David Woodson

David Woodson was born in Norfolk, Virginia. His career experience includes working for the Secretary of the Navy's office managing the Navy's Publications Management Program.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for the North Carolina House because I believe the people of District 27 deserve a strong, principled voice in Raleigh—someone who will listen, stand up for our communities, protect our freedoms, and put the interests of North Carolina families ahead of politics. Rural North Carolina deserves a seat at the table—not a seat on the sideline. North Carolina is

growing. District 27 can benefit from that growth with the right leadership.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

1. GROW OUR ECONOMY WHILE PRESERVING OUR FARMS, LAND & RURAL WAY OF LIFE

Rural North Carolina deserves a seat at the table—not a seat on the sideline. North Carolina is

growing. District 27 can benefit from that growth with the right leadership.

• Stand up for small businesses, family farms, entrepreneurs, and free enterprise.

• Support forestry and agribusiness

• Cut unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic barriers that make it harder to start or grow a business.

• Bring together local businesses, agriculture, education, and industry to create jobs and investment.

• Expand workforce training, apprenticeships, and career opportunities.2. PROTECT TAXPAYERS & THEIR PROPERTY RIGHTS

Property ownership is a cornerstone of individual freedom and economic independence. Government

must protect property rights—not erode them through burdensome taxation and regulations.

• Defend the constitutional right to own, use, and enjoy private property without unnecessary government

interference.

• Protect all District 27 constituents from regulations and policies that unnecessarily restrict property use or

diminish property values.

• Oppose unnecessary tax increases that place additional burdens on working families, retirees, farmers, and

small businesses.

• Ensure government decisions affecting property owners follow clear laws, due process, and competent

evidence.3. RESTORE TRUST IN GOVERNMENT BY DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY

Government must live within its means—and answer to the people who pay the bills with their hard￾earned tax dollars.

• Support a fair, predictable, and responsible tax system.

• Demand responsible state budgets and eliminate wasteful spending.

• Make government more transparent and accountable.

• Oppose unnecessary programs and spending that do not produce results.

• Scrutinize tax incentives and economic-development deals, eliminate cronyism, and ensure taxpayers receive

promised results from government programs.

• Reduce bureaucracy and make government work more efficiently.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic development starts with infrastructure.

• Fight for funding for roads, water, sewer, broadband – all necessary for economic development.

• Make water and sewer infrastructure projects a priority.

• Ensure our roads and bridges are properly funded.

• Expand reliable high-speed broadband.

• Create and improve transportation options for families, businesses, agriculture, schools, and emergency

services.

• Make infrastructure decisions based on a strategic plan aimed at expanding economic opportunities and

responsible growth.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am retired from the Department of Defense with 38 years of faithful service at the Pentagon. I managed several printing facilities for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and served two years as Director of Printing at the White House. I retired from the Secretary of the Navy's office, where I managed the Navy's Publications Management Program. My lovely wife, Evelyn, retired from the U.S. Marine Corps with 20 years of honorable service. She also served 18 years at the Army Operations Center and the Congressional Travel Office at the Pentagon. We both worked at the Pentagon when the 9-11 terrorist attack occurred. As a result, my office was destroyed and we both lost people dear to us. I assisted in recovery efforts and worked to re-establish mission essential Naval operations. We will Never Forget 9/11 or the friends we lost that day.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education must be a major priority. Our economic condition is directly related to our educational system. Our Children are our future and I believe that Teachers, Parents and our Children deserve excellence in our educational system. The ability to attract and keep quality educators, properly maintain our school facilities and improve overall student education is critically important. The progressive liberal policies of the left have failed our District. The poverty rate in District 32 is 4.7% higher than the national average. With the largest demographic being black men 18-24, followed by black women 25-44 (many of whom are single moms). I find this unacceptable and believe it's time to change our Representation in Raleigh. I would work to encourage the Legislature to be more flexible and accommodating to rural Districts. I would sponsor a resolution that rural areas, such as ours be given greater consideration in development and infrastructure planning.Overcriminalization is a minefield that has a chilling effect on lower-income citizens, property owners, private enterprise, free speech, neighborhood boards and communities. It has even ensnared our churches and nonprofit organizations. I'm am grateful to our state and local law enforcement and first responders and pray for them regularly. Safe communities are essential to everyone's quality of life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe Teachers, Parents and our Children deserve excellence in our educational system. The capacity to attract and keep quality educators, and properly maintained school facilities is my priority. Among the legislation I aim to sponsor and support will improve overall school climate and increase teacher/principal retention rates, expand curriculum choices (trades/shop/govt), improve school facilities and infrastructure and improves student conduct by learning to respect themselves and others equally.

Economic growth and development decisions can profoundly impact a community. Strategic planning and constructive economic growth is crucial. I support common sense legislation that will encourage business incentives that attract investment and positive economic growth across our district. I would work towards expanding resources to improve our local government's capacity for development planning and revitalization initiatives. Among my priorities are bringing Medical facilities to our district and encouraging our Legislature to be flexible and accommodating to rural districts such as ours. I will sponsor a resolution stating rural areas must be given greater consideration in development and infrastructure planning.

