Dennis Riddell (R)

Dennis Riddell

• Biography

  I have been married to my wife Polly for 44 years. We have 8 children and 3 grandchildren. I have a BS degree in Marine Engineering and a Master's Degree in Education Teaching History. I am a licensed Chief Engineer with Unlimited Horsepower for Steam, Engine and Gas Turbines. Honorable Discharge as an ensign in the USNR. I am a Level II Certified Thermographer.

  www.riddell4nchouse64.com

• What motivated you to run for the General Assembly? What would you want Alamance County residents to be able to point to at the end of your next term?

  In 2012 I became increasingly concerned over the direction of our state. We were the highest taxed state in the southeast. We were in debt to the federal gov't for approximately 2 billion dollars and faced an additional 2 billion deficit in our state budget. We needed a change in direction.

• What are the three issues facing Alamance County that most require action from the General Assembly?

  Income taxes are too high, property taxes are unfair, and continued workforce development opportunities to keep up with the rapid changing labor demands.

• The Alamance-Burlington School System ranks near the bottom of North Carolina districts in total per-pupil funding, and county commissioners raised property taxes this year while still funding the school system below its request. What is the state’s responsibility here, and what specifically would you support in Raleigh?

  First and foremost we must ensure a safe workplace for teachers We must also continue to provide fair compensation for teachers, principals and staff that is competitive within our 12 state region.

• Alamance County officials have described a structural budget gap and limited local revenue options, including a local-option sales tax that voters have repeatedly rejected and a state property tax exemption that has reduced revenue from new apartment construction. What changes to state revenue and funding rules for counties would you support?

  I have supported a change in the law regarding the "Ridgecrest" model. Closing that loophole would provide additional revenue for the county. It will not solve all of the funding concerns in our County but it would help. A recent report by the NC Auditor's office pointed out that the percentage share of the lottery funds directed to schools has fallen behind original targets. Bringing that percentage up to what was originally intended would provide some additional funding for our schools

• Alamance County is growing quickly. Which type of infrastructure — roads, water and sewer capacity, or school construction — needs state money the most in the next session. Where should that money come from?

  I have helped bring back to Alamance County additional funds in all of those areas. Chantal relief, support of our volunteer fire departments, directed grants, water infrastructure projects, diversion center, airport improvements, museums, rec centers, Crossroads, etc. Whether there will be funding for special projects in next years budget cycle remains to be seen. If there is I will be ready to help

• Alamance County spent much of the past year under drought conditions, and state regulators have documented water quality problems in the Haw River. What state action would you support on water supply and water quality?

  A few years ago I was able to get some grant money to run a pilot program dealing with the removal of PFAS/PFOS found in the Haw River. This project was a joint operation between Burlington and a private company known as Invicta. This was a breakthrough for cleaning up what was going into the Haw River from the Burlington area. We should continue this program and expand it. The same program is also being used in Pittsboro, Cary, military installations and other sites.

• What would you do at the state level to address the cost of living for Alamance County residents — including housing, child care, education and health care?

  I would continue to do my work as Chairman of the House Regulatory Reform Committee and Chairman of the General Government Appropriations Committee. In the past we have had good success in lowering taxes, reducing regulations, expanding affordable housing opportunities, and where needed adding additional state employees to state government in order to expedite approved filings.

• How would you work with legislators from the other party, and how would you decide when to break with your own caucus? Please give an example of a position where you would be willing to break with your own caucus.

  Over the past few years I have developed several good friendships with members of the other party. Specifically we have worked on legislation that provided a two-year window in which a victim of child sexual abuse could resurrect a lawsuit for which the statute of limitations had expired. This legislation was opposed by some on both sides of the aisle. This legislation passed the legislature, was signed by the Governor and then after a lengthy legal fight was upheld by our State Supreme Court.

  I am currently working on another bill with members of both parties to do something similar in the area of domestic violence and trafficking of women and children.

• If elected (or re-elected) to the General Assembly how would you ensure that Alamance County residents and local government officials have input into legislation?

  By listening to their concerns whether by phone, text, email, letter, or smoke signals.