February 21, 2024 • 28 mins
Have you ever wondered what drives a person to serve their community at the highest level of state government? Step inside the compelling journeys of Gabe Esparza and Wesley Harris, Democratic candidates in the North Carolina Treasurer race, whose stories are as rich as the policies they advocate for. Gabe's narrative is a testament to the American Dream, with immigrant roots leading to seismic shifts in public safety through Rapid SOS and fortifying small businesses via the US Small Business Administration. On the flip side, Wesley Harris brings a future-focused lens to the table, aiming to ensure North Carolina's financial resilience through sound investments and unwavering commitment to the state's credit rating.
As we unpack the significance of these often-overlooked primary races, remember that your vote is the cornerstone of our communities. This episode isn't just a dialogue on candidates and their platforms; it's a clarion call to embrace our role as architects of democracy. By tuning in, you're not just listening—you're stepping up to the proverbial plate, ready to swing for the fences of informed citizenship and robust participation. Join the conversation, and let's collectively strengthen the heartbeat of our democracy in North Carolina and beyond.
Gabe Esparza & Wesley Harris
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
As always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email NCDeepDive@gmail.com. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (00:09):
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.
(00:30):
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
(00:51):
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
(01:15):
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 show notes at www.
(01:36):
ncdeepdive.
com.
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 intothe Democratic primary ballot
for North Carolina Treasurer.
(01:57):
There are two candidates, GabeEsparza and Wesley Harris, in
which you will be able to votefor one.
First off.
We're going to start with Gabe.
His website is Gabe for NorthCarolina.
com.
That's Gabe F-O-R.
North Carolina.
com starts with about Gabe ForGabe Asparza, a nationally
recognized business and civicexecutive.
(02:19):
Hard work and giving back are inhis blood.
His family immigrated to theUnited States in the early 20th
century, one side escaping afascist persecution in Europe,
while the other side fled theviolence of the Mexican
Revolution, both finding freedomand opportunity in a nation
which they cherish, defend andcontribute.
Gabe's maternal grandfather wasa liquor salesman and a proud
(02:40):
union member, whose passion forfishing is a tradition that
Gabe's family celebrates to thisday.
His paternal grandparentsraised 12 children with grit,
faith and lots of homemadetortillas.
Gabe's paternal grandfatherworked in the Orange Groves for
25 cents a crate and then put inlong hours in highway
construction and plumbing.
And when his country needed him, he proudly served in the
(03:03):
Pacific Theater during World WarII as social and mental health
workers.
Gabe's parents were in thebusiness of helping others, and
at home that's what they taughttheir kids, instilling in Gabe
and his brother the importanceof lifting others up to create a
stronger community.
With those values as hisfoundation, gabe started mowing
lawns in junior high school andworking concessions at
(03:24):
university football games togive himself more opportunities
to reach his dreams.
He worked his way throughschool with the help of
scholarships and loans, alwaysremembering a lesson from his
grandfather that quote educationequals freedom, end quote.
And it was in school that Gabefirst took on a role that has
come to define his life that ofmentor.
Gabe took other students underhis wing, particularly first and
(03:47):
second generation Latinos, andhelped build them up, pairing
them for success and a shot atthe American dream.
With a top tier education andbusiness degree under his belt,
gabe started making his mark inthe corporate world.
He learned the importance ofcustomer service at the Walt
Disney Company.
Then, over the course of 13years at American Express, he
focused on small businessfinancing before rising through
(04:09):
the ranks to lead globalcommercial payment teams.
Yet despite his accomplishedcorporate career, gabe knew
there was great opportunity atthe intersection of
entrepreneurship, technology andpublic service.
Thus, first as an angelinvestor and then later as a
senior operating executive, hehelped finance and lead a
startup technology companycalled Rapid SOS that radically
(04:30):
transformed our nation's 911emergency system.
The company created a platformthat facilitates the
transmission of data, includingprecise location, from cell
phones, connected cars and otherdevices to 911 dispatchers, so
first responders are able toreach you quickly and with the
help you need.
With significant capital raiseto grow the company and with its
technology embedded in publicsafety operations across the
(04:53):
country, gabe was able to accepta role as a senior official at
the US Small BusinessAdministration, leading the
Office of International Trade.
Since 2021, his team hasmanaged a $600 million loan
portfolio, provided over $40million in export stimulus
grants and helped highlight theimportance of small businesses
in US trade policy and tradenegotiations around the world.
(05:17):
As a result, small businessesthroughout North Carolina and
across the country have expandedtheir businesses overseas,
driving record US export salesand creating jobs here at home.
And through it all, gabe hasalways made time to give back.
He helped found a school thatbrings special focus to at-risk
kids, has served on multipleboards, including as a trustee
(05:37):
at Central Piedmont CommunityCollege, and previously spent
nine years as a public officialon the board of civil service
commissioners.
Gabe and his wife are proud tobe raising their two children in
Charlotte and to be part ofsuch a vibrant community with
incredible potential in theyears to come.
He does link a Twitter or an Xpage, along with a LinkedIn page
(05:58):
on his press tab, so he hasmany articles here.
I am not going to go throughall of them, but I'll read some
of their titles.
January 24, 2024.
The Purple Ballot examinesNorth Carolina's Council of
State and important races towatch.
It's a look at the NCTreasurer's Race.
February 8, 2024.
(06:19):
2024 Candidate Conversationswith Gabe Esparza.
There's an article where youcan watch the full conversation.
February 2,.
Gabe Esparza proves fiscal bonafides with fundraising momentum
and cash on hand advantage inNorth Carolina's State
Treasurer's Race.
February 13,.
North Carolina will have a newstate treasurer next year.
