Dee Watson

I've devoted my professional life to researching oncology, since I believe it is the most effective way to minimize the devastating impact of cancer. The network of academic institutions and industry in the Triangle made UNC-CH my first choice for graduate school in 1996. There I met my husband. In 2003 we moved to Cary, to be close to the SAS daycare. After two months of living here I decided this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.

I was a statistician at Duke University for 10 years and I contracted to the pharmaceutical industry as a statistical programmer for 10 years. This gives me the perspective of a data driven factual person, who understands data, modeling pitfalls, and working toward a common goal for the benefit of everyone.

I've always worked in places where opinions are formed from fact finding. When I see politicians selectively pick facts to bolster their opinions, I'm shocked by how counterproductive they are. The best way to solve any problem is to first acquire the relevant information. Then honest people typically agree on the best course of action. If elected, that's what I hope to bring to the capital.

• Expand North Carolina's state-funded Education Savings Account program to cover more students, allowing better education options for all students, especially students with special learning needs and families with financial hardships. Expand open enrollment within and between public-school districts, allowing families to find the best school fit within the public-school system without obtaining permission from their home district. Expand and fully fund the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship program, allowing greater access for all families, including those who lack the financial means to enroll their students in a private school.
• ● Dissolve the ABC Boards, and sell all ABC stores and warehouses. Let private businesses manufacture, distribute and sell liquor under state license, as with beer and wine. ● Abolish the ABC Commission's approved products list. Let distillers and private retailers decide what they make and sell. ● End anti-competitive restrictions and over-regulation of the alcohol industry. If a practice is allowed in most states, don't prohibit it in North Carolina.
• Allow duplexes and triplexes by-right wherever single-family homes are permitted in low-density areas. Allow builders to create the "missing middle" housing opportunities where currently exclusionary zoning encourages very large single-family homes. Support Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by eliminating off-street parking requirements, owner-occupancy, and minimum lot size requirements. We can increase flexibility by permitting more generous setback, height, and size limits. Make efficient use of state resources by ensuring transportation dollars are spent on sustainable projects built where people live and work to maximize the impact. Workers and the environment benefit when we ensure development patterns are matched to tax dollars spent o

I am thankful to protesters who are holding politicians feet to the fire. Their passion has made it clear the time for much needed criminal justice reform is now. Many communities work hand in hand with law enforcement to create a safe low crime environment for all, however that is not the situation everywhere, and those places must self-reflect on what has caused the disharmonious environment. Each community must create an environment with transparency, accountability, compassion and equity.

Any ticket issued for a fixable offense (broken headlight, property code violation etc.) should not be levied if the offense is fixed within 21 days

Civil asset forfeiture needs to end in North Carolina; if a person is not found guilty of a crime then their goods need to be returned in a timely fashion. We need to imposed restrictions on equitable sharing programs.

Access to body camera footage and investigation needs to occur with transparency and civilian oversite

Decriminalize victimless "Crimes"

No-knock raids are inherently dangerous for all people involved and we need to make them illegal in North Carolina

Outlaw qualified immunity in North Carolina and hold public employees and politicians to the same standards that others are held to

I believe that government should create a level playing field for all people. Unfortunately, that is not always the case and structural inequity is often created by government. As a legislator it is my job to remove structural inequity caused by the government and give the power back to the people to choose how to live their lives.

My first adult job was working for the Duke Cancer Center as a statistician. Interviewers always asked if I preferred working in a group or alone, but at Duke I learned I prefer workings as a team where we listen to each other, all have input and are responsible for our role.

I learned the worst thing you can do is advocate for a solution before you map out the issues. Identifying issues, communication, and understanding the facts from the different perspectives lead the group to a solution that benefits everyone. I hope to bring that experience to the general assembly.

Mr. Putter Picks the Pears, it shows even something small and simple can convey joy in the face of adversity.

There has been a tendency by all parties to vilify the others. Both parties dig their heels in on legislation, but I think most legislators are good people trying to solve the same problems, but differently. We need to find common ground listen to each other. Instead of having huge legislation we need to take a more modest approach on smaller legislative bills where there is a lot of common ground. Small incremental improvements for the citizens of North Carolina will add up as big gains down the road.

Relationships with legislators is key to getting anything done, and it also helps you understand the needs of another's constituents. Legislation impacts different areas differently and we need solutions that work for everyone in North Carolina.

I fully endorse the recommendations of Fair Districts NC.

Current voter registration in NC is: Democrats (36%), Unaffiliated (33%), Republicans (30%), Libertarians (1%), Green (<1%) and Constitution (<1%). A bi-partisan commission disenfranchises 34% of the electorate. Any commission should be non-partisan, transparent, have open input from residents, and have a goal to eliminate gerrymandering.