Julia Olson-Boseman served as a New Hanover County Commissioner from 2000 until 2004 -- then won three terms as a North Carolina State Senator. As she tells WHQR’s Rachel Lewis Hilburn, she’s proud of her work on film incentives for the state and bringing Verizon Wireless to Wilmington.
When she ran for a seat on the County Board two years ago, she lost by 360 votes – which translates into less than half a percentage point. This year, she says, she’ll get over that hump with the help of endorsements from the AFL-CIO and LGBT advocacy group Equality NC.
"I think it’s important for voters to understand that experience matters. I can go in on day one and do this job. I have done it before, was very effective as a commissioner, and was the second-most effective freshman legislator ever."
Her agenda focuses on education, the opioid epidemic, and growth.
"Oh my gosh, look at what’s going on with uncontrolled development going around. They’re approving development without adequate infrastructure in place, roads, our schools are overcrowded."
She says she’d put a mental health professional in every school, increase the number of school resource officers, per-pupil funding and teacher supplements.
She also disagrees with the Board’s recent approval of incentives for National Gypsum:
"I would not support any type of incentive for a business to come to this community that is going to pollute or destroy our natural resources and environment – whether they’re permitted or not. "
Julia Olson-Boseman is one of three Democratic candidates seeking the two slots on the November ballot. Early voting is underway. Election Day is May 8th.
To listen to the extended interview, see below:
