economy. We havepassed over 30 jobs bills in the House in the last two yearsand, unfortunately, many are stuck in the Senate, where Sen.Reid refuses to take action. These bills are viable solutions tocutting the red tape, limiting the size and scope of governmentbureaucracy, increasing our domestic energy supply, andcutting the wasteful spending that is slowing our economy.Our businesses won't be able to start growing again until wecut the red tape and get government out of the way.

Brian IrvingResidence: Cary, NC 27511

Education: BS social science, University of thePhilippines; BA public administration, WebsterUniversity; BA pastoral studies, LoyolaUniversity (New Orleans)

Experience/Occupation: Currently works asa freelance journalist; served in the U.S. Air Force 1967-1992;worked as communications director, United Way of CumberlandCounty, and as an administration assistant for Catholic Charities,and for St. Ann Catholic Church in Fayetteville, NC

Civic and Governmental Activities: Served on Fayetteville CityPlanning Commission; member of Grass Roots North Carolina,and the American Civil Liberties Union NC; lifetime member, AirForce Association

Other Activities and Interests: Reading history and sciencefiction


First, end the perpetual and universal state of war that’s themajor reason our nation is plunging deeper and deeper intodebt. Then cut the entire federal budget by at least 43 percent —now — not in 10 years. Break the spending addiction rampantin Washington, D.C., by cutting off the supply of money,beginning with repealing the federal income tax. Finally, limitfederal taxes to those specifically authorized in the Constitution:duties, imposts and excise taxes.


The key to stimulating the economy is to end the excessivefederal regulation that’s stifling the economy, destroying jobs andincreasing unemployment. Most federal regulation and spendingis for programs and activities not authorized by the Constitutionin the first place. More federal spending and regulating translatesinto more unemployment and less wealth creation. Less wealthcreation means fewer goods and services, less health care andhigher prices. The resulting lower standard of living means thatpeople die needlessly.

U.S. House of Representatives District 2Steve WilkinsResidence: Whispering Pines, NC 28327

Education: MS logistics management,Florida Institute of Technology, 1998; BApolitical science, The Citadel, 1982; gradu-ate of Northern High School, Durham,1978

Experience/Occupation: Farming and construction throughcollege; U.S. Army officer 1982–2004; small businesses andnonprofits 2004–2009; 2009 to present, the Boeing Company

Civic and Governmental Activities: Member, board ofdirectors, Moore County Chamber of Commerce; pastmember, school board, Fort Campbell Community Schools;past chairman, Pinehurst United Methodist Church Council;past member, Whispering Pines Lakes and Watershed Board;past member, Whispering Pines Long Range PlanningCommittee; past member, New Century and Union PinesSchool Advisory Committees; past member, Boy Scout TroopCommittees in Southern Pines, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and FortCampbell, Ky.

Other Activities and Interests: Fishing, hunting, golf, reading,gardening, rescue horses, following our political process, seeingour children grow and flourish.


Through use of policy, tax codes and budgeting, Congresscan put us on the path to lowering debt and greater prosperity.Long-range budgets, revision of our tax codes, education ofworkers for evolving industries, and incentives for newbusinesses where we have advantages are what Congress mustfocus on. We cannot solve our debt problems by cuttingrevenues alone. The truth is, we need structural changes to ourfederal tax codes but, at this time, not lower revenues overall.


We must invest in infrastructure. It’s the fastest, mostwidespread means of job creation and it offers the biggestpayback. For example, every dollar spent on highways paysback six dollars into our economy, because infrastructuralimprovement aids commerce in so many ways. Congress mustmaintain funding for research and development. Right here incentral North Carolina, we have innovative public and privateinstitutions that will create the industries and jobs of our future.We must pass a jobs bill.

