February 18, 2024 • 34 mins
Join the journey as Amanda Benbow Lunn unravels the intricacies of the Republican NC State Senate District 13's primary race. This episode promises to arm you with the knowledge needed to navigate the platforms of Vicki Harry and Scott Lassiter, transforming you from a casual observer into an informed voter ready to take on the upcoming primary election.
Listen closely as we trace Vicki Harry's path from motherhood to the frontlines of local government, analyzing how her experience as a former teacher and business owner shapes her views on vital issues like the economy and education. Then, the spotlight shifts to Scott Lassiter, whose dedication to community service and his innovative take on non-regulatory advocacy reveal a leader deeply connected to his roots in public service and environmental conservation. No stone is left unturned as we dissect their campaign strategies, endorsements and the distinct visions each holds for the future of North Carolina. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to these pivotal candidates and the passion driving their quest for a seat at the Senate table.
Vicki Harry & Scott Lassiter
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.
Now, let's dive in!
Mark as Played
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's 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.
Starting with the NC StateSenate race for District 13, we
(01:57):
have two candidates, the firstof which is Vicki Harry, the
second of which is ScottLassiter.
We are going to go ahead andstart with Vicki Harry Doing a
Google search.
Really, the only thing ofimportance that I saw was her
campaign page.
Taking a look at that, which isVicki with an I Vicki Harry,
the Y VickiHarryNC.
(02:17):
com shows a picture of her infront of the General Assembly
building and says for familiesand freedom.
As a mother, grandmother, formerteacher and small business
owner, vicki has years ofexperience that have prepared
her to serve the people andfamilies of Southern Wake County
, senate District 13.
(02:37):
She has three priorities listed, the first of which is the
economy, and it states Bideneconomics isn't working for
America or the families of WakeCounty.
As a business owner, Iunderstand the challenges of
signing the front of a paycheckand have firsthand experience
with how the failed policies ofthe Biden administration have
(02:58):
impacted small businesses andour families.
For our families to thrive, weneed a robust economy.
As your next state senator, Iwill strive to cut taxes, reduce
regulations and providebusinesses with the breathing
room they need to create wellpaying jobs.
For education, she says.
As a mother, grandmother andformer educator, education holds
(03:20):
significant importance to me.
What we teach our children willshape the trajectory of our
nation.
I support parents' right tochoose the best education option
for their family.
Tax dollars should not funddivisive rhetoric in our public
schools.
Our schools need to prioritizethe basics.
As your next state senator, Iwill address these issues and
(03:40):
restore control of our schoolsto the parents.
Her third priority isinfrastructure, where she states
Southern Wake County and manyother areas of North Carolina
are experiencing rapid growth.
To keep pace with thisexpansion, we require innovative
solutions to enhance ourinfrastructure.
This involves securing fundingfor road projects and ensuring
(04:03):
our municipalities have theresources necessary for adequate
public safety.
There are some pictures of herand her husband and their
grandchildren and a blurb aboutVicki Harry, and it states Vicki
Harry is a wife, mother,grandmother and small business
owner who embodies a life filledwith diverse experiences and a
commitment to her community.
(04:24):
Born and raised in Maryland, sheattended Towson State
University, where she earned adegree in community health
education.
After graduating, she taughthealth education at a public
middle school and coachedbasketball.
Vicki and her husband, paul,married in 1988.
In 1997, vicki and her familyrelocated to North Carolina
where she continued to teach,which has always been one of her
(04:46):
passions.
Vicki taught a variety ofsubjects, including chemistry,
yearbook, math, bible andhistory at Wake Christian
Academy for seven years.
During this time, she not onlycoached basketball for four
years, but also served as thedirector of development,
coordinating fundraisingbanquets, volunteers and events.
Her passion for community andentrepreneurship took a bold
(05:10):
step when she ventured into theworld of business.
In January 2013, vicki openedThanks-a-latte Coffee and Gift
Boutique in Holly Springs, northCarolina, and later expanded
with a second location in Andrewin December of 2022.
Beyond her professionalendeavors, vicki's heart for
service reached globalproportions.
She embarked on numerousmission trips, serving on
(05:33):
evangelism teams, medical teamsand speaking for women's
ministry teams in Ecuador, italyand Austria.
This global perspectivereflects Vicki's commitment to
making a positive impact onlives both near and far.
Vicki and her husband Paul havethree married children and nine
grandchildren, ranging in agesfrom nine to two, all living
(05:54):
close by in Wake County.
Committed to our community, shewrites like many of you, I am
deeply concerned about thedirection our country is headed.
I often think about my ninebeautiful grandchildren and the
world we will leave behind forthem.
In order for North Carolina tocontinue being a prosperous
state, we need honest leadershipin Raleigh, leaders who possess
integrity, humility and passion.
(06:15):
We need leaders who prioritizeour families and defend the
freedoms we hold dear.
In 2013, when I started mycompany, it was a thrilling and
challenging experience.
Every day I am grateful I tookthat leap of faith.
Over the years, I havefirsthand experience with the
impact of regulations, inflation, supply shortages and other
challenges on an otherwisegrowing and successful business.
(06:38):
Like many other entrepreneursand business owners, we were
forced to close our doors duringthe COVID pandemic and quickly
shift our operations.
Unfortunately, many NorthCarolinians are still suffering
the consequences of thoseshutdowns and our children have
paid a heavy price.
School closures have led tolearning loss and our children
are now behind.
(06:58):
More than ever, it is time toget our state back on track.
Through my shop, I have had theopportunity to meet and learn
from our community here in WakeCounty.
Every day I interact withcommunity members, including
mothers, teachers, doctors,engineers, students and many
others.
Each of these individualsdeserves a strong and vibrant
North Carolina.
As your next state senator, Ipromise to think of your family
(07:21):
as I do my own.
I pledge to meet the challengesof our state head-on and to
create open and honest dialogue.
I humbly ask for you to voteVicki on Tuesday, march 5th, for
families and freedom Vicki.
She also lists her endorsements.
So the endorsements for VickiHarry include Lieutenant
Governor Mark Robinson, who isrunning for governor this year,
(07:45):
holly Springs Mayor SeanMayefskie, representative Erin
Pare and she has a quote herethat Erin said there's no
question that Vicki is, handsdown, the right person for this
job.
Vicki is a local small businessowner, former teacher, mother,
grandmother and wife.
She is smart, tough,conservative and very qualified.
This is a winnable seat forRepublicans in 2024, and Vicki
(08:08):
is the only candidate that canwin in November.
She was also endorsed by AFPNorth Carolina and she is
supported by Senator VickiSawyer, senator Amy Galley,
representative Erin Paray andSenator Joyce Crawley.
Looking up on Ballopedia, vickidid not answer their
(08:30):
questionnaire and they did nothave her financial contributions
listed there.
