ELECTION2020 GUIDE A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAURINBURG EXCHANGE

INDEX: Pg1: National Pg2: State Pg3-4: State, County Board of Education P5-6: County Commissioners Trump vs. Biden: Where they stand on health, economy, more

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid the tumult of the 2020 presidential campaign, one dynamic has remained constant: The Nov. 3 election offers voters a choice between substantially different policy paths. President , like many fellow Republicans, holds out tax reductions and regulatory cuts as economic imperatives and frames himself as a conservative champion in the culture wars. The president has offered few details about how he would pull the levers of government in a second term. His most consistent argument focuses on stopping Democratic opponent Joe Biden and his party from pushing U.S. policy leftward. Biden, for his part, is not the socialist caricature depicted by Trump. But he is every bit a center-left Democrat who frames the federal government as the force to combat the coronavirus, rebuild the economy and address centuries of institutional racism and systemic inequalities. The former vice president and U.S. senator also offers his deal-making past as evidence he can do it again from the Oval Office. A look at where the rivals stand on key issues: ECONOMY, TAXES Low unemployment and a soaring stock market were Trump’s calling cards before the pandemic. While the stock market has clawed its way back after cratering in the early weeks of the crisis, unemploymen t stands at 7.9%, and the nearly 10 million jobs that remain lost since the pandemic began exceed the number that the nation shed during the entire 2008-2009 Great Recession. The Trump has predicted that the U.S. economy will Amid the tumult of the 2020 presidential campaign, one dynamic has remained constant: The Nov. 3 election offers rebound in the third and fourth quarters of this year voters a choice between substantially different policy paths. and is set to take off like a “rocket ship” in 2021. approach as the next step toward universal coverage anti-abortion movement hopeful that the high court — He promises that a coronavirus vaccine or effective and one he could get through Congress. should she win confirmation — will tilt decisively to therapeutics will soon be available, allowing life to get Biden also has sought to turn the current Supreme the right and pave the way for the court to eventually back to normal. His push for a payroll tax cut over the Court vacancy into a health care matter, noting that the summer was thwarted by stiff bipartisan opposition. overturn the Roe case. late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a key vote Biden has declined to offer his own list of prospective But winning a second term — and a mandate from in upholding the 2010 health care law, while Trump’s voters — could help him resurrect the idea. Supreme Court nominees, but he’s said repeatedly that nominee, federal appellate Judge Amy Coney Barrett, he supports Roe v. Wade’s finding that the Constitution First and foremost, Biden argues that the economy has criticized the court’s reasoning in that decision. cannot fully recover until COVID-19 is contained. For establishes a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy. the long-term recovery, he pitches sweeping federal He’s endorsed calls for Congress to codify that right, a action to avoid an extended recession and to address CORONAVIRUS move that would keep abortion legal statutorily even if Over the course of the summer, Trump went from longstanding wealth inequality that disproportionately acknowledging that the pandemic may “get worse the court struck down the constitutional protections. affects nonwhite Americans. A practicing Catholic, Biden talked publicly for His biggest-ticket plans include a $2 trillion, four- before it gets better” to declaring that the U.S. is “rounding the corner” on the crisis. Then he tested years of his personal struggle over abortion as a moral year push to eliminate carbon pollution in the U.S. issue. He cited that as a reason he supported the energy grid by 2035 and a new government health positive for the virus himself. The pandemic remains the biggest obstacle for his Hyde Amendment ban on federal taxpayer funding for insurance plan open to all working-age Americans abortion services. But he reversed that position early (with generous subsidies). He proposes new spending reelection hopes, and his bout with the virus just weeks in his 2020 campaign after coming under pressure on education, infrastructure and small businesses, before Election Day only brightened the spotlight on along with raising the national minimum wage to $15 the issue. from women’s groups and Democratic activists. Biden an hour. Roughly 7 in 10 Americans think the nation is on said he wasn’t bowing to pressure but instead argued Biden would cover some but not all of the new costs the wrong track, and just 39% of Americans approve that Republican legislatures around the country had by rolling back much of the 2017 GOP tax overhaul. of Trump’s handling of the crisis that has killed more restricted abortion access to the point that the Hyde He wants a corporate income tax rate of 28% (lower than 207,000 people in the U.S., according to a recent Amendment had become an untenable barrier for poor than before but higher than now) and broad income poll The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public or working-class women to access a constitutional and payroll tax hikes for individuals with more than Affairs Research. right. $400,000 of annual taxable income. All that would Congress approved about $3 trillion in coronavirus generate an estimated $4 trillion or more over 10 years. relief in March and April, and Democrats and the White House have been at loggerheads over another TRADE Biden frames immigration as an economic matter as Trump views the signing of two major trade deals — well. He wants to expand legal immigration slots and significant round of funding, with Trump sending mixed messages on what he wants. an updated pact with Mexico and Canada and Phase offer a citizenship path for about 11 million residents 1 of a China agreement — as signature achievements who are in the country illegally but who, Biden notes, Trump has largely placed responsibility with of his presidency. U.S. and China signed Phase 1 in are already economic contributors as workers and governors for leading the response. consumers. Biden draws some of his sharpest contrasts with January, less than two months before the pandemic Trump on the pandemic, arguing that the presidency put an enormous strain on U.S.-China relations. HEALTH CARE and federal government exist for such crises and that Trump says Phase 1 led to China buying roughly $200 As a candidate for the White House, Trump promised Trump has been an abject failure responsible for tens billion over two years in U.S. agricultural products, that he would “immediately” replace President Barack of thousands of preventable deaths. energy and other American products. In return, the Obama’s health care law with a plan of his own that Biden endorses generous federal spending to help U.S. canceled planned U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made would provide “insurance for everybody.” Americans businesses and individuals, along with state and smartphones, toys and laptop computers. The U.S. are still waiting for his plan. local governments. He’s also promised aggressive also cut in half, to 7.5%, the tariff rate levied on $120 Trump recently returned to health care amid use of the Defense Production Act, a wartime law billion in other China imports. disapproval of his administration’s handling of the a president can use to direct certain private-sector Phase 2 of the deal is expected to focus on some activity. Additionally, Biden promises to elevate coronavirus pandemic and growing uncertainty tougher issues between the countries, including about the future of the Affordable Care Act, which the government’s scientists and physicians to communicate a consistent message to the public, Trump’s wish to get China to stop subsidizing its his administration is asking the