February 25, 2024 • 47 mins
Get ready to uncover the strategies and stakes in the 2024 Democratic primary for NC Commissioner of Insurance. We're peeling back the political curtain to reveal the inner workings of Natasha Marcus's bid, a state senator with a sharp focus on consumer protection and fair insurance rates. Her charge against the current commissioner's industry-friendly policies sets the stage for an electoral showdown. We dissect Senator Marcus's arsenal of endorsements, her grassroots fundraising prowess, and the policy chops that have fueled her ascent in the Democratic ranks. Not to be overshadowed, we also profile David Wheeler and his extensive, visionary plan. The endorsements and community support backing his candidacy, especially as he is the only candidate for Council of State who lives west of Charlotte, underscore his readiness to reimagine the Department of Insurance.
This session is a goldmine of information for those tracking the pulse of North Carolina politics. Join us for an episode that not only scrutinizes the candidates' platforms but also connects their visions directly to the North Carolinian lives they aim to serve.
Natasha Marcus & David Wheeler
NC Deep Dive’s Voters’ Guide for the 2024 Primary Election
Raleigh News & Observer Voters’ Guide
INDY Week’s Candidate Questionnaire
Campaign Finance Reports for All Candidate Committees
Voter Information
--Register to Vote
--Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation)
--Election Information
--Election Day Voting FAQs
--Absentee by Mail FAQs
Closest Early Voting Locations
February 15th-March 2nd
W.E. Hunt Recreation Center in Holly Springs
Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve
2024 Primary Election Early Voting Bus Route Guide
ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, March 5th from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
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Now, let's dive in!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (00:11):
Hello friends, thanks for joining me
and the NC Deep Dive.
I am your host, AmandaBenbow-Lunn, and we are delving
into the 2024 primary election.
Each episode will cover adifferent race that will be on
your primary ballot thiselection.
When you go to vote, you willbe handed a ballot based on your
address and party affiliation.
(00:32):
If you are unaffiliatedsometimes also referred here as
independent then you will haveyour choice of which party's
ballot you would like to vote.
Please note that you are onlyable to cast one ballot and that
there are no primary ballotsfor the Green Party or the no
Labels Party.
Moreover, candidates for thegeneral election in November who
(00:53):
do not have a primarychallenger will not appear on
your primary ballot.
They get a pass directly to thegeneral election.
Due to time constraints and theplethora of candidates, and my
belief that having as muchinformation as possible is of
vast importance, our primaryelection segment will consist of
me covering one race at a time,as time allows, and going over
(01:16):
each candidate's website andwhat I can find on a simple
Google search, in case it iseasier for you to take in
information this way.
If you are short on time, youcan check out our NC Deep Dives
Voters Guide for the 2024primary election, found pinned
to our Facebook page or on thisepisode's show notes at www.
ncdeepdive.
com.
(01:39):
It will be an easy way toaccess each candidate's website
and research the candidates onyour own.
If that's a better use of yourtime, without further ado, my
friends, let's dive in.
Now we're going to dive into theNorth Carolina Commissioner of
Insurance that will be on theDemocratic ballot.
This race has two candidates,one of which is Natasha Marcus,
(02:04):
the other is David Wheeler.
You are eligible to vote forone of these candidates.
We're going to start withNatasha Marcus.
Her website is natashamarcus.
com.
It says thank you for visiting.
Please click sign up to getemail updates from the campaign.
Natasha Marcus, NC Commissionerof Insurance.
You can sign up today for thelatest news.
(02:26):
Natasha Marcus for NC InsuranceCommissioner.
During my time in the NorthCarolina Senate, I've been an
outspoken champion for peopleover corporations, for
individual freedoms overideology and for smart
investments in our state'sfuture.
My campaigns are funded bygrassroots donors and supporters
like you, and I'm scandal-free.
My mission has always been tostand up against corruption,
(02:49):
corporate greed and badgovernment, and now I'm running
to be North Carolina's nextCommissioner of Insurance.
Commissioner of Insurance is acouncil of state position that
allows me to look out foreveryone in North Carolina who
needs insurance, to ensure ratesare fair, coverage is as
advertised and valid claims arepaid.
The Insurance Commissioner hasauthority over all insurance
(03:10):
companies doing business in ourstate the Consumer Protection
Fund, the Safe Kids Program andthe Seniors Health Insurance
Information Program.
The Department of Insuranceoversees fire safety and
building inspections and is alsoa main source of information
about insurance policies andclaims, including workers'
compensation.
In other words, the InsuranceCommissioner's work touches
(03:32):
almost every North Carolinianyoung and old, workers,
motorists, patients, homeowners,firefighters and business
owners and should be held bysomeone who is on the side of
the people.
I bring to the job my more thanfive years of experience as an
elected representative in theNorth Carolina General Assembly,
including my service on theSenate Commerce and Insurance
(03:53):
Committee, my work as alitigation attorney and my
knowledge of the laws of thestate.
As a graduate of DukeUniversity School of Law, I
understand the impact of climatechange on the frequency of
weather-related losses and oninsurance rates, and I support
efforts to mitigate those risks.
Most importantly, I care aboutNorth Carolinians like you, who
need affordable, reliableinsurance coverage for their
(04:16):
homes, vehicles, businesses andhealthcare.
The Republican incumbent quoteRate Hike, mike unquote.
Causey is an insurance industryinsider who forgets that he was
elected by the people to betheir voice.
During his eight years inoffice, he has approved an
unprecedented number of ratehikes and refuses to hold public
(04:36):
hearings.
Instead of a transparentprocess where insurance
companies are required toprovide proof under oath,
subject to cross-examination, tojustify higher rates, causey
skips the public hearings andmakes private settlements.
That allows rates to increaseagain and again.
He says we should just trustthat he's getting us a fair deal
(04:56):
.
Complete lack of transparency.
In January of 2024, insurersrequested an outrageous jump in
homeowners' rates 42% averagestatewide and 99% on the coast,
which is more than many peoplecan afford.
Yet when folks traveled fromall over the state to speak at
the public comment forum inRaleigh, causey did not even
(05:16):
show up to listen.
I was there and I heard folksloud and clear.
We need a new commissioner ofinsurance who will do the job
right, advocating for thepeople's best interest and
forcing insurance companies tojustify their rates at public
hearings.
I'll be that new leader and Iask for your support this year.
There's a button where you candonate if you feel so moved and
(05:37):
she asks please donate to ourgrassroots campaign.
It is expensive to run astatewide campaign challenging
an incumbent member of theCouncil of State.
We need resources to flip thisseat.
Thank you for your help.
Press release on massive rateincrease request.
Senator Natasha Marcus issues astatement on homeowners
insurance rate hike request.
Calls on current commissionerof insurance to fight for
(05:59):
consumers.
Davidson North Carolina.
Over the weekend, alarming newsbroke for homeowners in North
Carolina.
The North Carolina rate bureauannounced that it is once again
seeking a huge increase inhomeowners insurance rates, this
time as much as 99% higher forsome.
Unfortunately for NorthCarolina's homeowners, the
person elected to represent themin these situations, the
(06:21):
current NC insurancecommissioner, has shown time and
time again that he's not ontheir side.
State Senator Natasha Marcusoffered the following statement.
Quote insurance industryinsider Mike Causey has allowed
insurance rates to increase anunprecedented number of times
during his eight years in officeand all indications are that
he'll do it again now.
(06:41):
Commissioner Causey keepsfailing to stand up for the
people who elected him byshirking his responsibilities to
one, reject outrageous ratehikes and.
Two, call for and actually holdpublic hearings that force
insurance companies to justifytheir request under oath.
And three preside over thosehearings, as the NC statutes
provide.
These failures earned him thenickname rate hike Mike during
(07:05):
his first term in office, whenhe forgot his campaign promises
to fight rate hikes.
Unquote quote.
Using his past behavior as anindicator, I predict
commissioner causey will callfor, but not actually hold, a
public hearing and that he willinstead end up agreeing to a
private settlement on the latestrate hike request.
In other words, our currentstate, commissioner, will allow
(07:26):
rates to go up more thannecessary without a public,
transparent presentation andcross examination of the
evidence the insurance companieshave to justify their rate
increase request within eachterritorial zone.
We should not let that happenagain.
End quote.
Natasha Marcus is calling oninsurance commissioner causey to
do his job and fight for theconsumers of North Carolina by
(07:48):
doing the following One rejectthe successive rate increase
request from the start toschedule and hold a full public
hearing on the request to startby July 1 and to end by August 1
, 2024, including no games byhim to avoid and delay his
secret rate hikes until afterelection day.
And three preside over thepublic hearing himself, as
(08:09):
contemplated by the statutoryjob description.
Senator Marcus continued.
Quote Commissioner causey'spredecessors held public
hearings and presided over them.
Why won't he?
Why does he make privatesettlements to raise rates over
and over again?
We need an insurancecommissioner who works for the
consumers and fights excessiverates with actual public
hearings.
We need an insurancecommissioner who is able to
(08:31):
preside over the public hearingsand does not rely upon his
political appointees to do hisjob.
End quote.
Quote in 2024, we need toretire rate hike, mike.
The people of North Carolinadeserve a commissioner who will
fight for them when it comes tomatters of insurance.
End quote.
That's the end of the pressrelease.
Natasha Marcus speaks with theindependent insurance agents.
(08:53):
There is a 2024 insurancecommissioner election interview.
That's on her website.
There's another Natasha on theCarolina Democracy podcast.
You can listen to the badge ofhonor episode where Natasha
talks about why she's runningfor commissioner of insurance.
It's another video whereSenator Marcus speaks against
the abortion ban.
(09:13):
That was posted in May of 2023.
Natasha at work and in thecommunity.
There are a number of picturesand it says let's stay in touch.
Sign up to get email updatesfrom the campaign and you can
follow her on social media.
She lists a Facebook, instagram, linkedin, tiktok X and YouTube
account that you can accessthrough her website.
(09:34):
Do have the ability to donateto her cause, if you would like.
About me who I am?
I am a three term state senatorelected to represent District
41 in Mecklenburg County.
I am a mom of two adultdaughters, a nature enthusiast,
an animal lover and fosterparent with a local animal
rescue group and a formerlitigation attorney.
(09:55):
I have a Bachelor of Arts inPublic Policy from Hamilton
College and a JD from DukeUniversity School of Law.
Before becoming a member of theNC Senate, I worked at the Ada
Jenkins Center, a localnonprofit that enables people to
become financially secure.
Why I chose public service?
As a litigation attorney, Ilearned how to advocate for my
(10:15):
clients to ensure their fairtreatment under the law.
During my time in the Senate,I've been an outspoken advocate
for North Carolinians, whodeserve affordable health care,
common sense, gun safety, reform, reproductive freedom, clean
energy, fair elections, publiceducation, investments, equity
and tax policies that are fairfor working families.
