Stacie McGinn, Republican NC Senate District 42 candidate, answers our questions

To help inform voters in 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 Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.

Name: Stacie McGinn

Birth date (month, day and year): July 7, 1959

Campaign website or social media page: staciemcginnfornc.com

Occupation: Business executive, non-profit leader

Education: Baylor University B.B.A. Georgetown University J.D.

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

No

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Board Member and Chairman, Finance Committee, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Member and supporter, St. Gabriel Catholic Church

General Counsel, Republican Party of Mecklenburg County

Board Member and Head of Legislation and Public Policy, RWGC

Volunteer, Samaritan’s Purse (relief worker in Boone, NC, following Hurricane Helene)

Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and most of the county’s towns are on board with draft legislation to get permission from the legislature for a sales tax referendum to pay for public transit and other transportation. If elected, would you support a bill that allows the sales tax increase to appear on the ballot? Why or why not?

As Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have grown, our transportation system and infrastructure have struggled to keep up. I strongly support revamping and improving local transit and transportation. Charlotteans, however, are tiring of tax increases for which they do not see real value. I would want to know more about the referendum and the specific transportation proposals, including its impact on low- and middle-income residents, proposed project costs, and oversight.

In North Carolina, abortion is banned after 12 weeks. State politicians, including gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, have said they want to restrict abortion even further. Do you support the state’s current abortion restrictions, and what is your approach to legislating issues related to reproductive health?

I support the current North Carolina law and would not seek to change the status quo. The current law strikes the right balance on this difficult issue, with exceptions for rape and incest and fetal abnormalities, and no restriction in the case of the life of the mother. Most North Carolinians do not support abortion on demand but favor a specific time limit. Importantly, the bill also included $160 million in support services for men and women who choose to have their children.

What would you say is the biggest issue facing your constituents, and what would you do to address it if elected?

The three primary issues I have focused on for this campaign are rising crime, the economy and improving the state’s education system. My positions and solutions are discussed on my website at staciemcginnfornc.com. I will work across the aisle to kick start our economy and bring down the cost of living. I will support law enforcement and fight for legislation that makes our streets safer. I will work to improve our schools so every child can receive a world-class education.

While violent crime rates are decreasing nationwide they are growing in large North Carolina cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. How would you tackle the issue of rising violent crime rates and what do you believe is the legislature’s role when it comes to public safety?

We must get tough on crime, stop the revolving door that puts criminals back on the street and support law enforcement. I support recent steps to stiffen penalties for drug dealers who are responsible for the alarming increase in drug overdoses. I support examining sentencing laws and bail reform policies so that dangerous criminals are held accountable and kept off our streets. I will work with local and state leaders to make sure we fully fund law enforcement and make our streets safe.

While inflation has slowed, rising prices continue to concern North Carolina residents. How will you ensure your constituents are able to afford basic necessities like health care, food and housing?

I will fight to lower personal income taxes so you can keep more of your hard-earned money. I will fight to cut red tape and support pro-growth policies so our small businesses can thrive creating more good paying jobs. I secure more investment in affordable housing so workers can afford to live in the area where they work. I will work across the aisle to address the cost-of-living crisis created by years of historic inflation, and spur economic growth that lifts up all North Carolinians.

Is there any policy by your party that you disagree with?

I am laser focused on the local issues that face residents of the 42nd District every day: crime, the cost of living and education. I have been crisscrossing the 42nd District since the very beginning of this campaign to spread my positive message. Together, we can make our streets safer, unleash our economy, and improve our schools. I will unite Democrats, Republicans and Independents behind our common-sense message. I deliver results for all the residents of District 42.