Democrat Sarah Crawford, candidate for NC House District 66, answers our questions
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Candidates for NC House District 66
Libertarian Michael Nelson is running against incumbent Democrat Sarah Crawford. Republican Phillip Lin withdrew. District 66 encompasses Wake County. Get to know the candidates with our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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: Sarah Crawford
District/seat: House District 66
County or counties represented: Wake County
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 43
Campaign website: sarahfornc.com
Current occupation: CEO, Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disabilities
Professional experience: Nonprofit leadership, constituent services, Health and Human Services, Higher Education
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, NC State University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: NC House of Representatives since 2023; NC Senate 2021-2023; Constituent Services for U.S. Rep. David Price 2001-2003; Board for Safe Space; Board for Hope Lutheran Church, Board for NC State School of Public and International Affairs.
What would be your top priority if elected?
As a working mom, I have dedicated my career to serving our community. I currently serve as CEO of Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disabilities. Prior to that I helped families work towards the American dream by connecting them to existing resources, putting them on a path to economic prosperity. I will continue to be a voice for the people who need it most; advocating for high quality, public education; affordable, equitable access to health care; and good jobs so families can thrive.
By percentage, what raises should state employees, school staff and teachers receive in the next state budget?
I support passing an automatic cost of living raise for state employees, school staff and teachers each year that allows salaries and wages to keep up with inflation.
What legislation would you support to improve Triangle transportation, housing or infrastructure? Please be specific.
Every person deserves to have safe, affordable housing. We must prioritize improving housing affordability, increase housing inventory, and address homelessness. This includes fully funding the NC Housing Trust Fund, which provides avenues for homeownership, rental, supportive housing, new construction, rehabilitation and emergency repairs. We must also put in place rental assistance programs which help individuals who have a hardship and prevent them from becoming homeless.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
I do not support the expansion of the taxpayer-funded private school vouchers for the wealthiest in the state of North Carolina. The additional investments that Republicans want to put into these taxpayer-funded private school vouchers will cost our public schools $4 billion over the next decade; and moreover, private schools are not held to the same standards of curriculum, teacher licensing, or testing that our public schools are. Simply put, there is no accountability for these dollars.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
The greatest asset we have in North Carolina, and in our General Assembly, is our people. All of us have unique experiences and backgrounds. We must rely on our strengths, which sometimes means we do not always agree. However, we must always work towards the best outcome for the people of this state.
This story was originally published October 11, 2024 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Democrat Sarah Crawford, candidate for NC House District 66, answers our questions."