See which candidates want yourvote.
(06:40):
There's an article fromFebruary 8,.
Candidate for NC TreasurerDemocrat Gabe Esparza answers
our questions.
There are a few.
There's an article for August24.
Exceso Latino Latino presentasu candidatoria para tesorero de
Carolina del Norte.
August 24, cardinal and PineGabe Esparza could be the first
(07:04):
Latino elected statewide inNorth Carolina.
August 17, south CharlotteWeekly.
South Charlotte man running forstate treasurer.
August 15, rock 105.1.
Former Biden official fromCharlotte running for office.
August 15, la Noticia GabeEsparza busca ser primer
(07:24):
tesorero Latino de Carolina delNorte.
And there are a couple morepages with other press releases
or media information.
He does have a few endorsements,so the first of which is the
North Carolina AFL-CIO.
He is endorsed by the SierraClub, which is one of the
nation's largest environmentaladvocacy organizations.
(07:46):
He did receive an endorsementfrom Latino Victory, which the
Latino Victory Fund.
He is endorsed by SusanRodriguez McDowell, a
Mecklenburg County Commissioner,a California state treasurer,
sig Hutchinson, former chair,wake County Commissioner, steve
Rau, an out-large council memberfor the town of Morrisville, a
(08:06):
chair of Chatham CountyCommissioner, community leader
at Manolo's Bakery, rickyHurtado, which is a former NC
State representative, somebodyfrom the Durham City Council,
school board member fromCharlotte, mecklenburg.
Kayla Bruto, an NC Staterepresentative.
Mitch Colvin, a Fayettevillemayor, franklin Gomez Flores,
(08:28):
chatham County Commissioner.
And Val Applewhite, an NCSenator.
He's also been endorsed byTeamsters 391 and Replacements
LTD Pack.
He has a link on where you canvote which links to the North
Carolina Board of Elections andways to get involved and to
donate.
Looking him up on Google, Ididn't see anything that was
(08:52):
concerning.
He is listed on Ballotpedia forhis campaign finance for this
election, which covers January1st 2023 through December 31st
of 2024.
He has a total of $213,207 incontributions made from 354
(09:13):
unique contributors, one ofwhich was himself at $13,410.
His expenditures are totaling$78,047 with 74 unique payees.
He did give a loan to hiscampaign of $50,000.
Gabe has not filled out thecandidate connection survey for
(09:34):
Ballotpedia, but he did provideresponses for our NC Deep Dive
Voters Guide.
Next we have up Wesley Harris.
His website is harris4nccom.
That for is spelled out F-O-RHarris, f-o-r-n-c dot com.
It says Wesley Harris for StateTreasurer.
It's time to make an investmentin our people.
(09:56):
Too much of our state has beenleft behind for too long and
it's going to take every singleone of us to bring back
opportunity to North Carolina.
You can sign up for hiscampaign.
Let's make an investment inNorth Carolina.
Representative Wesley Harris isrunning for treasurer because we
deserve a leader in thetreasurer's office who will be
an advocate for long-termfinancial planning and sound
(10:17):
fiscal policy.
Wesley will work hard toprotect our state bond ratings,
increase our capacity forinvestment in infrastructure
that improves people's lives andensure a secure retirement for
state employees.
With Wesley Harris at the helm,north Carolina can become a
leader in the 21st centuryeconomy and remain the best
state in North Carolina to workand live In regards to its
(10:39):
platform.
For too many of our communities, the last few decades have
shown what happens when theworld leaves them behind.
Lack of investment has leftonce vibrant places hollowed out
and our most vulnerablefamilies have suffered as a
result.
Without opportunity, folks losehope, which threatens the
stability not only of oureconomy but our very democracy.
Our state is overflowing withpotential, but to make
(11:01):
opportunity accessible to everyNorth Carolinian, we need a
state government and we need atreasurer who's willing to
invest in the most valuableasset we have people, our people
.
Let's think and plan not justfor tomorrow, but for years to
come.
As treasurer Wesley Harris willbe an advocate for long-term
thinking that will keep ourstate financially solvent for
years to come.
For too long, the treasurer'soffice has failed to look past
(11:24):
tomorrow and adequately prepareour state for the challenges of
the future.
While doing so may yieldresults in the short term, it
leaves North Carolina fundsvulnerable as our economy
changes over time.
Let's protect our state bondratings and expand our
investment capacity.
North Carolina is only one of12 states with a AAA credit
rating the highest possible.
A strong bond rating allows ourstate to do more for our people
(11:47):
, getting better rates as weseek to invest in infrastructure
that improves people's liveslike school, clean water and
safe transportation.
By managing our moneyresponsibly, wesley will protect
our strong rating and expandour capacity to invest.
Let's do right by our stateemployees.
Growing up as a son of alifelong public school teacher,
wesley saw firsthand how thebenefits that the state offers
(12:11):
affect our state employees andtheir families.
In order to ensure the bestpossible future for our state,
we need to have reliablebenefits that will attract
world-class employees to ourschools and other government
jobs.
Wesley will always make wiseinvestment decisions and look
out for the health of our statepension fund and ensure that
state employees benefit from aworld-class health plan.
(12:31):
Let's cut out the culture ofwar nonsense and focus on the
job at hand.
The treasurer's officeshouldn't be a playground for
partisan games, but at times ithas been.
The current treasurer hasworked to deny healthcare to
state employees who are part ofvulnerable minority groups and
to meddle in private companies'affairs over their recognition
that the market is embracinggreen energy.
(12:52):
As treasurer Wesley will cutout the games and just focus on
providing excellent value toNorth Carolina taxpayers, wesley
will be a champion for everyNorth Carolinian.
