Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Wake County Board of Commissioners District 3 in North Carolina — Cheryl Stallings (D) and Irina Comer (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
The county commission functions as the county’s primary legislative and policy-making body. County commissioners are tasked with approving the annual budget and setting the property tax rate, enacting ordinances, and regulating zoning and land use. Wake County has seven commissioners who are elected by district.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Stallings:
- “A healthy and sustainable economy for the people of Wake County. This incudes continued work in Economic Developement as we work to bring good jobs for diverse skill sets throughout the County.”
- “A healthy and sustainable community for all. This includes working to support a robust system of public schools, public health and mental health services, housing affordability, and safe communities.”
- “A healthy and sustainable environment for all. This includes staying on track with the County’s renewable energy goals; continued work in preserving and maintaining our open spaces/green spaces, parks/greenways, and family farms; and staying on track with our long range public transportation goals (which include expanded bus services, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail).”
Comer:
- “Lower taxes. The current Commissioners aim to maximize revenue through taxes and then look for things to spend it on. That approach leads to inefficient government services and a very high tax burden for working families.”
- “School choice. The Wake County Public School System used to be one of the envies of the country. However, enrollment continues to decline and quality continues to suffer. I believe public education needs competition like any other venture.”
- “Public safety. Wake County residents deserve to live and work in a community that is safe for them and their families. While I believe firmly in limited government, I also believe that public safety is a core responsibility of county government through which order is enforced and individual rights are respected.”
Click on candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Additional reading:
- Races with a 100% Candidate Connection completion rate, 2022
- Municipal elections in Wake County, North Carolina, 2022
