City Council At-Large
Portia Rochelle
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November
No
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. What is your long-term vision for growth in Raleigh?
My vision is to build a sound city council that looks at how growth and redevelopment affects each citizen. I am not against growth and development but the Council must consider every citizen when decisions are made. Development that impacts citizens negatively is not good for us.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
The housing crisis is the number one challenge. We have limited places for average citizens to find a place to rent within their salaries. It is difficult to purchase homes because the average citizen is outpriced or outbidded in the market. Creating more affordable housing for individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds is my priority. We need more housing at several price points across Raleigh.
6. What are you hoping to achieve as an elected official that will foster a healthy and innovative business environment in both the near and long term?
I will help locate firms that will offer employee training and promote individuals into high-paying jobs.
7. The Wake County Transit plan will expand bus service countywide, implement four bus rapid transit lines, and initiate a regional commuter rail system. What would you like to see the City of Raleigh do to complement or modify this enhanced transit service?
N/A
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
Many citizens were caught by surprise when the CAC's were dissolved. As a former public hearing officer in NC State government, I know how important it is to get citizen input before rules or policies are changed. Questions or concerns must be addressed in a timely manner. I would revise the format of the CAC but build upon it to include diverse ways for the community to give input and to receive a response. The voice of the community is critical. This process will help citizens, workers, and busiensses working together for the betterment of all.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
While welcoming growth we cannot ignore the impact it will have on our infrastructure. We need a balance. We must develop a sensible/reachable growth plan to accommodate personnel to handle the needs of the city. Living wages for personnel will increase employee morale, productivity. Decent salaries will relieve stress from our citizens, thusly improving quality of life. Having a good infrastructure will continue to attract businesses that will prosper in the city and encourage them to provide workers with great benefits and salaries.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
Wake County is the fastest growing county in NC. This growth has impacted Raleigh greatly. I will promote and work towards implementing an effective transit plan. We must consider how this growth will displace citizens. If citizens are displaced they should receive compensation that will provide them with livable funds. It is my understanding that the transit will help improve air quality.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Businesses should be provided with incentives when they offer liveable wages, employee benefits such as health insurance, childcare, etc. The businesses should also offer opportunities to train workers to move up in the business. We must be careful to make sure all businesses meet air quality and other environmental standards.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
We should collaborate with these agencies to offer obtainable goals. Assistance such as zero down payments,zero closing costs to first time buyers, and no minimum credit score to qualify for a mortgage loan.
We should also work towards finding special grants to assist organizations that help eliminate homelessness.
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.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
Develop a plan that makes sure growth doesn't create flood zones in existing communities. Flooding leads to property damage as well as health challenges.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
I recently learned of the ACORN program. I would ensure that this service is adequately funded and staffed to protect our workers and citizens.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
Develop partnerships with businesses, faith groups, colleges to train workers with skills to help them find employment.
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November
No
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. What is your long-term vision for growth in Raleigh?
My vision is to build a sound city council that looks at how growth and redevelopment affects each citizen. I am not against growth and development but the Council must consider every citizen when decisions are made. Development that impacts citizens negatively is not good for us.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
The housing crisis is the number one challenge. We have limited places for average citizens to find a place to rent within their salaries. It is difficult to purchase homes because the average citizen is outpriced or outbidded in the market. Creating more affordable housing for individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds is my priority. We need more housing at several price points across Raleigh.
6. What are you hoping to achieve as an elected official that will foster a healthy and innovative business environment in both the near and long term?
I will help locate firms that will offer employee training and promote individuals into high-paying jobs.
7. The Wake County Transit plan will expand bus service countywide, implement four bus rapid transit lines, and initiate a regional commuter rail system. What would you like to see the City of Raleigh do to complement or modify this enhanced transit service?
N/A
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
Many citizens were caught by surprise when the CAC's were dissolved. As a former public hearing officer in NC State government, I know how important it is to get citizen input before rules or policies are changed. Questions or concerns must be addressed in a timely manner. I would revise the format of the CAC but build upon it to include diverse ways for the community to give input and to receive a response. The voice of the community is critical. This process will help citizens, workers, and busiensses working together for the betterment of all.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
While welcoming growth we cannot ignore the impact it will have on our infrastructure. We need a balance. We must develop a sensible/reachable growth plan to accommodate personnel to handle the needs of the city. Living wages for personnel will increase employee morale, productivity. Decent salaries will relieve stress from our citizens, thusly improving quality of life. Having a good infrastructure will continue to attract businesses that will prosper in the city and encourage them to provide workers with great benefits and salaries.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
Wake County is the fastest growing county in NC. This growth has impacted Raleigh greatly. I will promote and work towards implementing an effective transit plan. We must consider how this growth will displace citizens. If citizens are displaced they should receive compensation that will provide them with livable funds. It is my understanding that the transit will help improve air quality.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Businesses should be provided with incentives when they offer liveable wages, employee benefits such as health insurance, childcare, etc. The businesses should also offer opportunities to train workers to move up in the business. We must be careful to make sure all businesses meet air quality and other environmental standards.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
We should collaborate with these agencies to offer obtainable goals. Assistance such as zero down payments,zero closing costs to first time buyers, and no minimum credit score to qualify for a mortgage loan.
We should also work towards finding special grants to assist organizations that help eliminate homelessness.
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.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
Develop a plan that makes sure growth doesn't create flood zones in existing communities. Flooding leads to property damage as well as health challenges.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
I recently learned of the ACORN program. I would ensure that this service is adequately funded and staffed to protect our workers and citizens.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
Develop partnerships with businesses, faith groups, colleges to train workers with skills to help them find employment.