Wesley grew up in Alexander andIrredell counties.
Raised by a mom who was alifelong public school teacher
and a dad who was a local banker, his parents and three sisters
taught him the value of hardwork, a good education and
(13:14):
family.
More than that, he learnedearly on the importance of smart
investment in the long-termfinancial planning, as well as
seeing firsthand how policyimpacts our public employees and
their families.
After receiving his PhD ineconomics from Clemson
University, he returned home toserve the people of North
Carolina and has since becomethe leading messenger and policy
(13:35):
expert for economic andfinancial issues in the general
assembly, diving deep into thenumbers in order to advocate for
working families and build upopportunity in our state.
About Wesley Harris.
From rural roots, wesley Harrisspent the first years of his
life in Taylorsville, nestledwithin the gentle slopes of the
Brushy Mountains.
It was a chaotic householdgrowing up as the youngest of
(13:57):
four, just like any big family.
But the Harris's were blessedwith opportunities that allowed
Wesley and his sister to dreambig.
His mother was a lifelongpublic school teacher and his
father was a local banker.
They taught Wesley and hissisters the value of hard work,
a good education and family.
More than that, he learnedearly on how government can be a
force for good in ourcommunities when it invests in
(14:18):
their success.
Growing up, wesley was alwayscurious about the role of
government had to play increating opportunities for some
while others in his communitystruggled.
After high school, he went offto UNC, where he got his
bachelor's degree in economics,and then Clemson for his PhD.
Following his time at Clemson,he tried out teaching for a few
years and then private economicconsulting, but his heart
(14:40):
remained firmly back home in therolling hills of Carolina.
Returning home, after the NorthCarolina legislator passed
House Bill 2, wesley decided itwas time to come home and fight
for the North Carolina heremembered growing up, one that
focuses on the kitchen tableissues that matter, not on
partisan payback and attackingour neighbors for who they are.
Additionally, as a PhDeconomist, wesley knew he could
(15:02):
provide a unique perspective inthe state government.
So in 2018, wesley came home,ran for the North Carolina House
and won unseating and incumbentwho'd won by 10 points just the
year, two years prior.
Since then, wesley has becomethe leading messenger and policy
expert for economic andfinancial issues in the General
Assembly, diving deep into thenumbers in order to advocate for
(15:24):
working families the road ahead.
Now Wesley is running fortreasurer, because we deserve a
leader in the treasurer's officewho will be an advocate for
long term financial planning andsound fiscal policy.
Wesley will work hard toprotect our state bond ratings,
increase our capacity forinvestment in infrastructure
that improves people's lives andensure a secure retirement for
state employees.
(15:44):
With Wesley Harris at the helm,north Carolina can become a
leader in the 21st centuryeconomy and remain the best
state in the country to work andlive by investing in its
greatest resource its people.
When not fighting for workingfamilies on Jones Street, he
lives in Valentine.
For his endorsements, I willtell you this is a very, very,
(16:05):
very long list, and possibly thelongest list of any candidate
that I've ever looked at, but wewill start with federal and
state officials.
Alma Adams, us Congresswoman,district 12.
David Price, former congressmanDeborah Ross, our US
Congresswoman Don Davis, usCongressman Jeff Jackson, us
(16:27):
Congressman Kathy Manning, usCongresswoman Larry Hall, former
secretary of North CarolinaDepartment of Military and
Veteran Affairs, valerie Fushi,us Congresswoman Wiley Nickel,
us Congressman.
Organizations that he isendorsed by he's endorsed by the
African American Caucus ofNorth Carolina Democratic Party,
(16:47):
the Charlotte Mecklenburg BlackPolitical Caucus, the
Communication Workers of AmericaPolitical Action Group, the
Durham Committee on the Affairsof Black People, durham People's
Alliance PAC, the NorthCarolina Association of
Educators, pam Spicks.
He's endorsed by PlannedParenthood Votes, south Atlantic
(17:08):
Raleigh Wake CitizensAssociation, the M-PAC, the
Political Action Committee ofthe State Employees Association
of North Carolina, the SierraClub, dr George C Simkins Jr
Memorial PAC, wake County VoterEducation Coalition, and he's
also endorsed by the youngDemocrats of North Carolina.
(17:29):
Now, as for state legislators,there is a list of 71 state
legislators.
I'll name a few of them that Irecognize around this area Deb
Butler, representative for NCHouse District 18.
Gail Adcock, senator for NorthCarolina Senate District 16.
(17:49):
Greg Meyer, for Senator atNorth Carolina Senate District
23.
Julie von Hafen, representativefor North Carolina House
District 36.
Lisa Grafstein, senator for NCSenate District 13.
Maria Cervania, representativefor North Carolina House
District 41.
Natalie Murdoch, senator forNorth Carolina District 20.
(18:12):
Natasha Marcus, senator forNorth Carolina Senate District
41.
Rosa Gill, representative forNorth Carolina House District 33
.
Sam Searcy, former Senator forNorth Carolina Senate District
17.
Sarah Crawford, representativefor North Carolina House,
district 66.
Sydney Batch, senator for NorthCarolina Senate District 17.
(18:33):
Terrence Everett,representative for North
Carolina House District 35.
And Yalu, representative forNorth Carolina House, district
21.
He also lists endorsements forlocal elected officials, and
again, there is a long list here.
If, by my count is correct,there are 94 people listed in
this list.
(18:54):
Ones that may be familiar topeople in this area would be
Terry Mahaffey, member of theApex Town Council.
Shanika Thomas, chair of theWake County Board of
Commissioners.
Irv Portman, former member ofthe Wake County Board of
Commissioners.