My mission has always been tostand up against corruption,
(10:38):
corporate greed and badgovernment.
I look forward to continuingthat work as NC's Commissioner
of Insurance.
We need a commissioner who willbe on the side of the people,
not corporations.
My core values.
My life exemplifies mycommitment to hard work, the
value of a quality education andbeing a voice of reason and
respect.
I believe in the importance oftaking personal responsibility,
(10:59):
investing in the future andcultivating an inclusive
community.
In a time of political discord,I offer solutions that bring
people together and makepositive change for the people
of our state.
Senator Natasha Marcus is athree-term state senator from
Mecklenburg County.
Senator Marcus has a BA inpublic policy from Hamilton
College and a law degree fromDuke University.
(11:20):
She's been on the front linesof community work for decades,
including moral Monday protests,gun violence prevention,
habitat for humanity bills,marches in support of women's
rights and Black Lives Matter,volunteering at the local free
health clinic, leadingvolunteers on the Obama and
Clinton campaigns, co-foundingthe Democrats of North
Mecklenburg Group and organizingvoter registration drives.
(11:42):
She also mentors young womenwho are interested in seeking
elected office.
Natasha is a mother of twodaughters.
Her younger child is anelementary school teacher and
her oldest daughter recentlyearned her PhD and is married to
a naval officer.
Natasha is the daughter of apublic school teacher and a
lawyer who also served inelected office.
After passing the bar exam in1994, natasha practiced law at
(12:06):
the Brooks Pierce Law Firm andclerked for a federal judge in
Greensboro, she moved toDavidson in 2007.
Immediately prior to takingoffice, she worked at the Aida
Jenkins Center, a localcommunity center that provides
services and support for thosemost in need.
Senator Marcus serves on severalcommittees, including commerce
and insurance, judiciary,redistricting and elections and
(12:27):
education.
She is a leader in herDemocratic caucus and a strong
advocate for affordable healthinsurance, public schools,
reproductive freedom, cleanenergy, common sense, gun safety
reform, fair elections, betterwages for working people and
environmental policies to combatclimate change.
As a first term, senatorNatasha was elected by her peers
(12:47):
to be freshman leader.
In her second term, she waselected chair of the 17-member
Mecklenburg County delegation tothe North Carolina General
Assembly.
Now, in her third term, sheserves as deputy leader for
legal matters for the SenateDemocratic Caucus.
2024 endorsements andcommissioner of insurance race.
It looks like she's had fourrounds of endorsements by
(13:12):
elected officials.
She is proudly endorsed by USRepresentative Jeff Jackson,
senate Minority Leader SenatorDan Blue, senators Gail Adcock,
vell Applewhite, michael Garrett, lisa Grastin, paul Lowe,
rachel Hunt, julie Mayfield,natalie Murdock, gladys Robinson
, joyce Waddell, mike Woodard,wesley Harris and former
(13:34):
Senators Sam Searcy and TerryVan Doen.
She is also proudly endorsed by22 colleagues in the North
Carolina General Assembly, someof which may be familiar to you
in this area Senator SydneyBatch, senator Mary Willis Bode,
greg Maiyer, representative DebButler, representative Ashton
Clemens, the RepresentativeSarah Crawford, representative
(13:57):
Julie von Haefon and formerRepresentative, current Mayor
Christie Clark.
She is proudly endorsed by allseven of North Carolina's
Democratic members of Congress,including Congresswoman Alma
Adams, congressman Don Davis,congresswoman Valerie Fushi,
congressman Jeff Jackson,congresswoman Kathy Manning,
congressman Wiley Nickel andCongresswoman Deborah Ross, and
(14:19):
she is proudly endorsed by 10more colleagues in the North
Carolina General Assembly, for atotal of 53 current and former
fellow legislators.
This last round includesSenator Jay Chahoudri, the
Democratic Whip, representativeCynthia Ball, representative
Maria Cervania, representativeAllison Dale, representative
Terrence Everitt, representativeYa Liu, amongst others.
(14:42):
She has been endorsed by theSierra Club Lilian's List, the
People's Alliance, whichsupports progressive candidates
who embody excellence andreadiness to serve the people of
Durham and North Carolina andthe nation.
She's endorsed by the BlackPolitical Caucus of Charlotte
Mecklenburg, which educatesabout the importance of voting,
promotes a Black community inpolitical, economical,
(15:04):
educational, civic and culturalaffairs and works for
improvement of the community inmatters of education, economics,
religion, social and civicwelfare and political activity.
The Raleigh Wake CitizensAssociation.
For 90 years this nonpartisangroup has been an influential
factor in supporting positiveand progressive policy in Wake
County, advocating for citizensto protect, encourage, educate
(15:26):
and support their civic,economic, social, educational
and political advancement.
The Wake County Voter EducationCoalition, which increases
voter participation and expandscitizen involvement through
citizen education and grassrootscommunity organizations for
African American and otherconcerned citizens.
The young Democrats of NorthCarolina they have endorsed her
(15:47):
and believe in the Americanvalues of freedom, fairness,
equality and social justice.
They believe that theDemocratic Party at its best
embodies these values and thatthe young Democrats of North
Carolina exist to advance theseprinciples and give the youth of
North Carolina a vehicle forprogressive change.
She's endorsed by ReplacementsLimited PAC, which endorses
(16:07):
candidates who will best supportand promote progressive
policies and civil rights, whosepast and current positions
support LGBTQ plus rights,immigrant justice, gun violence
prevention, health,environmental justice, good
government campaign financereform and education, and who
are strategically viable.
She's endorsed by PlannedParenthood Votes South Atlantic,
(16:28):
which is a nonpartisanpolitical action committee
committed to supportingpro-reproductive health
candidates for elected office inNorth Carolina.
Planned Parenthood deliversvital reproductive health care,
sex education and information tomillions of people worldwide.
She's endorsed by NC StateAFL-CIO, the largest association
of unions working, the largestassociations of unions of
(16:51):
working people in North Carolina, representing 145,000 members
working together for good jobs,safe workplaces, workers' rights
, consumer protections andquality public services on
behalf of all working people.
She's endorsed by the DurhamCommittee on the Affairs of
Black People PAC, which fightsfor the empowerment and equality
of the black community,champion social justice and
(17:13):
racial equity, and promotes thewelfare of black people in civic
, cultural, economic,educational, health, housing,
political, youth and religiousand human affairs.
She's endorsed by the George CSimkins Memorial PAC, which is
named after the civil rightsleader of Greensboro.
The Simkins Memorial PAC fightsfor equality, liberty,
democracy and justice andendorses candidates who do the
(17:35):
same.
She says endorsements are great, but we need donations to fund
our grassroots campaign.
Can you help?
It's expensive to run astatewide campaign challenging
an incumbent member of theCouncil of State.
We need resources to flip thisseat.
And then she lists her 2022endorsements in her NC Senate
race, which I am not going toread, but you're welcome to look
into, and that is pretty muchthe totality of her website.
(17:59):
Doing a Google search, I didnot find anything out of the
ordinary on the first page.
According to her ballopedia,they do have her campaign
finance information for the 2024election, which runs January
1st 2023 through December 31st2024.
She has received $121,031 incontributions.
(18:21):
She has a total of 655 uniquecontributors.
She has spent $35,268 inexpenditures and has 78 unique
payees.
She did answer the 2024candidate connection survey on
ballotpedia.
There are about five or sixquestions there.
(18:42):
You're welcome to look up ifyou are so interested.
Natasha did fill out ourquestionnaire for the 2024 North
Carolina Deep Dive Voters Guide.
The link for that will be inthe show notes.
And that brings us to DavidWheeler.
His website is wheelernccom andit says David Wheeler for
insurance.
Commissioner Ara L Comisionadode Segueros.
(19:04):
You can order yard signs andt-shirts and join David's team
by clicking a button.
Learn more about rate hike micendorsements.
His website says David is proudof these endorsements.
Wheeler endorsement alert.
Patsy Kever, representativeNorth Carolina House.
Chair of the state dem party,buncombe County.
Commissioner educator.
(19:25):
David is a solid candidate withdiverse life experiences to
motivate his desire to help allNorth Carolinians, it is
important for our council ofstate to have members from
across the state.
David is the only candidate forcouncil of state who lives west
of Charlotte.
We need his voice at the table.
He is endorsed by Colonel MoDavis, who is North Carolina 11
(19:46):
congressional democratic nomineein 2020.
He was in the United States AirForce, a Legion of Merit
awardee, head of the foreignaffairs, defense and trade
division, congressional ResearchService and the US Department
of Labor Administrative LawJudge Colonel Davis states
because of David Wheeler's hardwork and tenacity, perpetual
embarrassment.
(20:06):
Madison Cawthorn was booted outof office after one term in
Congress and Lauren Boebert'srace in a solid red Colorado
district ended up being theclosest congressional race in
the entire country.
North Carolinians deserve aresolute and relentless
insurance commissioner who willgo toe-to-toe with the big
insurance companies to make sureTar Heels from Murphy to Manteo
(20:30):
are treated fairly.
That's why I'm voting for DavidWheeler.
He was endorsed by CommissionerRay Gasperson.
He was a Polk CountyCommissioner from 2008 to 2020,
owner of a farm in Green CreekCommunity, former trustee of
Isothermal Community College,member of Polk County
Agricultural's Advisory Board,former chair of Polk County's
(20:50):
Planning Board, member of theYMCA Development Board.
He says David Wheeler grew upin a rural community and
maintains those values today.
He cares deeply about helpingrural schools, small business,
people of color, farmers,teachers, ranchers and producers
.
David is also tough as nails.
He gets things done without alot of nonsense.
He will fight for lowerinsurance rates as hard as Wayne
(21:13):
Goodwin and Jim Long did, andthat fight will be for you, not
himself.
Let's select a Democrat againto the Commissioner of Insurance
office.
My family and I will be votingfor David Wheeler in the March
5th 2024 Democratic primary.
I hope you will too.
He is endorsed by Beth Wood,cpa and former NC auditor.
She says David Wheeler has arobust plan to refocus the
(21:36):
Department of Insurance onhelping the people of North
Carolina.
David is the right man forCommissioner of Insurance.
He's an experienced businessmanand has spent the last year
listening to voters across NC.
I'm voting for David Wheeler inthe March 5th 2024 primary.
Representative Eric Ager fromHickory Nut Gap has endorsed him
and he says David Wheeler is afighter for the people.
(21:59):
He'll hold insurance companiesaccountable every day of the
week.
David is the only candidate ineither party from Western North
Carolina running statewide.
We need someone from WesternNorth Carolina on the Council of
State in Raleigh.
I'm voting for David Wheeler inthe March 5th 2024 primary.
It says firefighters and theirfamilies in the Charlotte local
660 proudly support DavidWheeler for Commissioner of
(22:22):
Insurance in the March 5th 2024primary.
In the about section.
There are some videos On hiswebsite.
