Stephen Valentine

Education Stephen believes parents should have access to expanded preschool for their children and while there is work to be done to strengthen K-12 education he is committed to adequately funding Durham Public Schools.As a parent I understand the importance of early childhood education for the development of children and easing the burden of childcare expenses on families. My experiences as a social worker and social work educator also inform the importance of early childhood development and the educational needs of families. I have also raised three children here in Durham who are the product of Durham Public Schools and the NC School of Science and Math. All three have received quality education that has propelled them to either college, trade school, or successful entry into the workforce. I want that same opportunity to be afforded to all children across Durham County. Economy Google and Fujifilm have committed to bringing 5,000 new jobs to the area. These jobs will go a long way in supporting the local economy with high-tech jobs that require specialized knowledge and skills; however, Stephen believes we must continue to bring jobs to North Carolina that will allow ordinary working-class people to have a job that pays a living wage and the dignity that having a good paying job with benefits provides. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind in the local economy. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Stephen believes public safety is an issue that affects all of us in Durham County and it is still a priority for our residents. Public safety is also critical component of the overall health of Durham County. There is a public safety issue around gun violence that public officials refuse to talk about, and I will work to have the Durham County budget reflect the need for safe streets across the county. And we get there together! Housing Affordable housing continues to be a priority that we say we value but it is increasingly difficult to square our stated values with the realities across Durham County. First, affordable housing provisions in projects should be a shared commitment across the county. The unintended consequence of not spreading affordable housing around the county is twofold. First, the present development is displacing residents from their communities. Second, we are creating other communities that are being segregated on the basis of race and class. Providing affordable housing options should not move us back to practices of the past. Development projects that include good faith affordable housing provisions across the county would aid in helping solve this problem so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. There is much work to done because even if housing is affordable it is still not attainable for many residents. Defense / Veterans Stephen believes the Government must live up to the promises made to Veterans. Durham is home to hundreds of veterans and retirees, and he believes the work of ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve begins at the Durham County Veterans Service Office.