Those are the ones that I'mlocally familiar with.
And then he goes on to listvarious community leaders who
(19:16):
have endorsed him and just kindof the title of some of these
individuals Certified Paralegal,tired Mom, passionate Wesley
Supporter.
Involved Citizen.
Retired Clinical Social Worker.
Retired Educator.
Wesley's Kindergarten Teacher.
First Vice Chair of JohnstonCounty's Democratic Party.
County Vice Chair forMecklenburg County Democratic
(19:38):
Party.
Former State Health Plan HIPAAPrivacy Officer.
Family Physician.
Former DNC member, former NCHouse candidate known Wesley,
since birth, a professionalengineer, the Precinct Vice
Chair for Orange CountyDemocrats and the Steering
Committee for Charlotte,mecklenburg Climate Leaders so
quite a substantial number ofendorsements.
(20:01):
He has a page where you canvolunteer information about
voting, a store informationabout donations.
And then he has his latest pressreleases.
I won't read into them, butI'll read you the titles Wesley
Harris, democrat for NorthCarolina Treasurer, launches TV
spot highlighting overwhelmingstrength and endorsements.
(20:22):
State Representative WesleyHarris files for State Treasurer
.
Wesley Harris reports strongfundraising totals.
Wesley Harris shows strengthwith endorsements.
Wesley Harris announces run forTreasurer Wesley.
In the news it talks about theNCAA endorsing Wesley Harris for
NC State Treasurer.
M-pac endorses Harris for StateTreasurer.
(20:43):
Mecklenburg Democrats seek tomove to Raleigh Local
Representative I statetreasurer's office.
And there are a number of otherarticles.
An article that I saw on Googlefor Wesley nothing out of the
ordinary, but I did see one thattalked about impact endorsing
Harris for state treasurer.
(21:03):
And so this is the politicalaction committee of the state
employees association of NorthCarolina.
They have previously endorsedthe current North Carolina
treasurer, dale Fullwell, and Ibelieve I read that they
endorsed his prior two runs forNorth Carolina treasurer.
So it is interesting to me thatthey are endorsing Harris for
(21:25):
this race.
For his ballopedia it says herepresents district 105.
As a member of the NorthCarolina House of Representative
, he assumed office on January1st of 2019.
His current term ends onJanuary 1st of 2024.
He is on this race for theDemocratic primary for North
Carolina treasurer.
His committee assignments for23-24 were the Agricultural
(21:51):
Committee, house FinanceCommittee, judiciary Third
Committee, marine Rescue andAqua Culture Committee, house
Transportation Committee.
For 2021-2022, he was assignedto the following committees the
Education, universitiesCommittee, House Finance
Committee, judiciary ThirdCommittee, marine Rescue and
Aqua Culture Committee and HouseTransportation.
(22:11):
For 2019-2020, he was assignedto the Military and Veterans
Affairs Committee, house FinanceCommittee, house Judiciary
Committee and HouseTransportation Committee.
He has sponsored a variety ofbills.
I'll just read a handful, butthere are a large number here
that you can look at the EducatePatients about Obioid
(22:32):
Antagonist Mental HealthLicensing.
Fair Practice Standards.
The Pre-Child Integrity Act.
The Rebeccae Carney-CardiacArrest Act.
Passenger Rail Capital andService Grant Fund.
Civilian Traffic Investigators.
Civil Rights Education,american Indians Graduating with
Honors Act.
Sports, wadering and HorseRacing Wadering.
(22:54):
The Reorganization and EconomicDevelopment Act.
Increased Teacher DiversityStudy.
So there are a number of billsthat he has sponsored Towards
his campaign finance for the2024 election, which again
started January 1st of 2023 andruns through December 31st of
this year.
He has a total of $332,098 incontributions that have been
(23:17):
given by 1,758 uniquecontributors.
He has $179,622 in expendituresto 275 unique payees.
There is a scorecards list forhim on ballotpedia where you can
click to review all thescorecards we found on this
(23:37):
legislator for 2022.
Again, this would be for hisinvolvement in the North
Carolina House ofRepresentatives, but if that's
important to you, it looks likethere are scorecards for the
Affordable Health Care Coalitionof North Carolina, civitas
Action, national Federation ofIndependent Business, nc Values
Coalition, the North CarolinaChamber and the North Carolina
(23:59):
League of Conservation Voters.
He did not fill out thecandidate connection survey for
ballotpedia for this year andthis race, but in 2020 he did
fill out their survey and thereare a few questions.
Who are you?
Please list three messages ofyour campaign, what areas of
public policy are you personallypassionate about and what
(24:19):
process do you favor forredistricting?
So if those things areinteresting to you, you can
check out ballotpedia.
He did answer our questionnairefor the North Carolina Deep
Dive Voters Guide, so that willbe in this episode's show notes
and that will bring this episodeto a close Again.
We were discussing theDemocratic primary for the North
(24:42):
Carolina Treasurer, GabeEsparza versus Wesley Harris.
You are eligible to vote for oneof these candidates.
Democracy is the foundation ofall we hold dear.
We are better as a community,state and nation when we all
take part in our civic duty bybeing informed and casting our
(25:03):
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
well-being, 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
(25:26):
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
Center in Holly Springs and thehilltop Needmore Town Park and
Preserve in Fuquay Varina.
The main primary election willbe held on Tuesday, march 5th.
(25:48):
If you vote that day, it's bestfor you to go to your
designated polling place, orelse some of the races you are
eligible to vote for may notshow up on the ballot they have
available to give you Duringearly voting.
Each area in Wake County hasall the possible ballots for
Wake County Election day.
They will only have the ballotthat corresponds directly to
(26:08):
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
efficient to bring it with you.
