Two candidates are challenging state Sen. Bill Rabon for his seat in Raleigh this November.
Incumbent Republican Bill Rabon faces challenges from Democrat Richard "Rick" Combes and Libertarian Tim White in the race to represent District 8 in the North Carolina Senate.
The district, which includes Brunswick County and portions of neighboring counties, has been represented by Bill Rabon for more than two decades. The elected candidate will serve a two-year term.
The municipal election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters may also cast their ballots absentee by mail and during the early voting period, which begins Thursday, Oct. 15 and goes through Saturday, Oct. 31. Absentee ballots are due at the Brunswick
County Board of Elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Here are the candidates' responses and their thoughts on current issues.
Combes and White did not respond to the StarNews by the time of publication.
Candidate responses have been edited for style, grammar and length.
Bill Rabon
- Age: 75
- Occupation: Retired veterinarian
- Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 1976
- Political experience: North Carolina Senate, 2011-present
- Political affiliation: Republican
What are the top issues facing your district?
Rabon: The top issue is affordability. That's why I fought for a substantial cut to the personal income tax, a constitutional amendment capping state income tax at 3.5%, and a cap on how much counties can increase property taxes.
What goals do you have for your district?
Rabon: My goals are to make Brunswick, Columbus, and New Hanover counties safer, healthier and economically strong.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Rabon: Since I took office, I've worked to lower the tax burden on individuals, families and small businesses. North Carolina went from the highest-taxed state in the south to a national leader--and recognized as the best state to do business.
How will you tackle affordability?
Rabon: It's a multi-faceted challenge, but the bottom line is that the state government should spend less and therefore tax less, leaving more money in people's pockets.
How will you increase healthcare access in your district?
Rabon: I believe in the free market. I support eliminating burdensome, unnecessary government regulations like certificate of need laws that restrict supply and increase costs.
What’s your plan to improve infrastructure in your district?
Rabon: I'm proud of the infrastructure funding and reforms we've passed in the legislature. As a member of the majority on the Appropriations Committee, Brunswick, Columbus, and New Hanover counties will remain at the top of the priority list for infrastructure funding.
How will you approach growth concerns in your district?
Rabon: Growth cannot be sustained if we do not protect the environment and build adequate roads and other infrastructure. Currently, we do not have adequate infrastructure to sustain the rate of growth this region has had over the past decade. I will continue to fight for slower, smarter growth that protects the environment and our way of life.
Would you support the incorporation of Winnabow? If so, how? If not, why not?
Rabon: No, I do not support the incorporation of Winnabow. There has not been a town incorporated in North Carolina in over a decade. I don't believe another layer of government for citizens living in that area is an answer anyone is looking for. We need to focus on planning for and building adequate infrastructure before more growth and development occurs.
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Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Meet the candidates for NC Senate District 8
