What’s different about serving as a legislator after serving in local government? JR: I’m still learning because I’m in my second term. But I also understand, because of partisanship, it differs from serving on a local governing board. We were able to get things done, regardless of your party affiliation. And for me, since I’m in the supermajority, my party, I’ve been equipped with the resources to be able to work around things. Not everything needs to be accomplished with a bill or a law. There are things that you can do in your community. I’m very engaged with the schools… The challenges are from COVID, and with our teachers, they’re leaving by the droves. Same thing with our community colleges because the pay is low. I know as a state legislator we can do much better than that and we should. If you want this place to continue to be robust, to continue to be a destination for those who wish to come and retire here, folks look at a strong educational component, a strong workforce component, services and amenities, and a strong artist presence. North Carolina has those things. But it is sometimes difficult to have a conversation with others because they may have a myopic view. So, over the past two years, I’ve learned to work around things and create my own pathway, as I did when I was a council member and a mayor. And if the community believes in what you’re doing, they’re going to rally behind you and they’re going to help you find the resources to make things happen. So, I’m enjoying where I am. I wish there was more bipartisanship. It comes with the territory. But it makes me a stronger leader. It makes me work harder for my constituents. And I’m truly blessed to be able to serve them in this capacity. But I’m also able to think outside of the box to get some things done for my district. continued from page 15 Legislator Q&A: Connecting the Dots You’re clearly closely connected to your community. Do you keep a good flow of communication with local officials across your district? JR: I’ve groomed a lot of these folks that are serving on our local boards. I’ve helped a lot of folks get elected. I’m not bragging or anything like that. But I think if you’re going to be an effective leader, and you believe in your values, you want to identify folks—and I’m just one who believes in succession planning—so our current mayor is someone with whom I groomed. We have a few council members I’ve taken under my wings and groomed. Because those relationships are important. I need to make sure that I’m supporting my district in the right way. So, if there’s a controversial bill, I lean on the League of Municipalities. I have a very good rapport with them. So, I can pick up the phone and say, “Hey, what are the thoughts about this bill?” I can pick up the phone and call the mayor of Wendell, Zebulon, Knightdale, Rolesville. “What do you think about this bill?” Sometimes they get in touch with me: “James, this bill is coming down the pike. This is not a good bill. This is going to have a negative impact on us.” I’m able to go to my caucus and say, “Hey, I’ve talked to some of my leaders in municipal government. They’re of the opinion this is a bad bill and here’s the reason why.” And we can either take a caucus stand or encourage folks to vote no on the bill. So those relationships are very important. And I have a good relationship with every mayor in my district… And even mayors outside of my district. I served as the mayor for two terms. I had these relationships. And with our county commissioners… So, for me, I’m in a very good place of being able to work on behalf of my constituents. And on behalf of North Carolina. When I took the oath, it said I’m representing all of North Carolina… There’s nothing like a valuable education, and your education doesn’t just stop once you get out SOUTHERN CITY Quarter 2 2023 16
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