On Neighbors and Elections

When I set out to write this story, I talked to more than 20 community leaders from Pamlico County (who aren’t on our ballot). Most of them said they were too scared to use their name to respond to this simple question: How do you think people in our county could be affected by the upcoming presidential, gubernatorial and local elections?

Business owners didn’t want to lose customers. Farmers said they were worried their land leases would be in danger if they spoke on the record. People connected to non-profits talked about past death threats due to politics.

The community leaders I spoke to are from the center; some are registered Republicans, some Democrats and a few unaffiliated. Moderate Republicans were the most worried, afraid of retaliation from the far right.

The comments below are from the people who agreed to go on the record — only three people willing to express their views on the future of Pamlico County and the importance of this election.

I believe that, as neighbors, all people in the county have much more in common than political leaders would like us to believe. But how would we know if we’re too scared to talk to one another? Pamlico County is facing tough questions this election year. Silence will not solve them.

From Rod Lee, who is from Arapahoe and “a retired President of TENCARVA Machinery Company, and co-founder, with his wife Dr. Sue Hollowell Lee, of HeartWorks.”

This election includes a very significant decision on public education which impacts all North Carolinians, but especially those in rural areas. Over the past two decades, the NC legislature has eroded the national standing of NC public schools by failing to fund them properly. Average NC teacher salaries have gone from 20th in the nation in 2001-02 to 38th in 2023-24. When adjusted for inflation, North Carolina's average teacher salary has dropped more than 13 percent since 1999, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The U.S. average teacher salary has dropped 1.8 percent in that same time frame. Counties which collect high property taxes can afford to supplement the budgets for their schools at high enough levels to recruit and retain good teachers. Counties with a low tax base, rural counties such as Pamlico, do not have the ability to do that. Lower teacher salaries have resulted in a reduction in the interest in teacher training programs in our state schools. (Down 9% in NC from 2014 to 2023.) (Data from nea.org Educator Pay Data | NEA and Bi.nc.gov Workbook EPP enrollment.)

The inadequate funding has been exacerbated by the transfer of funds (through voucher programs) from public schools to private schools, which are disproportionately located in urban areas. Just this year, Pamlico County Schools had to cut 19 positions (10 of which were teachers and tutors) due to their proposed budget being underfunded. We can only hope that Pamlico County voters will accept the 0.25% sales tax increase (one penny for a $4.00 purchase) which is also on the ballot this election. Commissioners have promised to use the funds generated by the increase for education. Pamlico citizens could also remember to do the bulk of their shopping, when possible, in the County. Sales taxes you pay in New Bern do not benefit Pamlico County Schools.

Though low funding by the legislature is largely responsible for the current problems, in this election the Republican candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction has no administrative experience, home schooled her own children and has described public schools as ‘cesspools’ and ‘indoctrination centers.’ Fortunately, the Democratic candidate, Mo Green, is a proven school administrator with excellent leadership credentials. Among Green’s supporters is the incumbent Republican Superintendent, Catherine Truitt. Need I say more?

Women’s health care is on the ballot as well. State and national elections will determine if a woman will be able to receive the care she and her doctor decide is needed or have her life and health subject to the judgements of legislators. This is, again, more of a problem in a rural area where health care options are already limited and the ability of many to travel hundreds of miles to seek care is non-existent.

From Beth Bucksot, an “engaged Pamlico County resident and local business owner.”

North Carolina is a state with a large number of unaffiliated voters plus a lot of people with independent mindsets who regularly vote across party lines. In many of the past election cycles, North Carolina has voted for a Democrat for Governor and a Republican President or a Republican Governor and a Democrat for President. It seems like both parties underestimate the independent thought process of North Carolinians and those of us from rural areas like Pamlico County. We are pragmatic, we don’t like drama, and we don’t like lies.

Over the years, there has been the appearance of the erosion of this balance of power in favor of overreaching presidential mandates, partisan judges and legislature members on both sides of the aisle.

If Trump were elected, a benefit for our county would be that he would be more likely to reduce the red tape and conflicting regulations that are crippling many businesses and preventing them from growing from a small business to mid-size business or larger. Small business owners seemed to feel safer with his policies.

If Vice President Kamala Harris wins, it will be historic to have the first female president of the United States of America. She would be young enough to run again in four years which might provide some continuity of agenda, which in itself, can lend some stability to our country, to our partners and even enemies in other nations who will know how to better strategize relationships with the US. She may be likely to encourage legislators to invest in affordable housing, schools, infrastructure.

So far, Vice President Harris and President Biden’s strategies seem to be more directed and accessible to larger urban areas rather than small rural areas like Pamlico County. This is also a weakness for most Republican efforts.

Both men (running for N.C. governor) will need to make our state the focus and remove barriers to infrastructure, community and economic development. Both will have to work across party lines if they are to truly serve all North Carolinians.

A “Governor Robinson” may loosen some of the regulatory burdens that impact our small businesses in Pamlico County. A Governor Stein may be able to maintain more continuity of governmental process which may benefit our County. However, tax increases by either party or candidate will hurt an already struggling economic infrastructure.

How the local elections turn out will impact how our County moves forward with strategic planning, increasing local tax base, education/workforce development, economic development and community development.

From Tim Taylor, “a local business owner, husband and father of three.”

In recent years, we’ve seen political campaigns and election dynamics polarize our communities, workplaces, families, and churches, even destroying lifelong friendships.  Affectionately, “Our County” is the place where the land and water meet, and for generations they both have fed us, warmed our homes, and provided jobs.  Whether working the land or navigating the rivers, Pamlico County residents have done this together.  Putting differences aside (Race, Religion, Politics, Gender…etc.), the spirit of our county lands on that one word….Together. 

Only if we allow it, the upcoming elections could cause us to view our neighbors differently, strain relationships, and negatively impact social settings.  On the other hand, we could be more encouraged to get involved in the community, support our neighbors in need, and promote volunteerism in the county that has given us all so much.  We live, work and play in one of the most beautiful and safest places in the world.  However it affects us, it will be something we decide together.  I believe together we’ll decide to put our differences aside again and choose to be better.  

From Merritt Watson, who is a Republican and “a retired minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who believes passionately in a democracy based on the justice and love of God.”

First, I will speak about the presidential election since clearly that is of high importance for all the citizens of Pamlico County.  If Kamala wins, we can expect a peaceful transfer of power which historically has been done and which demonstrates to the world that we are a true democracy. And since some county citizens have made efforts to form a militia and urge citizens to buy guns and ammunition in the event Trump loses, we can fear violence.  The formation of a militia was reported in the County Compass. 

We can also expect a better, more just economy if Kamala wins.  Think about how well the economy is doing now.  That is the result of taking the long view of what has to be done economically as the Biden Administration has. 

I don't think Robertson stands a chance of being elected governor.   While I have had three Kamala signs destroyed, they have not touched my Stein signs.   

In our local elections we have good county citizens running for office.  I wish, however, there were more choices.  

_{You make Down in the County happen.}