The Republican primary for N.C. House District 115 succinctly illustrated the principle that every ballot counts. Following a hand recount, Pratik Bhakta defeated Sherry Higgins by a just a single vote out of nearly 6,300 cast.
Although Bhakta’s was the only contested primary to represent Buncombe County in the state House, voters will have a choice in all three general election races. Bhakta faces Democrat Lindsey Prather for the District 115 seat, which covers the county’s southwest.
In the eastern Buncombe District 114, Democrat J. Eric Ager seeks to take up the mantle of his father, John Ager, who will retire after representing the area for four consecutive terms. The younger Ager is opposed by Republican Everett D. Pittillo, a 2020 candidate for the Owen District seat on the Buncombe County Board of Education.
The only incumbent seeking reelection is Democrat Caleb Rudow in the northwestern District 116. He was appointed to the seat by party leaders in January to fill the vacancy left by retiring Rep. Susan Fisher. On the Republican side is first-time candidate Mollie Rose, a retired counselor.
Due to recent changes in General Assembly district lines, voters are encouraged to check their sample ballots at avl.mx/6nq before heading to the polls.
District 114
District 115
District 116
District 114
J. Eric Ager
Website: Ager4NC.com
Occupation: Attorney
Previous candidacy or offices held: Retired Navy pilot, farm business manager
Key endorsements: Sierra Club, N.C. Association of Educators, Equality NC, Progressive Turnout Project, AFL-CIO Western North Carolina Central Labor Council
Amount of money raised: $26,727
Top three donors: Chris Castleman, Vonna Cloninger, Elect John Ager
North Carolina currently has a substantial budget surplus, much of which is being set aside in “rainy-day fund” reserves. What approach do you believe state government should take toward those funds? Our schools are insufficiently funded. If a third of the $6 billion rainy-day fund was invested in schools, we’d have fully staffed and stocked schools throughout our state. We’d be offering equal opportunity for all, in accordance with our constitution. Instead, the legislature is keeping a $6 billion surplus and leaving our students, teachers and administrators struggling. That disrespects working people who send their children to public schools and the great people who teach and serve in our schools.
What actions can state government take to improve health care quality and availability in Western North Carolina? The first thing state government can do is expand Medicaid. This simple decision would enable more than half a million North Carolinians to access preventive and lifesaving care. We also need to look at how private equity firms are driving our health care system. Putting profits ahead of people makes health care unaffordable, regardless of insurance status. There are better models for taking care of people, and state government can provide the legal basis for local entrepreneurs to make the system better.
What do you believe is the top issue facing North Carolina’s teachers, and what should state government do about it? A lack of investment in them. Our public school system is responsible for doing the most important job of our society: ensuring each child, regardless of background, is taught how to learn, how to be a good citizen and the skills necessary to be a successful adult. We must increase teacher pay so we can recruit and retain the best teachers. We must also invest in staff who provide wraparound services to students across the state.
What specific state budget allocations will you seek for WNC? My requests would focus on our schools and institutions of higher learning, which need resources to improve student outcomes. Some may see this as an expense, but in reality, it is an investment in our future economic success. Additionally, I would seek funds to preserve land, protect water resources and keep our air clean. Finally, I would work to bring additional funds to our part of the state to enhance rural high-speed internet access.
How do you approach engaging with and learning about the concerns of your constituents? I believe in listening first. I grew up in Fairview, and that’s where I learned how important it is to get to know your neighbors. These skills were how I was able to get things done as a military officer serving overseas, working with people from many different backgrounds. As your representative, I will be out learning from the community on a daily basis. I will always have an open-door policy when it comes to engaging with Buncombe County.
Everett D. Pittillo
Website: ElectEverettDPittillo.com
Occupation: Business manager
Previous candidacy or offices held: Candidate for Buncombe County school board (2020)
Key endorsements: N/A
Amount of money raised: $650
Top three donors: N/A
North Carolina currently has a substantial budget surplus, much of which is being set aside in “rainy-day fund” reserves. What approach do you believe state government should take toward those funds? I understand why we have the “rainy-day fund”; government should have emergency funds set aside. However, due to inflation, taxes, supply chain issues, gas prices and cost-of-living increases, I think we are asking ourselves this: Why is there such a huge surplus while the lower- and middle-class population in North Carolina is suffering? A unilateral effort should be made if this excess funding is to be used to help the good people of North Carolina and not squandered away.