I would work to prohibit "Sanctuary Cities". The progressive liberal approach to crime has clearly failed. I support Law Enforcement and will work to improve the safety and quality of life for everyone within House District 32.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Lincoln, the founder of the Republican Party. His Party, the Republican Party was born with a commitment to our inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Prior to the Civil War not a single Republican owned a slave and stood united by a desire to abolish slavery. President Lincoln issued and signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but it was the entire Republican Party who freed the slaves. In 1864 the Republican National Convention called for the abolition of slavery, and even though the Democratic Party fought them, the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, passed with 100% Republican support. Republicans passed the 14th Amendment, giving full citizenship to freed slaves in 1868 with 0% support from Democrats in congress. The 15th Amendment, giving freed slaves the right to vote, passed in 1870 with 100% Republican support and 0% Democrat support in congress. And the first black congressmen elected to Congress were Republicans. We included "Women's Suffrage" in our party's platform as early as 1896. The early women's rights movement was solidly Republican, and was a continuation of abolitionism. The 19th Amendment was written by a Republican senator and granted American women the right to vote. The first woman elected to Congress was Republican (Jeanette Rankin - 1916). I am proud and grateful to these early Republicans for securing these Amendments to our Constitution. Lincoln founded a Party that to this day is still a Party of citizens bound together by our dedication to our Nation's founding principles, our Constitution and Bill of Rights. We defend the unborn and the new-born, religious freedom and the fundamental principles of limited government, separation of powers, individual liberty, and the rule of law.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that government has an obligation in providing an environment where individual initiative and free enterprise is encouraged, and where opportunities for prosperity can be achieved by all under the rule of law. I would work and encourage to Legislature to be more flexible and accommodating to rural Districts and I would sponsor a resolution that rural areas, such as ours be given greater consideration in development and infrastructure planning.

I would work in increase the relationship between our District and the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) to push development projects to our District. I would work to establish a process to expedite funds so that we don't lose projects and opportunities to other areas or our neighboring state Virginia (as we have in the past). In addition, I would work to secure funds to establish or build a "spec building" (or buildings).

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

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I understand government processes and can work thru the red tape to get things done.

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I have produced and managed several cohesive and productive teams of individuals to accomplish set goals and tasks.

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I have the ability to work effectively with people at every level of government.

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I have trained employees with diverse backgrounds who effectively supported and staffed offices at highest levels of government.

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I am able and willing to reach across the aisle to solve complex issues and find solutions.

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I have a broad skill set in the blue-collar trades, business, government and contracting experience.

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I have demonstrated my leadership skills, that I can work under pressure, stay focused and organized during the 9-11 terror attack and its after effects.

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I am open-minded, honest and some of my best ideas were someone else's first. Mainly my wife's.

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I strive to be innovative and a visionary. I use common sense thinking and apply innovative approaches to accomplished set goals.

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I understand that planning is key to success. Decisions that have a profound impact on the lives and livelihood of thousands of people should never be self-serving or for political interest.

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I respect everyone and believe the best in their intentions.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Bring economic growth and development to NC House District 32

Attract and keep quality educators with retirement healthcare benefits, bonuses and essentials that contribute to good working environments and housing.

Improve our school facilities and infrastructure, plan for future construction and expansion. Clean, well-maintained facilities are critical not only (in) retaining teachers but to a student's overall learning experience.

I pledge to work directly with our School Boards, our Commissioners, Parents and other Stakeholders to ensure appropriate legislation is introduced that meet the needs of our schools and students. I believe our school system should take every advantage of technology such as phone apps so students and parents can track projects, assignments, grades and home-work. Expand current apps designed to prevent bullying (that would) prevent crime, drugs and increase communications between Teachers and Parents. Increase early learning skills to include reading, writing (to include cursive), grammar, math and science at appropriate early age levels. Upon graduation from high school our students should be prepared for success in the industry trades, technology careers, community college and college preparedness. Broaden trade and tech skill curriculums offering opportunities for students to enroll in industry training programs, trade school programs, or industry-recognized certificates and credential programs.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Moon landing. I was six. The most impactful event was 9/11. My office was directly above where the plan entered the Pentagon during the 9-11 terrorist attack. I assisted in recovery efforts and to re-establish several Secretary of the Navy staff offices. I assisted in securing office space outside the Pentagon for over 140 personnel and the stand-up move immediately. I worked to obtain phone service, furniture, supplies, copiers and network computers and prints. I was granted entry into the targeted area (my own office) to recover classified and unclassified records, and salvage whatever was still usable. I made several trips into the damaged areas recovering mission essential records, equipment and personal items of division personnel. I was eventually tasked, along with others as to coordinate our move back into the Pentagon. We completed that assignment on May 6th 2002 (less than one year later). It was good to be home but both my wife and I lost to souls dear to us.