There are some videos he hashere that you can check out.
There is a political cartoon.
In the rearview mirror there'sa picture of David Wheeler
driving with a hat.
That says David Wheeler andwhat's assuming?
Mike Causey in the backseatsaying hey, wait a minute,
(22:45):
that's not my usual driver.
Next to this cartoon it saysBail Bondsman help David Wheeler
drive.
Rate.
Hike Mike out of office.
There's another video sayingthat Wheeler can beat Republican
rate hike Mike.
The insurance companies want a42% homeowners insurance rate
hike in 2024.
My response to the insurancecompanies hell, no, I'm working
(23:07):
for the people.
And a fire rate hike Mike.
David Wheeler.
We are voting for David Wheelerfor Commissioner of Insurance.
There are only 15 days leftuntil the primary election.
Early voting ends on March 2nd.
There's another video of himand then it says meet David.
David B Wheeler is running tobe the next North Carolina
insurance commissioner and theonly Democratic candidate living
(23:30):
west of Charlotte running forthe council of state.
David is a single father ofthree kids of color, son, small
business owner and independentDemocrat that loves North
Carolina and the United Statesof America.
Growing up in a small town,david was raised by his marine
father named Gail and CWA Unionmother Donna, with his three
brothers and sister.
David first became politicallyinvolved when he was 10 on a
(23:53):
local campaign with his parentsand has been hooked on politics
and public service since.
In addition, david was electedmajority leader of the high
school statewide modellegislature, was selected as a
state House of Representativespage, served as a United States
Senate intern, restarted thedormant state Young Democrats
and was elected to the YoungDemocrats National Committee.
(24:13):
David also worked in thesecretary of state's office.
David has started and ledvarious companies over the last
30 years.
His first business venture atthe age of 24 was Protocol
International Incorporated, anevent management firm.
Protocol specialized inmanaging high profile events for
corporate and governmentclients.
During Wheeler's tenure aspresident, he was responsible
(24:35):
for the firm's involvement inmore than 1000 projects in 35
countries with 50 Fortune 500clients, including more than a
dozen head of state visits tothe United States.
Protocol expanded with officesin Los Angeles, new York, paris,
london and partnered with Picoin Hong Kong.
Since his first business, davidhas gone on to work on a number
of unique projects, includingmanaging the first marathon in
(24:58):
Antarctica, producing the firstpresidential candidate forum
focused on cancer issues,lowering the level of the
Mississippi River for an eventin Burlington, iowa, and
producing the first professionalsports event in Russia.
David was also a senior vicepresident of the largest
publicly traded meeting andevent management firm,
ambassadors LLC, and helped growthe company and manage
(25:19):
significant clients.
David also founded a successfulsecond event management firm,
embark LLC, which focused oncommunication events, government
relations forums, complexmarketing, event management,
corporate conferences and travelprograms.
Embark was a partner with aClarion events limited of London
.
David was also co-founder andpresident of conference IQ LLC.
(25:42):
C IQ is the world's largestdirectory of business events and
professional speakers.
David helped launch globalhigher educational group LLC,
based in Spruce Pine, northCarolina, with partners in
Canada, united Kingdom andAustralia.
David is leading this as achief executive officer and is a
founding shareholder.
Ghd is focused on providinginternational students with
(26:04):
scholarships and globaluniversity choices through a
matchmaking platform.
David is actively involved inthe Mitchell County community.
He has served on the board ofdirectors for Spruce Pine
Montessori and is currentlychairman of Health E schools.
He has previously run foroffice to bring adequate
representation to his localcommunity.
David graduated from theUniversity of Iowa with a major
(26:25):
in political science and anemphasis in economics.
David's ex-wife, jeanineMarchand, is an accomplished
artist.
David and Jeanine co-parenttheir children, calia 12,
nicholas, 10, and Quinn, 7, inSpruce Pine.
There's buttons where you cansupport David by donating or
getting involved, and you canfollow David on the campaign
trail via Facebook, twitter or Xand Instagram.
(26:48):
The Wheeler plan no rateincreases.
More than one million newresidents have moved to North
Carolina since 2010, whichcreates a larger market and
should create lower prices, butour insurance policy rates keep
climbing every year.
These increases are across theboard and affect homeowners,
renters, auto small and largebusiness, startup businesses and
(27:10):
organizations, professionalliability, life, property and
other insurance rates.
Why, no one in Raleigh isfighting to keep the rates down
and the current commissioner isdependent upon insurance
industry campaign cash.
David is going to change that.
In his first day in office,when David is elected as
commissioner of the Departmentof Insurance, he will fight
against any insurance rateincreases during his four-year
(27:32):
term.
David will be the fighter NorthCarolinians need.
He's done it before.
He'll do it again.
Insurance claims resolution.
Within 60 days, when David iselected, the entire Department
of Insurance will be reorganizedtowards helping North
Carolinians, small businessowners, farmers, seniors,
members of the military andpublic servants, ensure their
rates are low and they get whatthey paid for when they need
(27:55):
their insurance company to stepup.
This means that insurancecompanies will have 60 days to
pay claims or be subject to apenalty.
That is paid to you, not theDepartment of Insurance.
The insurance companies don'tallow you to make late payments.
Why should we let them makelate claim payments to their
customers and you Help consumersget medical debt forgiven or
reduced?
(28:15):
North Carolina is home to threeof the top four counties in the
US with medical debt.
I will work with the debtcollection agencies to put
together a model repayment planthat has adopted industry-wide.
That includes a low interestrate payment plans and
cancelling debt when possible.
In addition, I'll work with thelegislature to get legislation
on the books that protectsconsumers from predatory
(28:36):
practices, high interest ratesand wrecking credit reports.
The bottom line is that someoneshould not be in debt for their
life because they got sick orinjured.
I'll work to change practicesin North Carolina to protect
consumers.
Fight every rate increase.
More than one million newresidents have moved to North
Carolina since 2010.
My leadership team will reflectthe diversity of North Carolina
(28:58):
with pay equity.
When I'm elected commissioner,I've committed to ensuring the
Department of Insuranceleadership team and employees
reflect this great diverse state.
In September of 2023, in avideo to the North Carolina
Democratic Women Convention, Icommitted to appointing women
and people of color to myleadership team at a level that
represents diverse culture ofNorth Carolina.
(29:19):
Treat all bail bonds industryprofessionals with respect,
fairness and transparency.
Under rate hike, mike, the bailbonds industry is suffering
from a complete lack of fairnessand transparency.
I will work with the bail bondindustry to bring fairness back
to the BBRD.
At DOI, the Department ofInsurance, I'll clean house of
the current management,investigate past misdeeds and
(29:40):
set down a clear and conciseethical standard of operation
for all Department of Insurancestaff.
Bail bondsmen and women aresmall businesses and have been a
part of the legal justicesystem for more than 365 years.
Many are owned by people ofcolor.
They need to be treated withrespect and encouraged to grow
their businesses, not treated assolely sources of revenue or
(30:01):
discriminated against.
A bad bail bondsman women willbe weeded out and punished
according to the law, notwhether or not they supported my
campaign.
Fairness is the name of thegame.
Under my administration and teamConvene a task force to explore
gun liability insurance, I willlead a pioneering initiative to
form a statewide task forcededicated to exploring the
(30:22):
concept of gun liabilityinsurance, recognizing the
growing concerns over gunviolence and safety, my proposal
aims to convene a diverse groupof stakeholders, including
legal experts, insuranceprofessionals, law enforcement
community and citizens group andpublic health officials.
The primary objective of thistask force is to meticulously
evaluate the feasibility ofrequiring gun liability
(30:44):
insurance for gun owners inNorth Carolina.
By doing so, I believe thatthis could incentivize
responsible gun ownership andpotentially reduce the frequency
and severity of gun relatedincidents.
The task force will also delveinto the practicalities of
implementing such insurance,examining its legal implications
impacting gun owners andpotential benefits to public
safety.
(31:05):
Appoint a chief ethics anddiversity officer.
Based on the data I've compiledin personal conversations with
current and former Department ofInsurance employees, there is a
racial discrimination problemat DOI.
One of my first acts ascommissioner will be to appoint
a chief ethics and fairnessofficer.
The focus of this seniorofficial will be to review all
(31:25):
past and current hiringpractices, create a hotline for
ethical and legal violations,treat unethical and illegal
activity, refer violations tothe proper law enforcement and
prosecutorial agencies andcompile all of this information
into a format that is releasedto the public on a regular basis
.
In addition, this seniorofficial will review the
(31:45):
patterns and practices of theDOI fraud enforcement teams,
investigations, arrests andconvictions.
If someone has beendiscriminated against by the
Department of Insurance for anyreason, we will investigate,
render an opinion, holdviolators accountable and
provide an apology andrecompense when appropriate.
We will also refer all illegalactivity to the proper
(32:06):
authorities.
Use existing laws to enforcemental health parity.
Since 2008, federal law hasrequired insurance companies to
provide mental health coverageon par with coverage for other
health services.
While other states have crackeddown on illegal claims, denials
and other roadblocks, mikeCausie's Department of Insurance
has zero published enforcementactions.
(32:27):
In 2019, the Kennedy Forum gaveRatehike Mike and F grade for
mental health parity in NorthCarolina.
When our friends, neighbors orfamily members need mental
health care, I will fight forthem to get the care they need
and will enforce the law againstinsurance companies if needed.
There is a video there that youcan watch.
He will prioritize publicservants.
David understands that publicservants are the backbone of our
(32:49):
communities.
He is committed to gettingdiscounts on home and auto
insurance for our publicservants, including firefighters
, law enforcement, nurses,teachers, emts, union members,
state workers and others.
He will stop the exploitationof NC seniors.
David is committed to stoppingthe overcharging of seniors on
their medical bills, helpingresolve claims quickly and
(33:10):
fairly, providing Medicaresupplemental insurance for all
North Carolina seniors andworking to expand Medicare for
all.
David believes that the time toact is now and that we can
create a better future for ourseniors.
Great ombudsman for providersand caregivers, the caregivers
providing services to NorthCarolinians should have an
advocate for them at theDepartment of Insurance.
(33:30):
I will add a dedicated staffperson to work with providers
and caregivers when they havedisputes with insurance
companies.
It's time we took care of thosetaking care of us and I'm
committed to making this change.
Insurance company ratings whenmy new team takes the helm
January 1st 2025, we will beginwork on a public website that
has ratings for auto, homerenters and other insurance
(33:52):
lines.
The website will include arating based on price, customer
complaints, payment of claimsand other factors.
This will give consumers aclear and concise website to
shop for insurance and hold badinsurance companies to account.
He will procure a second set ofturnout gear for firefighters.
When I take office in January2025, I will immediately begin
(34:12):
the process of procuring asecond set of turnout gear for
any North Carolina firedepartment and or rescue squad
that requests it.
