On August 11, 2010 NMPBA members volunteered their time to be part of a Candidate Screening Committee for the upcoming Senate, House of Representatives, and Sheriff elections. The PBA candidate interview and endorsement process continues to be a critical benefit to members because this is how changes are made that benefit police officers. Quite simply, this is how things get done. This process requires that the candidates meet with PBA members to answer questions of vital importance to law enforcement, and candidates are better informed of the concerns of the rank and file law enforcement officer, as a result of these screenings. Based on the candidates’ response to these interview questions in a graded format, endorsements are given to select candidates showing support for these issues.

 

PBA Members meeting with Daniel Clodfelter, Candidate for NC State Senate, D 37
 

The Senate and House of Representative candidates were asked to explain their level of support for the following issues (these questions will be asked statewide in other chapter screenings):

• 25 year retirement system for police officers

• State Standardized Due Process System for Discipline

• Including officers with less than one year of service in the Disability Retirement Benefits

• Modifying the NCCJ Training and Standards Commission F5B Form to require verification and accountability of entries made on the form at separation (this suggestion originated from our Chapter and will be asked at all screenings statewide)

• Streamlining the State Personnel Case Adjudication Process

• Requiring Professional Standards for Sheriff Candidates
   

PBA Members with Bill Brawley, candidate for NC House of Representatives, District 103

 

Participating Senate and House of Representative Candidates

NC State Senate, District 37

Daniel Clodfelter (D)
C. Morgan Edwards (R)

NC State Senate, District 38
Cedric Scott (R)

NC State Senate, District 40
Malcolm Graham (D)
John Aneralla (R)

NC House of Representatives, District 99
Rodney Moore (D)

NC House of Representatives, District 100
Tricia Cotham (D) (pending)

NC House of Representatives, District 101
Beverly Earl (D) (pending)
Rebecca H. Steen (R)

NC House of Representatives, District 103
Ann Newman (D)
Bill Brawley (R)

NC House of Representatives, District 106
Martha Alexander (D)

NC House of Representatives, District 107
Kelly Alexander (D)

The candidates for Sheriff were also asked about their level of support for (these questions will also be asked statewide in other chapter screenings):

• State Standardized Due Process System for Discipline (NC Sheriff’s Association is one of the largest opponents for municipal officers receiving this)

• Modifying the at-will statute as it applies to deputies

• Requiring Professional standards for Sheriff Candidates

• PBA membership and payroll deduction for membership dues

• Rotation and Replacement of High Mileage Fleet Vehicles for Safety Reasons
   

NCPBA Executive Director, John Midgette with Candidate for Sheriff, Christopher Hailey

 

Participating Sheriff Candidates

Chip Bailey (D)
Christopher Hailey (R)
 

Why the Chapter Interviews Candidates?

 

The Chapter screens candidates because this political process has proven to be effective for successfully sponsored, supported, or authored legislation that benefits police officers in the General Assembly. An announcement regarding the Chapter’s Endorsements will be made after the results are calculated and reviewed. If your have any questions about these screenings you are encouraged to ask your board members.