Job: Trainer, small business owner.

Education: Bachelor's degree from Charleston Southern University, major in sociology, minor in communications.

Top priority if elected or re-elected?

At the present moment, there is no more pressing issue in our state than expanding Medicaid. This was true when I ran in 2018, but today in 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the reasons for why we need Medicaid expansion, and why we need it now, have never been clearer.

Currently, more than 500,000 North Carolinians fall within the healthcare "coverage gap." These people - our friends and neighbors - make just a little too much money to qualify for regular government healthcare programs, but they don't quite make enough to be able to afford private insurance. This leaves them completely without coverage, which is not only detrimental to the health and well-being of the individual, but to the state as well.

In Pitt County alone, we would see some tremendous benefits from expanding Medicaid. An estimated 6,000 Pitt County residents who are uninsured today would qualify for the program, and more than 2,000+ new, good-paying jobs would be created as a result.

If we want to talk about making a good, significant, immediate impact through legislation in our area, I can think of no better option than to expand Medicaid in North Carolina today.

How will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?

I have always made transparency a cornerstone of my time in public office. I pride myself on the relationship I have with our community, and every decision I make in the legislature is made only with the input and consideration of those who live in our area. Over the past two years, I have worked hard to involve constituents in the process of government through my regular Legislative Newsletter, which is released bi-weekly during the legislative session, and by holding regular, quarterly Town Halls to hear from and interact with the members of our community.

I also make myself as accessible as possible through social media, where constituents can check for weekly posts and updates from my office on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you have not already connected with me through these platforms, I highly encourage constituents to do so to stay up to date on the work being done in Raleigh.

Office of Rep. Kandie Smith Newsletter Sign Up: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/99SRD4X
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepKandieSmith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RepKandieSmith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandienchouse

Why should voters choose you for the position you are running for?

The people of Pitt County need a strong voice that is willing to stand up and fight for what's right for the people of our area. While serving on the Greenville City Council, as the Mayor of Greenville, and over the past two years as a State Representative, I have lived every day with a mission to serve the people of Pitt County. The love I have for our area and the people of it is what drives me in the work I do in the legislature, and as I look towards the future, I am endlessly excited by the opportunities for progress that lay ahead.

Pitt County is a special place to live. With our diverse population and institutions like ECU and Vidant Medical Center, we must be prepared to face the most pressing issues of our day, including healthcare, education, economic development, and agriculture just to name a few. I believe that the people of Pitt County make it the best place to live in the state, and I look forward to continuing the work of growing our area in an equitable and responsible manner, hand in hand with our neighbors.

What three things about you do you most want voters to know?

For years I have worked as a substitute teacher in our Pitt County Schools. Working in this capacity has allowed me a unique perspective on the challenges and needs of our area teachers. Education is a top priority for me, and I will continue working every day to ensure that our state boasts the most robust education system it can by fully investing in all aspects of the education system from students, to teachers, to support staff and non-certified personnel.

As a member of the House Standing Committees on Agriculture, Education K-12, Health, Appropriations, and Appropriations (Capital), I have dedicated myself to working across diverse topic areas to ensure that I am representing our area to the fullest extent possible.

During the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, I passed more pieces of legislation than any other freshman House Democrat in the State of North Carolina, and I have always been willing to work with colleagues across the aisle to get things done - because that is what elected officials are elected to do. To work together, and get things done on behalf of the people of our state.

Is there anything else you wish to say?

Please vote. It doesn't matter who you vote for, only that you participate in the process. Our government works best when everybody's voice is heard, and that certainly includes yours.