If, for some reason, youhaven't registered to vote yet,
you may register and vote at thesame time during early voting
(26:30):
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
2024 primary election at www.
ncdeepdive.
c om, apple Podcasts, spotify,audible or wherever you
(26:55):
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.
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
(27:17):
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
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
(27:40):
you'd like to share, you maycontact us via social media or
our email at ncdeepdivecom.
Thank you for engaging withthis episode and becoming a more
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.
(28:01):
You matter Until next time, myfriends.
Namaste, the love and light inme sees and honors the love and
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.
(00:30):
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
(00:51):
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
(01:15):
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 show notes at www.
(01:36):
ncdeepdive.
com.
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 intothe Democratic primary ballot
for North Carolina Treasurer.
(01:57):
There are two candidates, GabeEsparza and Wesley Harris, in
which you will be able to votefor one.
First off.
We're going to start with Gabe.
His website is Gabe for NorthCarolina.
com.
That's Gabe F-O-R.
North Carolina.
com starts with about Gabe ForGabe Asparza, a nationally
recognized business and civicexecutive.
(02:19):
Hard work and giving back are inhis blood.
His family immigrated to theUnited States in the early 20th
century, one side escaping afascist persecution in Europe,
while the other side fled theviolence of the Mexican
Revolution, both finding freedomand opportunity in a nation
which they cherish, defend andcontribute.
Gabe's maternal grandfather wasa liquor salesman and a proud
(02:40):
union member, whose passion forfishing is a tradition that
Gabe's family celebrates to thisday.
His paternal grandparentsraised 12 children with grit,
faith and lots of homemadetortillas.
Gabe's paternal grandfatherworked in the Orange Groves for
25 cents a crate and then put inlong hours in highway
construction and plumbing.
And when his country needed him, he proudly served in the
(03:03):
Pacific Theater during World WarII as social and mental health
workers.
Gabe's parents were in thebusiness of helping others, and
at home that's what they taughttheir kids, instilling in Gabe
and his brother the importanceof lifting others up to create a
stronger community.
With those values as hisfoundation, gabe started mowing
lawns in junior high school andworking concessions at
(03:24):
university football games togive himself more opportunities
to reach his dreams.
He worked his way throughschool with the help of
scholarships and loans, alwaysremembering a lesson from his
grandfather that quote educationequals freedom, end quote.
And it was in school that Gabefirst took on a role that has
come to define his life that ofmentor.
Gabe took other students underhis wing, particularly first and
(03:47):
second generation Latinos, andhelped build them up, pairing
them for success and a shot atthe American dream.
With a top tier education andbusiness degree under his belt,
gabe started making his mark inthe corporate world.
He learned the importance ofcustomer service at the Walt
Disney Company.
Then, over the course of 13years at American Express, he
focused on small businessfinancing before rising through
(04:09):
the ranks to lead globalcommercial payment teams.
Yet despite his accomplishedcorporate career, gabe knew
there was great opportunity atthe intersection of
entrepreneurship, technology andpublic service.
Thus, first as an angelinvestor and then later as a
senior operating executive, hehelped finance and lead a
startup technology companycalled Rapid SOS that radically
(04:30):
transformed our nation's 911emergency system.
The company created a platformthat facilitates the
transmission of data, includingprecise location, from cell
phones, connected cars and otherdevices to 911 dispatchers, so
first responders are able toreach you quickly and with the
help you need.
With significant capital raiseto grow the company and with its
technology embedded in publicsafety operations across the
(04:53):
country, gabe was able to accepta role as a senior official at
the US Small BusinessAdministration, leading the
Office of International Trade.
Since 2021, his team hasmanaged a $600 million loan
portfolio, provided over $40million in export stimulus
grants and helped highlight theimportance of small businesses
in US trade policy and tradenegotiations around the world.
(05:17):
As a result, small businessesthroughout North Carolina and
across the country have expandedtheir businesses overseas,
driving record US export salesand creating jobs here at home.
And through it all, gabe hasalways made time to give back.
He helped found a school thatbrings special focus to at-risk
kids, has served on multipleboards, including as a trustee
(05:37):
at Central Piedmont CommunityCollege, and previously spent
nine years as a public officialon the board of civil service
commissioners.
Gabe and his wife are proud tobe raising their two children in
Charlotte and to be part ofsuch a vibrant community with
incredible potential in theyears to come.
He does link a Twitter or an Xpage, along with a LinkedIn page
(05:58):
on his press tab, so he hasmany articles here.
I am not going to go throughall of them, but I'll read some
of their titles.
January 24, 2024.
The Purple Ballot examinesNorth Carolina's Council of
State and important races towatch.
It's a look at the NCTreasurer's Race.
February 8, 2024.
(06:19):
2024 Candidate Conversationswith Gabe Esparza.
There's an article where youcan watch the full conversation.
February 2,.
Gabe Esparza proves fiscal bonafides with fundraising momentum
and cash on hand advantage inNorth Carolina's State
Treasurer's Race.
February 13,.
North Carolina will have a newstate treasurer next year.
See which candidates want yourvote.
(06:40):
There's an article fromFebruary 8,.
Candidate for NC TreasurerDemocrat Gabe Esparza answers
our questions.
There are a few.
There's an article for August24.
Exceso Latino Latino presentasu candidatoria para tesorero de
Carolina del Norte.
August 24, cardinal and PineGabe Esparza could be the first
(07:04):
Latino elected statewide inNorth Carolina.
August 17, south CharlotteWeekly.
South Charlotte man running forstate treasurer.
August 15, rock 105.1.
Former Biden official fromCharlotte running for office.