The second set of gear willhelp lower the rate of cancer
than an unclean set of gear.
Subjects firefighters.
The gear costs approximately$2,500 per firefighter and many
departments cannot afford thisextra cost.
$5,000 annual tax credit forfirefighters Volunteer and paid
(34:35):
firefighters provide aninvaluable service to our state.
I am proposing, and will pushwith the NC General Assembly, a
$5,000 tax credit for everyfirefighter that is either full
time or has at least 10 hours ofservice as a volunteer each
month.
The $5,000 will allow us tohonor the commitment these
public servants make in apartial reimbursement for their
gas and other out-of-pocketexpenses.
(34:57):
He will streamline buildingpermitting in North Carolina to
increase availability ofaffordable housing.
It is time the Commissioner ofInsurance addressed the Housing
Crisis in North Carolina.
I am advocating for acomprehensive policy aimed at
streamlining the buildingpermitting process and holding
local officials accountable thatare dragging their feet for
political or other purposes.
(35:17):
This initiative focuses onreducing bureaucratic hurdles,
enhancing efficiency andfostering collaboration between
relevant stakeholders toaccelerate the construction of
affordable housing across thestate.
He lists key components asnumber one review and simplify
permitting procedures.
Conduct a thorough review ofexisting building permitting
procedures at the state andlocal levels.
(35:37):
Identify redundant regulationsand streamline the process to
eliminate unnecessary delays.
Establish clear guidelines.
Develop clear and transparentguidelines for builders and
developers to navigate thepermitting process efficiently.
Ensure that the guidelinesprioritize safety standards
while minimizing bureaucraticcomplexities.
Three collaboration with localauthorities.
(35:57):
Foster collaboration with localmunicipalities to create a
unified permitting framework.
Establish a task force to workclosely with the city and county
officials, builders andcommunity stakeholders to
address regional housing needs.
Wheeler's Building Plancontinued for Utilize Technology
Invest in technology solutionsto digitize and automate the
permitting process.
Implement an online portal forpermit applications, tracking
(36:20):
and approvals to reducepaperwork and processing times.
Buy fast-track affordablehousing projects.
Implement a fast-track processspecifically designed for
affordable housing projects.
Provide incentives or expeditedapprovals for projects that
contribute to addressing theaffordable housing shortage.
Six community engagement andeducation.
Engage with communities toaddress concerns and gather
(36:42):
input on housing needs.
Educate the public on theimportance of expediting the
building permitting process foraffordable housing and its
positive impact on communities.
Seven monitoring and evaluation.
Establish a system for ongoingmonitoring and evaluation of the
streamlined permitting process.
Make data-driven adjustments asneeded to ensure continuous
improvement and effectiveness.
(37:02):
Eight incentivize innovation.
Introduce incentives forinnovative construction methods,
materials and designs that meetsafety standards, while
expediting the constructionprocess.
He states climate change is realin driving up your insurance
rates.
Appoint a senior deputycommissioner for climate change
issues.
Appoint leaders in climatechange issues to lead all of the
(37:23):
Department of Insurance effortson climate change and lead the
task force outline below.
Create a statewide climatechange task force.
Appoint a working group ofcommitted stakeholders to devise
a plan to combat climate changein North Carolina.
Implement changes to lower ouroutput of carbon emissions and
ensure we know what's coming inthe insurance market and the
impact climate change is goingto have upon NC consumers,
(37:44):
schools, governments andbusinesses.
Climate Change Data CenterProvide a data center for all
things related to climate changeand insurance, including
real-time maps where climatechange will have its biggest
insurance risks and increases inpolicy premiums.
In addition, include a list ofinsurance companies that include
climate change data and theirrates and acknowledge the risks
in insurance policies.
(38:04):
Climate risk assessment anddisclosure require insurance
companies to conduct thoroughclimate risk assessments to
disclose their exposure toclimate-related risks.
This transparency will helpboth regulators and the public
understand the potential impactof the industry.
Climate Resilience StandardsEstablish and enforce standards
for climate resilience in lifeinsurance operations.
(38:25):
This could include guidelineson underwriting practices, risk
modeling and investments toensure that the industry is
adequately prepared for theimpacts of climate change.
Incentives for green insuranceproducts.
Encourage the development andpromotion of insurance products
that incentivize environmentallyfriendly practices.
This could involve providingtax breaks or other incentives
for insurers offering coveragefor sustainable businesses or
(38:48):
assets.
Research and developmentsupport Allocate resources to
support research and developmentand climate risk modeling.
This will help insurers betterunderstand and assess the
evolving risks associated withclimate change, leading to more
accurate underwriting andpricing.
Climate Change Initiativesproposed under the Wheeler
Department of Insurance Plan.
Collaboration with otherregulators Collaborate with
(39:10):
other regulatory bodies toensure a coordinated approached
climate risk mitigation.
This includes working withfinancial regulators,
environmental agencies and otherstakeholders to develop
comprehensive strategies foraddressing climate-related
changes.
Capacity Building and TrainingInvest in training programs for
insurance professionals toenhance their understanding of
climate risks and adaptationstrategies.
(39:32):
This will enable the industryto respond effectively to the
evolving challenges posed byclimate change.
Consumer Education and AwarenessImplement initiatives to
educate consumers about theimpact of climate change on
insurance and risk mitigationmeasures.
Informed consumers can makebetter decisions about their
insurance coverage and takesteps to reduce their own
climate-related risks.
(39:52):
Regulatory Stress TestingImplement stress testing for
insurers to assess theirresilience to extreme weather
events and other climate-relateddisasters.
This will help identifypotential weaknesses in the
industry and ensure thatinsurers are adequately prepared
for worst-case scenarios.
State, federal andInternational Cooperation Engage
in a state-to-state, federaland international collaborations
(40:15):
to address cross-border climaterisks.
Work with global insuranceregulators and organizations to
develop consistent standards andshare best practices for
managing climate-related risksin the insurance industry.
Education in Schools Departmentof Insurance will lead an
effort to place a curriculummodule at public schools in
North Carolina that discussesclimate change and how
individuals can help lower theircarbon footprint and be part of
(40:38):
the solution to climate changein North Carolina.
Premium Adjustment MechanismsDevelop mechanisms to adjust
insurance premiums based onclimate risk.
Insurers should be encouragedto factor climate-related risks
into their pricing models, andpolicyholders who adopt
sustainable practices should berewarded with lower premiums.
Climate change is real and isaffecting the cost of your
(41:00):
insurance.
Does your candidate forcommissioner of insurance have a
plan?
David Wheeler, doesWheelerNCcom backslash plan?
That is the extent of David'swebsite.
Doing a quick Google search,the only thing that I found that
kind of stuck out to me, whichI was not able to confirm was an
article by the Center Squarethat was posted by Allen Wooten
(41:23):
on December 11th of 2023, andit's entitled Attorney General's
Request Moves Candidates inFiling Process.
It lists a tweet by DavidWheeler on I guess now X on
Monday, December 11th 2023.
The social media page for DavidWheeler's candidacy as an
insurance commissioner was stillactive.
It included a post saying hewould withdraw from the race on
(41:46):
Tuesday, december 12th 2023.
The article states in a lateSunday evening post to social
media, david Wheeler says he'llwithdraw from the North Carolina
election race to be insurancecommissioner because the
Attorney General has asked astate lawmaker to file.
Wheeler, a Democrat from SprucePine, filed December 5th and had
campaign since the spring.
(42:06):
His post read Friends, I'vebeen working hard since March to
beat at-rate-hike-mic-cause.
I've exposed him as a terriblePOL, poi, corrupt executive and
a deadbeat dad.
Tonight I learned at Josh Dinehas asked Senator Natasha Marcus
to run for commissioner ofDepartment of Insurance.
As such, I'll withdraw onTuesday.
(42:28):
I did a quick search of X.
I am not wholly knowledgeableon X.
I was not able to confirm thatpost whether or not he did, but
he is still in the race.
So if he did post it.
He did not follow through withthat and he changed his mind.
On ballotpedia, david's campaignfinance information is
available for the 2024 election,which includes states of
(42:51):
January 1st 2023.
Through December 31st of thisyear, he's had a total of
$28,128 in contributions from486 unique contributors.
His expenditures have totaled$25,315 and $15 with 225 unique
payees.
David Wheeler did completeballotpedia's candidate
(43:13):
connection survey in 2023.
There are a list of numerousquestions that he has answered
there.
If you are interested, you cancheck out ballotpedia.
David Wheeler did as well fillout our North Carolina Deep
Dives questionnaire for the 2024voters guide for the primary
election, so you'll be able toaccess that via our show notes
(43:35):
from our website or on socialmedia posts.
And that wraps up the race forthe North Carolina commissioner
of insurance between NatashaMarcus and David Wheeler.
That will be on the Democraticballot.
You are eligible to vote for oneof these candidates.
Democracy is the foundation ofall we hold dear.
(43:56):
We are better as a community,state and nation when we all
take part in our civic duty bybeing informed and casting our
vote.
The candidates and offices onyour ballot can have a major
impact on our everyday lives andcan have real consequences.
They create and enforce ourlaws, invest in our future
(44:16):
wellbeing, fund all the thingslike our schools and roads,
ensure we have safe drinkingwater and food to put on our
tables and advocate on behalf ofthose they represent, hopefully
keeping in mind both the littleand the big picture of it all.
Early voting is now going on andwill continue through Saturday,
march 2nd.
Our closest early votinglocations will be the WE Hunt
(44:40):
Center in Holly Springs and theHilltop Needmore Town Park and
Preserve in Fuquay Varina.
The main primary election willbe held on Tuesday March 5th.
If you vote that day, it's bestfor you to go to your
designated polling place or elsesome of the races you are
eligible to vote for may notshow up on the ballot they have
available to give you Duringearly voting.
(45:02):
Each area in Wake County hasall the possible ballots.
For Wake County Election day.
They will only have the ballotthat corresponds directly to
that particular precinct.
Please remember you now need tobring your photo ID.
If you happen to forget or havehad some extraordinary
circumstance happen, you willhave a few different options
provided to you, but it will bebest and easiest and most
(45:24):
efficient to bring it with youIf, for some reason you haven't
registered to vote yet.
You may register and vote atthe same time during early
voting at any one of the sites.
March 2nd will be the last dayto register to vote for this
primary election, and thatbrings this episode of the NC
Deep Dive to a close.
Make sure you check out all theother relevant episodes for the
(45:46):
2024 primary election at www.
ncdeepdive.
com, apple Podcasts, spotify,audible or wherever you
currently listen to yourpodcasts.
I will be including helpfullinks for each candidate and
voting in general on ourwebsite's show notes, including
our NC Deep Dives Voters Guidefor the 2024 primary election.
(46:09):
We were blessed to have manycandidates take the time to
share their thoughts and speakto voters within Southern Wake
County.