I was able to look up herfinancial contributions via the
North Carolina State Board ofElections website and she loaned
$1,000 to the campaign.
She has received $425 inaggregated contributions from
(08:53):
individuals and that looks to becontributions of about $25 or
less and then contributions fromindividuals.
She is looking at a total ofthis election of $10,903.95, for
a total of $12,329.12 thiselection.
(09:13):
I did somewhat of a quicksearch.
She did not fill out thequestionnaire survey for Indie
Week.
I had reached out to her forthe NC Deep Dive Voters Guide.
I never received a responsefrom her about that and WRAL
does have some information, butthat was pulled pretty much from
her website.
(09:34):
Moving on to Scott Lassiter, hiswebsite is votescottlassiter.
com.
The very first page says DrScott Lassiter, north Carolina
Senate, district 13, includingcommunities in Apex, cary,
fairview, fuquay varina, Garner,holly Springs, Knightdale,
raleigh and Swift Creek.
(09:55):
Wake Soil and Water DistrictSupervisor.
Scott Lassiter is running forthe North Carolina Senate, where
he will attack problems, notpeople.
Your contribution is anopportunity to help Scott spread
his message of common sense,optimistic conservatism.
There is a press release thatannounced his campaign and that
he was going to be running forthis office and it says for
(10:18):
immediate release December 4,2023, wake Soil and Water
Supervisor, scott Lassiter,files for NC SNP.
Lifelong Wake County resident,public school assistant
principal and current countywideelected official, scott
Lassiter, has officially filedfor NC Senate, district 13.
Lassiter was the firstcandidate to file for any office
at the Wake County Board ofElections.
(10:39):
The district includes areas ofApex, cary, fairview, Fuquay
Varina, garner, holly Springs,raleigh, swift Creek, willow
Springs and other unincorporatedparts of Wake County.
Lassiter previously served fouryears on the Apex Town Council
before his election to thecurrent post as Wake County Soil
and Water District Supervisor.
He has volunteered extensivelyin his community as his HOA
(11:01):
president, a member of the boardof directors for Kids Together
Playground and as the presidentand founder of the Lassiter
Education Foundation for thebenefit of at-risk students.
Lassiter also ran briefly in aprimary for the NC House in 2022
, but suspended his campaignafter a court-ordered
redistricting plan placed him ina district with another
qualified Republican candidatealready running.
(11:23):
Lasseter has already garneredmany supporters in the community
, including that of former WakeCounty Sheriff Donnie Harrison.
Lassiter said I've seenfirsthand how important it is to
get these policies right andhow destructive they can be when
it's done wrong.
I've had to tell a parent thattheir child was a victim of a
drug overdose.
I've taken the blows in ourschool system, both figuratively
(11:44):
and literally.
I've been in charge ofinfrastructure development.
I've championed job growth andseen how economic opportunity
changes the trajectories ofentire families for generations.
He continued.
My family has called this areahome for over 100 years and I am
proud to continue with the samepassion for responsible
government in the North CarolinaSenate that I've had serving in
(12:06):
both municipal and countygovernments.
He has a countdown to theelection which the March 5th
primary is fast approaching andwe're ready to win, it says.
And the current countdown is 17days, four hours, 54 minutes
and seven seconds, though thisis the early voting period, so
you can vote early between nowand March 2nd.
(12:26):
His platform values you believein.
Scott is a lifelong Wake Countyresident who believes in the
great people here.
He has the experience,education and the dedication to
collaboratively work to solveproblems and protect our growing
country.
He firmly believes that ourcommunity's best days are ahead.
As a proven fighter, scottbelieves that government's role
is to serve the people, not theother way around.
(12:48):
Unfortunately, he has seen toomany of today's leaders become
beholden to a few powerfulindividuals and ignoring the
needs of their constituents.
He won't stand for that.
Scott knows that thelegislature needs cleaning up
and he's laser focused onamplifying the voice of ordinary
hardworking people in the NorthCarolina Senate.
Transparency Scott believes thattransparency from all elected
(13:09):
and appointed governmentofficials is crucial and serves
as the cornerstone of democraticgovernance.
The work of legislators shouldbe done in the open, similar to
other government bodies.
Communications betweenconstituents, lobbyists and
legislators should be subject topublic and press inspection.
Scott knows that transparencyby elected officials serves to
(13:30):
increase their accountability,improve the public's trust in
their government and can preventcorruption.
He looks forward to workingwith an informed electorate that
is participatory and promises aresponsive and professional
culture for all from his office,regardless of ideological
differences.
Serving the community, scottbelieves in servant leadership.
Professionally, as a publicschool administrator, he walks
(13:53):
shoulder to shoulder with hisstudents, parents and staff to
ensure common goals areaccomplished.
Personally, he's committed tohis family, faith and community.
As a former elected towncouncilman for Apex and now Wake
County soil and watersupervisor, scott knows what it
takes to foster partnerships andcreate positive results, united
by a common goal.
Scott is a public servant andunderstands that holding office
(14:16):
is hard work and that the stakesare high for his community.
With Wake County urbanizing ata rapid rate, scott will support
policy programming and resourceallocations that ensures the
opportunity for success iswithin reach for everyone.
Scott has worked to support thefamily farmer, increase efforts
in agricultural, technical andenvironmental education and
(14:37):
clean up illegal dumping whenhe's been soil and water
conservation district supervisor.
He also believes that thegovernment can't solve every
problem alone.
He knows our community'sstrength is everyone's
responsibility and will seek topartner with business leaders,
universities, schools andmunicipalities in supporting
policies that are best fordistrict 13.
Public education Scott believesNorth Carolina's schools should
(15:00):
be the pride of the nation.
He knows firsthand that inorder to make that happen the
state has to do more to fund therecruitment and retention of
the best talent to serve ourstudents.
Those professionals have to beequipped with excellent
curriculum resources, fairlycompensated and given the
respect they deserve, whetherthey be a bus driver, a teacher,
a nurse, a custodian or theprincipal.
(15:21):
Schools have to be a safe placefor students to learn and for
staff to work.
Scott knows counselors, socialworkers, administrators and
school resource officers havetheir place.
But he won't shy away from thereal problem for some of our
students A lack of parentalinvolvement and support.
Traditional public schools holda special place in Scott's
heart.
He knows the vast majority ofschool children in North
(15:42):
Carolina will attend publicschools and their success
directly contributes to thesuccess of our state.
He also understands that everychild is unique and parents, not
politicians, should have theultimate say in a child's
education.
That's why Scott wants toempower traditional public
schools with charter school-likeflexibility and give parents
options to best serve theirstudents.
(16:03):
Scott knows that educators mustbe compensated at a level that
attracts the best and brightestand that keeps them in the field
.
If they are effective.