Supreme Court to state-owned enterprises. But for Trump, who has overturn. He is reiterating his 4-year-old promises and he would have the U.S. rejoin the World Health Organization. He’s also willing to use executive power come to frequently refer to the coronavirus as the for quality health care at affordable prices, lower “China virus,” it remains to be seen whether he will be prescription drug costs, more consumer choice and for a national mask mandate, but whether that is greater transparency. enforceable is questionable. able to effectively reengage Beijing on trade. Trump He also announced executive orders calling for recently said he’s currently “not interested” in talking an end to surprise medical bills and declaring it the ABORTION to China. policy of the U.S. government to protect people with Years before his run for the White House, Trump Biden has joined a growing bipartisan embrace of preexisting conditions, even if Obamacare is struck described himself as a strong abortion rights proponent. “fair trade” abroad — a twist on decades of “free trade” down. However, protections for preexisting conditions But since coming to Washington, he has been cheered talk as Republican and Democratic administrations are already the law, and Trump would have to go to by anti-abortion groups for his administration’s efforts alike expanded international trade. Biden wants to Congress to cement a new policy through legislation. to restrict access to the procedure. juice U.S. manufacturing by directing $400 billion of In the first presidential debate, Trump also held out As a candidate and as president, Trump has federal government purchases to domestic firms (part the repeal of Obamacare’s individual mandate to consistently expressed his opposition to the landmark of that for buying pandemic supplies) over a four-year have health insurance as significant progress, while Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion term. ignoring questions about his lack of a comprehensive nationwide and said the issue should be decided by He wants $300 billion in new support for U.S. states. plan. technology firms’ research and development. Biden Biden wants to expand Obama’s law to provide He has expressed support for the Hyde Amendment, says the new domestic spending must come before more generous coverage to a greater number of people which prohibits Medicaid from being used to pay for and add a “Medicare-like public option” that would abortions in most circumstances, and he’s sought to he enters into any new international trade deals. compete with private insurers and be available to restrict access to two drugs that are used to induce He pledges tough negotiations with China, the working-age Americans. Biden estimates that would abortions in the first 10 weeks of pregnancies. world’s other economic superpower, on trade and cost about $750 billion over 10 years. That positions In his Republican National Convention speech in intellectual property matters. China, like the U.S., is Biden between Trump, who wants to scrap the 2010 August, Trump declared that “children, born and not yet a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the law, and progressives, who want a single-payer system unborn, have a God-given right to life.” Nominating multilateral trade agreement that Biden advocated for to replace private insurance altogether. Biden sees his Barrett, a 7th Circuit Court of Appeals judge, has the when he was vice president. 2 Saturday, October 31, 2020 ELECTION GUIDE 2020 - A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Laurinburg Exchange Tillis vs. Cunningham: U.S. Senate race tight Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and has apologized for the texts but requested say it is “very important” or “extremely Democrat Cal Cunningham are locked in privacy, calling the issue a “personal matter.” important.” a toss-up Senate race in North Carolina, Republicans have criticized Cunningham, More than four in 10 White evangelical where roughly a quarter of voters say the with Tillis demanding a full explanation Protestants say the scandal is important in challenger’s extramarital affair is important of the affair and a super PAC aligned with their vote, though the heavily Republican in their vote but with far more saying control Senate Republican leadership airing an ad group expresses the same level of support for of the Senate and the incumbent’s support for focused on the text messages that asks, Tillis in the Senate race as for Trump in the President Trump matter, a Washington Post- “What else is he hiding?” presidential election (82%). ABC News poll finds. The Post-ABC poll suggests that while the Cunningham’s service the U.S. Army The Post-ABC poll shows that, among scandal is a factor for some voters, it has not Reserve, including tours in and likely voters, Cunningham is at 49% and become the dominant issue for the overall Afghanistan, figured to put him in a strong Tillis is at 47%, a gap well within the survey’s electorate. position in a state in which nearly half of voters 4.5-percentage-point margin of sampling Cunningham’s 49% support among likely Tillis Cunningham say someone in their household has served error. More than nine in 10 Democrats and voters is identical to that of Democratic in the military. Voters in veteran households Republicans support their party’s candidate, presidential nominee Joe Biden, knotted in nearly nine in 10 Democrats and Republicans divide evenly, 47% for Cunningham to 48 while independents split almost down the a close race against Trump, who stands at as well as about seven in 10 independents. percent for Tillis, almost the same as their middle: 48% for Cunningham and 45% for 48%. Trump also looms large as a factor in 47-to-50 split between Biden and Trump in Tillis. The poll finds 89% of likely voters in North the minds of voters, with a 56% majority the presidential race. Cunningham is fueled by a 16-percentage- Carolina are supporting the same party in the saying Tillis’s support for the president is The poll finds 28% of voters in military point advantage among female voters, while presidential and Senate elections, including important in their vote, including majorities households say the affair is extremely or very Tillis holds a 14-point edge among men. 45% who support Biden and Cunningham of Republicans and Democrats and just under important in their vote, roughly similar to That gender gap is slightly wider than in the and 44% who support Trump and Tillis. half of independents. 23% of voters in nonmilitary households. presidential race in North Carolina, where A 92% majority of Biden supporters back Asked directly about the importance of The Washington Post-ABC News poll was Biden leads by 11 points among women and Cunningham, the same percentage of Trump Cunningham’s affair, 26% of registered voters conducted by telephone Oct. 12-17 among Trump leads by 10 points among men. supporters who back Tillis. say it is extremely or very important in their a random sample of 795 adults, including The last few weeks of the Senate campaign The close alignment between presidential vote, including 41% of Republicans, 24% of 706 registered voters and 646 likely voters have been dominated by revelations that and Senate support is not surprising given independents and 11% of Democrats. in North Carolina, with 75% of interviews Cunningham exchanged illicit text messages the degree to which voters are focused on There is no gender gap on this question. completed on cellphones and the remainder this summer with a woman who is not his which party controls the U.S. Senate. An 81% Roughly seven in 10 male and female voters on landlines. The margin of sampling error wife. Cunningham, an officer in the Army majority of North Carolina registered voters alike say Cunningham’s affair is “somewhat for results among both registered voters and Reserve who is a married father of two and say control of the Senate is “extremely” or important” or “not so important,” while likely voters is plus or minus 4.5 percentage has argued about the importance of character, “very” important in their vote, including about a quarter of both men and women points. Bishop faces Wallace for U.S. House District 9