August 15, la Noticia GabeEsparza busca ser primer
(07:24):
tesorero Latino de Carolina delNorte.
And there are a couple morepages with other press releases
or media information.
He does have a few endorsements,so the first of which is the
North Carolina AFL-CIO.
He is endorsed by the SierraClub, which is one of the
nation's largest environmentaladvocacy organizations.
(07:46):
He did receive an endorsementfrom Latino Victory, which the
Latino Victory Fund.
He is endorsed by SusanRodriguez McDowell, a
Mecklenburg County Commissioner,a California state treasurer,
sig Hutchinson, former chair,wake County Commissioner, steve
Rau, an out-large council memberfor the town of Morrisville, a
(08:06):
chair of Chatham CountyCommissioner, community leader
at Manolo's Bakery, rickyHurtado, which is a former NC
State representative, somebodyfrom the Durham City Council,
school board member fromCharlotte, mecklenburg.
Kayla Bruto, an NC Staterepresentative.
Mitch Colvin, a Fayettevillemayor, franklin Gomez Flores,
(08:28):
chatham County Commissioner.
And Val Applewhite, an NCSenator.
He's also been endorsed byTeamsters 391 and Replacements
LTD Pack.
He has a link on where you canvote which links to the North
Carolina Board of Elections andways to get involved and to
donate.
Looking him up on Google, Ididn't see anything that was
(08:52):
concerning.
He is listed on Ballotpedia forhis campaign finance for this
election, which covers January1st 2023 through December 31st
of 2024.
He has a total of $213,207 incontributions made from 354
(09:13):
unique contributors, one ofwhich was himself at $13,410.
His expenditures are totaling$78,047 with 74 unique payees.
He did give a loan to hiscampaign of $50,000.
Gabe has not filled out thecandidate connection survey for
(09:34):
Ballotpedia, but he did provideresponses for our NC Deep Dive
Voters Guide.
Next we have up Wesley Harris.
His website is harris4nccom.
That for is spelled out F-O-RHarris, f-o-r-n-c dot com.
It says Wesley Harris for StateTreasurer.
It's time to make an investmentin our people.
(09:56):
Too much of our state has beenleft behind for too long and
it's going to take every singleone of us to bring back
opportunity to North Carolina.
You can sign up for hiscampaign.
Let's make an investment inNorth Carolina.
Representative Wesley Harris isrunning for treasurer because we
deserve a leader in thetreasurer's office who will be
an advocate for long-termfinancial planning and sound
(10:17):
fiscal policy.
Wesley will work hard toprotect our state bond ratings,
increase our capacity forinvestment in infrastructure
that improves people's lives andensure a secure retirement for
state employees.
With Wesley Harris at the helm,north Carolina can become a
leader in the 21st centuryeconomy and remain the best
state in North Carolina to workand live In regards to its
(10:39):
platform.
For too many of our communities, the last few decades have
shown what happens when theworld leaves them behind.
Lack of investment has leftonce vibrant places hollowed out
and our most vulnerablefamilies have suffered as a
result.
Without opportunity, folks losehope, which threatens the
stability not only of oureconomy but our very democracy.
Our state is overflowing withpotential, but to make
(11:01):
opportunity accessible to everyNorth Carolinian, we need a
state government and we need atreasurer who's willing to
invest in the most valuableasset we have people, our people
.
Let's think and plan not justfor tomorrow, but for years to
come.
As treasurer Wesley Harris willbe an advocate for long-term
thinking that will keep ourstate financially solvent for
years to come.
For too long, the treasurer'soffice has failed to look past
(11:24):
tomorrow and adequately prepareour state for the challenges of
the future.
While doing so may yieldresults in the short term, it
leaves North Carolina fundsvulnerable as our economy
changes over time.
Let's protect our state bondratings and expand our
investment capacity.
North Carolina is only one of12 states with a AAA credit
rating the highest possible.
A strong bond rating allows ourstate to do more for our people
(11:47):
, getting better rates as weseek to invest in infrastructure
that improves people's liveslike school, clean water and
safe transportation.
By managing our moneyresponsibly, wesley will protect
our strong rating and expandour capacity to invest.
Let's do right by our stateemployees.
Growing up as a son of alifelong public school teacher,
wesley saw firsthand how thebenefits that the state offers
(12:11):
affect our state employees andtheir families.
In order to ensure the bestpossible future for our state,
we need to have reliablebenefits that will attract
world-class employees to ourschools and other government
jobs.
Wesley will always make wiseinvestment decisions and look
out for the health of our statepension fund and ensure that
state employees benefit from aworld-class health plan.
(12:31):
Let's cut out the culture ofwar nonsense and focus on the
job at hand.
The treasurer's officeshouldn't be a playground for
partisan games, but at times ithas been.
The current treasurer hasworked to deny healthcare to
state employees who are part ofvulnerable minority groups and
to meddle in private companies'affairs over their recognition
that the market is embracinggreen energy.
(12:52):
As treasurer Wesley will cutout the games and just focus on
providing excellent value toNorth Carolina taxpayers, wesley
will be a champion for everyNorth Carolinian.
Wesley grew up in Alexander andIrredell counties.
Raised by a mom who was alifelong public school teacher
and a dad who was a local banker, his parents and three sisters
taught him the value of hardwork, a good education and
(13:14):
family.
More than that, he learnedearly on the importance of smart
investment in the long-termfinancial planning, as well as
seeing firsthand how policyimpacts our public employees and
their families.
After receiving his PhD ineconomics from Clemson
University, he returned home toserve the people of North
Carolina and has since becomethe leading messenger and policy
(13:35):
expert for economic andfinancial issues in the general
assembly, diving deep into thenumbers in order to advocate for
working families and build upopportunity in our state.