What actions can state government take to improve health care quality and availability in Western North Carolina? Offer tax breaks for independent doctors to open their own offices throughout the communities. Big hospital systems have taken over, creating a monopoly. Have the family doctors with their own offices come back throughout the communities and encourage this.
What do you believe is the top issue facing North Carolina’s teachers, and what should state government do about it? The top issue is the pay differential between our state and other states. Start figuring out competitive wages when the budgeting process occurs. Treat these folks with respect and create a happy, nonpoliticized work environment.
What specific state budget allocations will you seek for WNC? Roads (our road system is neglected and in shambles), supervised convenience centers for recycling and garbage throughout the area (give the folks an opportunity to recycle and throw away up to three bags of trash daily, which will help the environment and help the population economically), cellphone accessibility/broadband (until everyone accessibility, we cannot rest), and school infrastructure (having all buildings updated and fixed to create a atmosphere that makes children, parents and faculty proud).
How do you approach engaging with and learning about the concerns of your constituents? As leaders, we must have an open mind. When an individual reaches out, we as politicians work for them; being respectful and listening is something we can do for free. It is not about politics — it is about the people. Until we as a government start putting all constituents first, then we will never get anything accomplished. I have no issue with speaking with anyone, and my email and phone are always open.
District 115
Pratik Bhakta
Website: Pratik4NC.com
Occupation: Hotelier
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Did not respond
Amount of money raised: Did not respond
Top three donors: Did not respond
North Carolina currently has a substantial budget surplus, much of which is being set aside in “rainy-day fund” reserves. What approach do you believe state government should take toward those funds? Republicans in the legislature have been responsible with our tax dollars over the last decade, finding a way to control state spending while cutting taxes and saving money for emergencies. As our country deals with a looming recession, North Carolina will be well positioned to respond to economic winds that we face.
What actions can state government take to improve health care quality and availability in Western North Carolina? I think it is critical that we continue to find ways to increase access to quality health care across the state. I look forward to working with fellow legislators to find solutions that work for our communities.
What do you believe is the top issue facing North Carolina’s teachers, and what should state government do about it? Education is a critical part of our community and is one of my top priorities. Students, parents and teachers are all part of the symbiotic process. I will work together with other legislators to address the needs of the education system.
What specific state budget allocations will you seek for WNC? Western North Carolina is experiencing rapid growth, and it’s important that we work to ensure our infrastructure and roads are able to handle that. Affordability is still a challenge for many, and we need to look at funding mechanisms while finding creative ways to handle these challenges.
How do you approach engaging with and learning about the concerns of your constituents? I would approach the constituents with an open mind because we have a vibrant and diverse community. My philosophy is that leaders need to listen to their constituents first and formulate a plan from those responses to be a true advocate. The voters of Buncombe County come from various backgrounds, but we all want similar things for our community. I look forward to continuing to learn about the concerns people have and work toward a better tomorrow for everyone.
Lindsey Prather
Website: PratherForNC.com
Occupation: Assistant director of admission
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Sierra Club WNC, Lillian’s List, Equality NC, AFL/CIO, North Carolina Association of Educators
Amount of money raised: $105,000
Top three donors: Did not respond
North Carolina currently has a substantial budget surplus, much of which is being set aside in “rainy-day fund” reserves. What approach do you believe state government should take toward those funds? Our state is currently in violation of its own constitution with regards to providing a sound education to all of our students. We must fully fund our public schools immediately by raising pay for teachers and other staff and investing in our teacher education programs in colleges and universities. After we’ve done so, we next need to invest in our state’s long-term future, including in infrastructure and climate resilience.
What actions can state government take to improve health care quality and availability in Western North Carolina? The legislature can immediately move to expand Medicaid, which would extend health care access to an additional 30,000 residents in Buncombe County. We must also exercise more oversight over sales of health care institutions and fight for transparency in health care costs.