(AP) — Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. signed the Americans for Tax Reform’s - it’s everyday violence like domestic is being challenged by Democrat Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a written violence, community violence, suicide and Cynthia Wallace in the North Carolina 9th commitment to oppose higher income more,” Wallace tweeted. Congressional District election. taxes. Wallace said she wants to increase Bishop secured the seat in a special While in Congress, Bishop introduced affordable health care, create jobs and election in September 2019, defeating the Increasing Opportunities for Small provide “quality” education. Democrat Dan McCready. Bishop served Businesses Act to boost investments in “I will protect (and) expand the Patient in the state House and state Senate before Opportunity Zones, which were created by Bill of Rights that my opponent and his party pursuing his congressional seat and spent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a way have spent a decade trying to kill,” Wallace most of his career as an attorney. for the private sector to help low-income wrote on Twitter. “Coverage of pre-existing Wallace has been the chairperson for the communities. conditions is only one of the benefits of the 9th Congressional District of the North “The Trump tax cuts led to one of the [Patient Bill of Rights], passed into law in Carolina Democratic Party for three years. strongest economies our nation has ever Bishop Wallace the [Affordable Care Act] … .” She is an executive at a financial service seen. Dan will work to rebuild that strong Wallace supports keeping small businesses company and has spent more than 25 years economy and keep taxes low,” Bishop’s the Paycheck Protection Program, which open during the COVID-19 pandemic. in the industry. campaign website reads. was included in Congress’ Coronavirus “When I am elected as congresswoman to The district includes Union, Anson, Bishop also has proposed a resolution Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. He represent District 09, one of my goals will be Richmond, Scotland and Robeson counties denouncing the Modern Monetary Theory, also advocates for gun rights and has been to ensure small businesses continue to open and parts of Mecklenburg, Cumberland and which argues that countries with their own endorsed by the National Rifle Association. safely,” she tweeted. Bladen counties. currency never can fall short of money. Wallace is an advocate for gun safety Wallace also said she wants to increase Before winning the seat, Bishop took a As a member of the House Committee reforms. retirement and disability benefits, reduce the pledge to vote against tax increases. He on Small Business, Bishop helped pass “Gun violence is more than mass shootings gender pay gap and improve infrastructure.

