Three candidate running for Mayor of Raleigh
1. Nancy McFarlane– response below
2. Venita Peyton– response below
3. Robert Weltzin– response below
NANCY McFARLANE
1. Tell us about yourself (150 words or less)
I was born in our nation’s capital, and grew up in nearby Arlington, Virginia. I met my husband Ron at the Medical College of Virginia while we were both pursuing degrees in pharmacy. We married in 1980, and have called Raleigh home for nearly 30 years. We raised three children in Raleigh, all of whom attended Wake County Public Schools and UNC-system universities. My mother, Jean, and my late father Ralph, also made their home in North Raleigh for over 25 years.
I have served as Mayor of Raleigh for two years, and as Raleigh City Councilor for four years before that. I have always believed in the importance of being involved in your community. When my kids were young I served on PTA board, as president of my local homeowner’s association, and as an environmental advocate. I got involved with local politics when a horse farm near my house was up for redevelopment as a major shopping center. I learned that by meeting with neighbors, organizing, listening and involving all invested parties, it is possible to reach compromises that work for everyone.
2. Grocery stores throughout Southeast Raleigh have closed their doors due to economic losses. What will you do to foster business growth and prevent future closings that harm local citizens?
It is very important that we direct business resources into Southeast Raleigh, just as we do downtown or in any other part of the city. We strive for strong public-private partnerships which foster economic development. It is important to avoid the creation of “food deserts,” where residents don’t have access to healthy and affordable food. To that end, I am currently working with the NC Affordable Housing Coalition to balance their requirements for building homes close to grocery stores with the demands of retail chains who want residential communities before they build. The lines of communication with the City must be open so struggling retail and grocery stores are able to reach out for help before announcing they are closing.
As a small business owner, I has a firsthand understanding of what it takes to make Raleigh a business-friendly city. I have established a Small Business Office to help entrepreneurs get their businesses up and running, and an Economic Development Office to attract established businesses to Raleigh. In just two years this office has been successful in bringing over two dozen companies and one thousand jobs.
3. Do you support the new Voter ID law recently signed by Governor Pat McCrory? Why or why not?
Clearly it is important that we protect the institution of voting from fraud or abuse. However, I do not believe that mandating picture ID and refusing to accept student ID cards will achieve this goal. Our voting process should make it easier for people – especially students – to participate in democracy, not make it harder! Also, I do not agree with limiting One-Stop Early Voting days, because it’s a great strategy allowing more people to register and vote. This law will not help to make NC more democratic or inclusive, and therefore I would like to see it readdressed by the legislature.
4. Who is your favorite musician?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite, because I like so many different types of music! I especially love all the great dance and funk bands from the 1970s such as Earth Wind & Fire. I was very disappointed when the Ohio Players were forced to cancel their performance in City Plaza during the African-American Cultural Festival due to rain, and hope we can bring them back to Raleigh next year!
5. What is your message to student voters?
It is important for you to stay involved in your community, and pay attention to elections so you can make your voice heard to the people elected to represent you. One of the great things about Raleigh is that we welcome the youth voice into the conversation about where we are going and how we should get there. It’s part of what makes Raleigh so dynamic, creative and thriving! Raleigh is a place where anyone can come to pursue their dreams, study their passion, start an organization or open a business. We hope that after you complete your education at St. Augustine. you will have fallen in love with Raleigh decide to stay in the long-term!
VENITA PEYTON
1. Tell us about yourself (150 words or less)
I was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia and bused during my last two years of high school – away from my friends. Though orphaned at 16, I was instilled with a strong work ethic and desire to help others less fortunate. I dropped out of ODU at age 20 and was hired at WAVY TV 10. Years later I built the first Public Access facility in Chesterfield Co, VA and for the City of Raleigh. I completed my bachelor’s degree at Shaw University and was a Patricia Roberts Harris fellow at NC State – which paid all costs for my earning a Masters of Public Administration degree. I am a licensed real estate and insurance broker. Yesterday I joined US Health Advisors as an insurance advisor. One of my biggest challenges in politics is the absence of strong female role models and raising money to compete against big interests.
2. Raleigh: Grocery stores throughout Southeast Raleigh have closed their doors due to economic losses. What will you do to foster business growth and prevent future closings that harm local citizens?