What do you believe is the top issue facing North Carolina’s teachers, and what should state government do about it? Teachers in North Carolina are not treated as professionals, either through their salary or through their working environment. They are forced into the middle of partisan attacks and are not given the resources they need to succeed. They must be paid more and allowed to do their job without political interference.
What specific state budget allocations will you seek for WNC? Climate resilience (preparing for floods, landslides and wildfires), infrastructure (sidewalks, broadband internet) and affordable housing.
How do you approach engaging with and learning about the concerns of your constituents? I have made myself available throughout this campaign cycle, setting up weekly “office hours” at two coffee shops in the district. I am interested in hearing from my constituents and working toward solutions with their input. It’s important for constituents to know how to contact their representative and to have opportunities to speak with them in person. I have also reached out specifically to constituents who are unaffiliated or who may not be as engaged in the political process.
District 116
Mollie Rose
Website: Did not respond
Occupation: Retired counselor
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Did not respond
Amount of money raised: Did not respond
Top three donors: Did not respond
North Carolina currently has a substantial budget surplus, much of which is being set aside in “rainy-day fund” reserves. What approach do you believe state government should take toward those funds? For now, keep a reserve while we wait to see how serious a recession we will experience so we can prioritize needs at a later time.
What actions can state government take to improve health care quality and availability in Western North Carolina? Eliminate the certificate of need law and other regulations if they do not improve quality or safety. Also loosen some professional licensure rules if they don’t improve quality or safety. Encourage private practitioners and competition.
What do you believe is the top issue facing North Carolina’s teachers, and what should state government do about it? A children’s mental health crisis is making teaching more difficult. Multiple solutions from multiple community partners must be developed. State government can foster this process beginning with forming a special committee to make recommendations.
What specific state budget allocations will you seek for WNC? I can’t commit myself at this time, and it would be wrong of me to answer prematurely.
How do you approach engaging with and learning about the concerns of your constituents? I ask both individuals and groups what are their main concerns.
Caleb Rudow
Website: RudowForNCHouse.com
Occupation: Legislator and data scientist
Previous candidacy or offices held: Representative for District 114
Key endorsements: Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, Equality NC, N.C. Association of Educators, National Association of Social Workers
Amount of money raised: $38,000
Top three donors: Committee to Elect John Ager, Douglas Keene, Robert Deutsch
North Carolina currently has a substantial budget surplus, much of which is being set aside in “rainy-day fund” reserves. What approach do you believe state government should take toward those funds? I voted no on the budget because, although N.C. Republicans saved the money for a “rainy day,” when I talk to families, teachers and community members, it is clear that the rainy day is here. We should spend this money to support those who helped us get through the pandemic and those who are still suffering its effects. We should increase pay for school workers, subsidize early childhood education and support the medical community.
What actions can state government take to improve health care quality and availability in Western North Carolina? We need to expand funding for health care and create more competition so that everyone in North Carolina can live a healthy, full life. State government should expand Medicaid so that we take advantage of $6 billion of annual funding from the federal government to provide 600,000 North Carolinians with medical coverage. The people of WNC deserve an alternative to HCA, and competition to HCA would improve service and lower costs.
What do you believe is the top issue facing North Carolina’s teachers, and what should state government do about it? We need to increase teachers’ pay. State government should raise teachers’ pay so that it is at or above the national average and reinstate the pay raise for a master’s degree. We should also increase the pay for the school staff like bus drivers, cafeteria workers, substitute teachers and custodians, as they also play a vital role in ensuring every child gets a quality education.
What specific state budget allocations will you seek for WNC? We need funding to clean and protect the French Broad River. The river is a vital part of our economy, our recreational scene and what makes WNC so beautiful. Last cycle I lobbied my colleagues for funding in the budget to clean the river and will continue doing so this coming session in Raleigh.
How do you approach engaging with and learning about the concerns of your constituents? I meet them where they are and I listen. I’ve had thousands of conversations in English and Spanish with constituents all over the district. I did that not to ask for their vote, but to introduce myself and hear about their concerns, because their stories, concerns and ideas are what should drive policy.
I’m writing to support Caleb rudow for district 116 rep. I had an issue w my business that required legislative help. he called me back within 1 hour of leaving a message, listened to my issue and told me point blank that it was his job to help me out and advocate for me. I felt fully supported by him.