Teachers need to be able toteach students.
Teachers need to be able toteach and students need to be
able to learn.
Scott believes discipline isrequired for that to happen.
Scott has a problem withstudents who aren't passing
basic competency standards beingroutinely promoted to the next
(16:25):
grade level only to fall furtherbehind.
He believes students should betaught the truth about America
that it is not without flaws butremains the best hope for
freedom, democracy andopportunity in the world.
As a former American historyteacher, he's done just that and
empowered students to maketheir world a better place.
He sees students being labeledwith pseudo-disabilities and
(16:45):
given excuses to fail that areoutside of their control,
instead of being challenged toreach their full potential.
Scott knows that each child,regardless of color, creed,
national origin, socioeconomicstatus or any other
categorization, is uniquelycapable in the right environment
.
Understanding that NorthCarolina and Wake County
continue to attract high-payingcareers, scott wants to ensure
(17:07):
that our students graduate withthe skills necessary to access
them.
Infrastructure the governmenthas some basic functions.
However, scott has seen somepolicymakers spend so much time
attempting to solve everysocietal issue that they forget
their primary responsibilities.
Infrastructure is chief amongstthem.
Transportation systems likeroads, highways, ports, rail
(17:28):
lines and airports are hugelyimportant to our state and
community.
North Carolina was once knownas the good road state.
Today, that almost sounds likea joke when you see the traffic
and congestion in our district.
Roads and other infrastructuremust be improved before they
become clogged from newdevelopment.
Not years later, scott is readyto get back to the basics to
ensure that we have excellenttransportation systems, access
(17:51):
to safe and affordable utilitiesand properly maintain public
property.
Scott believes thatinfrastructure isn't limited to
physical resources.
He understands that humanresources have to be supported
to Public safety.
Professionals like firefighters, emts and police are deserving
of our support and appreciation.
Our community wouldn't functionwithout roads, sewers, power or
(18:13):
bridges, and it certainlywouldn't function without public
safety professionals there toanswer our calls.
Investing in our publicservants compensation package,
training and equipment won'tjust be a talking point for
Scott.
It will be a priority Economicopportunity.
The economic issues facing WakeCounty are different from those
facing other parts of the state.
We have job openings, but wehave to make sure they are
(18:35):
attainable for those alreadyliving here.
Our young people needopportunities waiting for them
when they graduate.
Schools, community colleges andour universities must partner
with employers to ensure thatstudents have the skills needed
for the jobs of tomorrow.
Scott is concerned that as ourproperty values rise, so do our
property taxes.
He wants to ensure thatmunicipal and county taxing
(18:56):
authorities are truthful withtheir citizens when property
values are reassessed andincreased.
That increases a homeowner'stax bill.
This slight of hand trick goeson far too often and allows
elected officials to raise yourtaxes with limited
accountability.
Scott fully believes that it'snot the government's place to
create jobs or choose winnersand losers in business.
(19:16):
Instead, he wants thegovernment to foster an
environment where innovation isrewarded and success is
accessible to all.
About Scott Upbringing andFamily.
Scott was born at Wake Med inRaleigh and raised in Apex,
north Carolina.
He attended Apex Elementary,middle and High Schools.
His parents are both WakeCounty natives and from Raleigh,
and Henry Ronnie Laster fromGarner.
(19:38):
Scott's brother lives nearHolly Springs.
Education Scott graduated fromNC State with a bachelor's
degree in political science witha concentration in secondary
social studies education.
While teaching social studiesat East Wake Middle School,
scott attended night school atNC Central University and earned
a master's degree in schooladministration.
He obtained his educationalspecialist license from NC State
(20:01):
and successfully defended hisdissertation, earning his
doctorate in educationalleadership from NC State in
December of 2023.
Professional, scott holds an NCsuperintendent's license,
principal license and aprofessional teaching license.
Scott enjoyed his years in theclassroom, but has moved on to a
role where he can have moreinfluence over the entire
student body as an assistantprincipal in the Wake County
(20:23):
public school system.
Previously, he worked as ateacher and administrator at
comprehensive middle schools inNorth Raleigh and Nightdale
before being tapped to help openWCPSS's newest and most
innovative alternative middleschool in 2018, a position he
currently holds.
Scott was also a foundingpartner in a technology startup
company located in CaryGovernment Experience.
(20:46):
Scott is the vice chairman ofthe Wake County Soil and Water
Conservation District Board ofSupervisors.
He's also a president of theArea for Association of Soil and
Water Conservation Districts.
That includes Wake, johnston,durham, granville, vance,
franklin, halifax, nash Wilsonand Edgecomb counties.
Scott served as an Apex TownCouncilman for four years, from
(21:09):
2011 to 2015, where he chairedthe budget and planning
committees and was the liaisonto the Parks Department.
He was a Parks, recreation andCultural Resources Advisory
Commissioner from 2006 to 2011.
Scott has been a board memberand is currently the president
of the McGregor Downs HomeownersAssociation.
He serves as the WCPSS Divisionof Principles and Assistant
(21:32):
Principles liaison to the NorthCarolina General Assembly.
Scott serves on the board ofdirectors for Kids Together Park
for children of all abilitiesin Cary.
Lastly, he is the founder andpresident of the Lasseter
Education Foundation, aregistered nonprofit that
supports at-risk area studentswith extracurricular fee support
and scholarships.
(21:53):
Environmental Advocacy Scottrecognizes that the Board of
Supervisors for the Wake CountySoil and Water Conservation
District has a tough job.
The Board of Supervisors doesnot have regulatory authority,
thus advocacy is paramount.
Scott works to developcollaborative and collegial
relationships among landowners,farmers, homeowners, government
(22:14):
agencies, school and businessesto support, incentivize,
encourage, fund and educate onthe important topic of soil and
water resource conservationTrust.
Scott is not a professionalpolitician, but he is a
professional publicadministrator.
His education and experience inleadership, collaboration,
communication and fiscalmanagement of public funds help
(22:35):
him daily in his elected role.
Scott believes in holdingpublic servants accountable and
isn't afraid to stand up forwhat is right.
He is a strong coalitionbuilder who knows how to get
things done.
Interest Scott enjoys time withhis family, friends and his
rescue dog, ace.
He loves spending time outdoors, whether it be active or
passive recreation.
He feels at home on a golfcourse, mowing a field on a
(22:58):
tractor or just wandering a path.
He is an avid reader ofnonfiction and is fascinated by
the lessons that can be learnedfrom extraordinary leaders like
President Lincoln.
Scott loves education and isconfident that through knowledge
and teamwork nearly allproblems can be solved.
And he has pictures in a photogallery here Endorsements.
So Scott is proud of theendorsements and support he's
(23:21):
received from elected officialsand community leaders featured
here, but he's most excitedabout earning your vote on
Election Day.