The Voters Guide is arranged byparty affiliation and organized
in such a way to make itrelatively easy to find the
races or candidates you might beinterested in.
All candidates websites arelinked.
If I was able to find one, Ialso consciously chose to
(46:29):
arrange the Voters Guidestarting at the end of the
ballot.
So often we are aware of thelarger races, yet don't hear
much about, or take the time tolearn about, the smaller races.
As always, if you have anyquestions, concerns or topics
you'd like to share.
You may contact us via socialmedia or our email at
ncdeepdive@gmail.
com.
Thank you for engaging withthis episode and becoming a more
(46:52):
informed citizen.
Democracy is a team sport.
Together, we make democracywork and our communities a
better place to work, play andlive.
Your vote matters, your voicematters.
You matter Until next time, myfriends.
Namaste the love and light inme, sees and honors the love and
(47:12):
light in you.
Hello friends, thanks for joining me
and the NC Deep Dive.
I am your host, AmandaBenbow-Lunn, and we are delving
into the 2024 primary election.
Each episode will cover adifferent race that will be on
your primary ballot thiselection.
When you go to vote, you willbe handed a ballot based on your
address and party affiliation.
(00:32):
If you are unaffiliatedsometimes also referred here as
independent then you will haveyour choice of which party's
ballot you would like to vote.
Please note that you are onlyable to cast one ballot and that
there are no primary ballotsfor the Green Party or the no
Labels Party.
Moreover, candidates for thegeneral election in November who
(00:53):
do not have a primarychallenger will not appear on
your primary ballot.
They get a pass directly to thegeneral election.
Due to time constraints and theplethora of candidates, and my
belief that having as muchinformation as possible is of
vast importance, our primaryelection segment will consist of
me covering one race at a time,as time allows, and going over
(01:16):
each candidate's website andwhat I can find on a simple
Google search, in case it iseasier for you to take in
information this way.
If you are short on time, youcan check out our NC Deep Dives
Voters Guide for the 2024primary election, found pinned
to our Facebook page or on thisepisode's show notes at www.
ncdeepdive.
com.
(01:39):
It will be an easy way toaccess each candidate's website
and research the candidates onyour own.
If that's a better use of yourtime, without further ado, my
friends, let's dive in.
Now we're going to dive into theNorth Carolina Commissioner of
Insurance that will be on theDemocratic ballot.
This race has two candidates,one of which is Natasha Marcus,
(02:04):
the other is David Wheeler.
You are eligible to vote forone of these candidates.
We're going to start withNatasha Marcus.
Her website is natashamarcus.
com.
It says thank you for visiting.
Please click sign up to getemail updates from the campaign.
Natasha Marcus, NC Commissionerof Insurance.
You can sign up today for thelatest news.
(02:26):
Natasha Marcus for NC InsuranceCommissioner.
During my time in the NorthCarolina Senate, I've been an
outspoken champion for peopleover corporations, for
individual freedoms overideology and for smart
investments in our state'sfuture.
My campaigns are funded bygrassroots donors and supporters
like you, and I'm scandal-free.
My mission has always been tostand up against corruption,
(02:49):
corporate greed and badgovernment, and now I'm running
to be North Carolina's nextCommissioner of Insurance.
Commissioner of Insurance is acouncil of state position that
allows me to look out foreveryone in North Carolina who
needs insurance, to ensure ratesare fair, coverage is as
advertised and valid claims arepaid.
The Insurance Commissioner hasauthority over all insurance
(03:10):
companies doing business in ourstate the Consumer Protection
Fund, the Safe Kids Program andthe Seniors Health Insurance
Information Program.
The Department of Insuranceoversees fire safety and
building inspections and is alsoa main source of information
about insurance policies andclaims, including workers'
compensation.
In other words, the InsuranceCommissioner's work touches
(03:32):
almost every North Carolinianyoung and old, workers,
motorists, patients, homeowners,firefighters and business
owners and should be held bysomeone who is on the side of
the people.
I bring to the job my more thanfive years of experience as an
elected representative in theNorth Carolina General Assembly,
including my service on theSenate Commerce and Insurance
(03:53):
Committee, my work as alitigation attorney and my
knowledge of the laws of thestate.
As a graduate of DukeUniversity School of Law, I
understand the impact of climatechange on the frequency of
weather-related losses and oninsurance rates, and I support
efforts to mitigate those risks.
Most importantly, I care aboutNorth Carolinians like you, who
need affordable, reliableinsurance coverage for their
(04:16):
homes, vehicles, businesses andhealthcare.
The Republican incumbent quoteRate Hike, mike unquote.
Causey is an insurance industryinsider who forgets that he was
elected by the people to betheir voice.
During his eight years inoffice, he has approved an
unprecedented number of ratehikes and refuses to hold public
(04:36):
hearings.
Instead of a transparentprocess where insurance
companies are required toprovide proof under oath,
subject to cross-examination, tojustify higher rates, causey
skips the public hearings andmakes private settlements.
That allows rates to increaseagain and again.
He says we should just trustthat he's getting us a fair deal
(04:56):
.
Complete lack of transparency.
In January of 2024, insurersrequested an outrageous jump in
homeowners' rates 42% averagestatewide and 99% on the coast,
which is more than many peoplecan afford.
Yet when folks traveled fromall over the state to speak at
the public comment forum inRaleigh, causey did not even
(05:16):
show up to listen.
I was there and I heard folksloud and clear.
We need a new commissioner ofinsurance who will do the job
right, advocating for thepeople's best interest and
forcing insurance companies tojustify their rates at public
hearings.
I'll be that new leader and Iask for your support this year.
There's a button where you candonate if you feel so moved and
(05:37):
she asks please donate to ourgrassroots campaign.
It is expensive to run astatewide campaign challenging
an incumbent member of theCouncil of State.
We need resources to flip thisseat.
Thank you for your help.
Press release on massive rateincrease request.
Senator Natasha Marcus issues astatement on homeowners
insurance rate hike request.
Calls on current commissionerof insurance to fight for
(05:59):
consumers.
Davidson North Carolina.
Over the weekend, alarming newsbroke for homeowners in North
Carolina.
The North Carolina rate bureauannounced that it is once again
seeking a huge increase inhomeowners insurance rates, this
time as much as 99% higher forsome.
Unfortunately for NorthCarolina's homeowners, the
person elected to represent themin these situations, the
(06:21):
current NC insurancecommissioner, has shown time and
time again that he's not ontheir side.
State Senator Natasha Marcusoffered the following statement.
Quote insurance industryinsider Mike Causey has allowed
insurance rates to increase anunprecedented number of times
during his eight years in officeand all indications are that
he'll do it again now.
(06:41):
Commissioner Causey keepsfailing to stand up for the
people who elected him byshirking his responsibilities to
one, reject outrageous ratehikes and.
Two, call for and actually holdpublic hearings that force
insurance companies to justifytheir request under oath.
And three preside over thosehearings, as the NC statutes
provide.
These failures earned him thenickname rate hike Mike during
(07:05):
his first term in office, whenhe forgot his campaign promises
to fight rate hikes.
Unquote quote.
Using his past behavior as anindicator, I predict
commissioner causey will callfor, but not actually hold, a
public hearing and that he willinstead end up agreeing to a
private settlement on the latestrate hike request.
In other words, our currentstate, commissioner, will allow
(07:26):
rates to go up more thannecessary without a public,
transparent presentation andcross examination of the
evidence the insurance companieshave to justify their rate
increase request within eachterritorial zone.
We should not let that happenagain.
End quote.
Natasha Marcus is calling oninsurance commissioner causey to
do his job and fight for theconsumers of North Carolina by
(07:48):
doing the following One rejectthe successive rate increase
request from the start toschedule and hold a full public
hearing on the request to startby July 1 and to end by August 1
, 2024, including no games byhim to avoid and delay his
secret rate hikes until afterelection day.
And three preside over thepublic hearing himself, as
(08:09):
contemplated by the statutoryjob description.
Senator Marcus continued.
Quote Commissioner causey'spredecessors held public
hearings and presided over them.
Why won't he?
Why does he make privatesettlements to raise rates over
and over again?
We need an insurancecommissioner who works for the
consumers and fights excessiverates with actual public
hearings.
We need an insurancecommissioner who is able to
(08:31):
preside over the public hearingsand does not rely upon his
political appointees to do hisjob.
End quote.
Quote in 2024, we need toretire rate hike, mike.
The people of North Carolinadeserve a commissioner who will
fight for them when it comes tomatters of insurance.
End quote.
That's the end of the pressrelease.
Natasha Marcus speaks with theindependent insurance agents.
(08:53):
There is a 2024 insurancecommissioner election interview.
That's on her website.
There's another Natasha on theCarolina Democracy podcast.
You can listen to the badge ofhonor episode where Natasha
talks about why she's runningfor commissioner of insurance.
It's another video whereSenator Marcus speaks against
the abortion ban.
(09:13):
That was posted in May of 2023.
Natasha at work and in thecommunity.
There are a number of picturesand it says let's stay in touch.
Sign up to get email updatesfrom the campaign and you can
follow her on social media.
She lists a Facebook, instagram, linkedin, tiktok X and YouTube
account that you can accessthrough her website.
(09:34):
Do have the ability to donateto her cause, if you would like.
About me who I am?
I am a three term state senatorelected to represent District
41 in Mecklenburg County.
I am a mom of two adultdaughters, a nature enthusiast,
an animal lover and fosterparent with a local animal
rescue group and a formerlitigation attorney.
(09:55):
I have a Bachelor of Arts inPublic Policy from Hamilton
College and a JD from DukeUniversity School of Law.
Before becoming a member of theNC Senate, I worked at the Ada
Jenkins Center, a localnonprofit that enables people to
become financially secure.
Why I chose public service?
As a litigation attorney, Ilearned how to advocate for my
(10:15):
clients to ensure their fairtreatment under the law.
During my time in the Senate,I've been an outspoken advocate
for North Carolinians, whodeserve affordable health care,
common sense, gun safety, reform, reproductive freedom, clean
energy, fair elections, publiceducation, investments, equity
and tax policies that are fairfor working families.
My mission has always been tostand up against corruption,
(10:38):
corporate greed and badgovernment.
I look forward to continuingthat work as NC's Commissioner
of Insurance.
We need a commissioner who willbe on the side of the people,
not corporations.
My core values.
My life exemplifies mycommitment to hard work, the
value of a quality education andbeing a voice of reason and
respect.
I believe in the importance oftaking personal responsibility,
(10:59):
investing in the future andcultivating an inclusive
community.
In a time of political discord,I offer solutions that bring
people together and makepositive change for the people
of our state.
Senator Natasha Marcus is athree-term state senator from
Mecklenburg County.
Senator Marcus has a BA inpublic policy from Hamilton
College and a law degree fromDuke University.