N.C. Supreme Court Associate JusticeSam J. Ervin IVPaul Martin Newby

N.C. Court of Appeals JudgeLinda McGeeDavid S. Robinson

N.C. Court of Appeals JudgeWanda Bryant

Marty McGee

N.C. Court of Appeals JudgeChris DillonCressie Thigpen

N.C. District Court JudgeDistrict 19B

Don (Skipper) CreedBobby E. McCroskey


James P. (Jimmy) Hill


Jane Hughes ReddingRob Wilkins

Nonpartisan Judicial Candidates

IT’S YOURRESPONSIBILITY

IT’S YOUR RIGHT


Bobby E. McCroskeyResidence: Archdale, NC 27263

Education: B.A., UNC-Chapel Hill, 1992; J.D.,Wake Forest UniversitySchool of Law, 1999.

Experience/Occupation:Admitted to bar, 1999.Practiced one year atWilson & Iseman, LLP, and12 years at Nixon Law Offices, P.A., handlingcivil and criminal cases at trial and appellatelevel in state and federal courts.

Civic and Governmental Experience:Member, Archdale Friends Meeting; pastmember, Friends Homes, Inc., board oftrustees; volunteer youth soccer coach; pastvolunteer, Communities in Schools.

Other Activities and Interests: Soccer, history,reading.

What credentials do you feel areimportant for a District Court judge tohave, and how would they impact yourdecision-making process?A District Court judge should possess

extensive legal knowledge while displaying

integrity, fairness and impartiality.Professionalism and good communication arethe keys to making sure our legal system fulfillsits obligations. All of the above qualities wouldimpact my decision-making process byensuring that I follow the law while giving allparties who appeared before me a fair andimpartial hearing in which everyone is treatedprofessionally. I would not allow any personalopinions to affect the outcome of any case.

How would you temper the spirit of thelaw with the letter of the law in orderto achieve justice?First, a District Court judge should always

follow the law. With that in mind, the law alsogrants District Court judges the discretion torender decisions that fall into a range ofoutcomes, so that each case may receive adisposition fashioned to fit the particular factsof that situation. No two case are identical,and the law recognizes that each case shouldbe decided on its own merits in order toachieve justice.

District Court Judge District 19BDon (Skipper) CreedResidence: Southern Pines, N.C.

Education: University ofNorth Carolina Wilmington,B.A. 1994 MississippiCollege School of Law, J.D.1998

Experience/Occupation:District Court judge, District19B, February 2007-present; Rowland & Yauger, Carthage, April2004 - January 2007; Van Camp, Meachamand Newman, PLLC, Pinehurst, NC, August2001 - March 2004; assistant district attorney,District 16A, September 1998 - August 2001

Civic and Governmental Experience: MooreCounty Republican Men’s Club; Southern PinesRotary Club; National Rifle Association; MooreCounty Wildlife and Conservation Club; CubScout assistant den leader

Other Activities and Interests: I spend everyminute I can with my wife and two sons, Ben(8) and Sam (5). Our family attends BrownsonMemorial Presbyterian Church in SouthernPines.

What credentials do you feel areimportant for a District Court Judge to

have, and how would they impact yourdecision-making process?I have served as your District Court judge for

more than five years. Prior to becoming ajudge I served as an assistant district attorneyand practiced as a criminal defense attorneyand civil litigation attorney in District andSuperior Court. A District Court judge shouldhave a diverse background in multiple areas ofpractice. A diverse practice backgroundbenefits me in the decision-making processbecause I am better able to understand thepositions taken by the parties, their counsel,prosecutors and law enforcement officials.

How would you temper the spirit of thelaw with the letter of the law in orderto achieve justice?As a sitting District Court judge, I make

decisions on a wide range of cases that impactthe everyday lives of our citizens. During thecourse of a trial, I listen closely to all of thefacts and arguments presented and alwaysfollow the law in making decisions. I strive tobe fair and reasonable in my decisions. I treatall parties, attorneys and court personnel withrespect. I will continue to work hard every dayto maintain the integrity of my position andthat of our court system.