Mr. James Lynch (age 55) - Was a friend of my wife's. He was a man that never met a stranger. He was a civilian navy technician, made his rounds as the "Pentagon Candy Man," a one-man morale team handing out Werther's Original toffees at every desk he stopped at. His body, and 4 others (3 military and 1 three-year-old girl) was never recovered. All were completely consumed in the attack. Mr. Ted (Teddington) Moy (48) - Was a friend and co-worker of mine. We worked together for several years and often shared stories of our families with each other. Madeline Moy (his wife) had turned 50 on September 10, 2001. They celebrated together with a low-key dinner, and the next morning, she kissed her Ted goodbye, handed him his sack lunch and sent him off to work at the Pentagon. A short time later, a package arrived in her mail; it was her birthday gift from Ted, a Lands' End sweater twin set, red. Madeline waited all day for Ted to come home so she could open it with him, but Ted never came home.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

In my work history that include 38 years of Federal service I have gained a broad skill set in the blue-collar trades, business, and budgeting, government policy and contracting experience. I have produced and managed several cohesive and productive teams of individuals to accomplish set goals and tasks. I have the ability to work effectively with people at every level of government. I have trained employees with diverse backgrounds who effectively supported and staffed offices at highest levels of government. I am able and willing to reach across the aisle to solve complex issues and find solutions. I am open-minded, honest and some of my best ideas were someone else's first. Mainly my wife's. I strive to be innovative and a visionary. I use common sense thinking and apply innovative approaches to accomplished set goals. I understand that planning is key to success. Decisions that have a profound impact on the lives and livelihood of thousands of people should never be self-serving or for political interest. I respect everyone and believe the best in their intentions.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The poverty rate in District 32 is heartbreaking. With the largest demographic being black men 18-24, followed by black women 25-44 (many of whom are single moms). I find this unacceptable. I am disturbed by the promises made and the broken because of political dealmaking. I pledge too always support and represent the people of House District 32 regardless of party or political interest . It's time to change the way things are done in Raleigh.

I am passionate in my faith and extremely dedicated to our Nation's founding principles. God laid on my heart long ago a desire to serve others. Through several ministries I regularly devote my time, talent and treasure to serving our community and the Body of Christ. Today, I seek to serve our community as your House District 32 Representatives and humbly ask for your prayers, support and your vote.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Differences include district size, chamber size, and the enumerated powers of each house. The structure and operations of our state legislature reflect the republican ideal of self-government via elected representatives. The House has been authorized 120 members, while our Senate has been authorized 50 members. Neither our bound by term limits. Though the Senate represent districts that are much larger in size than those of their colleagues in the House, its prerogatives and powers are no greater, other than the Senate has the power to advise and consent to the Governor's Cabinet nominees.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe our republic was designed precisely for "We the People" to govern ourselves, either at the state or federal level. The social class backgrounds of politicians don't really matter. Experience in government does have an advantage, but there is always something to be said for bringing in a fresh perspective. I'm sure it can be tough navigating the political and legislative landscape for those without previous experience in government or politics, but that may not be a bad thing. I would like to believe that politicians always do their best to work for the common good regardless of where they come from. Unfortunately, politics doesn't always work that way. Working-class people in the general public tend to be more pro-worker, business owners tend to be more pro-business, farmers tend to be more pro-farm, etc. Politicians from different social classes may tend to bring different perspectives with them to public office, especially when it comes to economic and social issues. Term limits in fact, may be what we need to keep a fresh perspective...Just a thought.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Education and Economics. The capacity to attract and keep quality educators, and properly maintained school facilities is my priority. The legislation I intend to sponsor and support will improve overall school climate and increase teacher/principal retention rates, expand curriculum choices (trades/shop/govt), improve school facilities and infrastructure and improve student conduct by teaching them to respect themselves and others equally. Economic growth and development decisions can profoundly impact a community. Strategic planning and constructive economic growth are crucial. I support common sense legislation that will encourage business incentives that attract investment and positive economic growth across our district. I will work towards expanding resources to improve our local government's capacity for development planning and revitalization initiatives. My priorities include bring a Medical facility and Women's Health services to our district and encouraging our Legislature to be flexible and accommodating to rural districts such as ours. I will sponsor a resolution stating rural areas must be given greater consideration in development and infrastructure planning. Teachers, Parents and our Children deserve excellence in our educational system. A fair wage equals economic freedom and is fundamental to human liberty and dignity. Families at every income level deserve low cost clean energy. Healthcare and safe communities are essential to everyone's quality of life. The progressive liberal policies of the left have failed our District. The current poverty rate in District 32 is 4.7% higher than the national average, with the largest demographic being black men 18-24, followed by black women 25-44 (many of whom are single moms). 15.1% of our District lives in poverty. I for one find this to be unacceptable and believe it's time to change our Representation in Raleigh.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

The process that is laid out in our state constitution. The "North Carolina Constitution" states the General Assembly (not the courts and not the Governor) has the "sole authority" to revise State House and U.S. Congressional Districts.