Same Questions. Very Different Answers.
The News & Observer asked every NC House candidate the same questions. Read what Cynthia Ball said — and what Daran Thomas said — and decide who is actually fighting for Raleigh.
Read the full article — News & ObserverIssue by Issue
Most Important Issue
Electing more Democrats so her party gains majority control — focused on party power, not District 49 problems.
Fixing Raleigh's infrastructure starting with Wade Avenue — broken poles, dangerous wires, poorly lit corridors breeding crime. A concrete plan for a specific local problem.
The Bottom Line:
Raleigh doesn't need a party power play. It needs a representative who wakes up every morning thinking about Wade Avenue, not caucus math.
The Economy in District 49
Says the economy is getting worse due to housing costs and affordability — but offers no specific plan to fix it.
Raleigh's economy looks strong on paper, but growth isn't being reinvested locally. Wake and Mecklenburg generate close to a third of state tax revenue — and Wade Avenue is falling apart while that money funds infrastructure elsewhere.
The Bottom Line:
Ball diagnoses the problem. Daran names the cause and has a plan: fight to bring Raleigh's own tax dollars back home.
MLB Stadium Funding
Open to state funding — says we must 'proceed carefully' and suggests the Lenovo Center area (her district) as a suitable location.
Opposed to taxpayers fronting $500 million for a stadium chosen for convenience over economic sense. The Lenovo Center site is surrounded by parking lots — stadiums need restaurants and bars to drive foot traffic. We tried this before with Downtown South's soccer stadium and it collapsed.
The Bottom Line:
Ball is willing to spend your money on a stadium near her district. Daran says prove the economics first — taxpayers shouldn't be the ones taking the risk.
Property Tax Amendment
Opposed to the amendment — wants to preserve the status quo that has allowed property taxes to crush Raleigh retirees on fixed incomes.
Supports giving voters a say. Tied to inflation plus population growth, it protects homeowners. Would push for exceptions for voter-approved infrastructure and public safety so we protect homeowners without tying our hands on fixing roads and lighting.
The Bottom Line:
Ball protects the system. Daran protects the people — especially seniors on fixed incomes who can't absorb unlimited tax increases.
Data Centers
Supports a state law after 'an expansive study' — vague on specifics.
Data centers get sales tax exemptions on electricity, equipment, and construction while ratepayers absorb strained grids and rising bills. End the exemptions, require data centers to fund their own grid upgrades, and mandate water-efficient cooling. Small businesses never got these breaks.
The Bottom Line:
Daran ran a business in Wake County for 18 years without a single tax break. He knows exactly what special treatment looks like — and he'll end it.
Experience & Qualifications
73 years old. Legislator since 2017. Nine years in office — and Wade Avenue is still falling apart, crime is up, and Raleigh's tax dollars are still leaving the district.
Business owner for 18 years in Wake County. Lived in the same Raleigh house for 25+ years. Drives Wade Avenue every day. Not a career politician — an ordinary citizen who stopped complaining and decided to fix it.
The Bottom Line:
Nine years of incumbency and the problems are worse. Raleigh doesn't need more experience doing nothing — it needs someone with skin in the game.
All quotes and positions sourced directly from the News & Observer candidate questionnaire.
Read the full article at newsobserver.comRaleigh Deserves a Fighter.
On November 3rd, vote Daran Thomas for NC House District 49.