“I’ve spent my whole life in North Carolina and want to see our state prosper. I am running for State House because I have a clear vision for Distritct 48 and have the experience to get the job done. I’m ready to ‘stand in the gap’ to make Hoke and Scotland Counties a better place to be. I humbly ask for your support this Novembert” - Johnny

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT JOHNNY H. BOYLES Laurinburg Exchange ELECTION GUIDE 2020 - A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Saturday, October 31, 2020 3 NC HOUSE DISTRICT 48

1. Should the 2. Is there a path 3. Has the 4. How would you Photo & state approve forward that will governor’s handle the lack biographical a measure to allow the state plan during the of high-speed information legalize the use of to pass a new coronavirus been internet access in marijuana? budget? good for the state? rural areas?

The Rev. Garland Medical marijuana should As a state legislator, The governor’s plan A part of the Cares Pierce has served in be legalized in the state of that has worked on the was based on leading Act provided funding the NC House for eight North Carolina. Marijuana appropriations committee. medical professionals’ specifically for high-speed consecutive terms. He has been used successfully The appropriations recommendations to internet. I’m presently is the House minority to treat AIDS, anorexia and committee manages how keep North Carolina working with the Great whip, as well as the cancer in both California funding is distributed safe. However, as a state Grant Program to bring pastor at Bright Hopewell and Florida. Studies also throughout the state. I legislator, I cannot ignore fundi9ng to House District Missionary Baptist Church show that marijuana can look forward to passing the economic devastation 48 to continue to expand for the past 30 years. A treat depression, insomnia, a bipartisan budget that of COVID-19. Many local high-speed internet in the resident of Wagram, he bipolar disorder and continues to support the businesses have been more rural counties. also served in the U.S. anxiety. Many veterans vast economic growth of the impacted financially by Army from 1971 to 1974. suffer from PTSD and great state of North Carolina. COVID-19. The General Pierce and his wife Barbara studies show that medical Assembly passed the have two children, James marijuana can alleviate the bipartisan Cares Act that and Nicole. symptoms. has assisted local businesses and working families. There is more to be done. It will Garland Pierce, be my priority to bring back incumbent (D) more funding from Raleigh to aid small businesses in House District 48.

Johnny Boyles is a first- I do not think this is or The state needs to Recently, the CDC did a One of the top hot-button time challenger for a should be a priority for remember that big press release stating that our issues is to have high- House seat. He graduated the House to take up. We government has a big price closures were not the best speed internet accessible from Hoke County High have legal hemp, which is tag. During this time of idea for the situation. So, all over our state. Our rural School in 1970 and went without the TCH that gets COVID-19, the state and our Gov. Roy Cooper had the farmers have equipment into farming. From 1970 you high. Hemp produces federal government have highest amount of required that is high technology. to 2012, he farmed cotton, CBD oil that has healing a responsibility to help restrictions of almost any For our state, farmers need corn, soybeans, rye and properties. Let science our citizens have the PPE state. To be fair, the governor high-speed internet for wheat with BYL Farms; from study this and we will see needed and help from the allowed Walmart, Lowes and a stronger agri-business, 1970 to the present, he future data as it becomes government to speak clearly Home Depot to open and rural business, our country has been the manager of available. Some terminal about what steps we need sell whatever was in their homes, for education and Upland Trace Golf Course. cancer patients have used to take when citizens are store. But large numbers of some of our cities. Tax marijuana with THC and sick. Our state’s future has to mom-and-pop stores and incentives and grants are have said it helped relieve consider policy choices on some small chain stores avenues that need to be pain and helps to retain spending and taxes, health could not open. Nancy Pelosi used to help make this an appetite. So, maybe we care and quickly getting had a hair salon open and happen. It needs to be part need a more detailed look people back to work. do her hair while wearing no of our infrastructure. Johnny Boyles, at medical marijuana. mask. Some states are 100% challenger (R) open and North Carolina is still in a state of partial shutdown.

SCOTLAND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Photo & 1. What qualities 2. What are your 3. What 4. What can be are you looking opinions about precautions should done to keep biographical for in a new virtual learning be taken to protect students from information superintendent? and how do students in the falling behind? you think it will classroom? be used in the future?

