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Ray Russell

DEMOCRAT

Ray Russell is running for Watauga County Commissioner, District 2, Democratic Primary.

Personal background

Ray is from Manchester, Tennessee. He has a bachelor's degree in Bible from Freed-Hardamen University, master's degrees in mathematics and computer science from the University of Memphis, and a doctorate in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He lives with his wife, Rhonda, near Boone, North Carolina.

Professional background

Ray currently works as the owner of RaysWeather.com, a meteorological service. He previously worked as a computer science professor at Appalachian State University.

Political background

Ray previously served as a member of the Watauga County Commission. He was first appointed in 2022, and served until 2024. Ray previously served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 93. He served one term from 2019 to 2021.

Economy

Supports investing in job skills training through community colleges.

Supports increasing unemployment benefits and extending the duration of support.

Supports increasing access to childcare, education, and services for parents, caregivers, and children.

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Public Services

Supports increasing teacher pay, school funding, and new school construction.

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Housing & Urban Development

Supports increasing access to workforce and affordable housing.

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Public Safety

As county commissioner, supported building a new emergency services building and improving emergency communications.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports expanding broadband access to underserved communities.

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Energy & the Environment

As a state representative, sponsored House Bill (HB) 632 to ban fracking in North Carolina.

Promises "to protect our natural resources and to hold violators accountable."

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