(11:20):
She's been on the front linesof community work for decades,
including moral Monday protests,gun violence prevention,
habitat for humanity bills,marches in support of women's
rights and Black Lives Matter,volunteering at the local free
health clinic, leadingvolunteers on the Obama and
Clinton campaigns, co-foundingthe Democrats of North
Mecklenburg Group and organizingvoter registration drives.
(11:42):
She also mentors young womenwho are interested in seeking
elected office.
Natasha is a mother of twodaughters.
Her younger child is anelementary school teacher and
her oldest daughter recentlyearned her PhD and is married to
a naval officer.
Natasha is the daughter of apublic school teacher and a
lawyer who also served inelected office.
After passing the bar exam in1994, natasha practiced law at
(12:06):
the Brooks Pierce Law Firm andclerked for a federal judge in
Greensboro, she moved toDavidson in 2007.
Immediately prior to takingoffice, she worked at the Aida
Jenkins Center, a localcommunity center that provides
services and support for thosemost in need.
Senator Marcus serves on severalcommittees, including commerce
and insurance, judiciary,redistricting and elections and
(12:27):
education.
She is a leader in herDemocratic caucus and a strong
advocate for affordable healthinsurance, public schools,
reproductive freedom, cleanenergy, common sense, gun safety
reform, fair elections, betterwages for working people and
environmental policies to combatclimate change.
As a first term, senatorNatasha was elected by her peers
(12:47):
to be freshman leader.
In her second term, she waselected chair of the 17-member
Mecklenburg County delegation tothe North Carolina General
Assembly.
Now, in her third term, sheserves as deputy leader for
legal matters for the SenateDemocratic Caucus.
2024 endorsements andcommissioner of insurance race.
It looks like she's had fourrounds of endorsements by
(13:12):
elected officials.
She is proudly endorsed by USRepresentative Jeff Jackson,
senate Minority Leader SenatorDan Blue, senators Gail Adcock,
vell Applewhite, michael Garrett, lisa Grastin, paul Lowe,
rachel Hunt, julie Mayfield,natalie Murdock, gladys Robinson
, joyce Waddell, mike Woodard,wesley Harris and former
(13:34):
Senators Sam Searcy and TerryVan Doen.
She is also proudly endorsed by22 colleagues in the North
Carolina General Assembly, someof which may be familiar to you
in this area Senator SydneyBatch, senator Mary Willis Bode,
greg Maiyer, representative DebButler, representative Ashton
Clemens, the RepresentativeSarah Crawford, representative
(13:57):
Julie von Haefon and formerRepresentative, current Mayor
Christie Clark.
She is proudly endorsed by allseven of North Carolina's
Democratic members of Congress,including Congresswoman Alma
Adams, congressman Don Davis,congresswoman Valerie Fushi,
congressman Jeff Jackson,congresswoman Kathy Manning,
congressman Wiley Nickel andCongresswoman Deborah Ross, and
(14:19):
she is proudly endorsed by 10more colleagues in the North
Carolina General Assembly, for atotal of 53 current and former
fellow legislators.
This last round includesSenator Jay Chahoudri, the
Democratic Whip, representativeCynthia Ball, representative
Maria Cervania, representativeAllison Dale, representative
Terrence Everitt, representativeYa Liu, amongst others.
(14:42):
She has been endorsed by theSierra Club Lilian's List, the
People's Alliance, whichsupports progressive candidates
who embody excellence andreadiness to serve the people of
Durham and North Carolina andthe nation.
She's endorsed by the BlackPolitical Caucus of Charlotte
Mecklenburg, which educatesabout the importance of voting,
promotes a Black community inpolitical, economical,
(15:04):
educational, civic and culturalaffairs and works for
improvement of the community inmatters of education, economics,
religion, social and civicwelfare and political activity.
The Raleigh Wake CitizensAssociation.
For 90 years this nonpartisangroup has been an influential
factor in supporting positiveand progressive policy in Wake
County, advocating for citizensto protect, encourage, educate
(15:26):
and support their civic,economic, social, educational
and political advancement.
The Wake County Voter EducationCoalition, which increases
voter participation and expandscitizen involvement through
citizen education and grassrootscommunity organizations for
African American and otherconcerned citizens.
The young Democrats of NorthCarolina they have endorsed her
(15:47):
and believe in the Americanvalues of freedom, fairness,
equality and social justice.
They believe that theDemocratic Party at its best
embodies these values and thatthe young Democrats of North
Carolina exist to advance theseprinciples and give the youth of
North Carolina a vehicle forprogressive change.
She's endorsed by ReplacementsLimited PAC, which endorses
(16:07):
candidates who will best supportand promote progressive
policies and civil rights, whosepast and current positions
support LGBTQ plus rights,immigrant justice, gun violence
prevention, health,environmental justice, good
government campaign financereform and education, and who
are strategically viable.
She's endorsed by PlannedParenthood Votes South Atlantic,
(16:28):
which is a nonpartisanpolitical action committee
committed to supportingpro-reproductive health
candidates for elected office inNorth Carolina.
Planned Parenthood deliversvital reproductive health care,
sex education and information tomillions of people worldwide.
She's endorsed by NC StateAFL-CIO, the largest association
of unions working, the largestassociations of unions of
(16:51):
working people in North Carolina, representing 145,000 members
working together for good jobs,safe workplaces, workers' rights
, consumer protections andquality public services on
behalf of all working people.
She's endorsed by the DurhamCommittee on the Affairs of
Black People PAC, which fightsfor the empowerment and equality
of the black community,champion social justice and
(17:13):
racial equity, and promotes thewelfare of black people in civic
, cultural, economic,educational, health, housing,
political, youth and religiousand human affairs.
She's endorsed by the George CSimkins Memorial PAC, which is
named after the civil rightsleader of Greensboro.
The Simkins Memorial PAC fightsfor equality, liberty,
democracy and justice andendorses candidates who do the
(17:35):
same.
She says endorsements are great, but we need donations to fund
our grassroots campaign.
Can you help?
It's expensive to run astatewide campaign challenging
an incumbent member of theCouncil of State.
We need resources to flip thisseat.
And then she lists her 2022endorsements in her NC Senate
race, which I am not going toread, but you're welcome to look
into, and that is pretty muchthe totality of her website.
(17:59):
Doing a Google search, I didnot find anything out of the
ordinary on the first page.
According to her ballopedia,they do have her campaign
finance information for the 2024election, which runs January
1st 2023 through December 31st2024.
She has received $121,031 incontributions.
(18:21):
She has a total of 655 uniquecontributors.
She has spent $35,268 inexpenditures and has 78 unique
payees.
She did answer the 2024candidate connection survey on
ballotpedia.
There are about five or sixquestions there.
(18:42):
You're welcome to look up ifyou are so interested.
Natasha did fill out ourquestionnaire for the 2024 North
Carolina Deep Dive Voters Guide.
The link for that will be inthe show notes.
And that brings us to DavidWheeler.
His website is wheelernccom andit says David Wheeler for
insurance.
Commissioner Ara L Comisionadode Segueros.
(19:04):
You can order yard signs andt-shirts and join David's team
by clicking a button.
Learn more about rate hike micendorsements.
His website says David is proudof these endorsements.
Wheeler endorsement alert.
Patsy Kever, representativeNorth Carolina House.
Chair of the state dem party,buncombe County.
Commissioner educator.
(19:25):
David is a solid candidate withdiverse life experiences to
motivate his desire to help allNorth Carolinians, it is
important for our council ofstate to have members from
across the state.
David is the only candidate forcouncil of state who lives west
of Charlotte.
We need his voice at the table.
He is endorsed by Colonel MoDavis, who is North Carolina 11
(19:46):
congressional democratic nomineein 2020.
He was in the United States AirForce, a Legion of Merit
awardee, head of the foreignaffairs, defense and trade
division, congressional ResearchService and the US Department
of Labor Administrative LawJudge Colonel Davis states
because of David Wheeler's hardwork and tenacity, perpetual
embarrassment.
(20:06):
Madison Cawthorn was booted outof office after one term in
Congress and Lauren Boebert'srace in a solid red Colorado
district ended up being theclosest congressional race in
the entire country.
North Carolinians deserve aresolute and relentless
insurance commissioner who willgo toe-to-toe with the big
insurance companies to make sureTar Heels from Murphy to Manteo
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are treated fairly.
That's why I'm voting for DavidWheeler.
He was endorsed by CommissionerRay Gasperson.
He was a Polk CountyCommissioner from 2008 to 2020,
owner of a farm in Green CreekCommunity, former trustee of
Isothermal Community College,member of Polk County
Agricultural's Advisory Board,former chair of Polk County's
(20:50):
Planning Board, member of theYMCA Development Board.
He says David Wheeler grew upin a rural community and
maintains those values today.
He cares deeply about helpingrural schools, small business,
people of color, farmers,teachers, ranchers and producers
.
David is also tough as nails.
He gets things done without alot of nonsense.
He will fight for lowerinsurance rates as hard as Wayne
(21:13):
Goodwin and Jim Long did, andthat fight will be for you, not
himself.
Let's select a Democrat againto the Commissioner of Insurance
office.
My family and I will be votingfor David Wheeler in the March
5th 2024 Democratic primary.
I hope you will too.
He is endorsed by Beth Wood,cpa and former NC auditor.
She says David Wheeler has arobust plan to refocus the
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Department of Insurance onhelping the people of North
Carolina.
David is the right man forCommissioner of Insurance.
He's an experienced businessmanand has spent the last year
listening to voters across NC.
I'm voting for David Wheeler inthe March 5th 2024 primary.
Representative Eric Ager fromHickory Nut Gap has endorsed him
and he says David Wheeler is afighter for the people.
(21:59):
He'll hold insurance companiesaccountable every day of the
week.
David is the only candidate ineither party from Western North
Carolina running statewide.
We need someone from WesternNorth Carolina on the Council of
State in Raleigh.
I'm voting for David Wheeler inthe March 5th 2024 primary.
It says firefighters and theirfamilies in the Charlotte local
660 proudly support DavidWheeler for Commissioner of
(22:22):
Insurance in the March 5th 2024primary.
In the about section.
There are some videos On hiswebsite.
There are some videos he hashere that you can check out.
There is a political cartoon.
In the rearview mirror there'sa picture of David Wheeler
driving with a hat.
That says David Wheeler andwhat's assuming?
Mike Causey in the backseatsaying hey, wait a minute,
(22:45):
that's not my usual driver.
Next to this cartoon it saysBail Bondsman help David Wheeler
drive.
Rate.
Hike Mike out of office.
There's another video sayingthat Wheeler can beat Republican
rate hike Mike.
The insurance companies want a42% homeowners insurance rate
hike in 2024.
My response to the insurancecompanies hell, no, I'm working
(23:07):
for the people.
And a fire rate hike Mike.
David Wheeler.
We are voting for David Wheelerfor Commissioner of Insurance.
There are only 15 days leftuntil the primary election.