A native of Hoke County. After analyzing the surveys I feel there is no replacement I believe at a minimum, I think the understanding After graduating I from our staff, community, for in-person learning. we must follow the CDC that we are all in this attended NC A & T State and board, several qualities However, in a pandemic of regulations/guidelines and together must remain our University where I received stood out. Some of those this nature, I truly believe include other possible steps focus. I believe parents an undergraduate and were: virtual learning is the next that may be necessary from must become more two Masters. I am a retired *Maintaining a safe most effective approach. our local infectivity and active and engaged by educator of 38 years, and orderly learning There are several ways hospitalization rates. We monitoring that their with 22 of those years in environment and campus. to utilize virtual learning must maintain continued children’s work have been Scotland County. I served *Being an effective such as, during inclement communication with our completed, and request as an administrator at communicator whose focus weather where we could local Health Department assistance if needed. North Laurinburg Primary is on student growth and maybe revert from a regular and Hospital. I also think we I think teachers must and Sycamore Lane Middle achievement school day to a virtual should observe what has keep parents abreast of and 3 years in Marlboro *Requiring residency in day, which could decrease and has not worked in other any changes they might County. I am currently Scotland County and being the number of make up districts that have already observe, academically or serving as Chairman of active throughout the days. Also, I can see using started in-person learning. emotionally in students. our School Board. I have community. such technology with We should then gather The school must keep served on numerous board *Having a focus on the professional development pointers that might benefit lines of communication Rick Singletary, in our county. harmony and well being of for our staff. us. We must do whatever it open to parents or other incumbent I am married to Valerie students and staff takes to ensure the safety necessary/relevant (Stewartsville seat) and have two children *Being transparent and health of all of our staff individuals that play a role Kevin (Kachina) and Freda *Requiring the ability to and students. in ensuring our students and six grandchildren. maintain budgets while success. Lastly, students Our children and two emphasizing 21st century must be held accountable grandchildren are learning. for their engagement or graduates of Scotland lack there of and given High School. the opportunity to be successful regardless of socioeconomic level.

I am a Professor in the An individual of excellent Virtual learning cannot September 2020 CDC A July 2020 systematic Department of Counseling character who possesses: compare to/compete with guidance (https:// review of research at the University of North (1) knowledge of evidence- the educational and social bit.ly/36l3yH3) noted studies by the National Carolina at Pembroke. affirmed practices and interaction dynamics of the following four Bureau of Economic I hold a Doctor of requisite leadership, the face-to-face classroom considerations for Research (https://bit. Philosophy degree in communication, problem- environment, especially in protecting the health, safety, ly/2SyIBA3) concluded Psychology (child– solving, documented the elementary and middle and wellbeing of students, that tutoring (i.e., one- adolescent emphasis) competence, and school grades. With an school teachers and staff on-one or small-group from Utah State University, interpersonal skills to lead ever-increasing amount of member, and students’ instructional programming a Master of Arts degree and support principals, human interactions being families: (a) Promoting by volunteers, in Developmental assistant principals, facilitated through various behaviors that reduce parents, teachers, and Psychology and a teachers, other staff digital media platforms and the spread of COVID-19 paraprofessionals) is an Certificate of Advanced members, and parents/ other means of electronic (e.g., remaining home impactful educational tool. Graduate Study in School families as they instruct discourse, face-to-face when appropriate, proper The review’s authors found Psychology from Gallaudet and engage students to instructional/learning hand hygiene/respiratory that tutoring programs, University, and Bachelor of learn the curriculum and opportunities are a welcome etiquette, mask usage); especially those conducted Arts degree in Psychology to develop into successful, social-emotional respite (b) Maintaining healthy during the school day Gary Mauk, from California University efficacious citizens; and and invaluable vehicle for school environments (e.g., and involving teachers challenger of Pennsylvania. I am a (2) a clearly defined and students’ interpersonal cleaning and disinfection of and paraprofessionals, (Stewartsville seat) Nationally Certified School articulated vision and engagement, personal frequently touch surfaces, yielded substantial Psychologist and a North related goals, objectives, development, and quality modified layouts for social positive impacts on Carolina Department of and associated strategies educational experiences. distancing); (c) Maintaining students’ mathematics Public Instruction-licensed for maintaining currently However, the COVID-19 healthy school operations and reading skills. As school psychologist. effective district-based pandemic has made virtual (e.g., protections for staff such, teachers should I have been affiliated operations and practices, learning a necessary option and children at higher use curriculum-based with the fields of child- improving those operations that will likely become risk for severe illness from diagnostic assessments to adolescent developmental and practices that, based more of the norm for K–12 COVID-19, alternating/ determine each student’s psychology and school on evidence, have been schools, perhaps to the staggered schedule, virtual/ current learning levels, psychology since 1984 demonstrated to be detriment of students’ hybrid instruction); and (d) which would then be used ineffective, and moving the academic enrichment and Preparing for when someone as the starting points for Scotland County Schools social-emotional wellbeing. gets sick in the school personalized, tailored forward into distinction. environment. tutoring responsive to the student’s assessed academic-area needs.

