News

VOTER GUIDE: NC House District 113

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 20, 2024

Running for state House District 113 are Democrat Michelle Antalec and Republican Jake Johnson, a three-term incumbent.

Recently retired, Antalec has been a corporate vice president in risk management, an adjunct instructor of finance and business law at a community college and a Senate intern. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Millsaps College and a master’s degree in finance from Louisiana State University. “My spouse and our fur babies have lived in Flat Rock for 10 years,” she says. Her hobbies include jazz, yoga and spending time with friends and family.

At 30 years old, Johnson is the youngest member of the N.C. General Assembly, where he has served since 2019. A native of Polk County, he is a former member and chair of the Board of Commissioners there. He owns a small real estate company that does traditional brokerage as well as site selection and preparation with builders throughout the region. In his spare time, he enjoys being outside and fishing. He is a member of Silver Creek Baptist Church in Mill Spring.

Why are you running for the N.C. Legislature?

Antalec: My reason for running is to give District 113 a voice in Raleigh that will vote your values. Listening to the people in District 113 to understand their values and briefs is what will guide my decisions as to how to vote in Raleigh, bringing a voice to you!

Johnson: I am running for re-election because during my time in office we have continued to have success passing commonsense policy that benefits citizens across the state. We have brought record amounts of money back to District 113 that will benefit our kids and grandkids for generations to come. When someone grows up in this district like I did, I want them to know that whatever path they decide to take, there will be a chance for them to succeed right here in Western North Carolina.

What are your highest priorities in the Legislature over the next two years?

Johnson: We have done a great job in this state the last decade with economic development. Forbes consistently ranks North Carolina among the best states to do business. We see this reflected in consistent budget surpluses that we have reinvested into our communities. Now, I think it is critical that we shift to workforce development. Step 1 is making sure kids in school know that they have options when it comes to career paths. A 4-year university degree is an option, but not the only option. Community colleges and trade schools often provide a huge return on investment, and we see the demand for trade jobs continuing to grow.  

Antalec: The change I want to see during my first two years in office is to protect and fully fund public education, to provide better healthcare including repealing the restrictions on women’s reproductive care and to fight for protecting the environment that is essential to the quality of life for all of North Carolina. 

The Legislature has appropriated $794 million for private school vouchers since 2023. Do you support this spending? Why or why not?

Antalec: I do not support the voucher program because it is taking needed funds away from the public school systems, which is where most North Carolinian children are educated. Private schools are not held to the same standards of education as public schools and as such our children are not prepared for future education or jobs.

Johnson: Yes, I support this spending but only if it is coupled with a commitment to take care of public education as well. We are very fortunate in our area to have some great public schools and teachers who are committed to educating students. In some areas of the state, we have heard firsthand accounts of classroom environments that are not conducive to teaching and learning to say the least. We need to give those student and parents options to do what is best for them.

What should the Legislature do (if anything) to increase teacher pay?

Johnson: In every budget that I have supported coming out of the House has had a raise for public school teachers and I will continue to advocate for them. The last time teacher pay was frozen was before Republicans took majorities in the legislature. I would also reiterate what I have told many educators and administrators: The best way to advocate is to reach out to your legislator directly and have a conversation with them. The worst way is to support the teacher’s “union” that is doing very little in Raleigh to negotiate for teachers and students, and much more playing partisan politics.

Antalec: The Legislature should fully fund education, as required under the North Carolina Constitution, which includes teachers’ pay, which is currently not being done. Teachers’ salaries are too low and should be increased by 8.5 percent for existing teachers. We are losing teachers to South Carolina and to other professions due to the dismal pay that we have in North Carolina.

Who do you support for N.C. governor and why?

Antalec: Josh Stein has my vote for governor because of his strong moral values; his proven track record of public service and protecting the rule of law; and his priorities of improving education and making the economy work for all citizens.

Johnson: I will be voting for Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. He has recently been accused of saying some things that we obviously do not agree with, but at this point those are accusations that have been vehemently denied. When looking at the governor’s race, I consider the fact that the executive branch is inherently weak in North Carolina. I am looking at who the candidates would appoint to key positions and departments. I know Mark Robinson will appoint industry leaders and experts from the public and private sectors, while I expect that Attorney General Stein will appoint partisan activists who may focus more on political agendas than following the intent of the law.