Who is Desirée Zapata Miller, Meck commissioners Republican District 6 candidate?

Desirée Zapata Miller

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 59

Campaign website: Desiree4Meck.com

Email: Desiree4meck@gmail.com

Occupation: Senior Care

Education: BA Liberal Arts

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No

Please list your highlights of civic involvement:

Educating, equipping and engaging residents in Meck. Organized and facilitated speaking events, served as a speaker and written articles. I have organized projects such as book and school supply aimed at donating to underserved children. I organized a project collecting teddy bears for CMPD to give children in domestic hardships. I have tutored ESL students, volunteered to feed the homeless. I have been very involved in “GOTV” efforts” and have organized and hosted Rep. primary candidate forums.

Should the county government consider implementing reparations for Black residents or Black-owned businesses?

A strong economy, access to good education and equal opportunities will elevate the black community. As an immigrant, what drew my family was the hope of living the American dream. The American dream is for all and it’s slipping away for many families in our county, regardless of the color of our skin. Let’s focus on equal access and equal opportunities for all citizens. A strong education for all our kids, economic development, and restoring safety in our communities will benefit all of us.

The county recently approved its first round of federal pandemic relief funding. How should it prioritize funding during the second round?

I would first need to consult with county staff, members of the community and my constituents for their input, but here are my initial thoughts. •Literacy •Meck Pre-K •Workforce development – vocational schools •Small business stabilization & recovery •Drug addiction •\u0009Mental Health•Affordable Housing and Homelessness

Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?

My support for capital punishment has waned over the years because modern forensic and medical science has shown convicted men and women to be innocent. Modern methods of identifying DNA and reopening of cases has helped to prove that prisoners who were thought to be guilty did not actually commit the crimes of which they were convicted. I believe human life is sacred, created by God. My values and the reality that innocent people have been imprisoned has me in opposition to capital punishment.

What separates you from your primary opponents?

Over a decade working as a leader within the Rep party I have never met my opponent. My strong leadership, analytical skills, and experience working in non-profits and for-profit organizations sets me apart. I will apply my training and experience on County Commission to push fiscal responsibility, keep taxes low and eliminating wasteful spending. I will insist on accountability and transparency in government because Mecklenburg County deserves improved, measurable results.

What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?

As Director of Staffing in a nonprofit org, we went through a major technology upgrade. I had a diverse, mature (age) staff of 250 call center agents who were trained using the new technology. This was a major transition for the staff and my department. I was very pleased with the increased efficiency, and especially the retention in staff. The new skills my staff acquired permitted them to receive an increase in pay and high production and results for the organization.