Fayetteville Observer Voter Guide 2022: Meet the candidates for North Carolina House 42
Rep. Marvin Lucas, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Gloria Carrasco for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 42 seat. Lucas has represented the district since 2001.
District 42 includes Spring Lake, Fort Bragg and part of Fayetteville.
Below are the candidates' responses to a Fayetteville Observer questionnaire. Responses have been edited for style and grammar.
Marvin Lucas
Name: Marvin Lucas
Age: 80
Immediate family: Wife, Brenda; son, Darrell; daughters, Angela and Marva
Occupation: Retired educator
Elected office held: Alderman; mayor; representative
Contact: Lukedawg1941@icloud.com
What restrictions, if any, would you impose on abortion in North Carolina? If the pregnancy is ectopic, or if the fetus has died and its corpse could cause a deadly infection, or the pregnancy otherwise could severely injure or kill the mother, what language would you put into the statutes to ensure that doctors can terminate the pregnancy and save the mother’s life without fear of being prosecuted? None
When a bill to legalize medical marijuana goes before the General Assembly next year, would you support or oppose it, and why? I would support it because many critically ill patients need this type of medical relief.
If the Democratic governor and the Republican leaders who want Medicaid expansion are unable to make a deal for it this year, would you support or oppose doing it next year? What should the government do for lower-income workers and others who don’t have health insurance because they can’t afford to buy it on the open market and who are prohibited by federal law from buying it through Obamacare? I wholeheartedly support Medicaid expansion! I will continue to actively pursue it until it is completed.
Gloria Carrasco
Name: Gloria Carrasco
Age: 34
Immediate family: Ron, Victoria, Ricky, Elijah, Jeremiah, Tatiana
Occupation: Mortgage processor
Elected office held: None
Contact: Gloria88carrasco@gmail.com
What restrictions, if any, would you impose on abortion in North Carolina? If the pregnancy is ectopic, or if the fetus has died and its corpse could cause a deadly infection, or the pregnancy otherwise could severely injure or kill the mother, what language would you put into the statutes to ensure that doctors can terminate the pregnancy and save the mother’s life without fear of being prosecuted? Even though I am pro-life, I do believe there's circumstances where an "abortion" is deemed necessary. I would place in the regulation that if the life is threatened to the mother or the fetus is no longer alive that the mother should have the right to terminate pregnancy to save the mother's life or prevent a deadly infection.
When a bill to legalize medical marijuana goes before the General Assembly next year, would you support or oppose it, and why? I would support it. I believe marijuana is no different than a doctor prescribing an opioid. There have been many studies where marijuana has helped a range of disabilities and ailments.
If the Democratic governor and the Republican leaders who want Medicaid expansion are unable to make a deal for it this year, would you support or oppose doing it next year? What should the government do for lower-income workers and others who don’t have health insurance because they can’t afford to buy it on the open market and who are prohibited by federal law from buying it through Obamacare? I worked for Medicaid for over 4 years and I've seen how there's a major gap in health care for those who are really in need for it. If I am not mistaken, the current deal would have federal paying 90 percent and North Carolinians paying 10 percent. I would support this.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Voter Guide: Meet NC House 42 candidates
