To assist voters in the upcoming November 5, 2024 election, candidate Leigh Coulter, a Democrat from House District 69 in North Carolina, has shared her platform through a questionnaire that local publications can disseminate freely. Valerie Coulter, born on August 19, 2024, has previously run for office, aiming for the same House District in 2022 and having served on the Stallings Town Council in 2017. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC-Charlotte and is actively engaged in her community, being a long-time advocate for schools, serving on the Town Park and Recreation Advisory Board, and holding a precinct chair position in the Union County Democratic Party.
One of the key topics addressed in the questionnaire is reproductive health. Coulter is opposed to North Carolina’s current restrictions on abortion, which ban the procedure after 12 weeks. She argues that the government should not intervene in personal healthcare decisions and should focus instead on ensuring that healthcare providers are well-educated and licensed. Her stance reflects a broader concern about the government’s role in private health matters and emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy in healthcare choices.
When asked about the most pressing issue facing her constituents, Coulter reflects that many residents are primarily concerned with the high cost of living, which encompasses healthcare, education, and housing. She acknowledges the complexity of these interconnected issues and believes in the importance of investments in communities that have historically been underserved. Coulter cites Sarah Taber’s ideas on revitalizing rural parts of the district as potentially beneficial to address these economic challenges.
The issue of rising violent crime rates in North Carolina, particularly in larger cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh, is another significant concern mentioned in the questionnaire. Coulter proposes that addressing these concerns requires a multifaceted approach, emphasizing the need for quality education across all neighborhoods, healthcare access, and job training. Additionally, she asserts that investment in neglected areas is crucial for economic stability, and calls for stronger gun safety laws and a ban on assault weapons as part of a broader public safety strategy.
While inflation has become less severe, the rising prices of essential goods continue to pose challenges for North Carolina citizens. Coulter aims to address these issues by looking into mechanisms to combat price gouging and advocating for an increase in the minimum wage. She aligns these concerns with her previous conversations about the cost of living, demonstrating an understanding that economic well-being is closely tied to affordability in everyday life.
In response to a question about party policies she disagrees with, Coulter candidly acknowledges that there are numerous policies that do not align with her views. This statement indicates her critical perspective on the party’s direction while highlighting her commitment to remaining responsive to the needs and concerns of her constituents. Overall, Leigh Coulter’s responses in the candidate questionnaire reflect her focus on community well-being, economic stability, and advocacy for personal rights, positioning her as a candidate attentive to the evolving needs of North Carolinians in House District 69.