David Wilson Brown
Democrat
Website: dwb4congress.com
Occupation: IT Consultant
Previous candidacy or offices held: N/A
Key endorsements (please list no more than five): NC AFL/CIO (WNC CLC); EqualityNC; Indivisible (AVL/WNC & Black Mountain); NASW; Governor Howard Dean
Amount of money raised: $80k
Top three donors: Individuals — no PACs
Why are you running for Congress?
To give the working-class people of the 10th Congressional District an option for a better road forward from what we’ve got now. We all deserve a representative who will fight for our best interests.
Many people in Western North Carolina struggle to find living wage jobs. What will you do to help create employment opportunities that match the cost of living?
We must push for living wages for all Americans, no matter the work that they do. We as a nation cannot continue to pay for the needs of our people because corporations continue to underpay their workers.
What are your top funding priorities for WNC’s infrastructure?
I will push for a new government jobs program that will put people to work fixing our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, expanding our nationwide broadband coverage in rural communities and building shovel-ready development sites to encourage private investment.
What changes would you make to agricultural policy in support of WNC’s small farms?
There are regulations that benefit big agriculture over small farms. We must fix those and encourage our schools to buy from local farms. I support farmland conservation easements and funding that supports farmers who use agricultural practices proven to protect the environment.
WNC has a significant and growing immigrant population. What changes (if any) to federal immigration law do you support?
We must move to a more humane immigration policy that reflects our national conscience. We must properly fund our resources to verify refugee/asylum requests. And we must invest in resettlement programs that lessen the potential impacts on communities and maximize immigrants’ chances at success, with at least permanent resident status being achievable.
Scientific consensus holds that climate change is contributing to a rise in extreme weather events, including in WNC. What action do you believe Congress should be taking to combat the problem?
We must push to lead the world in the move to renewable energy. Climate change is now a national security issue, and we must put our nation in place to protect our citizens from the damage to our communities. We can no longer afford to keep our heads in the sand.
If the Mueller investigation or other current investigation reveals credible evidence that President Donald Trump violated election law, would you support impeachment?
If there is credible evidence, of course I would support impeachment.
What will you do to improve civic engagement in your district?
I will pledge to have at least two rounds of town halls every year. I will build a Citizen Advisory Council, including representatives from groups across the district no matter their political leanings. And I will use newsletters to deliver information about upcoming bills in language that is accessible to all, without spin.
Patrick McHenry
Republican
Website: mchenryforcongress.com
Occupation: Congressman
Previous candidacy or offices held: 10th District Rep. since 2005, previously represented District 109 in the N.C. House of Representatives
Patrick McHenry did not respond to repeated invitations to participate in the Xpress Voter Guide.
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