If you're interested inendorsing Scott, please let him
know and you can click thebutton.
But he is endorsed by formerWake County Sheriff Donnie
Harrison, who's retired.
The NC Highway Patrol he's alsoretired from.
He's endorsed by formerCongresswoman Renee Elmers, a
(23:44):
Republican in North Carolina.
He's endorsed by Colonel AlanSwain, a US Army retired
Republican congressionalcandidate, past chairman of the
Wake County GOP and founder ofNorth Carolina Asian American
Coalition.
He is endorsed by Colonel MarkCavalero of the US Marine Corps
he's also retired.
(24:04):
He's also former GOP candidatefor NC Senate, former Wake GOP
first vice chair.
He is endorsed by Commander RonSmith of the US Navy he's also
retired, and he's also formercandidate NC of the NC House,
north Carolina JudicialStandards Commission member.
He's endorsed by Molly Sears,who's a registered nurse who's
(24:28):
retired.
She's also the wife of lateHolly Springs Mayor, dick Sears.
Scott Lassiter is endorsed byBrooke Matthews.
He's a Harnett County, northCarolina commissioner and deputy
superintendent for HarnettCounty Schools.
He's endorsed by Phil Matthews,garner Town Councilman, a
former Wake County Board ofCommissioners Chairman and
Vietnam veteran.
(24:49):
He's endorsed by Robert Broly,former North Carolina House
representative, gop candidatefor the current NC Commissioner
of Insurance and author.
He's endorsed by Kerry TownCouncilman Jack Smith.
He's been Kerry's TownCouncilman from 1989 to the
present and he's also former USArmy Calvary Captain.
(25:10):
He's endorsed by CWA PoliticalAction Committee police officer
Antony Thomas, general JR Gorum,retired National Guard of North
Carolina, north Carolina,commissioner of Juvenile Justice
, town of Curnersville Alderman.
He's an author, motivationalspeaker, first African American
general in North CarolinaNational Guard history.
(25:30):
He's endorsed by Staff SergeantRetired Charles Eggleston of
the US Army.
He's a Purple Heart recipient,bronze Star recipient, iraq
Combat Veteran, NFL Hall ofHeroes inductee, blue Star
Families Board member andadvocate for improved treatment
of injured service members atWalter Reed Hospital.
He's endorsed by Grass RootsNorth Carolina, a premier
(25:53):
advocacy group for the SecondAmendment and the Rights of Law
abiding gun owners.
Actually, it says, though thisorganization does not endorse
last year earned a perfect 100%score and their top four star
rating on gun rights issues.
He is endorsed by the CoolidgeProject, the Calvin Coolidge
Project.
It's a conservative, grassrootsorganization seeking to promote
(26:15):
the ideals of free markets,liberties, civility,
self-discipline, morality and apeaceful American presence in
the world to inspire timidhearts and minds to fiercely
defend individual freedoms.
And lastly, he is endorsed byCarolina Teachers Alliance.
Carolina Teachers AllianceVotes is a political action
committee of the CarolinaTeachers Alliance, the foremost
(26:38):
advocacy and professional grouprepresenting educators in North
Carolina and South Carolina.
Their vision is an unbiased,academically sound education for
all children.
Cta Votes is dedicated toendorsing and supporting
candidates who they believe willprioritize protecting public
education from political andsocial agendas.
(26:58):
He does have an event coming up.
It's the Embers Live andConcert.
It's live music, light food,drink and you can meet Scott
Lassiter, who's running for NCSenate, district 13, and enjoy
an evening of beach music.
It's February 21st 2024.
Doors open at 6.30 at McGregorDowns Country Club.
It is free with RSVP.
(27:20):
He does have some videos andagain the press release that I
read earlier.
The videos one is on Scott'slatest ad on public safety and
rising crime in our community.
Another is you can view it fora nuanced and thoughtful
discussion about Scott's visionfor NC, hosted by Brian Smith,
former paratrooper, localbusinessman of IWatch, security
(27:42):
owner and a part-time podcaster.
Scott is excited to announcehis candidacy for the North
Carolina Senate.
There are places where you cancontribute and contact him as
well.
There's a store and then thereare resources and education.
He lists out election resourcesabout soil and water districts,
drinking water information,federal programs, legislative
(28:03):
website, wake County Soil andWater, state programs, parks and
open space, links in thevarious municipalities and
education foundation.
To talk more about the LassiterEducation Foundation, one of the
things that I saw just lookinghim up on the first page of
Google was that he named andsued House Speaker Tim Moore in
an alienation of a affectionlawsuit, claiming that their
(28:26):
affair destroyed the Laster'smarriage.
He also claimed that HouseSpeaker Tim Moore traded sex for
political favors.
They ended up settling out ofcourt.
Looking at Ballopedia, he didanswer the questionnaire there,
so that's ballotpedia.
org and you can look up Scottthere.
(28:46):
That says that he's a member ofthe Wake Soil and Water
Conservation District in NorthCarolina.
He assumed office on December7th of 2020.
His current term ends onDecember 2nd of this year.
Leaning into campaign financeinformation, ballotpedia did
have his information there andit says the 2024 election.
From January of last year toDecember 31st of this year, he
(29:11):
has had a total of $10,665 incontributions.
Number of unique contributorsis 36.
The total expenditures is$7,384.
And the number of unique paysis 20.
And then he also put a loan infor himself for $50,000 as well.
And again, he did answer.
(29:32):
If you scroll down towards theend of the ballotpedia, there's
a candidate connection survey.
He did answer all of those.
Are a number of questions there, so I'm not going to read
through all of them.
You can if you'd like.
He did participate in our NorthCarolina deep dive voters guide
.
He actually answered within thefirst 24 hours, so that was
pretty cool to see howresponsive he was.
(29:53):
There is information on WRAL'svoter guide for him as well.
I am not seeing Indy's 2024primary election voter guide for
North Carolina Senate District13.
It says this is a Republicanprimary.
The candidates are Vicky Harryand Scott Lassiter.
Indy Week is not making anendorsement in this race.
(30:14):
Scott did answer the candidatequestionnaire for Indy Week.
There are 13 questions herethat he's answered, so he has
been responsive.
You can definitely look up thatinformation.
But that brings to an end whatI found on a basic Google search
for both Vicky Harry and ScottLassiter for North Carolina
State Senate District 13.
(30:36):
Democracy is a foundation of allwe 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
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
(30:59):
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
(31:23):
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.
(31:44):
Each area in Wake County hasall the possible ballots.
For Wake County Election day,they will only have the ballot
that corresponds directly tothat 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
(32:07):
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
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
(32:29):
2024 primary election at www.
ncdeepdive.
com, apple Podcasts, spotifyAudible 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.
(32:52):
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.
