Representative House District 40
Joe John
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
2. Do you support the $353.2 million Wake Tech bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
3. Do you support the $530.7 million Wake County schools bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
4. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers?
Although I am conflicted on this topic, NC unfortunately is in competition with many states which proffer huge incentives, so their use may be necessary, especially when competing for major investments. That said, common sense would suggest that incentives preferably should reward construction, employment and wage goals upon their being accomplished rather than being awarded up front based upon hopes and expectations.
5. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers? Why or why not?
Although I am conflicted on this topic, NC unfortunately is in competition with many states which proffer huge incentives, so their use may be necessary, especially when competing for major investments. That said, common sense would suggest that incentives preferably should reward construction, employment and wage goals upon their being accomplished rather than being awarded up front based upon hopes and expectations.
6. Do you support Medicaid expansion?
Yes
Do you support Medicaid expansion? Why or why not?
Since first declaring as a legislative candidate in 2015, I have consistently supported closing the health insurance coverage gap by expanding Medicaid without requiring work reporting, annual premiums or additional cost-sharing. As a legislator in 2021, I was a cosponsor of HB 470, “Medicaid Expansion,” which sought to add North Carolina to the list of states participating in Medicaid Expansion. Expansion would provide health care to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians currently without coverage and would provide billions of dollars to NC hospitals, many of which—especially in our rural areas—are struggling to survive. Significantly, North Carolina taxpayers are, and have been, paying, through their federal tax dollars—without any benefit flowing to our state—for expansion in 39 states which have acted to close the coverage gap.
7. How do you intend to collaborate with your partners at the municipal and county level to create a better environment for our region?
In a perfect world, large-scale environmental issues might well be resolved by state and federal governments. Unfortunately, while one would hope that government at all levels would be capable of taking action on any issue, the reality is that true action is not often taken at either the federal or state level, leaving local governments to deal with their concerned and troubled citizenry. Because local government is most likely to be aware of community circumstances and the closest to the voting population, I have consistently supported local government responsibility and control as opposed to ceding authority to the state or federal government.
8. How will you work to support Wake County’s public education needs, including our public schools, community colleges and public universities?
A strong educational system from pre-K to the community college and university levels is essential, both to allow NC children to develop their natural abilities to the fullest, and to promote and support a robust economic climate in our state. The father of three educated in NC schools and the grandfather of seven, I believe we must maintain a high-quality connected educational system to prepare all NC children for the jobs of the future. I support the court-ordered independent expert's recommendations in the Leandro case, raising the pay of teaching professionals, including administrators, to the national average on a reasonable, progressive basis, and increasing the number of school nurses, social workers and counselors. Adequate funds are available without depleting the "rainy day" fund by eliminating "pork barrel" spending and reforming the budget process to eliminate provisions not fully vetted in an open and transparent environment.
9. How will you help North Carolina to be more competitive regionally, nationally, and internationally?
North Carolina is, by almost any measure, one of the top states across a broad range of categories. To not only keep us in that position, but continue pushing forward, we need to lean on the cross-party, common-sense style of government that got us here. That means stopping the incessant partisan attacks so as to come together and govern from consensus and compromise. That’s how we can keep taxes low, keep businesses and jobs coming here, ensure quality education, and do all the other things that NC does better than any other state.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the state for ongoing growth.
Our area is one of the fastest growing in the country, and we need the roadways capable of handling that growth. In HD 40, Creedmoor Rd/NC-50 and NC-98 are inadequate for current traffic volume, much less that of 5-10 yrs. in the future, and must be improved and expanded to 4 lanes along with upgrading the Capital Blvd/US-1 corridor and other major arteries. Ongoing growth also requires taking a look at converting the S-Line corridor to passenger rail between Raleigh and Richmond, as well as associated commuter rail service.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Generally, I am not a proponent of raising taxes and believe all North Carolina spending must undergo a continuing hard look. As a parent who has watched a son build a successful small business from scratch, I favor a review of the tax burden on start-up companies and small businesses.
I support reinstating the earned income tax credit in North Carolina, our state appearing to be the only state to have repealed its EITC. An EITC can provide a bottom-up tax cut benefitting low-moderate wage workers because it would operate as a refundable lump sum received from DOR (either as a refund or tax bill credit), not a deduction, thereby reducing overall tax liability.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Although affordable housing policies primarily reside within the purview of local government, the legislature can avoid enacting measures under Dillon’s Rule that would restrict or abolish local efforts to increase affordable housing stock, such as allowing accessory dwelling units and cottage courts. Dillon's Rule, which is applicable in North Carolina, provides that local governments have only those powers and duties granted to them by the state legislature which could therefore loosen the reins on the exercise of local authority to address affordable housing issues.
