NC House of Representatives District 56

Verla Insko – Democrat

Verla Insko has served in the position since 1997.

Economy

• Wants to raise taxes and close loopholes to support services

Energy

• Supports hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” but believes the process needs more research and more regulation
• Wants to focus on wind power and other alternative energy sources such as biofuel
• Wants state-level energy independence

Education

• Wants to restore funding to the UNC system
• Believes Pell grants are crucial and should be expanded
• Wants to improve teacher training programs
• Wants to enhance the focus on technical training programs

Karrie Mead – Republican

Mead has a degree in accounting and has worked in a variety of jobs, including as an office administrator.

Education

• Believes all undergraduate-level community college and university tuition and fees should be funded by the state and free to the student

Economy

• Wants to focus on returning jobs to the state
• Believes in investing in infrastructure to attract businesses
• Wants to support small businesses by providing advice and helping with understanding regulations

Environment

• Opposes the proposed light rail because of the cost
• Skeptical of “fracking” and wants to wait until more is known about its effects