I also consciously chose toarrange the Voters Guide
(33:14):
starting at the end of theballot.
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 maycontact us via social media or
our email at ncdeepdive@ gmail.
com.
Thank you for engaging withthis episode and becoming a more
(33:35):
informed citizen.
Democracy is a team sport.
Together we make democracy workand our communities a better
place to work, play and live.
Your vote matters.
Your voice matters.
You matter.
Until next time, my friendsNamaste.
The love and light in me seesand honors the love and light in
(33:56):
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's 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.
Starting with the NC StateSenate race for District 13, we
(01:57):
have two candidates, the firstof which is Vicki Harry, the
second of which is ScottLassiter.
We are going to go ahead andstart with Vicki Harry Doing a
Google search.
Really, the only thing ofimportance that I saw was her
campaign page.
Taking a look at that, which isVicki with an I Vicki Harry,
the Y VickiHarryNC.
(02:17):
com shows a picture of her infront of the General Assembly
building and says for familiesand freedom.
As a mother, grandmother, formerteacher and small business
owner, vicki has years ofexperience that have prepared
her to serve the people andfamilies of Southern Wake County
, senate District 13.
(02:37):
She has three priorities listed, the first of which is the
economy, and it states Bideneconomics isn't working for
America or the families of WakeCounty.
As a business owner, Iunderstand the challenges of
signing the front of a paycheckand have firsthand experience
with how the failed policies ofthe Biden administration have
(02:58):
impacted small businesses andour families.
For our families to thrive, weneed a robust economy.
As your next state senator, Iwill strive to cut taxes, reduce
regulations and providebusinesses with the breathing
room they need to create wellpaying jobs.
For education, she says.
As a mother, grandmother andformer educator, education holds
(03:20):
significant importance to me.
What we teach our children willshape the trajectory of our
nation.
I support parents' right tochoose the best education option
for their family.
Tax dollars should not funddivisive rhetoric in our public
schools.
Our schools need to prioritizethe basics.
As your next state senator, Iwill address these issues and
(03:40):
restore control of our schoolsto the parents.
Her third priority isinfrastructure, where she states
Southern Wake County and manyother areas of North Carolina
are experiencing rapid growth.
To keep pace with thisexpansion, we require innovative
solutions to enhance ourinfrastructure.
This involves securing fundingfor road projects and ensuring
(04:03):
our municipalities have theresources necessary for adequate
public safety.
There are some pictures of herand her husband and their
grandchildren and a blurb aboutVicki Harry, and it states Vicki
Harry is a wife, mother,grandmother and small business
owner who embodies a life filledwith diverse experiences and a
commitment to her community.
(04:24):
Born and raised in Maryland, sheattended Towson State
University, where she earned adegree in community health
education.
After graduating, she taughthealth education at a public
middle school and coachedbasketball.
Vicki and her husband, paul,married in 1988.
In 1997, vicki and her familyrelocated to North Carolina
where she continued to teach,which has always been one of her
(04:46):
passions.
Vicki taught a variety ofsubjects, including chemistry,
yearbook, math, bible andhistory at Wake Christian
Academy for seven years.
During this time, she not onlycoached basketball for four
years, but also served as thedirector of development,
coordinating fundraisingbanquets, volunteers and events.
Her passion for community andentrepreneurship took a bold
(05:10):
step when she ventured into theworld of business.
In January 2013, vicki openedThanks-a-latte Coffee and Gift
Boutique in Holly Springs, northCarolina, and later expanded
with a second location in Andrewin December of 2022.
Beyond her professionalendeavors, vicki's heart for
service reached globalproportions.
She embarked on numerousmission trips, serving on
(05:33):
evangelism teams, medical teamsand speaking for women's
ministry teams in Ecuador, italyand Austria.
This global perspectivereflects Vicki's commitment to
making a positive impact onlives both near and far.
Vicki and her husband Paul havethree married children and nine
grandchildren, ranging in agesfrom nine to two, all living
(05:54):
close by in Wake County.
Committed to our community, shewrites like many of you, I am
deeply concerned about thedirection our country is headed.
I often think about my ninebeautiful grandchildren and the
world we will leave behind forthem.
In order for North Carolina tocontinue being a prosperous
state, we need honest leadershipin Raleigh, leaders who possess
integrity, humility and passion.
(06:15):
We need leaders who prioritizeour families and defend the
freedoms we hold dear.
In 2013, when I started mycompany, it was a thrilling and
challenging experience.
Every day I am grateful I tookthat leap of faith.
Over the years, I havefirsthand experience with the
impact of regulations, inflation, supply shortages and other
challenges on an otherwisegrowing and successful business.
(06:38):
Like many other entrepreneursand business owners, we were
forced to close our doors duringthe COVID pandemic and quickly
shift our operations.
Unfortunately, many NorthCarolinians are still suffering
the consequences of thoseshutdowns and our children have
paid a heavy price.
School closures have led tolearning loss and our children
are now behind.
(06:58):
More than ever, it is time toget our state back on track.
Through my shop, I have had theopportunity to meet and learn
from our community here in WakeCounty.
Every day I interact withcommunity members, including
mothers, teachers, doctors,engineers, students and many
others.
Each of these individualsdeserves a strong and vibrant
North Carolina.
As your next state senator, Ipromise to think of your family
(07:21):
as I do my own.
I pledge to meet the challengesof our state head-on and to
create open and honest dialogue.
I humbly ask for you to voteVicki on Tuesday, march 5th, for
families and freedom Vicki.
She also lists her endorsements.
So the endorsements for VickiHarry include Lieutenant
Governor Mark Robinson, who isrunning for governor this year,
(07:45):
holly Springs Mayor SeanMayefskie, representative Erin
Pare and she has a quote herethat Erin said there's no
question that Vicki is, handsdown, the right person for this
job.
Vicki is a local small businessowner, former teacher, mother,
grandmother and wife.
She is smart, tough,conservative and very qualified.
This is a winnable seat forRepublicans in 2024, and Vicki
(08:08):
is the only candidate that canwin in November.
She was also endorsed by AFPNorth Carolina and she is
supported by Senator VickiSawyer, senator Amy Galley,
representative Erin Paray andSenator Joyce Crawley.
Looking up on Ballopedia, vickidid not answer their
(08:30):
questionnaire and they did nothave her financial contributions
listed there.
I was able to look up herfinancial contributions via the
North Carolina State Board ofElections website and she loaned
$1,000 to the campaign.
She has received $425 inaggregated contributions from
(08:53):
individuals and that looks to becontributions of about $25 or
less and then contributions fromindividuals.
She is looking at a total ofthis election of $10,903.95, for
a total of $12,329.12 thiselection.
(09:13):
I did somewhat of a quicksearch.
She did not fill out thequestionnaire survey for Indie
Week.