Great Government - Promote a vision of a city government that partners with all levels of government to empower, protect and serve its citizens through a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation
Something has broken in the way our government and people interact. While I could write at length with suggestions on repairing that mutual trust and respect, let me mention two measures that have been a priority for me since my first day in the NCGA: First, protecting and preserving our democracy by ending gerrymandering through the establishment of a truly independent, impartial, non-partisan commission to draw Congressional and legislative electoral districts for our State. Second, reestablishing our State’s judicial system as a truly independent non-partisan branch of government that exerts constitutional checks and balances on the executive and legislative branches and provides every person a fair and equal opportunity for justice; an essential component of this latter measure would be the restoration of non-partisan judicial elections at all Court levels.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
As representatives of the people, State Government, and indeed all levels of government, each carry the responsibility to take action to mitigate the growing climate crisis. Without action, I worry about the world that will confront my grandchildren. We know now that by addressing climate change in a smart, measured way, we can address the potential disasters ahead without unnecessarily harming job creation and economic activity.
In my role as legislator, I have advocated a healthy environment and have consistently supported funding the NC Department of Environmental Quality as well as measures to promote clean water, air and energy. My efforts in promoting environmental justice have consistently earned election endorsements from the Sierra Club and the NC League of Conservation Voters, and I have received the NCLCV “Green Tie Award.”
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
Keeping the public safe, and funding and supporting the people and agencies that do so, is one of the most important aspects of government. As a Judge for over 25 years and in my subsequent role as Director of the SBI Crime Laboratory, I saw every day what it takes to keep our communities safe, and how we need to support that. I was also proud to be named a “Firefighter’s Friend” in 2022, for my support of firefighters in our area and statewide.
More specifically, in light of the seemingly endless accounts of mass shootings and violence involving guns, one safety measure would be the enactment of common-sense legislation such as establishing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). After nearly every mass shooting, witnesses--typically family members, classmates or members of law enforcement--come forward who were aware the individual involved was at risk for serious violence to him/herself or others and had access to a weapon. ERPOs would provide such witnesses an orderly, formal process involving presenting the information to an impartial judge who could decide, following a hearing, to take temporary measures to prevent potential tragedy and death.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
I support the General Assembly and the executive branch utilizing geographically targeted, or “place-based,” economic development programs designed to boost job creation and business investment, incentivize real estate development, or increase property values in specific locations which might most benefit from these changes. Measures might include authorizing tax increment financing (TIF), job creation tax credits, creating enterprise zones or other financial incentives.
We also must ensure full broadband availability across our State. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us nothing else, it brought home the critical dependency of all North Carolinians on broadband internet service for education, health care, small business activities, commercial enterprises, and many other activities. Broadband must be expanded and become available to all citizens throughout North Carolina, which currently ranks 18th among states in terms of broadband access.
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
2. Do you support the $353.2 million Wake Tech bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
3. Do you support the $530.7 million Wake County schools bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
4. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers?
Although I am conflicted on this topic, NC unfortunately is in competition with many states which proffer huge incentives, so their use may be necessary, especially when competing for major investments. That said, common sense would suggest that incentives preferably should reward construction, employment and wage goals upon their being accomplished rather than being awarded up front based upon hopes and expectations.
5. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers? Why or why not?
Although I am conflicted on this topic, NC unfortunately is in competition with many states which proffer huge incentives, so their use may be necessary, especially when competing for major investments. That said, common sense would suggest that incentives preferably should reward construction, employment and wage goals upon their being accomplished rather than being awarded up front based upon hopes and expectations.
6. Do you support Medicaid expansion?
Yes
Do you support Medicaid expansion? Why or why not?
Since first declaring as a legislative candidate in 2015, I have consistently supported closing the health insurance coverage gap by expanding Medicaid without requiring work reporting, annual premiums or additional cost-sharing. As a legislator in 2021, I was a cosponsor of HB 470, “Medicaid Expansion,” which sought to add North Carolina to the list of states participating in Medicaid Expansion. Expansion would provide health care to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians currently without coverage and would provide billions of dollars to NC hospitals, many of which—especially in our rural areas—are struggling to survive. Significantly, North Carolina taxpayers are, and have been, paying, through their federal tax dollars—without any benefit flowing to our state—for expansion in 39 states which have acted to close the coverage gap.
7. How do you intend to collaborate with your partners at the municipal and county level to create a better environment for our region?
In a perfect world, large-scale environmental issues might well be resolved by state and federal governments. Unfortunately, while one would hope that government at all levels would be capable of taking action on any issue, the reality is that true action is not often taken at either the federal or state level, leaving local governments to deal with their concerned and troubled citizenry. Because local government is most likely to be aware of community circumstances and the closest to the voting population, I have consistently supported local government responsibility and control as opposed to ceding authority to the state or federal government.
8. How will you work to support Wake County’s public education needs, including our public schools, community colleges and public universities?
A strong educational system from pre-K to the community college and university levels is essential, both to allow NC children to develop their natural abilities to the fullest, and to promote and support a robust economic climate in our state. The father of three educated in NC schools and the grandfather of seven, I believe we must maintain a high-quality connected educational system to prepare all NC children for the jobs of the future. I support the court-ordered independent expert's recommendations in the Leandro case, raising the pay of teaching professionals, including administrators, to the national average on a reasonable, progressive basis, and increasing the number of school nurses, social workers and counselors. Adequate funds are available without depleting the "rainy day" fund by eliminating "pork barrel" spending and reforming the budget process to eliminate provisions not fully vetted in an open and transparent environment.
