Michael Lazzara

Michael Lazzara was born in Palermo, Sicily, Italy.[1] Lazzara served in the U.S. Marine Corps.[2] His career experience includes owning and working as the president of Lazzara Enterprises.[1]

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Michael Lazzara did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

In 1982, after graduating from Parris Island, Michael Lazzara arrived at Camp Lejeune and, after completing his 4 year enlistment in 1986, decided to make Jacksonville his home. The young former Corporal, filled with entrepreneurial passion and spirit, decided that his best route to success would be as a small business owner. This passion and spirit has lasted for over 31 years.

Michael has served as the Chairman of the Board, Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee. In 2005, his passion and spirit led him to public service as he was elected to the Jacksonville City Council and has served as Mayor Pro Tem for 12 years. In recent years, Michael has served in a variety of leadership role such as: Chairman, Transportation Advisory Committee; Chairman, Tourism Development Authority; Oversight Committee Member, Dix Crisis Center; Board Member, Onslow Water and Sewer Authority; Board Member, Coastal Carolina Community College; past Board Member, Bettering Our Local Downtown; and past Board member, NC Housing Finance Agency. Michael's most recent leadership role was his selection to lead the NC League of Municipalities as Vice President, President, and now past President. The League represents 540 cities and towns across NC and Michael was the longest serving President in the League's history. Michael's superb public service to the residents of Jacksonville and his passion for leadership has prepared him to serve in NC Senate

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?

Committed to ensure that State level Policies and Programs provide for the best possible education for our students K through 12 and attending our community colleges.Protect our military foot print and the ability for our bases to train our servicemen and women to go in harms way, and to ensure their families and retirees are represented in our communities.Actions that take on the challenge of public safety, substance abuse, and mental health, build economic wealth and lower taxes for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Agriculture is the number one industry in NC. We want to ensure that state policies established by state leadership, protect their future and our natural resources. A key element to these policies is encroachment and overregulation.

NC has the 4th largest military footprint in the country. Jones and Onslow counties are the home of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. We need to ensure that policies established by state leadership, allow Marine Corps Installation Commanders to accomplish their training mission. In addition, we need policies that support and welcome active/retired service members and their families. Not every child wants to go to school so we must ensure that our schools need to provide a challenging curriculum that prepares them to make intelligent career decisions about their future. The heart of our communities are being challenged by substance abuse and those without adequate mental health resources, we must work towards solutions. I also support sound economic development and I am very passionate about collaboration and working together for the common good of the people we serve.

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

I have many mentors that I look up to. Friends that are extremely smart, compassionate, humble, and have a lifetime of service. I have learned that if you are fortunate to have blessings, it is our duty and responsibility to give back in the service of others regardless the cost or time. We have to be the voice for the voiceless and use our god given talents to serve our citizens and help build communities and families that thrive.

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

The ability to listen, and ensure you build upon the voice of the people you represent. Integrity and compassion, and the ability to evaluate and consider all facts and information before making decisions. Aways stay true to your principles and morals.

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

I am a good listener and have a very strong work ethic, I am willing to build relationships with peers and always willing to learn. Making informed decisions is a priority and doing so with integrity.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Transparency, and communication are important to me. I am also a good listener and will always be accessible to the citizens I serve. I will have local office and will have quarterly elected official meetings to ensure I am representing the communities I represent. Ensure that tax payer dollars are being properly distributed and reduce all wasteful spending and build efficiencies in Government.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would want people to know I worked on their behalf and represented them in the manner of which they elected me.

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

A real pivot point in my life is when I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, I was 19 and it really changed my life in a very positive way, and taught me structure and a sense of patriotism and purpose. I will always be grateful for it.

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

I delivered Quick Pack advertisements door to door when I was 10 Years old, and I worked every summer for 3 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. It reminds me that Jesus had a choice not be crucified but chose the nails and suffering to show his love for us. He had the power to override all suffering but in order to fulfill the prophecy he, had to suffer and he did. I translate that to our trials and tribulations in our daily lives and in suffering there will be glory that's comes to us. This book always helps me stay grounded and a good book for all to read.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Fire and Rain, by James's Taylor

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

I believe that previous experience certainly helps, particularly when it comes to policy changes that effect local governments and the citizens they serve. Having the knowledge of building budgets and also having an understanding of how services are delivered is valuable knowledge. It is certainly not required, but I believe its valuable experience to have.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Having a bipartisan relationship is essential for a productive state government.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Relationships are the key to productive outcomes. Having mutual respect and the willingness to learn from each other is very important. During my 14 years in public service, building solid relationships with my fellow council members has been my priority.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

As a potential freshman I am willing to serve in any capacity that I am chosen to be part of. I do have strengths in fiancé and appropriation, but I am willing to work in other areas as directed by leadership.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Senator Harry Brown has been a valuable mentor and certainly someone I can learn a great deal from.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

There are no plans at this time for higher office.

Michael Lazzara did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2019 Candidate Connection survey.