Priorities
My goal is to align growth with our community values while providing local officials with the tools they need to manage change.
April has worked in both the public and private sectors, navigating complex regulatory processes and advocating for responsible development that preserves the character of our communities.
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As chair of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, Lee County Parks and Recreation Board, and Lee County Environmental Affairs Board, she has honed the ability to listen to diverse perspectives and find common ground.
April's vision for District 51 is to ensure that growth is aligned with our community values, and that local officials have the tools and support they need to manage change effectively. This includes investing in infrastructure and funding our public schools, so that our community can thrive for generations to come.
Representation that Listens
As an unaffiliated candidate, I'm committed to representing all residents of District 51, not just those who share my views or party affiliation. In Lee County, Unaffiliated voters are the largest cohort of registered voters, and in Moore County, they're the second largest. This reflects a desire for representation that puts people first, not politics.
Transparency and Responsiveness
I'll work to ensure that our state government is responsive to the needs and concerns of all District 51 residents. This means:​​
By putting people first and working collaboratively, I believe we can achieve meaningful progress and improve the lives of District 51 residents.
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Hosting regular virtual town halls and online engagement opportunities to listen to diverse perspectives and gather feedback.
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Being transparent about my decision-making process and holding myself accountable to the people I represent.
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Working across party lines in Raleigh to find common ground and pass legislation that benefits our community.
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Collaborating with legislators from other districts with similar needs and challenges to amplify our voices and drive positive change.
Investing in Public Education
I believe that every child deserves access to a world-class education, from Pre-K to higher education. That's why I'm committed to investing in our public schools, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to succeed. This includes:
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Increasing funding for our public schools to support teacher salaries, infrastructure, and educational programs, with a focus on addressing the unique needs of non-urban communities.
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Recognizing that our current funding formula can put non-urban schools at a disadvantage, I'll work to find solutions that ensure students in these communities have equal opportunities to those in urban centers.
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Supporting Pre-K programs, which not only improve student performance but also provide a vital solution to the child care needs of working parents, helping to alleviate the challenges they face in balancing work and family responsibilities.
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Promoting policies that support early childhood education and improve educational outcomes for all students.
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Working to address the teacher shortage and support our educators with the resources and training they need to succeed.
Growing Local Economies, Supporting Our Communities
As a champion of economic growth in our small and medium-sized communities, I'm committed to supporting initiatives that raise wages, grow the tax base, and create more opportunities for entrepreneurship. By investing in infrastructure, promoting local businesses, attracting new business, and encouraging local business expansion, we can create jobs and stimulate economic activity that benefits our residents and local governments. Additionally, by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and providing resources and support for start-ups and small businesses, we can empower individuals to turn their ideas into successful ventures. My goal is to ensure that our communities have the tools and resources they need to thrive, and that our economic growth is inclusive and sustainable. By working together, we can build a brighter future for our communities and create opportunities for all residents to succeed
Supporting Our Downtowns and Main Streets
Our downtowns and main streets are the heart of our communities, providing a sense of identity and character that is unique to each town. I'm committed to investing in these areas, supporting local businesses and initiatives that promote economic growth and community development. However, I also recognize that not all growth is good growth. We need to ensure that our communities have the tools to identify and protect what makes them unique, and build on those strengths.
Addressing Aging Infrastructure
Many of our communities are struggling with aging infrastructure, which can make it difficult to recruit new industry and provide expansion opportunities for existing businesses. I'll work to address this issue by supporting investments in infrastructure, including transportation options, that are tailored to the needs of our small and medium-sized cities.
By taking a thoughtful and nuanced approach to economic development and infrastructure investment, we can create thriving, vibrant communities that are tailored to the unique needs and strengths of our small and medium-sized cities.
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Communities
Pragmatic and Sustainable Energy Solutions
As a community leader and business owner, I understand the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. I'm committed to promoting an all-of-the-above energy strategy that considers the unique needs and challenges of our community.
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​I believe we need to be clear-eyed about the impacts of each form of energy generation on our host communities and the grid. With growing energy demand, we must consider all options and be pragmatic about their long-term implications. This means evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of various energy sources, from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power.
Key Principles
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Supporting a diverse energy mix that balances economic, environmental, and social considerations.
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Ensuring that energy solutions are tailored to the specific needs of our community, taking into account factors like energy demand, infrastructure, and environmental concerns.
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Promoting policies that encourage innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the energy sector.
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Working with stakeholders across the energy sector to identify and implement practical solutions that benefit our community and the state as a whole.
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Advocating for a market-based approach that is responsive to both ratepayers and shareholders, ensuring that energy decisions prioritize affordability, reliability, and sustainability for all stakeholders.
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