President and Vice Presidentof the United States

Barack ObamaJoe BidenDemocrat

Mitt RomneyPaul RyanRepublican

Gary JohnsonJames P. GrayLibertarian

U.S. House of RepresentativesDistrict 2

Steve WilkinsDemocrat

Renee EllmersRepublican

Brian IrvingLibertarian

N.C. GovernorWalter H. DaltonDemocrat

Pat McCroryRepublican

Barbara HoweLibertarian

N.C. Lieutenant GovernorLinda D. ColemanDemocrat

Dan ForestRepublican

N.C. Attorney GeneralRoy CooperDemocrat

N.C. AuditorBeth A. WoodDemocrat

Debra GoldmanRepublican

N.C. Commissionerof Agriculture

Walter SmithDemocrat

Steve TroxlerRepublican

N.C. Commissionerof Insurance

Wayne GoodwinDemocrat

Mike CauseyRepublican

N.C. Commissioner of LaborJohn C. BrooksDemocrat

Cherie BerryRepublican

N.C. Secretary of StateElaine MarshallDemocrat

Ed GoodwinRepublican

N.C. Superintendentof Public Instruction

June AtkinsonDemocrat

John TedescoRepublican

N.C. TreasurerJanet CowellDemocrat

Steve RoyalRepublican

N.C. State Senate District 29Jerry W. TillmanRepublican

N.C. House of RepresentativesDistrict 52

James L. (Jamie) Boles Jr.Republican

N.C. House of RepresentativesDistrict 78

Gerald C. ParkerDemocrat

Allen Ray McNeillRepublican

Several National, State Races To Be Decided Tuesday, Nov. 6

Get the voting 411at VOTE411.org


ncga.state.nc.usNorth Carolina General Assembly

lwv.orgLeague of Women Voters

of United States

lwvnc.orgLeague of Women Voters

of North Carolina

lwvmc.orgLeague of Women Voters

of Moore County

vote-smart.orgGeneral information about the election

www.co.moore.nc.usMoore County Government

www.ncmcs.orgMoore County Schools

www.moorecountync.gov/index.php/mnu-elect

Moore County Board of Elections

ncvoterguide.org2012 North Carolina Voter GuidePresented by the N.C. Center forVoter Education and UNC-TV

ncdp.orgNorth Carolina Democratic Party

ncgop.orgNorth Carolina Republican Party

www.lpnc.orgNorth Carolina Libertarian Party

Lorna C. ClackResidence: Carthage, NC 28327

Education: B.S.,Appalachian StateUniversity; M.A., UNCG;principal’s degree and dualdoctorate in administrationand curriculum design,UNC-CH

Experience/Occupation:CEO, Pinehurst Curriculum Associates;principal, Carthage Elementary; adjunctprofessor of education, St. Andrews College;adjunct instructor of psychology at SCC;director of instruction; Moore County Schools;teacher: Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Robbins andCharlotte/Mecklenburg schools

Civic and Government Activities: Member:WMU, World View, Appalachian UniversityAlumni Board, Board of Education, AmericanLegion Auxiliary, Sierra Club, State Cancer TaskForce

Other Activities and Interests: First BaptistChurch of Carthage; serve in many capacities.Family, Southern cooking, gardening, readingand teaching reading.

In your opinion, what role shouldcharter schools play in the

public school system?Charter schools were created to provide

flexibility for school personnel, students andparents as they tried innovative approaches toeducation for the most at-risk students thatcould then be replicated in the public schools.This has not happened. Instead, charterschools often accept just those students theywant and send low-achieving or problemchildren back to the public schools. Publicmonies follow the child to the charter school,but are not returned when the child is sentback to public school. Test results for charterschools are no better than those in publicschools and often worse.

What would be your suggestionsfor lowering the dropout rate?Dropouts start in kindergarten and first

grade; grades K-3 classrooms need very smallnumbers of students in each class with acertified teacher and a competent, trainedteacher assistant nurturing and teaching everychild to be a successful reader, writer andmathematician. We must eradicate studentfailure by surrounding each student withpositive reinforcement as we celebrate theiracademic success. Experience — poor andsecond language children need intense help toremediate their lack of knowledge andlanguage. This lowers dropout rates potentialat every level of schooling.

Board of Education District IBen CameronResidence: Cameron, N.C.

Education: K-8 CameronElementary School, UnionPines High School class of1989, University of NorthCarolina-Chapel Hill, BA inpolitical science, class of1993

Occupation: Insuranceclaims representative with IntegonCorporation/GMAC Insurance since 1993.

