Kathryn Tomberlin

Healthcare I believe that both counties are in desperate need of in-County long term addiction and recovery centers. Many addicts have no way to get to the closest rehabs, or the money for their services. This, in turn, enables the addicts to continue their drug abuse. Carteret and Craven are also in great need of a large mental health facility. Environment / Energy Companies and individuals responsible for environmental atrocities must be held accountable for these actions. Tighter regulations are needed regarding animal waste and its disposal, as well as the permit process. Environment / Energy Eastern North Carolina also needs access to more charging stations for electric vehicles. Havelock has no charging stations, with the closest in-County being in New Bern. Carteret has 3 public EV charging stations. Education Educators need to be paid a living wage. School employees should also fully represent the diversity of the students that they teach. It is important for children to see themselves in those who educate them. Housing One of the hardest things about living near the beautiful Ocean, with an ever expanding tourism season, is the cost of living. We cannot let income-based housing be destroyed to make way for “affordable housing” when it is not actually affordable for those who need it. Abortion / Contraception Women and men should be treated equally under the law. This includes equal pay and as well as the right to choose what is done with their body. Drug Policy Marijuana should be legalized in NC. It would not only add money into the state for our roads, parks, schools, and more…. It would also provide a crop for struggling farmers to grow and sell, contributing to our state economy. Legalizing marijuana would reduce the inmate population and allow law enforcement to focus on the more serious crime issues. The legalization of marijuana has also been proven to be beneficial to Veterans who suffer from PTSD. Civil Rights No citizen should be denied the RIGHT to vote. Elections should be run fairly, without the use of voter suppression, gerrymandering, excessive campaign sepnding or denying absentee ballots and early votes. Every vote and every voice counts.