10th Congressional District: Terry Bellamy answers Xpress questionnaire

Terry Michelle Bellamy
Party: Democrat
Slogan: “Vote Bold. Vote Better. Vote Bellamy.”
Profession: Executive director, The Arc of Buncombe County
Residence: Asheville
Funding: “Total reported raised: $186,661.51.” Top donors: “Mack Pearsall, Thomas Oreck, Rusty Pulliam, Fenn French, Sandeep Gupta, John A. Batt, Jr., John W. Bell III, Khushman Patel, George Walker, Mnaisha Gupta, Isabel Fraga”
Endorsements: Women Under Forty PAC, Rep. Heath Shuler, G.K. Butterfield, Daniel Johnson

1. What’s the first bill you’ll introduce if elected?

I will fight for infrastructure — improvements and new construction. Most counties in NC-10 list this as the #1 federal priority. Every community tells me they need more employment opportunities. Infrastructure is an important, fundamental need, but also an economic-development tool for creating local jobs.

2. What local issue do you think you can have the most impact on?

I can have the most impact on infrastructure improvements and job creation. In Asheville, I have successfully identified needs, brought the right people to the table and made sure we stayed there until we found a sustainable solution that benefitted everyone. I will do the same for NC-10.

3. What do you see as Congress’ role — and yours, if elected — in channeling federal dollars to your district?

I will work to improve collaboration between federal and local governments so communities know about funding opportunities and have support for grant applications. Creating and supporting legislation that meets the needs of our counties and federal agendas they have identified will have an immediate and positive impact on NC-10.

4. Do you support a cap on the national debt based on a percentage of the GDP? (Yes/No) Why?

Yes, as a concept, I support the idea of a cap on national debt; limiting deficit spending is the balanced approach. We need to prioritize spending, mandate reduced spending and limit or remove duplicate services between state and federal governments.

5. What issue(s) do the Asheville and Gastonia areas have in common? How do they differ?

Asheville and Gastonia are similar in their efforts to end homelessness, create jobs, address veterans’ needs, provide affordable housing, keep communities clean and green, decrease and prevent crime and address teenage pregnancy. We differ in that each city has our own unique identity and history.

6. Sum up, in a haiku or limerick or couplet, why people should vote for you.

“We need jobs, we need help,” NC-10 keeps telling me;
The answer? Vote Bold. Vote Better. Vote Bellamy.