Civic Activities: Church elder, missionfundraiser volunteer, youth baseball coach for12 years, school volunteer

Other Activities and Interests: I enjoyspending time in the outdoors, working aroundmy family farm, traveling and spending timewith my 7-year-old daughter, Claire.

In your opinion, what role shouldcharter schools play in thepublic school system?

I believe there are only two ways charterschools can be effective alternatives totraditional public schools. The first is to providethe same educational experience as thetraditional school at an equal or higher level,and the second is to provide a needed aspectof the education process not available at publicschools. If these goals cannot be achieved,then the charter school is just pulling awaymuch needed funding from the public school,where it could be better utilized.

What would be your suggestions forlowering the dropout rate?I would recommend three things to help

lower the dropout rate. First, identify studentslikely to be at risk of leaving school as early aspossible to try to find ways to keep theminterested and engaged. Second, providecareer-related opportunities such as vocationaland associate career tracks that may appeal tothe interest of those students. Finally, createsituations where at-risk students can be shownthe benefits available if they choose tocomplete their education.

Board of CountyCommissioners

District IVRandy SaundersRepublican

Uncontested Races

Website Resources ForAdditional Voter Information

For further information about specific issues or candidates,voters may wish to access these websites:

N.C. DistrictCourt JudgeDistrict 19B


County Boardof EducationDistrict II

Kathy Farren

County Boardof EducationDistrict IV

Laura K. Lang

County Boardof EducationDistrict V

Bruce Cunningham

Soil and WaterConservation District

SupervisorWilliam Arthur Williams


Jane Hughes ReddingResidence: Asheboro, N.C.

Education: B.A. QueensCollege; J.D. UNC School ofLaw

Experience/Occupation:Attorney in private practicefor 25 years in the DistrictCourts of North Carolina

Civic and GovernmentActivities: Chairperson, Asheboro City SchoolsBoard of Education (2011-present); boardmember (2005-present); past board memberFamily Crisis Center, Senior Adults Center

Other Activities: Active in church, serving onStaff Parish Relationship Committee, pastmember board of trustees, NominatingCommittee, Finance Committee

What credentials do you feel areimportant for a District Court judge tohave, and how would they impact yourdecision making process?Experience: As a private practice attorney, I

have seen and felt the personal impact thatjudicial actions have had on my clients. I alsohave participated in every facet of district courtpractice over which I would preside if elected. Ihave a calm temperament. I am knowledge-able and fair.

How would you temper the spirit of thelaw with the letter of the law in order toachieve justice?As a District Court judge, I must apply the

law as written. As such, guilt or innocence isfairly clear-cut. My ability to temper the lawwould rest mainly in the sentencing phase. Atthat point, I could review all the circumstancesand conditions involving the parties to renderjustice.

County CommissionerDistrict II

District Court JudgeDistrict 19B

Ellen MarcusResidence: Pinehurst, NC 28374

Education: BA inhumanities with emphasisin anthropology, Stephen F.Austin University; second-ary education class-work,St. Augustine College.

Civic and GovernmentalActivities: West PineElementary and West Pine Middle SchoolParent-Teacher organizations; member, TheLeague of Women Voters; member,Democratic Women of Moore County;volunteer, Boys & Girls Club and Malcolm BlueFarm

Other Activities and Interests: Sunday Schoolteacher, McDonald’s Chapel and Temple BethShalom, cooking, gardening, fishing, readingand writing

What would be your suggestions forproviding an environment that wouldencourage more economic developmentin Moore County?Local stores like Burney’s Hardware in

Aberdeen and Edwards Hardware in Vass are

proof that small businesses can thrive.Established businesses provide the foundationfor future growth.Large corporations will not be our economic

savior. Encouraging local entrepreneurs to cre-ate industry unique to Moore County will builda sustainable economy. StarWorks exemplifiestapping local talent to create new industry.Working with our schools and college to

educate entrepreneurs and professionals willenergize our economy while enhancing ourquality of life.