About Wesley Harris.
From rural roots, wesley Harrisspent the first years of his
life in Taylorsville, nestledwithin the gentle slopes of the
Brushy Mountains.
It was a chaotic householdgrowing up as the youngest of
(13:57):
four, just like any big family.
But the Harris's were blessedwith opportunities that allowed
Wesley and his sister to dreambig.
His mother was a lifelongpublic school teacher and his
father was a local banker.
They taught Wesley and hissisters the value of hard work,
a good education and family.
More than that, he learnedearly on how government can be a
force for good in ourcommunities when it invests in
(14:18):
their success.
Growing up, wesley was alwayscurious about the role of
government had to play increating opportunities for some
while others in his communitystruggled.
After high school, he went offto UNC, where he got his
bachelor's degree in economics,and then Clemson for his PhD.
Following his time at Clemson,he tried out teaching for a few
years and then private economicconsulting, but his heart
(14:40):
remained firmly back home in therolling hills of Carolina.
Returning home, after the NorthCarolina legislator passed
House Bill 2, wesley decided itwas time to come home and fight
for the North Carolina heremembered growing up, one that
focuses on the kitchen tableissues that matter, not on
partisan payback and attackingour neighbors for who they are.
Additionally, as a PhDeconomist, wesley knew he could
(15:02):
provide a unique perspective inthe state government.
So in 2018, wesley came home,ran for the North Carolina House
and won unseating and incumbentwho'd won by 10 points just the
year, two years prior.
Since then, wesley has becomethe leading messenger and policy
expert for economic andfinancial issues in the General
Assembly, diving deep into thenumbers in order to advocate for
(15:24):
working families the road ahead.
Now Wesley is running fortreasurer, because we deserve a
leader in the treasurer's officewho will be an advocate for
long term financial planning andsound fiscal policy.
Wesley will work hard toprotect our state bond ratings,
increase our capacity forinvestment in infrastructure
that improves people's lives andensure a secure retirement for
state employees.
(15:44):
With Wesley Harris at the helm,north Carolina can become a
leader in the 21st centuryeconomy and remain the best
state in the country to work andlive by investing in its
greatest resource its people.
When not fighting for workingfamilies on Jones Street, he
lives in Valentine.
For his endorsements, I willtell you this is a very, very,
(16:05):
very long list, and possibly thelongest list of any candidate
that I've ever looked at, but wewill start with federal and
state officials.
Alma Adams, us Congresswoman,district 12.
David Price, former congressmanDeborah Ross, our US
Congresswoman Don Davis, usCongressman Jeff Jackson, us
(16:27):
Congressman Kathy Manning, usCongresswoman Larry Hall, former
secretary of North CarolinaDepartment of Military and
Veteran Affairs, valerie Fushi,us Congresswoman Wiley Nickel,
us Congressman.
Organizations that he isendorsed by he's endorsed by the
African American Caucus ofNorth Carolina Democratic Party,
(16:47):
the Charlotte Mecklenburg BlackPolitical Caucus, the
Communication Workers of AmericaPolitical Action Group, the
Durham Committee on the Affairsof Black People, durham People's
Alliance PAC, the NorthCarolina Association of
Educators, pam Spicks.
He's endorsed by PlannedParenthood Votes, south Atlantic
(17:08):
Raleigh Wake CitizensAssociation, the M-PAC, the
Political Action Committee ofthe State Employees Association
of North Carolina, the SierraClub, dr George C Simkins Jr
Memorial PAC, wake County VoterEducation Coalition, and he's
also endorsed by the youngDemocrats of North Carolina.
(17:29):
Now, as for state legislators,there is a list of 71 state
legislators.
I'll name a few of them that Irecognize around this area Deb
Butler, representative for NCHouse District 18.
Gail Adcock, senator for NorthCarolina Senate District 16.
(17:49):
Greg Meyer, for Senator atNorth Carolina Senate District
23.
Julie von Hafen, representativefor North Carolina House
District 36.
Lisa Grafstein, senator for NCSenate District 13.
Maria Cervania, representativefor North Carolina House
District 41.
Natalie Murdoch, senator forNorth Carolina District 20.
(18:12):
Natasha Marcus, senator forNorth Carolina Senate District
41.
Rosa Gill, representative forNorth Carolina House District 33
.
Sam Searcy, former Senator forNorth Carolina Senate District
17.
Sarah Crawford, representativefor North Carolina House,
district 66.
Sydney Batch, senator for NorthCarolina Senate District 17.
(18:33):
Terrence Everett,representative for North
Carolina House District 35.
And Yalu, representative forNorth Carolina House, district
21.
He also lists endorsements forlocal elected officials, and
again, there is a long list here.
If, by my count is correct,there are 94 people listed in
this list.
(18:54):
Ones that may be familiar topeople in this area would be
Terry Mahaffey, member of theApex Town Council.
Shanika Thomas, chair of theWake County Board of
Commissioners.
Irv Portman, former member ofthe Wake County Board of
Commissioners.
Those are the ones that I'mlocally familiar with.
And then he goes on to listvarious community leaders who
(19:16):
have endorsed him and just kindof the title of some of these
individuals Certified Paralegal,tired Mom, passionate Wesley
Supporter.
Involved Citizen.
Retired Clinical Social Worker.
Retired Educator.
Wesley's Kindergarten Teacher.
First Vice Chair of JohnstonCounty's Democratic Party.
County Vice Chair forMecklenburg County Democratic
(19:38):
Party.
Former State Health Plan HIPAAPrivacy Officer.
Family Physician.