I had reached out to her forthe NC Deep Dive Voters Guide.
I never received a responsefrom her about that and WRAL
does have some information, butthat was pulled pretty much from
her website.
(09:34):
Moving on to Scott Lassiter, hiswebsite is votescottlassiter.
com.
The very first page says DrScott Lassiter, north Carolina
Senate, district 13, includingcommunities in Apex, cary,
fairview, fuquay varina, Garner,holly Springs, Knightdale,
raleigh and Swift Creek.
(09:55):
Wake Soil and Water DistrictSupervisor.
Scott Lassiter is running forthe North Carolina Senate, where
he will attack problems, notpeople.
Your contribution is anopportunity to help Scott spread
his message of common sense,optimistic conservatism.
There is a press release thatannounced his campaign and that
he was going to be running forthis office and it says for
(10:18):
immediate release December 4,2023, wake Soil and Water
Supervisor, scott Lassiter,files for NC SNP.
Lifelong Wake County resident,public school assistant
principal and current countywideelected official, scott
Lassiter, has officially filedfor NC Senate, district 13.
Lassiter was the firstcandidate to file for any office
at the Wake County Board ofElections.
(10:39):
The district includes areas ofApex, cary, fairview, Fuquay
Varina, garner, holly Springs,raleigh, swift Creek, willow
Springs and other unincorporatedparts of Wake County.
Lassiter previously served fouryears on the Apex Town Council
before his election to thecurrent post as Wake County Soil
and Water District Supervisor.
He has volunteered extensivelyin his community as his HOA
(11:01):
president, a member of the boardof directors for Kids Together
Playground and as the presidentand founder of the Lassiter
Education Foundation for thebenefit of at-risk students.
Lassiter also ran briefly in aprimary for the NC House in 2022
, but suspended his campaignafter a court-ordered
redistricting plan placed him ina district with another
qualified Republican candidatealready running.
(11:23):
Lasseter has already garneredmany supporters in the community
, including that of former WakeCounty Sheriff Donnie Harrison.
Lassiter said I've seenfirsthand how important it is to
get these policies right andhow destructive they can be when
it's done wrong.
I've had to tell a parent thattheir child was a victim of a
drug overdose.
I've taken the blows in ourschool system, both figuratively
(11:44):
and literally.
I've been in charge ofinfrastructure development.
I've championed job growth andseen how economic opportunity
changes the trajectories ofentire families for generations.
He continued.
My family has called this areahome for over 100 years and I am
proud to continue with the samepassion for responsible
government in the North CarolinaSenate that I've had serving in
(12:06):
both municipal and countygovernments.
He has a countdown to theelection which the March 5th
primary is fast approaching andwe're ready to win, it says.
And the current countdown is 17days, four hours, 54 minutes
and seven seconds, though thisis the early voting period, so
you can vote early between nowand March 2nd.
(12:26):
His platform values you believein.
Scott is a lifelong Wake Countyresident who believes in the
great people here.
He has the experience,education and the dedication to
collaboratively work to solveproblems and protect our growing
country.
He firmly believes that ourcommunity's best days are ahead.
As a proven fighter, scottbelieves that government's role
is to serve the people, not theother way around.
(12:48):
Unfortunately, he has seen toomany of today's leaders become
beholden to a few powerfulindividuals and ignoring the
needs of their constituents.
He won't stand for that.
Scott knows that thelegislature needs cleaning up
and he's laser focused onamplifying the voice of ordinary
hardworking people in the NorthCarolina Senate.
Transparency Scott believes thattransparency from all elected
(13:09):
and appointed governmentofficials is crucial and serves
as the cornerstone of democraticgovernance.
The work of legislators shouldbe done in the open, similar to
other government bodies.
Communications betweenconstituents, lobbyists and
legislators should be subject topublic and press inspection.
Scott knows that transparencyby elected officials serves to
(13:30):
increase their accountability,improve the public's trust in
their government and can preventcorruption.
He looks forward to workingwith an informed electorate that
is participatory and promises aresponsive and professional
culture for all from his office,regardless of ideological
differences.
Serving the community, scottbelieves in servant leadership.
Professionally, as a publicschool administrator, he walks
(13:53):
shoulder to shoulder with hisstudents, parents and staff to
ensure common goals areaccomplished.
Personally, he's committed tohis family, faith and community.
As a former elected towncouncilman for Apex and now Wake
County soil and watersupervisor, scott knows what it
takes to foster partnerships andcreate positive results, united
by a common goal.
Scott is a public servant andunderstands that holding office
(14:16):
is hard work and that the stakesare high for his community.
With Wake County urbanizing ata rapid rate, scott will support
policy programming and resourceallocations that ensures the
opportunity for success iswithin reach for everyone.
Scott has worked to support thefamily farmer, increase efforts
in agricultural, technical andenvironmental education and
(14:37):
clean up illegal dumping whenhe's been soil and water
conservation district supervisor.
He also believes that thegovernment can't solve every
problem alone.
He knows our community'sstrength is everyone's
responsibility and will seek topartner with business leaders,
universities, schools andmunicipalities in supporting
policies that are best fordistrict 13.
Public education Scott believesNorth Carolina's schools should
(15:00):
be the pride of the nation.
He knows firsthand that inorder to make that happen the
state has to do more to fund therecruitment and retention of
the best talent to serve ourstudents.
Those professionals have to beequipped with excellent
curriculum resources, fairlycompensated and given the
respect they deserve, whetherthey be a bus driver, a teacher,
a nurse, a custodian or theprincipal.
(15:21):
Schools have to be a safe placefor students to learn and for
staff to work.
Scott knows counselors, socialworkers, administrators and
school resource officers havetheir place.
But he won't shy away from thereal problem for some of our
students A lack of parentalinvolvement and support.
Traditional public schools holda special place in Scott's
heart.
He knows the vast majority ofschool children in North
(15:42):
Carolina will attend publicschools and their success
directly contributes to thesuccess of our state.
He also understands that everychild is unique and parents, not
politicians, should have theultimate say in a child's
education.
That's why Scott wants toempower traditional public
schools with charter school-likeflexibility and give parents
options to best serve theirstudents.
(16:03):
Scott knows that educators mustbe compensated at a level that
attracts the best and brightestand that keeps them in the field
.
If they are effective.
Teachers need to be able toteach students.
Teachers need to be able toteach and students need to be
able to learn.
Scott believes discipline isrequired for that to happen.
Scott has a problem withstudents who aren't passing
basic competency standards beingroutinely promoted to the next
(16:25):
grade level only to fall furtherbehind.
He believes students should betaught the truth about America
that it is not without flaws butremains the best hope for
freedom, democracy andopportunity in the world.
As a former American historyteacher, he's done just that and
empowered students to maketheir world a better place.
