In the race for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 51 (Lee, parts of Moore County), Republican incumbent John Sauls of Sanford faces Democratic challenger Malcolm Hall of Carthage. Sauls informed The Rant Monthly he would “not be participating” in this year’s questionnaire. These answers were published unedited and as received from the candidates in the September and October editions of The Rant Monthly.
In person early voting begins on Thursday at the Lee County Board of Elections at 1503 Elm St. or the McSwain Center at 2420 Tramway Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday between Oct. 20 and Nov. 4. In person early voting will also be available from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Election Day is Nov. 8. For information about absentee ballots, click here.
Please introduce yourself and describe your qualifications for office:
HALL: My name is Malcolm Hall, and I am a candidate for the NC State House for District 51.
I feel I am qualified to be your representative because I have worked in public service over 35+ years. During my years of public service, I represented worker’s rights as a Vice President/Chief Steward of AFSCME. I officiated at all levels of sports which involved working with our youth and adults (all genders) for over 30 years. I am a leader. I believe in our Constitution, and I know how to follow the Rule of Law. My actions speak and not just my words.
SAULS: No response.
State government appears likely to remain divided for at least two more years, with a Democratic governor and a Republican controlled legislative branch. In this context, how will you work to provide positive outcomes for your constituents if elected?
HALL: I will be accountable to my District proposed Bills that will affect them, so that they can make the decisions. I represent them. Women’s rights and healthcare go hand in hand. Rights EARNED should never be rights LOST!
SAULS: No response.
Have you signed any pledges or promises to outside groups or individuals in exchange for an endorsement? If so, please describe them.
Every endorsement has a pledge of some type listed:
I vowed to take the mandatory Planned Parenthood Training class back in April of 2022.
I support the goals established by the North Carolina Association of Educators.
The Progressive Turnout Project helps promote democrat voting by door-knocking, polling, etc.
The NC Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus begins cultural awareness.
SAULS: No response.
What steps will you take to continue the economic development boom across North Carolina, and particularly the successes seen in and around Lee County? What about the state’s business recruitment strategy is working best, and what could be done better?
HALL: There is no question that businesses want to come to North Carolina; however, the infrastructure must accommodate whatever business is coming without burdening the community and ruining the historic districts. Land Use Plans that were created by the communities must be adhered to. Once the things I have mentioned are followed, we must provide reasonable incentives and businesses must reciprocate in kind by being involved in our communities.
SAULS: No response.
It’s estimated that half a million North Carolinians could receive access to quality health care through the expansion of Medicaid, but the legislature has rejected the federal dollars to pay for such a move for several years. Do you support the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina using federal dollars?
HALL: Yes…No one should be denied safe, affordable healthcare.
SAULS: No response.
Hmmmm… So Sauls doesn’t respect us enough to reply to the public questions. Well, that’s good enough to lose my vote.