Former DNC member, former NCHouse candidate known Wesley,
since birth, a professionalengineer, the Precinct Vice
Chair for Orange CountyDemocrats and the Steering
Committee for Charlotte,mecklenburg Climate Leaders so
quite a substantial number ofendorsements.
(20:01):
He has a page where you canvolunteer information about
voting, a store informationabout donations.
And then he has his latest pressreleases.
I won't read into them, butI'll read you the titles Wesley
Harris, democrat for NorthCarolina Treasurer, launches TV
spot highlighting overwhelmingstrength and endorsements.
(20:22):
State Representative WesleyHarris files for State Treasurer
.
Wesley Harris reports strongfundraising totals.
Wesley Harris shows strengthwith endorsements.
Wesley Harris announces run forTreasurer Wesley.
In the news it talks about theNCAA endorsing Wesley Harris for
NC State Treasurer.
M-pac endorses Harris for StateTreasurer.
(20:43):
Mecklenburg Democrats seek tomove to Raleigh Local
Representative I statetreasurer's office.
And there are a number of otherarticles.
An article that I saw on Googlefor Wesley nothing out of the
ordinary, but I did see one thattalked about impact endorsing
Harris for state treasurer.
(21:03):
And so this is the politicalaction committee of the state
employees association of NorthCarolina.
They have previously endorsedthe current North Carolina
treasurer, dale Fullwell, and Ibelieve I read that they
endorsed his prior two runs forNorth Carolina treasurer.
So it is interesting to me thatthey are endorsing Harris for
(21:25):
this race.
For his ballopedia it says herepresents district 105.
As a member of the NorthCarolina House of Representative
, he assumed office on January1st of 2019.
His current term ends onJanuary 1st of 2024.
He is on this race for theDemocratic primary for North
Carolina treasurer.
His committee assignments for23-24 were the Agricultural
(21:51):
Committee, house FinanceCommittee, judiciary Third
Committee, marine Rescue andAqua Culture Committee, house
Transportation Committee.
For 2021-2022, he was assignedto the following committees the
Education, universitiesCommittee, House Finance
Committee, judiciary ThirdCommittee, marine Rescue and
Aqua Culture Committee and HouseTransportation.
(22:11):
For 2019-2020, he was assignedto the Military and Veterans
Affairs Committee, house FinanceCommittee, house Judiciary
Committee and HouseTransportation Committee.
He has sponsored a variety ofbills.
I'll just read a handful, butthere are a large number here
that you can look at the EducatePatients about Obioid
(22:32):
Antagonist Mental HealthLicensing.
Fair Practice Standards.
The Pre-Child Integrity Act.
The Rebeccae Carney-CardiacArrest Act.
Passenger Rail Capital andService Grant Fund.
Civilian Traffic Investigators.
Civil Rights Education,american Indians Graduating with
Honors Act.
Sports, wadering and HorseRacing Wadering.
(22:54):
The Reorganization and EconomicDevelopment Act.
Increased Teacher DiversityStudy.
So there are a number of billsthat he has sponsored Towards
his campaign finance for the2024 election, which again
started January 1st of 2023 andruns through December 31st of
this year.
He has a total of $332,098 incontributions that have been
(23:17):
given by 1,758 uniquecontributors.
He has $179,622 in expendituresto 275 unique payees.
There is a scorecards list forhim on ballotpedia where you can
click to review all thescorecards we found on this
(23:37):
legislator for 2022.
Again, this would be for hisinvolvement in the North
Carolina House ofRepresentatives, but if that's
important to you, it looks likethere are scorecards for the
Affordable Health Care Coalitionof North Carolina, civitas
Action, national Federation ofIndependent Business, nc Values
Coalition, the North CarolinaChamber and the North Carolina
(23:59):
League of Conservation Voters.
He did not fill out thecandidate connection survey for
ballotpedia for this year andthis race, but in 2020 he did
fill out their survey and thereare a few questions.
Who are you?
Please list three messages ofyour campaign, what areas of
public policy are you personallypassionate about and what
(24:19):
process do you favor forredistricting?
So if those things areinteresting to you, you can
check out ballotpedia.
He did answer our questionnairefor the North Carolina Deep
Dive Voters Guide, so that willbe in this episode's show notes
and that will bring this episodeto a close Again.
We were discussing theDemocratic primary for the North
(24:42):
Carolina Treasurer, GabeEsparza versus Wesley Harris.
You are eligible to vote for oneof these candidates.
Democracy is the foundation ofall we hold dear.
We are better as a community,state and nation when we all
take part in our civic duty bybeing informed and casting our
(25:03):
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
well-being, 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
(25:26):
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
Center in Holly Springs and thehilltop Needmore Town Park and
Preserve in Fuquay Varina.
The main primary election willbe held on Tuesday, march 5th.
(25:48):
If you vote that day, it's bestfor you to go to your
designated polling place, orelse some of the races you are
eligible to vote for may notshow up on the ballot they have
available to give you Duringearly voting.
Each area in Wake County hasall the possible ballots for
Wake County Election day.
They will only have the ballotthat corresponds directly to
(26:08):
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
efficient to bring it with you.
If, for some reason, youhaven't registered to vote yet,
you may register and vote at thesame time during early voting
(26:30):
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
2024 primary election at www.
ncdeepdive.
c om, apple Podcasts, spotify,audible or wherever you
(26:55):
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.
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
(27:17):
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
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
(27:40):
you'd like to share, you maycontact us via social media or
our email at ncdeepdivecom.
Thank you for engaging withthis episode and becoming a more
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.
(28:01):
You matter Until next time, myfriends.
Namaste, the love and light inme sees and honors the love and
light in you.
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