Elected officials are the first to know of a store closing by the owners and management (before the public) because of the impending loss of sales tax revenue and job losses. I would meet with these business owners to identify ways to keep them by offering subsidies and incentives if needed and inform the public so that they would shop more locally than outside of the neighborhood. For issues of this magnitude we need to include people with deep pockets.
3. Do you support the new Voter ID law recently signed by Governor Pat McCrory? Why or why not?
As many North Carolinians, I support Voter ID however, the shortsightedness was in qualifying credible identification. I’ve been an appointed Public Notary since 2003 by the NC Secretary of State. We require identification in every transaction, however its not as limited as this bill. If fraud is a concern, then we see more fake driver’s licenses than student IDs.
4. Who is your favorite musician?
In a limited way, I am my favorite musician. I play piano by ear and in my earlier years accompanied choirs during church services and funerals. Those few dollars paid bills. But for deep soul searching and encouragement I click on youtube for Marvin Sapp and Vickie Winans.
5. What is your message to student voters?
Student voters should study several sources to understand local politics. The Raleigh mayor and Council set policy on local issues, including housing, transportation, garbage collection, water and sewer. They oversee millions in federal funds for community development. In a City as rich as Raleigh, unemployment, homelessness, unavailability of Section 8 housing nor inability to site grocery stores should be issues. We should not have young men lining up daily to donate plasma in exchange for money. We should not have children living in a homeless shelter at night while attending Wake County Public Schools during the day. Perhaps the Council doesn’t consist of the voices of people who truly care – until re-election time. Students should be cautious of words that sway emotions but don’t produce action.
Students are vulnerable to people who want to use their attractiveness and zeal to further personal causes. Students should ask, “Will this action assist me in graduating or employment? Are their children also on the front line? Or, will they be beneficiaries of my efforts while I’m left behind – again?
ROBERT WELTZIN
- Tell us about yourself (150 words or less)
Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me and the campaign. My name is Robert Weltzin and I am running for Mayor of Raleigh. I grew up in a very modest household and am the youngest of 6 children. Where I grew up you looked after your neighbor, helped anyone in need, and were polite and respectful to everyone.
My entire life has revolved around helping those in need and serving the community. In fact, as a chiropractor I still make house calls to the less fortunate. I understand people want to improve their family’s economic condition through higher education just as I did and was able to help in that way by teaching classes primarily for nursing students for 9 years at an evening community college.
My strong desire to continue serving the community and those less fortunate prompted me to run for mayor. After talking with the students from St. Aug’s and Shaw a few weeks ago, I know that together we can have a big impact on this community and would enjoy working together to do just that.
2. Grocery stores throughout Southeast Raleigh have closed their doors due to economic losses. What will you do to foster business growth and prevent future closings that harm local citizens?
When was the last time we heard the mayor focusing on businesses in underserved and depressed parts of the city? I had a small business for years that was open to the public and understand the challenges true small business owners face. The current mayor, who has a “small business” that brought in over $69 million last year, does not have that understanding. The mayor has proven through actions that she is not interested in the businesses in the Southeast. If the city can manage to find ways to provide huge financial incentives the rest of us pay for in order to encourage companies to move downtown, then there should be a way to help the Southeast, too.
I understand growth is not all about new businesses but also about making current businesses stronger because of the benefits they bring to neighborhoods. I would work with the city council member of that district who I have come to know (Eugene Weeks), local neighborhood groups, leaders, and residents to learn more about the challenges and needs of the Southeast community for the purpose of designing a serious plan to foster growth.
In short, the city has ignored the Southeast for much too long. Over the course of this campaign I have walked those neighborhoods and listened to your neighbors. When was the last time the current mayor took the time to walk neighborhoods in the Southeast and talk to residents? I’m very passionate about renewing this part of the city and strongly believe that together we can create a Southeast Revival. I’ve seen and heard the hope people have and know it can be done.
3. Do you support the new Voter ID law recently signed by Governor Pat McCrory? Why or why not?
One of our most precious rights as U.S. citizens is the right to vote. Together we must find a way to ensure that right is not abused.
4. Who is your favorite musician?
Johnny Cash
5. What is your message to student voters?
Be the example Raleigh needs. Make a difference by voting and through community action. Whether you are a student from the area or from a different country, you have a different perspective at this point in your life that community leaders need to hear. My wife and I believe in making our communities a better place for everyone rather than just for some and have always been involved in community work for that reason. We would be honored to work with you toward that goal and look forward to visiting St. Aug’s and Shaw again soon.
Falcons Vote! 
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