Name as it appears on the ballot: Lindy M. Brown

Campaign website: under construction

Phone number: (919) 740-3195

Email: Lindybz93@gmail.com

Years lived in Wake County: 55 years

1. What are the three most important issues facing Wake County? If elected, what are your top three priorities in addressing those issues?

– Transportation Reform, funding for Public Education and Public Safety are the three important issues facing Wake County.

-Funding for Public Education, Funding for Public Safety and Expanding Workforce

Affordable Housing are my top three priorities.

2. What in your record as a public official or other experience demonstrates your ability to be effective on the Wake County Board of Commissioners? This might include career or community service; be specific about its relevance to this office.

– As your former Wake County Commissioner from 2006 – 2010, I demonstrated the ability to lead the County Commissioner Board as the Vice-Chair and Acting Chair. I have been an effective leader by collobrating with the local leadership in all twelve (12) municipalities. During my tenure, I was instrumental in ensuring no “Libraries” were closed and “Wake Tech Community College” was funded. Throughout my tenure, I was named “The People County Commissioner” because of my attributes to be accessible, a listener and advocate for services that promote Wake County as the best place to live, work and play.

3. How do you define yourself politically and how does your political philosophy show itself in your past achievements and present campaign platform?

– I am an “Issue-Oriented” Moderate Candidate. Meaning , I don’t approach an issue with a liberal or a conservative view. I try to consider all the factors, talk to the immediate stakeholders then make my decisions based on facts. I believe my decision should produce the best outcome for the citizens of Wake County. My present campaign platform is to support “Public Education ” while being mindful of “Taxpayer’s Investment.”

4. In a split decision last summer, the county commission voted in favor of a

3.65-cent-per-$100 increase in the property-tax rate to help fund the school system. The tax hike raised an additional $44.6 million, most of it going toward teacher pay. Do you agree with the board’s decision?

– Yes I do! Please understand the Board of Commissioners are ” state mandated” to provide adquate funding for building new schools, provide adequate funding for renovating older schools while funding for school support staff.

5. This spring, the commission is expected to approve a plan for an expanded transit system with bus and, eventually, rail components. The board will vote on whether to put a referendum for a half-cent sales tax increase on the ballot in November. Do you support the transit plan and the half-cent sales tax increase to pay for expanded transit? Why or why not? Do you believe the plan should have included a commuter rail line that connects to RTP, as some proposed?

– Yes, I do support the “transit bond referendum.” During 2010 Indy Week’s Candidate Questionnaires (Sept. 22, 2010), I stated “Transportation issues (road congestion and bus services shortage) was a top priority.” As the Acting Chair, I was collaborating with Durham and Orange counties leadership to develop a regional communter rail line transportation plan. Most of our local municipal partners were supportive of implementing a daily routine bus services throughout their towns during my tenure.

6. The commissioners recently allocated more than $100,000 in next year’s budget to hire more investigators to fight drug trafficking, which, as the county grows, is increasingly becoming a problem. What other steps do you believe the county should take?

– Drug trafficking continues to plague the eastern seaboard. Most recently, two local municipalities and our sheriff department have experienced heroin and meth addiction crimes. I believe the current Board of Commissioners are taking the necessary steps to support and get updates from our Sheriff Department.

7. Wake County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. Thinking proactively, name three things the county should be doing now—or doing better—to prepare for this growth.

– In reference to increasing growth, Wake County Board of Commissioner must be proactive in securing a “Transit Bond, provide adequate funding for our Public Schools and maintain our AAA Bond rating.” The Wake County Board of Commissioners must continue to fund Wake Tech Community College. I am encouraged to know adequate funding to Wake Tech Community College ensures a “Skilled Labor Workforce.”

8. The commission recently voted to provide all of its employees with a living wage.

What steps do you believe the county should be taking to address the broader issue of inequality within Wake County?

– I support the recent increased “living wage” for County Employees.

On February 1, 2016, the County Commissioners got an update from the County Commission for Women (which I was the chair back in the 90s)on “State of Employment for Women” in Wake County, which demonstrates a major inequality. All the County Commissioners agreed that further study was needed to address this problem.

9. The General Assembly in recent years has redrawn electoral districts for both the county commission and the school board, controversial measures that are now the subject of lawsuits. What do you think is the current state of Wake’s relationship with the legislature? If elected, what would you do to improve it?

– I don’t know personally but the decision to create two new seats(Senate Bill

181)on the Wake County Board of Commissioners suggest the “relationship is contentious.” If elected, I will reach out to talk with any Legislator to discuss our relationship.

10. Identify a principled stance you would be willing to take if elected, even if it cost you popularity points with voters.

– During my tenure as your Former County Commissioner, I stood up and supported location change for the current “Rolesville High School and maintaining County Employees’ Health benefits.” My 2010 race was targeted and I lost my race by 1.2%. So, I have been put into the position before. Although, I am a retired Clinical Social Worker, maintaining my professional oath will always be guiding my decision