What do you see as the two or threemost critical problems facing MooreCounty at this time, and what would youpropose doing to solve them?From 2008 to 2011 the poverty rate in

Moore County increased from 8 to 19 percent,one of the highest increases in America. Achild’s education suffers when he or she livesin poverty. Moore County has limited publictransportation; lacks affordable housing; andworking-class wages are down. It is time toplan for public transportation, supportaffordable housing, and work with the schoolboard and college to provide job training.Countywide, our children deserve a good

education, nourishment and a home.

Nick J. PicernoResidence: West End, N.C.

Education: Union PinesHigh School 1974; UNC-Chapel Hill, BS 1978

Experience/Occupation:Educator 1979; foundedSouthern Software 1988(current board chairman)

Civic and GovernmentalActivities: Moore County commissioner;Moore County commissioners’ chairman (2);Health Board; Dept of Social Services Board;Moore County Transportation Committee;Moore County Governmental EfficiencyCommittee; Workforce Development Board;Lions Club

Other Activities and Interests: Family, church,golf and music.

What would be your suggestions forproviding an environment that wouldencourage more economic developmentin Moore County?Reduce/remove unnecessary regulation on

business development. Encourage moreeducation in vocational areas to provide work-force-ready potential employees for our localbusinesses. Work to attract desirable industry toour area through cooperation with Partners inProgress and the Chamber of Commerce.Continue to build our water and sewerinfrastructure for the future needs of ourcitizens and businesses. Continue to MakeMoore County business-friendly.

What do you see as the two or threemost critical problems facing MooreCounty at this time, and what would youpropose doing to solve them?Our county is facing some of the same

problems our state and nation are facing: highunemployment, slow business growth, slow-down in housing, increase in food stamps andother social services, water and sewer capacityneeds, etc. Over my term I have voted toreduce spending, lower property taxes, focuson retiring debt, increase water and sewercapacity and provide more critical needscapacity in our county. This focus will continueto help solve the aforementioned problems bymaking our local government more efficientand less costly to our citizens.

Rob WilkinsResidence: Asheboro, N.C.

Education: UNC-ChapelHill (B.S.); U. Miami Schoolof Law (J.D. with honors)

Experience/Occupation:District Court judge sinceJan. 1, 2009. Retiredmilitary officer. Over 19years legal experience as JAG, assistant D.A.,assistant attorney general and judge. Decided45,000 cases with ZERO cases ever overturnedon appeal. Fluent in Spanish.

Civic and Governmental Activities: Activemember of veterans groups in Moore,Randolph and Montgomery counties. VeteransCouncil commander, United Way board

Other Activities and Interests: Family; churchlay leader and lay speaker; riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles

What credentials do you feel areimportant for a District Court judge tohave, and how would they impact yourdecision-making process?As a judge, I believe a successful District

Court judge should have an open mind,maturity, a variety of life experiences, integrity,discipline, faith, compassion, an innate senseof fairness, common sense and a heart to be aservant leader. All of these traits, and more,inform not only my view of the world, but alsomy view of the cases over which I preside. Theyall come together to help form the judgment(and hopefully wisdom) upon which I rely tomake decisions and to render justice in eachand every case which comes before me.

How would you temper the spirit of thelaw with the letter of the law in order toachieve justice?Justice is not a “one size fits all” concept. In

order to truly render justice in each individualcase, I must be familiar with not only the letterof the law, but also the spirit of the law. Inpassing new laws, our elected lawmakers oftenexpress their intent regarding the applicationand interpretation of the law, as well as thepurpose of the law itself. As I judge, Iincorporate that legislative intent (the spirit ofthe law) into my decision-making process inevery case that comes before me to ensurethat I am not applying the letter of the law inviolation of its spirit.