Early voting ends on March 2nd.
There's another video of himand then it says meet David.
David B Wheeler is running tobe the next North Carolina
insurance commissioner and theonly Democratic candidate living
(23:30):
west of Charlotte running forthe council of state.
David is a single father ofthree kids of color, son, small
business owner and independentDemocrat that loves North
Carolina and the United Statesof America.
Growing up in a small town,david was raised by his marine
father named Gail and CWA Unionmother Donna, with his three
brothers and sister.
David first became politicallyinvolved when he was 10 on a
(23:53):
local campaign with his parentsand has been hooked on politics
and public service since.
In addition, david was electedmajority leader of the high
school statewide modellegislature, was selected as a
state House of Representativespage, served as a United States
Senate intern, restarted thedormant state Young Democrats
and was elected to the YoungDemocrats National Committee.
(24:13):
David also worked in thesecretary of state's office.
David has started and ledvarious companies over the last
30 years.
His first business venture atthe age of 24 was Protocol
International Incorporated, anevent management firm.
Protocol specialized inmanaging high profile events for
corporate and governmentclients.
During Wheeler's tenure aspresident, he was responsible
(24:35):
for the firm's involvement inmore than 1000 projects in 35
countries with 50 Fortune 500clients, including more than a
dozen head of state visits tothe United States.
Protocol expanded with officesin Los Angeles, new York, paris,
london and partnered with Picoin Hong Kong.
Since his first business, davidhas gone on to work on a number
of unique projects, includingmanaging the first marathon in
(24:58):
Antarctica, producing the firstpresidential candidate forum
focused on cancer issues,lowering the level of the
Mississippi River for an eventin Burlington, iowa, and
producing the first professionalsports event in Russia.
David was also a senior vicepresident of the largest
publicly traded meeting andevent management firm,
ambassadors LLC, and helped growthe company and manage
(25:19):
significant clients.
David also founded a successfulsecond event management firm,
embark LLC, which focused oncommunication events, government
relations forums, complexmarketing, event management,
corporate conferences and travelprograms.
Embark was a partner with aClarion events limited of London
.
David was also co-founder andpresident of conference IQ LLC.
(25:42):
C IQ is the world's largestdirectory of business events and
professional speakers.
David helped launch globalhigher educational group LLC,
based in Spruce Pine, northCarolina, with partners in
Canada, united Kingdom andAustralia.
David is leading this as achief executive officer and is a
founding shareholder.
Ghd is focused on providinginternational students with
(26:04):
scholarships and globaluniversity choices through a
matchmaking platform.
David is actively involved inthe Mitchell County community.
He has served on the board ofdirectors for Spruce Pine
Montessori and is currentlychairman of Health E schools.
He has previously run foroffice to bring adequate
representation to his localcommunity.
David graduated from theUniversity of Iowa with a major
(26:25):
in political science and anemphasis in economics.
David's ex-wife, jeanineMarchand, is an accomplished
artist.
David and Jeanine co-parenttheir children, calia 12,
nicholas, 10, and Quinn, 7, inSpruce Pine.
There's buttons where you cansupport David by donating or
getting involved, and you canfollow David on the campaign
trail via Facebook, twitter or Xand Instagram.
(26:48):
The Wheeler plan no rateincreases.
More than one million newresidents have moved to North
Carolina since 2010, whichcreates a larger market and
should create lower prices, butour insurance policy rates keep
climbing every year.
These increases are across theboard and affect homeowners,
renters, auto small and largebusiness, startup businesses and
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organizations, professionalliability, life, property and
other insurance rates.
Why, no one in Raleigh isfighting to keep the rates down
and the current commissioner isdependent upon insurance
industry campaign cash.
David is going to change that.
In his first day in office,when David is elected as
commissioner of the Departmentof Insurance, he will fight
against any insurance rateincreases during his four-year
(27:32):
term.
David will be the fighter NorthCarolinians need.
He's done it before.
He'll do it again.
Insurance claims resolution.
Within 60 days, when David iselected, the entire Department
of Insurance will be reorganizedtowards helping North
Carolinians, small businessowners, farmers, seniors,
members of the military andpublic servants, ensure their
rates are low and they get whatthey paid for when they need
(27:55):
their insurance company to stepup.
This means that insurancecompanies will have 60 days to
pay claims or be subject to apenalty.
That is paid to you, not theDepartment of Insurance.
The insurance companies don'tallow you to make late payments.
Why should we let them makelate claim payments to their
customers and you Help consumersget medical debt forgiven or
reduced?
(28:15):
North Carolina is home to threeof the top four counties in the
US with medical debt.
I will work with the debtcollection agencies to put
together a model repayment planthat has adopted industry-wide.
That includes a low interestrate payment plans and
cancelling debt when possible.
In addition, I'll work with thelegislature to get legislation
on the books that protectsconsumers from predatory
(28:36):
practices, high interest ratesand wrecking credit reports.
The bottom line is that someoneshould not be in debt for their
life because they got sick orinjured.
I'll work to change practicesin North Carolina to protect
consumers.
Fight every rate increase.
More than one million newresidents have moved to North
Carolina since 2010.
My leadership team will reflectthe diversity of North Carolina
(28:58):
with pay equity.
When I'm elected commissioner,I've committed to ensuring the
Department of Insuranceleadership team and employees
reflect this great diverse state.
In September of 2023, in avideo to the North Carolina
Democratic Women Convention, Icommitted to appointing women
and people of color to myleadership team at a level that
represents diverse culture ofNorth Carolina.
(29:19):
Treat all bail bonds industryprofessionals with respect,
fairness and transparency.
Under rate hike, mike, the bailbonds industry is suffering
from a complete lack of fairnessand transparency.
I will work with the bail bondindustry to bring fairness back
to the BBRD.
At DOI, the Department ofInsurance, I'll clean house of
the current management,investigate past misdeeds and
(29:40):
set down a clear and conciseethical standard of operation
for all Department of Insurancestaff.
Bail bondsmen and women aresmall businesses and have been a
part of the legal justicesystem for more than 365 years.
Many are owned by people ofcolor.
They need to be treated withrespect and encouraged to grow
their businesses, not treated assolely sources of revenue or
(30:01):
discriminated against.
A bad bail bondsman women willbe weeded out and punished
according to the law, notwhether or not they supported my
campaign.
Fairness is the name of thegame.
Under my administration and teamConvene a task force to explore
gun liability insurance, I willlead a pioneering initiative to
form a statewide task forcededicated to exploring the
(30:22):
concept of gun liabilityinsurance, recognizing the
growing concerns over gunviolence and safety, my proposal
aims to convene a diverse groupof stakeholders, including
legal experts, insuranceprofessionals, law enforcement
community and citizens group andpublic health officials.
The primary objective of thistask force is to meticulously
evaluate the feasibility ofrequiring gun liability
(30:44):
insurance for gun owners inNorth Carolina.
By doing so, I believe thatthis could incentivize
responsible gun ownership andpotentially reduce the frequency
and severity of gun relatedincidents.
The task force will also delveinto the practicalities of
implementing such insurance,examining its legal implications
impacting gun owners andpotential benefits to public
safety.
(31:05):
Appoint a chief ethics anddiversity officer.
Based on the data I've compiledin personal conversations with
current and former Department ofInsurance employees, there is a
racial discrimination problemat DOI.
One of my first acts ascommissioner will be to appoint
a chief ethics and fairnessofficer.
The focus of this seniorofficial will be to review all
(31:25):
past and current hiringpractices, create a hotline for
ethical and legal violations,treat unethical and illegal
activity, refer violations tothe proper law enforcement and
prosecutorial agencies andcompile all of this information
into a format that is releasedto the public on a regular basis
.
In addition, this seniorofficial will review the
(31:45):
patterns and practices of theDOI fraud enforcement teams,
investigations, arrests andconvictions.
If someone has beendiscriminated against by the
Department of Insurance for anyreason, we will investigate,
render an opinion, holdviolators accountable and
provide an apology andrecompense when appropriate.
We will also refer all illegalactivity to the proper
(32:06):
authorities.
Use existing laws to enforcemental health parity.
Since 2008, federal law hasrequired insurance companies to
provide mental health coverageon par with coverage for other
health services.
While other states have crackeddown on illegal claims, denials
and other roadblocks, mikeCausie's Department of Insurance
has zero published enforcementactions.
(32:27):
In 2019, the Kennedy Forum gaveRatehike Mike and F grade for
mental health parity in NorthCarolina.
When our friends, neighbors orfamily members need mental
health care, I will fight forthem to get the care they need
and will enforce the law againstinsurance companies if needed.
There is a video there that youcan watch.
He will prioritize publicservants.
David understands that publicservants are the backbone of our
(32:49):
communities.
He is committed to gettingdiscounts on home and auto
insurance for our publicservants, including firefighters
, law enforcement, nurses,teachers, emts, union members,
state workers and others.
He will stop the exploitationof NC seniors.
David is committed to stoppingthe overcharging of seniors on
their medical bills, helpingresolve claims quickly and
(33:10):
fairly, providing Medicaresupplemental insurance for all
North Carolina seniors andworking to expand Medicare for
all.
David believes that the time toact is now and that we can
create a better future for ourseniors.
Great ombudsman for providersand caregivers, the caregivers
providing services to NorthCarolinians should have an
advocate for them at theDepartment of Insurance.
(33:30):
I will add a dedicated staffperson to work with providers
and caregivers when they havedisputes with insurance
companies.
It's time we took care of thosetaking care of us and I'm
committed to making this change.
Insurance company ratings whenmy new team takes the helm
January 1st 2025, we will beginwork on a public website that
has ratings for auto, homerenters and other insurance
(33:52):
lines.
The website will include arating based on price, customer
complaints, payment of claimsand other factors.
This will give consumers aclear and concise website to
shop for insurance and hold badinsurance companies to account.
He will procure a second set ofturnout gear for firefighters.
When I take office in January2025, I will immediately begin
(34:12):
the process of procuring asecond set of turnout gear for
any North Carolina firedepartment and or rescue squad
that requests it.
The second set of gear willhelp lower the rate of cancer
than an unclean set of gear.
Subjects firefighters.
The gear costs approximately$2,500 per firefighter and many
departments cannot afford thisextra cost.
$5,000 annual tax credit forfirefighters Volunteer and paid
(34:35):
firefighters provide aninvaluable service to our state.
I am proposing, and will pushwith the NC General Assembly, a
$5,000 tax credit for everyfirefighter that is either full
time or has at least 10 hours ofservice as a volunteer each
month.
The $5,000 will allow us tohonor the commitment these
public servants make in apartial reimbursement for their
gas and other out-of-pocketexpenses.
(34:57):
He will streamline buildingpermitting in North Carolina to
increase availability ofaffordable housing.
It is time the Commissioner ofInsurance addressed the Housing
Crisis in North Carolina.