SCOTLAND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 4 Saturday, October 31, 2020 ELECTION GUIDE 2020 - A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Laurinburg Exchange

SCOTLAND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Photo & 1. What qualities 2. What are your 3. What 4. What can be are you looking opinions about precautions should done to keep biographical for in a new virtual learning be taken to protect students from information superintendent? and how do students in the falling behind? you think it will classroom? be used in the future?

I am a product of Our superintendent should Virtual learning is a No answer provided Continue offering tutorial Scotland County wherein have proven educational platform that can provide and remediation as a part I developed an interest leadership experience, innovative ways to add to of the virtual learning in life-long learning. I am curriculum implementation how we deliver learning experience for children a proud member of the and an approach to address opportunities; however, it who struggle to keep up. SHS Class of 1987. After the social-emotional does not replace in-person Consultation can be made graduating, I attended development of the whole learning it should add to the with our local University Morehouse College and child. overall experience. and Community College transferred to Pembroke partners who have State University, where teaching through virtual I completed a BA in platforms and can assist Political Science and the public schools as we I completed an MA in navigate during through Clinical Mental Health the pandemic. Counseling from Webster University. Currently, I am Tony Spaulding, a Team Lead providing Community Based Mental challenger Health Services serving (Stewartsville) families to avoid out of home placement for their children.

Born Sept. 3, 1968, I grew In the process of looking I know that the last half of I have had personal First and foremost, there up in the adjoining city for a superintendent, the 2019-2020 school year experience in this area. needs to be a task force of McColl, South Carolina. my first question is and the entire2020-2021 My daughter was bullied comprising of parents, I graduated with honors theexperience they may school year to date has a and physically attacked in students, teachers, No photo from McColl-Fletcher bring to the area. It is challenge for everyone her elementary school. As administrators and let’s HighSchool in 1986. I very important to me that involved. The struggle we sought help from the do some research and available completed my associate thesuccessful candidate to balance health, safety district, my family and I see what our options degree from Florence- for the superintendency and a quality education were constantly told it was are, by considering how DarlingtonTechnical has had years experience unfortunately has pervaded being handled. When she other districts have College with an associates inteaching before having our homes, our workplaces was ultimately hit by an helped their students, degree in nursing in 1992. sought out any roles in the and our schools. However object, the other child was to understand how they I have practiced nursing as administration. I wouldalso abov eall else the safety of suspended for several days have been successful. an RN at McLeod Regional consider it a positive if the the students is paramount and allowed to return to Then we need to share Medical Center, Marlboro candidate was planning in the decision-making school in the same classes the plan with everyone. I Park Hospital and Scotland to live in thecommunity process. We don’t know and on the same schedule completely support our Healthcare System. All of and understands the enough about COVID-19 as my child. We must ensure, teachers, having been Lester Brigman Jr. my children have attended dynamics of how smaller to fully understand the “all the children, all the time,” one myself, I understand cities andschools operate. repercussions. However, which is why I am running the struggles faced in the challenger Scotland County Schools. I hold a bachelor’s degree I want a candidate who there is another side to for school board. classroom. I also support (Stewartsville) in nursing from Lander is not planning to make this pandemic as well. The the SROs and other police University, a bachelor’s ScotlandCounty Schools a cultural and social effects it officers but we have to degree in elementary stepping stone to a larger has on children. Personally, I learn to communicate education and a masters district. have taken multiple courses with everyone. Basically, degree in early childhood “via” virtual learning but we need to understand education from Francis I am a developed adult. we can’t do Mit without Marion. In 2007 I graduated At this point, I am afraid everyone being involved. with my masters in nursing tremendous harm is being in public health nursing, done as our children becoming certified as both develop without the a family and pediatric nurse interaction between other practitioner. I finished my students and our teachers. education by completing Somehow we have to do my doctorates from the better. University of South Carolina in educational leadership and the University of Kentucky in nursing practice.