NoVote No

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ncga.state.nc.usNorth Carolina General Assembly

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of United States

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of North Carolina

lwvmc.orgLeague of Women Voters

of Moore County

vote-smart.orgGeneral information about the election

www.co.moore.nc.usMoore County Government

www.ncmcs.orgMoore County Schools

www.moorecountync.gov/index.php/mnu-elect

Moore County Board of Elections

ncvoterguide.org2012 North Carolina Voter GuidePresented by the N.C. Center forVoter Education and UNC-TV

ncdp.orgNorth Carolina Democratic Party

ncgop.orgNorth Carolina Republican Party

www.lpnc.orgNorth Carolina Libertarian Party

Lorna C. ClackResidence: Carthage, NC 28327

Education: B.S.,Appalachian StateUniversity; M.A., UNCG;principal’s degree and dualdoctorate in administrationand curriculum design,UNC-CH

Experience/Occupation:CEO, Pinehurst Curriculum Associates;principal, Carthage Elementary; adjunctprofessor of education, St. Andrews College;adjunct instructor of psychology at SCC;director of instruction; Moore County Schools;teacher: Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Robbins andCharlotte/Mecklenburg schools

Civic and Government Activities: Member:WMU, World View, Appalachian UniversityAlumni Board, Board of Education, AmericanLegion Auxiliary, Sierra Club, State Cancer TaskForce

Other Activities and Interests: First BaptistChurch of Carthage; serve in many capacities.Family, Southern cooking, gardening, readingand teaching reading.

In your opinion, what role shouldcharter schools play in the

public school system?Charter schools were created to provide

flexibility for school personnel, students andparents as they tried innovative approaches toeducation for the most at-risk students thatcould then be replicated in the public schools.This has not happened. Instead, charterschools often accept just those students theywant and send low-achieving or problemchildren back to the public schools. Publicmonies follow the child to the charter school,but are not returned when the child is sentback to public school. Test results for charterschools are no better than those in publicschools and often worse.

What would be your suggestionsfor lowering the dropout rate?Dropouts start in kindergarten and first

grade; grades K-3 classrooms need very smallnumbers of students in each class with acertified teacher and a competent, trainedteacher assistant nurturing and teaching everychild to be a successful reader, writer andmathematician. We must eradicate studentfailure by surrounding each student withpositive reinforcement as we celebrate theiracademic success. Experience — poor andsecond language children need intense help toremediate their lack of knowledge andlanguage. This lowers dropout rates potentialat every level of schooling.

Board of Education District IBen CameronResidence: Cameron, N.C.

Education: K-8 CameronElementary School, UnionPines High School class of1989, University of NorthCarolina-Chapel Hill, BA inpolitical science, class of1993

Occupation: Insuranceclaims representative with IntegonCorporation/GMAC Insurance since 1993.

Civic Activities: Church elder, missionfundraiser volunteer, youth baseball coach for12 years, school volunteer

Other Activities and Interests: I enjoyspending time in the outdoors, working aroundmy family farm, traveling and spending timewith my 7-year-old daughter, Claire.

In your opinion, what role shouldcharter schools play in thepublic school system?

I believe there are only two ways charterschools can be effective alternatives totraditional public schools. The first is to providethe same educational experience as thetraditional school at an equal or higher level,and the second is to provide a needed aspectof the education process not available at publicschools. If these goals cannot be achieved,then the charter school is just pulling awaymuch needed funding from the public school,where it could be better utilized.

What would be your suggestions forlowering the dropout rate?I would recommend three things to help

lower the dropout rate. First, identify studentslikely to be at risk of leaving school as early aspossible to try to find ways to keep theminterested and engaged. Second, providecareer-related opportunities such as vocationaland associate career tracks that may appeal tothe interest of those students. Finally, createsituations where at-risk students can be shownthe benefits available if they choose tocomplete their education.

Board of CountyCommissioners

District IVRandy SaundersRepublican

Uncontested Races

Website Resources ForAdditional Voter Information

For further information about specific issues or candidates,voters may wish to access these websites:

N.C. DistrictCourt JudgeDistrict 19B


County Boardof EducationDistrict II

Kathy Farren

County Boardof EducationDistrict IV

Laura K. Lang

County Boardof EducationDistrict V

Bruce Cunningham

Soil and WaterConservation District

SupervisorWilliam Arthur Williams

Date post:	10-Mar-2016
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Moore County Voter's Guide

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