He sees students being labeledwith pseudo-disabilities and
(16:45):
given excuses to fail that areoutside of their control,
instead of being challenged toreach their full potential.
Scott knows that each child,regardless of color, creed,
national origin, socioeconomicstatus or any other
categorization, is uniquelycapable in the right environment
.
Understanding that NorthCarolina and Wake County
continue to attract high-payingcareers, scott wants to ensure
(17:07):
that our students graduate withthe skills necessary to access
them.
Infrastructure the governmenthas some basic functions.
However, scott has seen somepolicymakers spend so much time
attempting to solve everysocietal issue that they forget
their primary responsibilities.
Infrastructure is chief amongstthem.
Transportation systems likeroads, highways, ports, rail
(17:28):
lines and airports are hugelyimportant to our state and
community.
North Carolina was once knownas the good road state.
Today, that almost sounds likea joke when you see the traffic
and congestion in our district.
Roads and other infrastructuremust be improved before they
become clogged from newdevelopment.
Not years later, scott is readyto get back to the basics to
ensure that we have excellenttransportation systems, access
(17:51):
to safe and affordable utilitiesand properly maintain public
property.
Scott believes thatinfrastructure isn't limited to
physical resources.
He understands that humanresources have to be supported
to Public safety.
Professionals like firefighters, emts and police are deserving
of our support and appreciation.
Our community wouldn't functionwithout roads, sewers, power or
(18:13):
bridges, and it certainlywouldn't function without public
safety professionals there toanswer our calls.
Investing in our publicservants compensation package,
training and equipment won'tjust be a talking point for
Scott.
It will be a priority Economicopportunity.
The economic issues facing WakeCounty are different from those
facing other parts of the state.
We have job openings, but wehave to make sure they are
(18:35):
attainable for those alreadyliving here.
Our young people needopportunities waiting for them
when they graduate.
Schools, community colleges andour universities must partner
with employers to ensure thatstudents have the skills needed
for the jobs of tomorrow.
Scott is concerned that as ourproperty values rise, so do our
property taxes.
He wants to ensure thatmunicipal and county taxing
(18:56):
authorities are truthful withtheir citizens when property
values are reassessed andincreased.
That increases a homeowner'stax bill.
This slight of hand trick goeson far too often and allows
elected officials to raise yourtaxes with limited
accountability.
Scott fully believes that it'snot the government's place to
create jobs or choose winnersand losers in business.
(19:16):
Instead, he wants thegovernment to foster an
environment where innovation isrewarded and success is
accessible to all.
About Scott Upbringing andFamily.
Scott was born at Wake Med inRaleigh and raised in Apex,
north Carolina.
He attended Apex Elementary,middle and High Schools.
His parents are both WakeCounty natives and from Raleigh,
and Henry Ronnie Laster fromGarner.
(19:38):
Scott's brother lives nearHolly Springs.
Education Scott graduated fromNC State with a bachelor's
degree in political science witha concentration in secondary
social studies education.
While teaching social studiesat East Wake Middle School,
scott attended night school atNC Central University and earned
a master's degree in schooladministration.
He obtained his educationalspecialist license from NC State
(20:01):
and successfully defended hisdissertation, earning his
doctorate in educationalleadership from NC State in
December of 2023.
Professional, scott holds an NCsuperintendent's license,
principal license and aprofessional teaching license.
Scott enjoyed his years in theclassroom, but has moved on to a
role where he can have moreinfluence over the entire
student body as an assistantprincipal in the Wake County
(20:23):
public school system.
Previously, he worked as ateacher and administrator at
comprehensive middle schools inNorth Raleigh and Nightdale
before being tapped to help openWCPSS's newest and most
innovative alternative middleschool in 2018, a position he
currently holds.
Scott was also a foundingpartner in a technology startup
company located in CaryGovernment Experience.
(20:46):
Scott is the vice chairman ofthe Wake County Soil and Water
Conservation District Board ofSupervisors.
He's also a president of theArea for Association of Soil and
Water Conservation Districts.
That includes Wake, johnston,durham, granville, vance,
franklin, halifax, nash Wilsonand Edgecomb counties.
Scott served as an Apex TownCouncilman for four years, from
(21:09):
2011 to 2015, where he chairedthe budget and planning
committees and was the liaisonto the Parks Department.
He was a Parks, recreation andCultural Resources Advisory
Commissioner from 2006 to 2011.
Scott has been a board memberand is currently the president
of the McGregor Downs HomeownersAssociation.
He serves as the WCPSS Divisionof Principles and Assistant
(21:32):
Principles liaison to the NorthCarolina General Assembly.
Scott serves on the board ofdirectors for Kids Together Park
for children of all abilitiesin Cary.
Lastly, he is the founder andpresident of the Lasseter
Education Foundation, aregistered nonprofit that
supports at-risk area studentswith extracurricular fee support
and scholarships.
(21:53):
Environmental Advocacy Scottrecognizes that the Board of
Supervisors for the Wake CountySoil and Water Conservation
District has a tough job.
The Board of Supervisors doesnot have regulatory authority,
thus advocacy is paramount.
Scott works to developcollaborative and collegial
relationships among landowners,farmers, homeowners, government
(22:14):
agencies, school and businessesto support, incentivize,
encourage, fund and educate onthe important topic of soil and
water resource conservationTrust.
Scott is not a professionalpolitician, but he is a
professional publicadministrator.
His education and experience inleadership, collaboration,
communication and fiscalmanagement of public funds help
(22:35):
him daily in his elected role.
Scott believes in holdingpublic servants accountable and
isn't afraid to stand up forwhat is right.
He is a strong coalitionbuilder who knows how to get
things done.
Interest Scott enjoys time withhis family, friends and his
rescue dog, ace.
He loves spending time outdoors, whether it be active or
passive recreation.
He feels at home on a golfcourse, mowing a field on a
(22:58):
tractor or just wandering a path.
He is an avid reader ofnonfiction and is fascinated by
the lessons that can be learnedfrom extraordinary leaders like
President Lincoln.
Scott loves education and isconfident that through knowledge
and teamwork nearly allproblems can be solved.
And he has pictures in a photogallery here Endorsements.
So Scott is proud of theendorsements and support he's
(23:21):
received from elected officialsand community leaders featured
here, but he's most excitedabout earning your vote on
Election Day.
If you're interested inendorsing Scott, please let him
know and you can click thebutton.
But he is endorsed by formerWake County Sheriff Donnie
Harrison, who's retired.
The NC Highway Patrol he's alsoretired from.
He's endorsed by formerCongresswoman Renee Elmers, a
(23:44):
Republican in North Carolina.
He's endorsed by Colonel AlanSwain, a US Army retired
Republican congressionalcandidate, past chairman of the
Wake County GOP and founder ofNorth Carolina Asian American
Coalition.
