Constitution Party candidate for NC governor, Vinny Smith, answers our questions
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Candidates for North Carolina governor
The candidates for governor in North Carolina are Democrat Josh Stein, Republican Mark Robinson, Libertarian Mike Ross, Michael Wayne Turner of the Green Party and Vinny Smith of the Constitution Party. There is no incumbent. Get to know the candidates in our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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To help inform voters about the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Vinny Smith
Political party: Constitution
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 54
Campaign website: vinnyfornc.com
Current occupation: Market Development Manager
Professional experience: Sales, marketing and market development
Education: BS Computer Science, U.S. Naval Academy; MS Management, Troy State University; PhD Business Management, LaSalle University.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Founder of EdTech Unite. Edtech Unite is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which offers STEM education, technology programs and Esports teams for at-risk youth, youth in underserved communities, and youth with autism in order to provide them with educational and developmental opportunities they normally would not have access to.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority as governor is to restore confidence in the people that the office of governor is no longer bought and paid for by special interest group, political action committee, and Super PAC money. I will emphasize to the citizens of N.C. the power they have within government because the elected officials represent the people and are accountable to the people. As governor, my allegiance is to God, the U.S. and N.C. Constitution, and the citizens of N.C.
What percentage raises should state employees and school personnel receive in the next state budget?
Seven percent across the board, not an average. The raise should be every step of the way in one’s career. We should restore master’s degree pay and longevity pay.
Will you attend all Council of State meetings, and how will you find common ground with the other nine elected officials?
I will attend every meeting and work towards solutions for citizens within bounds of the N.C. Constitution.
If there’s another pandemic, how should the next North Carolina governor respond?
The governor of course should abide by the N.C. Constitution which does not call for issuing executive orders for shutting down businesses, deciding which businesses are essential, requiring churches to close their doors, social distancing requirements, and mask mandates. The Constitution Party of N.C. advocated for articles of impeachment to be issued to Gov. Roy Cooper due to the restrictions/mandates he instituted.
What do you think of the General Assembly’s reduction of gubernatorial appointments to several boards and commissions?
I feel the governor should have been able to continue to make the appointments with approval by the General Assembly.
At how many weeks pregnancy should state law ban abortion? What exceptions should there be, and at how many weeks?
Based upon Jeremiah 1:4-5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, and Exodus 20:13, I do not believe in abortions, from conception without exception. I do believe that we must have a support system in place available to help pregnant mothers emotionally, psychologically and financially if needed.
North Carolina has consistently scored high in national publications’ business rankings. How would you maintain or improve its business climate?
Work towards less government regulations and come up with a phased approach to end property tax, which will encourage business owners/corporations to establish their business in N.C. because owners, and executives/employees would pay less in tax and actually own their homes.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I agree with all the seven core values of the Constitution Party of N.C.
This story was originally published October 3, 2024 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Constitution Party candidate for NC governor, Vinny Smith, answers our questions."
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