North Carolina State Senate District 17 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in North Carolina, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for North Carolina State Senate District 17 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for North Carolina State Senate District 17

Incumbent Sydney Batch defeated Mark Cavaliero and Patrick Bowersox in the general election for North Carolina State Senate District 17 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sydney Batch (D)	51.8	45,279
		Mark Cavaliero (R)	46.0	40,167
	Submit photo	Patrick Bowersox (L)	2.2	1,922

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 87,368
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

I've got the experience and leadership to help our state lead the nation in and to be a place where future generations can have the freedom and opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that our founding fathers envisioned.

I'll work for things that matter to families in the district - safe neighborhoods, a strong and healthy economy, and the absolute best education opportunities for our children to prepare them for the future.

Big government isn't the solution to problems, I'll work for a government that is smaller, more efficient, and more responsive to the people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

Keeping taxes low for all the hard-working families across North Carolina.

Ensuring our state is a great place to start and operate a business that provides jobs, benefits, and economic activity for the community. Demanding accountability, innovation, and fiscal discipline from our government. Working for an educational system that provides our kids with the knowledge and skills they'll need to be successful in life and career. Providing choices in education are good for everyone, and families should be able to choose the education path that works best for them. Our natural resources are a treasure we must protect.

Using innovation and free market solutions to drive down the cost of healthcare.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

My personal hero in government is Abraham Lincoln. He had the wisdom and maturity to lead the nation through the most divisive time in its history. He worked with both his supporters and opponents to implement policies in the bests interests of our nation. When it was time for the hard choices, he made them and then pursued his objective of saving the nation with passion and determination. His love and care for people was evident in his letters to the families of those who died in the Civil War.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

"The Purpose Driven Life"

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

Integrity, trust, vision, maturity, love and loyalty for the United States of America and all of it's people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

I've been a leader in Scouting, the Marine Corps, and business for over a quarter of a century. I know what it's like to successfully lead, and I know what it means to be a good steward of all that we've been blessed with. I know what a difference strong leadership can make, and how boldness, vision, and wisdom at the right time and in the right place can make all the difference.

I'm a problem solver, a quick learner, and a leader with a history of going into tough situations and getting results. I know that throwing money at problems rarely creates the best long-term solutions. Rather, the best solutions are created through innovation and leadership. Looking at problems from a fresh angle. Unleashing the creativity and initiative of our people to bring about true progress.

Leadership makes a difference - good leaders make things happen where others just get drama. You know that - you know people you can drop into any situation. No matter what it is - and they will make good things happen and come out on top.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

- Engage with the citizens of the district to fully understand how to best represent them.

- Understand the issues facing our state, and be informed on public policy options to address them. - Actively participate as a member of the legislature to advocate on behalf of the citizens of the district and for the state as a whole. - Operate a legislative services office to help citizens navigate options open to them for obtaining assistance.

- Engage in voting, policy investigation, and debate surrounding pending or proposed legislation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

One of the first things I learned as a Boy Scout is that you leave the campsite better than you found it. You square away the firepit, pick up trash, organize the firewood, and clean any facilities. The same applies as a leader, I'd like to make sure that I can look back and see that I had an impact on our state that left it a better place than when I arrived here in 1968. I have a vision for North Carolina leading the nation in education, opportunity, infrastructure, and technology. I want it to be a place where future generations can have the freedom and opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that our nation's founding fathers envisioned.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

I remember seeing images of our service members in the Vietnam war on our old black and white TV. I was about 5. I then remember seeing Richard Nixon on TV during the Watergate scandal. Both of those events highlight the importance of integrity and wisdom in public service.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

When I was 14, I started working at the Trading Post (Camp Store) at Boy Scout Camp Barnhardt near my hometown. It was my dream job at the time and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be at camp all summer. I worked there for three summers and learned the foundations of running a small business. We sold various items for campers such as T-Shirts, hats, knives, sodas, candy, and ice cream.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

The Bible - I read it daily and find it to be a source of faith and inspiration.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

"Three Little Birds" - Bob Marley

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

My father left us before I was a year old. Luckily, I grew up in a small town with great role models and support. Everything I've accomplished in life has been a struggle - paying for school, becoming an officer, starting and growing a business, leading Marines into a combat zone. Life is about struggle, but struggle builds character and values. How we react to adversity is a measure of our character.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

Should be based on respect, trust, and open communication. They should be able to identify common goals and work together to achieve them.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

The growing divide between rural and urban areas is certainly something we've got to be concerned about. We need to understand how advances in technology and the growing economy will impact each area, and work to ensure all areas of the state enjoy economic growth, prosperity, and improving quality of life.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

I'd prefer a bicameral system like that of North Carolina, where the legislature has two chambers. I think this provides a good variety of opinion and representation of the public. Two chambers provides for additional checks and balances against excess and hasty decision making.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

Experience is always helpful, but politics shouldn't be a career for anyone.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Mark Cavaliero (R)

es, as a professional for many years in both business and the military, I understand the importance of having strong relationships, both with those you agree and with those who have different opinions. We've all got to work together to ensure a brighter future for our state.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

A process that is fair, transparent, and provides people with effective representation.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

Any committees having to do with economic development, technology, and veterans affairs would be a great fit for my experience and expertise.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

I'm solely focused on serving the citizens of my district and North Carolina.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

Since the pandemic began, I've been impacted by many stories of small business owners who have spent a lifetime building up a business only to see it destroyed in a matter of weeks by the policies meant to protect people from the Covid-19 virus. It's heartbreaking to hear of a lifetime of work shattered.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

Yes. No governor should be able to implement a state of emergency and keep it in place for years without oversight.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Mark Cavaliero (R)

I won't compromise on core values, but I understand that in order to get anything done in Raleigh negotiations are necessary.

See also

More about these elections:

• North Carolina State Senate elections, 2022

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