He is endorsed by Colonel MarkCavalero of the US Marine Corps
he's also retired.
(24:04):
He's also former GOP candidatefor NC Senate, former Wake GOP
first vice chair.
He is endorsed by Commander RonSmith of the US Navy he's also
retired, and he's also formercandidate NC of the NC House,
north Carolina JudicialStandards Commission member.
He's endorsed by Molly Sears,who's a registered nurse who's
(24:28):
retired.
She's also the wife of lateHolly Springs Mayor, dick Sears.
Scott Lassiter is endorsed byBrooke Matthews.
He's a Harnett County, northCarolina commissioner and deputy
superintendent for HarnettCounty Schools.
He's endorsed by Phil Matthews,garner Town Councilman, a
former Wake County Board ofCommissioners Chairman and
Vietnam veteran.
(24:49):
He's endorsed by Robert Broly,former North Carolina House
representative, gop candidatefor the current NC Commissioner
of Insurance and author.
He's endorsed by Kerry TownCouncilman Jack Smith.
He's been Kerry's TownCouncilman from 1989 to the
present and he's also former USArmy Calvary Captain.
(25:10):
He's endorsed by CWA PoliticalAction Committee police officer
Antony Thomas, general JR Gorum,retired National Guard of North
Carolina, north Carolina,commissioner of Juvenile Justice
, town of Curnersville Alderman.
He's an author, motivationalspeaker, first African American
general in North CarolinaNational Guard history.
(25:30):
He's endorsed by Staff SergeantRetired Charles Eggleston of
the US Army.
He's a Purple Heart recipient,bronze Star recipient, iraq
Combat Veteran, NFL Hall ofHeroes inductee, blue Star
Families Board member andadvocate for improved treatment
of injured service members atWalter Reed Hospital.
He's endorsed by Grass RootsNorth Carolina, a premier
(25:53):
advocacy group for the SecondAmendment and the Rights of Law
abiding gun owners.
Actually, it says, though thisorganization does not endorse
last year earned a perfect 100%score and their top four star
rating on gun rights issues.
He is endorsed by the CoolidgeProject, the Calvin Coolidge
Project.
It's a conservative, grassrootsorganization seeking to promote
(26:15):
the ideals of free markets,liberties, civility,
self-discipline, morality and apeaceful American presence in
the world to inspire timidhearts and minds to fiercely
defend individual freedoms.
And lastly, he is endorsed byCarolina Teachers Alliance.
Carolina Teachers AllianceVotes is a political action
committee of the CarolinaTeachers Alliance, the foremost
(26:38):
advocacy and professional grouprepresenting educators in North
Carolina and South Carolina.
Their vision is an unbiased,academically sound education for
all children.
Cta Votes is dedicated toendorsing and supporting
candidates who they believe willprioritize protecting public
education from political andsocial agendas.
(26:58):
He does have an event coming up.
It's the Embers Live andConcert.
It's live music, light food,drink and you can meet Scott
Lassiter, who's running for NCSenate, district 13, and enjoy
an evening of beach music.
It's February 21st 2024.
Doors open at 6.30 at McGregorDowns Country Club.
It is free with RSVP.
(27:20):
He does have some videos andagain the press release that I
read earlier.
The videos one is on Scott'slatest ad on public safety and
rising crime in our community.
Another is you can view it fora nuanced and thoughtful
discussion about Scott's visionfor NC, hosted by Brian Smith,
former paratrooper, localbusinessman of IWatch, security
(27:42):
owner and a part-time podcaster.
Scott is excited to announcehis candidacy for the North
Carolina Senate.
There are places where you cancontribute and contact him as
well.
There's a store and then thereare resources and education.
He lists out election resourcesabout soil and water districts,
drinking water information,federal programs, legislative
(28:03):
website, wake County Soil andWater, state programs, parks and
open space, links in thevarious municipalities and
education foundation.
To talk more about the LassiterEducation Foundation, one of the
things that I saw just lookinghim up on the first page of
Google was that he named andsued House Speaker Tim Moore in
an alienation of a affectionlawsuit, claiming that their
(28:26):
affair destroyed the Laster'smarriage.
He also claimed that HouseSpeaker Tim Moore traded sex for
political favors.
They ended up settling out ofcourt.
Looking at Ballopedia, he didanswer the questionnaire there,
so that's ballotpedia.
org and you can look up Scottthere.
(28:46):
That says that he's a member ofthe Wake Soil and Water
Conservation District in NorthCarolina.
He assumed office on December7th of 2020.
His current term ends onDecember 2nd of this year.
Leaning into campaign financeinformation, ballotpedia did
have his information there andit says the 2024 election.
From January of last year toDecember 31st of this year, he
(29:11):
has had a total of $10,665 incontributions.
Number of unique contributorsis 36.
The total expenditures is$7,384.
And the number of unique paysis 20.
And then he also put a loan infor himself for $50,000 as well.
And again, he did answer.
(29:32):
If you scroll down towards theend of the ballotpedia, there's
a candidate connection survey.
He did answer all of those.
Are a number of questions there, so I'm not going to read
through all of them.
You can if you'd like.
He did participate in our NorthCarolina deep dive voters guide
.
He actually answered within thefirst 24 hours, so that was
pretty cool to see howresponsive he was.
(29:53):
There is information on WRAL'svoter guide for him as well.
I am not seeing Indy's 2024primary election voter guide for
North Carolina Senate District13.
It says this is a Republicanprimary.
The candidates are Vicky Harryand Scott Lassiter.
Indy Week is not making anendorsement in this race.
(30:14):
Scott did answer the candidatequestionnaire for Indy Week.
There are 13 questions herethat he's answered, so he has
been responsive.
You can definitely look up thatinformation.
But that brings to an end whatI found on a basic Google search
for both Vicky Harry and ScottLassiter for North Carolina
State Senate District 13.
(30:36):
Democracy is a foundation of allwe 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
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
(30:59):
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
(31:23):
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.
(31:44):
Each area in Wake County hasall the possible ballots.
For Wake County Election day,they will only have the ballot
that corresponds directly tothat 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
(32:07):
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
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
(32:29):
2024 primary election at www.
ncdeepdive.
com, apple Podcasts, spotifyAudible 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.
(32:52):
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.
I also consciously chose toarrange the Voters Guide
(33:14):
starting at the end of theballot.
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 maycontact us via social media or
our email at ncdeepdive@ gmail.
com.
Thank you for engaging withthis episode and becoming a more
(33:35):
informed citizen.
Democracy is a team sport.
Together we make democracy workand our communities a better
place to work, play and live.
Your vote matters.
Your voice matters.
You matter.
Until next time, my friendsNamaste.
The love and light in me seesand honors the love and light in
(33:56):
you.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!