Primary season is here, and District 37 voters are weighing real tradeoffs: how do we make life more affordable, strengthen public schools, and restore trust in state government? We brought all three Democratic candidates—Ralph Clements, Wynn Decker, and Marcus Gadson—into one room for a substantive, fast-moving forum that gets specific on budgets, vouchers, healthcare, and the path to a flipped seat in Southern Wake County. These candidates are vying for the chance to run against incumbent Erin Pare come November to be elected into the NC House of Representatives.

We start with clarity on voting: who gets which ballot, how to confirm your districts with the NCSBE Voter Search, and why printing a sample ballot can calm “test anxiety” at the polls. Then, the forum begins, and we turn to policy. On education, candidates confront the voucher surge, teacher pay, capital needs like HVAC and tech, and how to keep special education services strong. You’ll hear competing strategies to restore voucher income caps, require private schools taking public funds to publish test scores, and freeze or tighten voucher growth until public schools are fully funded.

Affordability threads through everything: proposals to reinstate the earned income tax credit, cut taxes on essentials like OTC meds and prepared foods, and boost housing supply with duplexes, triplexes, and ADUs. Property tax fairness and better infrastructure funding round out a pragmatic approach to costs families feel every day. The healthcare segment spotlights Medicaid reimbursement rates, mental health capacity, hospital price transparency, and protecting reproductive freedom—with calls to secure choice through state constitutional safeguards.

Undergirding it all is the health of democracy: breaking budget gridlock, protecting the governor’s veto, and reforming redistricting so general elections—not just primaries—shape policy. If you want clear contrasts, concrete ideas, and an honest look at how to actually pass laws in Raleigh, this forum delivers.

Subscribe to NC Deep Dive Podcast, share this episode with a neighbor, and leave a review so more voters can find it. Your voice shapes the outcome—what’s the one change you want your next representative to prioritize?

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As always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email NCDeepDive@gmail.com. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.

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We sit down with Commissioner and mayoral candidate William (Bill) Harris to discuss a bold vision for Fuquay Varina—one that prioritizes balanced growth, higher wages through clean industry, and meaningful quality-of-life investments that strengthen community, not just add rooftops. Harris brings a results-driven track record, unpacks key votes, and calls on residents to help shape the town’s next chapter.

• Defining The Mayor’s Role As Ambassador, Brand Protector, And Visionary
• Fifty–Fifty Growth Strategy To Balance Residential And Commercial Development
• Tax Base Expansion To Ease The Burden On Residents
• Housing Diversity, Workforce Wages, And Streamlined Permitting
• Quality Of Life Investments Including Parks, Greenways, And An Aquatic Center
• Infrastructure First: Mobility, Chokepoints, And Long-Term Planning
• Evidence-Based Stance On Social Districts And Public Health
• Preserving Farmland And Improving Local Food Access
• Proactive Engagement Via Let’s Talk Fuquay Varina And Public Forums
• Small Business Support And The Chamber’s Evolving Role
• Arts District Proposal To Foster Connection And Inclusion
• Objectivity In Leadership And A Commitment To Avoiding Conflicts Of Interest
• Endorsed By The Wake County Democratic Party

Bill Harris is one of two candidates vying to be the next Mayor of Fuquay Varina. With early voting starting October 16 and Election Day on November 4, now’s the time to prepare. Make a plan, bring your valid ID, and be part of shaping the future of Fuquay Varina—for the next two years and beyond.

BillHarrisForMayor.com

BHarris30917@yahoo.com

Facebook

Campaign Finance Report

Campaign Finance Reports for All Candidate Committees

Voter Information (Register, Am I Registered?, Election Information)
Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation)
Election Information (Absentee by Mail Voting, Early Voting, Election Day Voting)

Early Voting Locations
October 16-November 1

Wake County Board of Elections Office-1200 N. New Hope Road, Raleigh 27610

October 25-November 1

John M. Brown Community Center-53 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502

Avery Street Recreation Center-125 Avery Street, Garner, NC 27529

Herbert C. Young Community Center-101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513

ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 4 from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Support the show

As always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email NCDeepDive@gmail.com. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.

Now, let's dive in!

We sat down with Holly Springs mayoral candidate Mike Kondratick to talk traffic, development, affordability, and how a more responsive town hall could better serve residents. He outlines ideas like a transportation lockbox, daily outreach to the community, and a "worth the cost" standard for evaluating future projects.

• Redefining The Mayor’s Role As Active Chair And Resident Advocate
• Why Traffic And Development Must Be Evaluated Together
• Transportation Lockbox Funding To Reduce Developer Dependence
• Microtransit, Carpools, And Greenways As An All-Of-The-Above Strategy
• Small Business Cost Relief Via Grants, Co-Ops, And Paid Internships
• Budget Concerns Around Debt Service And Sequencing Big Projects
• Water Quality Transparency And PFAS Filtration Investments
• Flexibility On Yard Waste Policy To Serve Seniors And Disabled Residents
• Support For A Non-Discrimination Ordinance Aligned With Town Vision
• Biotech Growth and Supply-Chain Recruitment
• Boards And Commissions That Reflect The Town’s Diversity
• Third Spaces And Face-To-Face Engagement Over Quarterly Chats
• Endorsed By Wake County Democratic Party

Kondratick is one of two candidates in the race for Holly Springs Mayor. Early voting begins October 16, and a valid photo ID is required. Election Day is November 4—be sure your voice is heard, and your vote is counted. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of Holly Springs.

MikeForHS.com

MikeforHS2025@gmail.com

Facebook/Instagram

Campaign Finance Report

Campaign Finance Reports for All Candidate Committees

Voter Information (Register, Am I Registered?, Election Information)
Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation)
Election Information (Absentee by Mail Voting, Early Voting, Election Day Voting)

Early Voting Locations
October 16-November 1

Wake County Board of Elections Office-1200 N. New Hope Road, Raleigh 27610

October 25-November 1

John M. Brown Community Center-53 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502

Avery Street Recreation Center-125 Avery Street, Garner, NC 27529

Herbert C. Young Community Center-101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513

ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 4 from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Support the show

As always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email NCDeepDive@gmail.com. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.

Now, let's dive in!