Brian Echevarria
RepublicanQ1 The cost of electricity and water are on the rise with nearby data centers straining current resources in combination with increased energy costs to consumers. How will you navigate the economic, public health, and environmental impacts when considering new data centers and data center permissions, in general?
Economic development should be welcome but not at the expense of families and small businesses. There needs to be a transparent review of all projects to ensure that all parties benefit from this very useful investment. It should be a priority to ensure that families are not subsidizing private businesses through higher utility bills or less access to resources. Economic growth is important and should benefit the business and the community, not a one way street.
Q2 North Carolina is a growing hub for science and biotechnology industry and education. How will you ensure science workforce preparedness in community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges across our state?
That starts with improving reading, math, science, and tech skills K-Tech and apprenticeship opportunities. Our community college system is robust and a proven asset to our people. A path to a successful career without enormous debt is becoming the chosen path for many. Goals must include responsiveness in emergencies, clear communication of facts, and public trust.
Q3 What steps, if any, do you believe government should take to protect public health and community wellbeing (e.g., vaccine access, environmental health risks such as PFAS or asbestos, disease prevention, or emergency preparedness)?
The government has great responsibility in protecting public health, but it should do so in a way that respects our liberties, personal rights, religious decision making, and transparency.
Q4 As the world is becoming more information dense, science mistrust has grown. How do you think elected officials can work with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science?
The dangerous and terrible reality is that Dr. Fauci and the COVID response set us back decades in public trust. We need to rebuild that trust with honesty, humility, respect for personal decisions, and transparency. Government can easily dismiss legitimate questions and treat concerned citizens as uninformed. That creates suspicion and skepticism. Our scientific experts should communicate in easily understood language and avoid exaggeration and censorship so our neighbors are more willing to hear them out. It is a very human thing.