Name as it appears on the ballot: Cheryl F. Stallings 

Campaign website: https://www.cheryl4wake.org/

Party affiliation: Democrat

Profession or occupation: Psychologist & Small Business Owner

Years lived in Wake County: 32

1. In your view, what are the three most pressing issues facing Wake County? If elected, what will you do to address these issues?

Broadly speaking, I want to help the current Board create more equitable opportunity for a healthy and sustainable economy, community, and environment for all. Within the community category, I think the three most pressing needs are housing affordability, education, and affordability and accessibility to health care and mental health care.

With housing affordability, I will work with Board members, Staff, municipal leaders, and community stakeholders to increase the number of affordable units throughout the county. We will work to leverage land for affordable housing, and we will also work to preserve existing affordable housing stock. I believe we should also continue rental and utility assistance, and eviction prevention programs.

Within education, I will work to support access to quality childcare and pre-school programs year round. Additionally, I will work with our School Board and my Board colleagues to improve educational outcomes for all Wake County Public School (WCPSS) students, including those with special needs. We will also determine how we can continue to support staffing needs for school health and mental health (e.g., nurses, counselors, social workers, and school psychologists).  We will also provide support with education and training programs at Wake Tech Community College. And finally, we will continue our long-range funding plans for capital needs (renovations and new construction), and collaborate with state legislatures to shoulder their part of public education funding as well (given the majority of our students attend public schools). An educated work force is a work force that has upward economic mobility.

And with health care and mental health care, I want to work with my Board Colleagues, Staff, and community stakeholders to increase access to effective and efficient medical and behavioral health care across the life span. The pandemic has demonstrated even more disparities in our health care system that need to be acknowledged and reconciled.

2. How would your experience―in politics or otherwise in your career―make you an asset to the county’s decision-making process? Be specific about how this experience would relate to your prospective office.

I am a North Carolina native and a resident of Wake County for about 32 years. Additionally, I am a psychologist, small business owner, and Apex Town Council member. In local government, I have worked in pandemic relief mitigation efforts and policy related to infrastructure; housing affordability; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and responsible development decisions within the context of environmental stewardship, school capacity, and traffic needs. I have also served on the Town of Apex’s Finance and Economic Development Committees, as well as the Environmental Advisory Board.

I work hard, believe in strong communication and collaborative partnerships, and I am thoughtful and deliberate in my decision-making. I believe my professional and local government experiences have given me a strong skill set for the County Commissioner role.

3. With Wake County’s rapid growth comes challenges related to suburban sprawl, transportation, and affordable housing. What have been the county’s successes in managing this growth in recent years? What about its failures? What would you do differently?

I think the County is moving in the right direction. We need to continue the work of attracting diverse and good paying jobs that benefit our residents, while providing a path forward to affordable education and training opportunities when needed. We must also be very intentional in the continued work in getting high-speed internet access to homes, schools, and businesses throughout the county; and be very intentional with our housing affordability goals (which includes investing in the preservation of existing housing stock while also allowing diverse housing options for people with different incomes). We will continue to preserve and maintain our green spaces, parks, and water sheds; and continue with our long range transportation plans which include expanded bus service, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail so residents can more efficiently move through our region to meet their business, school, work, and personal needs.

4. What should be the county’s role in addressing issues of economic inequality, such as gentrification and affordable housing? Do you believe the board is doing enough to help its municipalities manage Wake County’s growth in order to prevent current residents from being priced out?

I think it is important to have a good relationship with our municipal leaders as we continue to work together in bringing good paying jobs to Wake County so our residents will experience upward economic mobility. Additionally, I support working with our municipalities and community stake holders in preserving existing affordable housing stock (and investing in additional affordable housing stock).

I support keeping property taxes as low as possible while we invest in important programs and services for our residents. The Board has developed  programs to help support lower income residents with utility assistance and eviction prevention. Additionally, there are other programs such as the Lease 2 Home program, Bridge 2 Home program, and Rental Assistance Housing Program. I am also open to working with our state legislative colleagues to discuss a more expansive property tax relief program for low-income residents, people with disabilities, and veterans. More information about the County programs for housing assistance can be found at the Housewake! Access Hub (919.443.0096).

5. The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to give the Wake County Public School system a $50 million budget increase over the last fiscal year to hire more employees and raise teacher pay, $12 million more than the county manager had recommended. Was this the right move? Please explain.

I do think this was the right move because it is my understanding that this additional funding was allocated due to a funding gap from the state legislature. This was an effort to try and pay our teachers and non-certified personnel competitive salaries -especially given staffing shortages. This was also done to help hire more needed support personnel such as guidance counselors, social workers, and psychologists (positions that are currently below recommended staff to student ratios per national standards).

I think it is very important to keep building relationships with our legislators in the General Assembly and hold them accountable to fund the operational expenses of our public schools so our children can get a sound, basic education (as directed by our state constitution). If elected to the Commission, I will be a strong advocate for the Board to do our funding part as well.

6. Wake County has received $217 million from the American Rescue Plan. Has the county done a good job investing that money into its COVID-19 response, healthcare, housing, public safety, and other community initiatives?

I would want to get an updated assessment of our needs in those areas/initiatives from Staff to determine how well those programs are funded now and what needs remain. This updated assessment could be a guide for future decision-making with the remainder of the funds.

7. North Carolina is a “Dillon Rule” state, meaning that the only powers municipal and county governments have are the ones granted to them by the legislature. Would you like to see this changed? How would you work with state legislators from Wake County, as well as mayors and council members from the city’s municipalities, to ensure that Wake County, its municipalities, and the state are on the same page regarding policies that affect residents of Wake?

I believe communication, collaboration, and relationship building are key in working to get elected officials moving in a similar direction for the public good. It’s always good to start with common ground, kitchen table issues and work from there. I would be interested in more conversation with our state legislative representatives to discuss municipal and county government needs related to economic development, infrastructure, affordable housing, environmental protections, health care and mental health care needs, and public education.

8. Is the county doing enough to protect, preserve, and maintain its natural resources, including parks, waterways, and green spaces?

The County has strategic goals and objectives specific to sustainability and achieving clean energy by 2050, in addition to goals for protecting our water supply. Additionally, we have an Open Space program that aims to protect 30% of the County’s land for current and future residents to enjoy. We also have a strong Parks and Recreation program for our residents to enjoy. I think it is important to stay vigilant with our sustainability goals, with regular assessments to make sure we are on a healthy path for current and future generations.

9. Identify and explain one principled stand you would be willing to take if elected that you suspect might cost you some points with voters.

I remain very concerned about the consequences of gun violence. As a psychologist, I understand the enormous financial, healthcare, and mental health costs that gun violence takes on our children, families, schools, businesses, places of worship, and overall community. I would like for us to explore together firearm safety and gun violence prevention efforts in the County.

10. If there is anything else you would like to address, please do so here.

I explained in question 2 about my personal, professional, and local government experiences (long time Wake resident, psychologist, small business owner, and Apex Town Council member). I believe this combination of experiences sets me apart from my opponent in this race. Additionally, I am the only District 3 candidate with local government experience as an elected official.

I look forward to this opportunity of expanded public service to the people of Wake County. I believe very strongly in public service working for the public good. You can learn more about me and my campaign at www.cheryl4wake.org. I would appreciate your vote!

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