9. How will you help North Carolina to be more competitive regionally, nationally, and internationally?
North Carolina is, by almost any measure, one of the top states across a broad range of categories. To not only keep us in that position, but continue pushing forward, we need to lean on the cross-party, common-sense style of government that got us here. That means stopping the incessant partisan attacks so as to come together and govern from consensus and compromise. That’s how we can keep taxes low, keep businesses and jobs coming here, ensure quality education, and do all the other things that NC does better than any other state.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the state for ongoing growth.
Our area is one of the fastest growing in the country, and we need the roadways capable of handling that growth. In HD 40, Creedmoor Rd/NC-50 and NC-98 are inadequate for current traffic volume, much less that of 5-10 yrs. in the future, and must be improved and expanded to 4 lanes along with upgrading the Capital Blvd/US-1 corridor and other major arteries. Ongoing growth also requires taking a look at converting the S-Line corridor to passenger rail between Raleigh and Richmond, as well as associated commuter rail service.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Generally, I am not a proponent of raising taxes and believe all North Carolina spending must undergo a continuing hard look. As a parent who has watched a son build a successful small business from scratch, I favor a review of the tax burden on start-up companies and small businesses.
I support reinstating the earned income tax credit in North Carolina, our state appearing to be the only state to have repealed its EITC. An EITC can provide a bottom-up tax cut benefitting low-moderate wage workers because it would operate as a refundable lump sum received from DOR (either as a refund or tax bill credit), not a deduction, thereby reducing overall tax liability.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Although affordable housing policies primarily reside within the purview of local government, the legislature can avoid enacting measures under Dillon’s Rule that would restrict or abolish local efforts to increase affordable housing stock, such as allowing accessory dwelling units and cottage courts. Dillon's Rule, which is applicable in North Carolina, provides that local governments have only those powers and duties granted to them by the state legislature which could therefore loosen the reins on the exercise of local authority to address affordable housing issues.
Great Government - Promote a vision of a city government that partners with all levels of government to empower, protect and serve its citizens through a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation
Something has broken in the way our government and people interact. While I could write at length with suggestions on repairing that mutual trust and respect, let me mention two measures that have been a priority for me since my first day in the NCGA: First, protecting and preserving our democracy by ending gerrymandering through the establishment of a truly independent, impartial, non-partisan commission to draw Congressional and legislative electoral districts for our State. Second, reestablishing our State’s judicial system as a truly independent non-partisan branch of government that exerts constitutional checks and balances on the executive and legislative branches and provides every person a fair and equal opportunity for justice; an essential component of this latter measure would be the restoration of non-partisan judicial elections at all Court levels.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
As representatives of the people, State Government, and indeed all levels of government, each carry the responsibility to take action to mitigate the growing climate crisis. Without action, I worry about the world that will confront my grandchildren. We know now that by addressing climate change in a smart, measured way, we can address the potential disasters ahead without unnecessarily harming job creation and economic activity.
In my role as legislator, I have advocated a healthy environment and have consistently supported funding the NC Department of Environmental Quality as well as measures to promote clean water, air and energy. My efforts in promoting environmental justice have consistently earned election endorsements from the Sierra Club and the NC League of Conservation Voters, and I have received the NCLCV “Green Tie Award.”
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
Keeping the public safe, and funding and supporting the people and agencies that do so, is one of the most important aspects of government. As a Judge for over 25 years and in my subsequent role as Director of the SBI Crime Laboratory, I saw every day what it takes to keep our communities safe, and how we need to support that. I was also proud to be named a “Firefighter’s Friend” in 2022, for my support of firefighters in our area and statewide.
More specifically, in light of the seemingly endless accounts of mass shootings and violence involving guns, one safety measure would be the enactment of common-sense legislation such as establishing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). After nearly every mass shooting, witnesses--typically family members, classmates or members of law enforcement--come forward who were aware the individual involved was at risk for serious violence to him/herself or others and had access to a weapon. ERPOs would provide such witnesses an orderly, formal process involving presenting the information to an impartial judge who could decide, following a hearing, to take temporary measures to prevent potential tragedy and death.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
I support the General Assembly and the executive branch utilizing geographically targeted, or “place-based,” economic development programs designed to boost job creation and business investment, incentivize real estate development, or increase property values in specific locations which might most benefit from these changes. Measures might include authorizing tax increment financing (TIF), job creation tax credits, creating enterprise zones or other financial incentives.
We also must ensure full broadband availability across our State. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us nothing else, it brought home the critical dependency of all North Carolinians on broadband internet service for education, health care, small business activities, commercial enterprises, and many other activities. Broadband must be expanded and become available to all citizens throughout North Carolina, which currently ranks 18th among states in terms of broadband access.