Married to Arthemas The qualities I would Virtual learning has There needs to be a strict Administrators and Banks and they have three like to see in a new been around for a while enforcement of the rules teachers need to make sons: Arthemas Jr. and superintendent are first in education. It is a tool at every school. First of sure that students login to wife Yara of Jacksonville of all a visionary. A person that uses computers and all, when students get on their classes. The teachers Florida; retired Major who can start with our the internet to promote the bus, their temperature need to explore new and Antoine Banks and wife current district initiatives learning. The teacher and should be checked. When exciting ways to motivate Rhonica of Upper Marlboro, and determine where we the learner are separation they arrive at school they students to learn. Teachers Maryland; and Retired need to go. A person who by distance and the goal is should go directly to can make personal phone Lt. Col. Aaron Banks and use data to make decisions to enhance learning using class and stay there. Hand calls to reach out to wife Erika of San Antonio, about the needs of all technology. Virtual learning sanitizing stations should be parents and share their Texas. She is currently students. A person who when used correctly can strategically placed in each concerns if a student is up for re-election to the knows about best practices promote learning that 21st classroom. Teachers should having problems. There Scotland County School in education and can set century learners can use explain the procedures is concern that students Board. She is the director of obtainable goals for the as a substitute for on-site for staying safe to the need social and emotional a 21st Century Community district. I would also like to learning. I feel that nothing students, the three Ws (ash support so we need to Learning Center, SYSTEM have a superintendent who can replace in person your hands, wear a mask, make sure counselors and is approachable, one who is instruction especially for the and wait at least 6 feet) mental health personal Carolyn Banks, (Strengthening Youth Through, Science, involved in the community young learner but virtual and other safety measures are available to provide incumbent Technology, Engineering, and supports students by learning is a valid option should be the norm for assistance if needed. The (At-large) and Math). She has worked attending events and is when in person learning safe operation of school. teachers are available to in education for 27 years visible and available when is not available. Scotland Lunch should be delivered work one on one with as a career and technical needed. I would like for County students’ have to each classroom. Students students. Parents should education teacher and the new superintendent to Chromebooks and they are should wear their mask make sure that their child is TSA (Technology Students be able to work with the using the Chromebooks to at all times except to eat. meeting the required hours Association) advisor. BOE to maintain an open connect with their teachers. Students should not share of attendance. Parents She is a National Board line of communication. He Teachers are using NC State materials or food. Teachers need to also express their Certified teacher and she (she) should also be able standards to guide their should monitor students concerns to the principals is certified as a Global to manage the financial instructions, I feel very good for any sign of illness. The if they feel that their child Career Development resources so that the about our students and room should be disinfected needs additional support. Facilitator. She has school budget is spent in teachers when it comes to before, during, and after the worked on many grants, the areas where it is most virtual learning now and for students leave, especially if especially in the area of needed. Finally, I would like the future. the room is to be used by project-based learning to have a superintendent another class. and STEM education. She who had had experience in currently is the director of working with high needs a 21st Century Community populations and students Learning Center- SYSTEM at risk of failure. (Strengthening Students Through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Jimmy Bennett born in What I look for in a new Virtual would be OK if the School personnel should do Keep up with the virtual Scotland County attended Superintendent is He kids had internet in all parts everything possible to make learning and send material school in Scotland or She needs to live in of the county. If it works with sure students can stay safe. to the students home for County Pembroke State Scotland County visit all the students then it could be them to keep up. very active in the county school to keep abreast good in the future. President of the Kiwanis of what happening at all Club and the President of school have dialog with Scotland County Veteran teacher and essential Council. personnel.

Jimmy Bennett, challenger (At-large) Laurinburg Exchange ELECTION GUIDE 2020 - A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Saturday, October 31, 2020 5 SCOTLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONER (at-large)

1. How do you feel 2. In the matter 3. What, if any, 4. What do you Photo & about the current of the lost grants changes do you think should board’s attempts that created a believe need to be done with biographical to create a policy $575,000 deficit happen within the former IEJ information designed to help to the county, do the board for it Elementary prevent social you feel this issue to improve the School? media posts by has been handled way it serves the Commissioners properly as far as community? which could be the transparency viewed as racial of the board or controversial? during and after the process as well as solving the issue of lost funds and determining who is at fault?

In my early years, I was There is a policy regarding County Commissioners First, the board should I believe there is interest raised as an Army brat; my county employees have done a poor job of improve its ability to from the I.E. Johnson dad was a career soldier (including elected officials) answering questions and conduct meetings virtually. community and from the and my mom a teacher use of social media. The being “open” about what We have had extremely Laurinburg City Council and a homemaker. Both County Commissioners occurred and for that, I important meetings that and Scotland County parents were born and on September 8th asked apologize. There was no have not been broadcast Board of Commissioners raised in Scotland county. I the Policy Committee intentional effort to deceive clearly, nor effectively to consider a plan that graduated rom Laurinburg ( standing committee) nor personal gains obtained informed the public. Better would utilize the I.E.J. High School in 1966 and to review the policy in this effort to bring 90 jobs virtual communications property for the benefit of UNC-Chapel Hill with a because of recent posts by and $38,000,000 in capital would improve discussions that community. Hopefully BA in political science Commissioners. No action investment to Scotland and understanding between (and reportedly), there are in 1970; participated in has been recommended, County. The county has county commissioners “third parties” that may the UNC School of Gov’t, but I believe the only spent $575,000 for which it and Scotland County’s be willing to invest in the Justice Executive Program recommendation would has not been reimbursed. citizens. Additionally, property for charitable or in 1982. Employed 1970- involve statements on We will be reimbursed by a commissioners need to be entrepreneurial purposes. 1981 State of NC - Juvenile social media that suggests Department of Commerce more open to questions These “third-party” Whit Gibson, Court, Parole, prison a Commissioner is violating loan with a first payment and better inform citizens interests, along with incumbent (D) superintendent; 1981- or suggesting the violation due 7-1-2021. Hopefully, of the reasons behind the governmental support 2007 Scotland County of his (her) oath of office. this loan will be forgiven decisions that we make. I for academic, vocational, Clerk of Superior Court This policy would not before the first payment believe commissioners need recreational or community- and Probate Judge; 2007- limit anyone’s “freedom of is due. These “loan” to be less defensive when centered functions could 2019 First Capital Bank, speech”, but would caution negotiations have occurred confronted with questions maximize the use of this Compliance and Security Commissioners to remain between March-August and more expansive in their much-loved campus to Officer, then in 2018-2019, faithful to their oath to 2020, and are primarily why answers. continue as a center of the Regional Executive support, maintain and commissioners remained hope and pride for this over Laurinburg and defend the Constitutions mostly silent on this topic. community. Bennettsville branches. of the and Have served as a Boy Scout North Carolina. leader, Optimist baseball coach, United Way president and campaign chair and chamber president. Married to Tammie Caulder Gibson and we have four sons.

SCOTLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONER (AT LARGE), CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Thank you for allowing me to have served you previously as scoTland counTy clerk of courT from 1981 - 2007 scoTland counTy commissioner from 2012 - Present I would like to continue to serve you as your County Commissioner. I offer you additional information about our Board’s accomplishments and my goals are listed below.

Board Accomplishments:

• Reduced the Tax rate in 3 of the last 6 years, • Worked with the Scotland County School Board to determine the funding amount for each year since 2015, instead of depending on the “School Funding Formula”, • Through the efforts of the Economic Development Corporation, the board facilitated the recruitment of a new industry or the expansion of an existing industry in every year since 2009. Since 2012, more than 800 new jobs have been created with a Capital Investment of over $300,000,000, • Expanded “fire coverage” with 2 new substations, lowering insurance premiums for many citizens, • Worked with Richmond Community College to achieve “full campus designation” for facilities in Scotland County.

Continuing Goals:

• Maintain Scotland County Services during difficult economic times, • Promote “economic development”, including the creation of additional jobs for Scotland County citizens, • Cooperate with other “governing” boards to improve the services provided to citizens (Board of Education, local City Councils, Local Government Commission, etc.). sCotlAnd County BoArd of Commissioners

Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Whit Gibson 6 Saturday, October 31, 2020 ELECTION GUIDE 2020 - A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Laurinburg Exchange

SCOTLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONER (AT LARGE), CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Photo & 1. How do you feel 2. In the matter 3. What, if any, 4. What do you about the current of the lost grants changes do you think should biographical board’s attempts that created a believe need to be done with information to create a policy $575,000 deficit happen within the former IEJ designed to help to the county, do the board for it Elementary prevent social you feel this issue to improve the School? media posts by has been handled way it serves the Commissioners properly as far as community? which could be the transparency viewed as racial of the board or controversial? during and after the process as well as solving the issue of lost funds and determining who is at fault?

None provided A commissioner should be This issue has been handled I think that the board needs It should be used as a above posting anything poorly. The board has new commissioners with community center. It that would offend anyone not been truthful to the fresh and improved ideas. should also be used regardless of race, age, sex, citizens of Scotland County. The board is ineffective for further education or occupation. Or for that They continue to direct all in the way that they are programs, work programs, matter political views. I feel the fault onto Mark Ward handling and conducting and after school tutoring. that a county commissioner and not his superiors. business. With the most The playground and ball should be for all people. As a commissioner you recent events in the past field should be opened A County Commissioner are required to serve the year, it is not hard to see this. back up. Maybe even gives up the right to have people of Scotland County possibly a Boys and Girls a personal opinion when and direct all funds to the Club. It needs to be utilized they are elected and sworn betterment of the county. to benefit all citizens of in so you can represent all Scotland County. people equally.

Bo Frizzell, challenger (R)

McPhatter is Kersey is running SCOTLAND the owner of against McPhatter McPhatter for county No photo Funeral Home commissioner. COUNTY available and is currently She did not on the Scotland submit answers County Board of to the questions COMMISSIONER Commissioners. provided or He did not biography submit answers information. to the questions (Stewartsville provided or biography Township) Clarence McPhatter, information. Angie Kersey, incumbent challenger

VoTE NoVEMbEr 3rd BO FRIZZELL for CoUNTY CoMMISSIoNEr

It’s Time for A Change Scotland County!

My Mission as County CoMMissioner • Increase the workforce in Scotland County by promoting incentives for new businesses in the area • Work with the School Board to re-introduce Vocational Education programs in public schools • Create job programs for residents to help end poverty in Scotland County and create financial independence • Explore ways to provide assistance to local First Responders by attending training meetings gathering input • Work with local colleges to create solutions for local teacher shortages • STOP WASTEFUL SPENDING • With my experience in planning, construction and spending I will make more informative decisions regarding how our tax dollars are being

spent. Paid for by Bo Frizzell for County Commissioner