I am advocating for acomprehensive policy aimed at
streamlining the buildingpermitting process and holding
local officials accountable thatare dragging their feet for
political or other purposes.
(35:17):
This initiative focuses onreducing bureaucratic hurdles,
enhancing efficiency andfostering collaboration between
relevant stakeholders toaccelerate the construction of
affordable housing across thestate.
He lists key components asnumber one review and simplify
permitting procedures.
Conduct a thorough review ofexisting building permitting
procedures at the state andlocal levels.
(35:37):
Identify redundant regulationsand streamline the process to
eliminate unnecessary delays.
Establish clear guidelines.
Develop clear and transparentguidelines for builders and
developers to navigate thepermitting process efficiently.
Ensure that the guidelinesprioritize safety standards
while minimizing bureaucraticcomplexities.
Three collaboration with localauthorities.
(35:57):
Foster collaboration with localmunicipalities to create a
unified permitting framework.
Establish a task force to workclosely with the city and county
officials, builders andcommunity stakeholders to
address regional housing needs.
Wheeler's Building Plancontinued for Utilize Technology
Invest in technology solutionsto digitize and automate the
permitting process.
Implement an online portal forpermit applications, tracking
(36:20):
and approvals to reducepaperwork and processing times.
Buy fast-track affordablehousing projects.
Implement a fast-track processspecifically designed for
affordable housing projects.
Provide incentives or expeditedapprovals for projects that
contribute to addressing theaffordable housing shortage.
Six community engagement andeducation.
Engage with communities toaddress concerns and gather
(36:42):
input on housing needs.
Educate the public on theimportance of expediting the
building permitting process foraffordable housing and its
positive impact on communities.
Seven monitoring and evaluation.
Establish a system for ongoingmonitoring and evaluation of the
streamlined permitting process.
Make data-driven adjustments asneeded to ensure continuous
improvement and effectiveness.
(37:02):
Eight incentivize innovation.
Introduce incentives forinnovative construction methods,
materials and designs that meetsafety standards, while
expediting the constructionprocess.
He states climate change is realin driving up your insurance
rates.
Appoint a senior deputycommissioner for climate change
issues.
Appoint leaders in climatechange issues to lead all of the
(37:23):
Department of Insurance effortson climate change and lead the
task force outline below.
Create a statewide climatechange task force.
Appoint a working group ofcommitted stakeholders to devise
a plan to combat climate changein North Carolina.
Implement changes to lower ouroutput of carbon emissions and
ensure we know what's coming inthe insurance market and the
impact climate change is goingto have upon NC consumers,
(37:44):
schools, governments andbusinesses.
Climate Change Data CenterProvide a data center for all
things related to climate changeand insurance, including
real-time maps where climatechange will have its biggest
insurance risks and increases inpolicy premiums.
In addition, include a list ofinsurance companies that include
climate change data and theirrates and acknowledge the risks
in insurance policies.
(38:04):
Climate risk assessment anddisclosure require insurance
companies to conduct thoroughclimate risk assessments to
disclose their exposure toclimate-related risks.
This transparency will helpboth regulators and the public
understand the potential impactof the industry.
Climate Resilience StandardsEstablish and enforce standards
for climate resilience in lifeinsurance operations.
(38:25):
This could include guidelineson underwriting practices, risk
modeling and investments toensure that the industry is
adequately prepared for theimpacts of climate change.
Incentives for green insuranceproducts.
Encourage the development andpromotion of insurance products
that incentivize environmentallyfriendly practices.
This could involve providingtax breaks or other incentives
for insurers offering coveragefor sustainable businesses or
(38:48):
assets.
Research and developmentsupport Allocate resources to
support research and developmentand climate risk modeling.
This will help insurers betterunderstand and assess the
evolving risks associated withclimate change, leading to more
accurate underwriting andpricing.
Climate Change Initiativesproposed under the Wheeler
Department of Insurance Plan.
Collaboration with otherregulators Collaborate with
(39:10):
other regulatory bodies toensure a coordinated approached
climate risk mitigation.
This includes working withfinancial regulators,
environmental agencies and otherstakeholders to develop
comprehensive strategies foraddressing climate-related
changes.
Capacity Building and TrainingInvest in training programs for
insurance professionals toenhance their understanding of
climate risks and adaptationstrategies.
(39:32):
This will enable the industryto respond effectively to the
evolving challenges posed byclimate change.
Consumer Education and AwarenessImplement initiatives to
educate consumers about theimpact of climate change on
insurance and risk mitigationmeasures.
Informed consumers can makebetter decisions about their
insurance coverage and takesteps to reduce their own
climate-related risks.
(39:52):
Regulatory Stress TestingImplement stress testing for
insurers to assess theirresilience to extreme weather
events and other climate-relateddisasters.
This will help identifypotential weaknesses in the
industry and ensure thatinsurers are adequately prepared
for worst-case scenarios.
State, federal andInternational Cooperation Engage
in a state-to-state, federaland international collaborations
(40:15):
to address cross-border climaterisks.
Work with global insuranceregulators and organizations to
develop consistent standards andshare best practices for
managing climate-related risksin the insurance industry.
Education in Schools Departmentof Insurance will lead an
effort to place a curriculummodule at public schools in
North Carolina that discussesclimate change and how
individuals can help lower theircarbon footprint and be part of
(40:38):
the solution to climate changein North Carolina.
Premium Adjustment MechanismsDevelop mechanisms to adjust
insurance premiums based onclimate risk.
Insurers should be encouragedto factor climate-related risks
into their pricing models, andpolicyholders who adopt
sustainable practices should berewarded with lower premiums.
Climate change is real and isaffecting the cost of your
(41:00):
insurance.
Does your candidate forcommissioner of insurance have a
plan?
David Wheeler, doesWheelerNCcom backslash plan?
That is the extent of David'swebsite.
Doing a quick Google search,the only thing that I found that
kind of stuck out to me, whichI was not able to confirm was an
article by the Center Squarethat was posted by Allen Wooten
(41:23):
on December 11th of 2023, andit's entitled Attorney General's
Request Moves Candidates inFiling Process.
It lists a tweet by DavidWheeler on I guess now X on
Monday, December 11th 2023.
The social media page for DavidWheeler's candidacy as an
insurance commissioner was stillactive.
It included a post saying hewould withdraw from the race on
(41:46):
Tuesday, december 12th 2023.
The article states in a lateSunday evening post to social
media, david Wheeler says he'llwithdraw from the North Carolina
election race to be insurancecommissioner because the
Attorney General has asked astate lawmaker to file.
Wheeler, a Democrat from SprucePine, filed December 5th and had
campaign since the spring.
(42:06):
His post read Friends, I'vebeen working hard since March to
beat at-rate-hike-mic-cause.
I've exposed him as a terriblePOL, poi, corrupt executive and
a deadbeat dad.
Tonight I learned at Josh Dinehas asked Senator Natasha Marcus
to run for commissioner ofDepartment of Insurance.
As such, I'll withdraw onTuesday.
(42:28):
I did a quick search of X.
I am not wholly knowledgeableon X.
I was not able to confirm thatpost whether or not he did, but
he is still in the race.
So if he did post it.
He did not follow through withthat and he changed his mind.
On ballotpedia, david's campaignfinance information is
available for the 2024 election,which includes states of
(42:51):
January 1st 2023.
Through December 31st of thisyear, he's had a total of
$28,128 in contributions from486 unique contributors.
His expenditures have totaled$25,315 and $15 with 225 unique
payees.
David Wheeler did completeballotpedia's candidate
(43:13):
connection survey in 2023.
There are a list of numerousquestions that he has answered
there.
If you are interested, you cancheck out ballotpedia.
David Wheeler did as well fillout our North Carolina Deep
Dives questionnaire for the 2024voters guide for the primary
election, so you'll be able toaccess that via our show notes
(43:35):
from our website or on socialmedia posts.
And that wraps up the race forthe North Carolina commissioner
of insurance between NatashaMarcus and David Wheeler.
That will be on the Democraticballot.
You are eligible to vote for oneof these candidates.
Democracy is the foundation ofall we hold dear.
(43:56):
We are better as a community,state and nation when we all
take part in our civic duty bybeing informed and casting our
vote.
The candidates and offices onyour ballot can have a major
impact on our everyday lives andcan have real consequences.
They create and enforce ourlaws, invest in our future
(44:16):
wellbeing, fund all the thingslike our schools and roads,
ensure we have safe drinkingwater and food to put on our
tables and advocate on behalf ofthose they represent, hopefully
keeping in mind both the littleand the big picture of it all.
Early voting is now going on andwill continue through Saturday,
march 2nd.
Our closest early votinglocations will be the WE Hunt
(44:40):
Center in Holly Springs and theHilltop Needmore Town Park and
Preserve in Fuquay Varina.
The main primary election willbe held on Tuesday March 5th.
If you vote that day, it's bestfor you to go to your
designated polling place or elsesome of the races you are
eligible to vote for may notshow up on the ballot they have
available to give you Duringearly voting.
(45:02):
Each area in Wake County hasall the possible ballots.
For Wake County Election day.
They will only have the ballotthat corresponds directly to
that particular precinct.
Please remember you now need tobring your photo ID.
If you happen to forget or havehad some extraordinary
circumstance happen, you willhave a few different options
provided to you, but it will bebest and easiest and most
(45:24):
efficient to bring it with youIf, for some reason you haven't
registered to vote yet.
You may register and vote atthe same time during early
voting at any one of the sites.
March 2nd will be the last dayto register to vote for this
primary election, and thatbrings this episode of the NC
Deep Dive to a close.
Make sure you check out all theother relevant episodes for the
(45:46):
2024 primary election at www.
ncdeepdive.
com, apple Podcasts, spotify,audible or wherever you
currently listen to yourpodcasts.
I will be including helpfullinks for each candidate and
voting in general on ourwebsite's show notes, including
our NC Deep Dives Voters Guidefor the 2024 primary election.
(46:09):
We were blessed to have manycandidates take the time to
share their thoughts and speakto voters within Southern Wake
County.
The Voters Guide is arranged byparty affiliation and organized
in such a way to make itrelatively easy to find the
races or candidates you might beinterested in.
All candidates websites arelinked.
If I was able to find one, Ialso consciously chose to
(46:29):
arrange the Voters Guidestarting at the end of the
ballot.
So often we are aware of thelarger races, yet don't hear
much about, or take the time tolearn about, the smaller races.
As always, if you have anyquestions, concerns or topics
you'd like to share.
You may contact us via socialmedia or our email at
ncdeepdive@gmail.
com.
Thank you for engaging withthis episode and becoming a more
(46:52):
informed citizen.
Democracy is a team sport.
Together, we make democracywork and our communities a
better place to work, play andlive.
Your vote matters, your voicematters.
You matter Until next time, myfriends.
Namaste the love and light inme, sees and honors the love and
(47:12):
light in you.
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