Scalise, Merrick outline priorities in race for NC House District 20

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Republican Dane Scalise and Democrat Tim Merrick are outlining their priorities as they compete to represent North Carolina House District 20.

Scalise, a New Hanover County commissioner, and Merrick, a New Hanover County Board of Education member, are seeking the seat currently held by Rep. Ted Davis, who is not seeking reelection.

Both candidates identified affordability as a priority while outlining different areas they would focus on if elected.

Scalise said his campaign is centered on affordability, accountability and accessibility. He said residents should be able to easily access government services, including schools, senior services, veteran services, fire and law enforcement services and other public resources.

“My personal belief is that the government will not be able to solve affordability by taking more tax dollars out of your pocket and growing the size of the government,” Scalise said.

Scalise also identified infrastructure as an early priority if elected, pointing to roads, bridges and water and sewer systems.

“Our road systems, our bridges, our water sewer system need some tender love and care, they really do,” Scalise said. “And I will prioritize in Raleigh that we bring more investment to our community.”

Merrick said his priorities include supporting small businesses, making health care and housing more affordable and increasing funding for public schools.

Merrick pointed to staffing and resources in schools as one area where he believes additional investment is needed.

“In what civil society has it that we should choose between a physical education teacher, a music teacher or an art teacher?” Merrick said. “When I was in school, we had all three.”

Merrick also said he wants state lawmakers to give local governments more tools to address housing costs, including additional authority involving zoning and negotiations with developers.

“Right now our state legislature haven’t given local government the authority to change zoning rules or to negotiate with developers so that we can offer housing at a lower cost,” Merrick said.

Merrick said education funding and affordability would be among his priorities in Raleigh.

“We live in a great state, we live in a great county, but people know they deserve more,” Merrick said.

Scalise also said New Hanover County needs additional state investment in infrastructure, including the area’s port system.

The winner of the House District 20 race will be decided in the Nov. 3 general election.