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Ballotpedia, Raymond Smith Jr. 

Raymond is from Goldsboro and attended Goldsboro High School. He has a bachelor's degree in supply chain management from NC A&T State University, a masters degree in public administration from North Carolina Central, and a doctorate degree in education leadership from Fayetteville State University.  He and his wife Cortrina have five children. Raymond is a member of Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Masons, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a Trustee at St. James AME Zion Church.

Raymond served in the U.S. Army, fighting in the Gulf War and serving as a military policeman. He has also worked as the executive director of Goldsboro/Wayne Transportation Authority, a statewide planner for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the director of the Wayne Interagency Transportation Inc.

Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr. served two terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives for  District 21 from 2018-2022. During his tenure, he was elected as a Minority Whip. He served one term on the Wayne County Public Schools school board from 2016-2018. He ran for North Carolina State Senate to represent District 4 in 2022, but did not win. 

Candidate website

Supports creating incentives for small businesses and start-ups, including tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans.

Supports investments in infrastructure, such as transportation, broadband internet, and utilities, to attract business investments.

Supports developing legislation that provides financial incentives, regulatory relief, and support for targeted industries.

Supports policies that provide tax breaks or incentives to companies offering high-paying, stable jobs.

Supports prioritizing the upgrade of transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transit, to improve connectivity and spur economic growth.

Supports making workforce development programs inclusive and accessible to all community members, including underrepresented groups.

Supports developing targeted initiatives to increase employment for veterans, disabled individuals, and minority groups.

- Supports creating incentives for small businesses and start-ups, including tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans.
- Supports investments in infrastructure, such as transportation, broadband internet, and utilities, to attract business investments.
- Supports developing legislation that provides financial incentives, regulatory relief, and support for targeted industries.
- Supports policies that provide tax breaks or incentives to companies offering high-paying, stable jobs.
- Supports prioritizing the upgrade of transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transit, to improve connectivity and spur economic growth.
- Supports making workforce development programs inclusive and accessible to all community members, including underrepresented groups.
- Supports developing targeted initiatives to increase employment for veterans, disabled individuals, and minority groups.

Economy

Believes economic development plans should include sustainability and environmental conservation measures.

Supports renewable energy projects and green initiatives to create new job opportunities.

Supports promoting land and water conservation initiatives to protect natural resources.

Supports sustainable practices by encouraging recycling, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and promoting green building practices.

Supports developing efficient and eco-friendly public transportation systems.

Supports encouraging the consumption of locally produced food to reduce the carbon footprint.

Supports encouraging the consumption of locally produced food to reduce carbon footprint.

Supports promoting energy-efficient and sustainable housing to reduce long-term costs.

- Believes economic development plans should include sustainability and environmental conservation measures.
- Supports renewable energy projects and green initiatives to create new job opportunities.
- Supports promoting land and water conservation initiatives to protect natural resources.
- Supports sustainable practices by encouraging recycling, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and promoting green building practices.
- Supports developing efficient and eco-friendly public transportation systems.
- Supports encouraging the consumption of locally produced food to reduce carbon footprint.
- Supports promoting energy-efficient and sustainable housing to reduce long-term costs.

Energy & the Environment

Believes in advocating for increased funding and resources for local healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas.

Supports initiatives to attract healthcare professionals to underserved areas and improve access to quality care.

The candidate's website says, "Community Wellness Programs: Develop programs that promote healthy living and wellness."

Supports developing programs that promote healthy living and wellness.

- Believes in advocating for increased funding and resources for local healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas.
- Supports initiatives to attract healthcare professionals to underserved areas and improve access to quality care.
- Supports developing programs that promote healthy living and wellness.

Healthcare

As of June 14, 2024, Raymond Smith, Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

Believes in collecting and analyzing crime data for each county to identify patterns and hotspots.

Supports collecting and analyzing crime data for each county to identify patterns and hotspots.

Supports community policing initiatives to build trust between law enforcement and communities.

Supports programs addressing social issues like poverty, education, and drug addiction to reduce crime.

Supports programs addressing social issues like poverty, education, and drug addiction.

Supports rehabilitation and reentry programs for offenders to reduce recidivism.

Supports promoting the use of modern technology in crime fighting, such as improved surveillance and data analysis tools.

- Supports collecting and analyzing crime data for each county to identify patterns and hotspots.
- Supports community policing initiatives to build trust between law enforcement and communities.
- Supports programs addressing social issues like poverty, education, and drug addiction.
- Supports rehabilitation and reentry programs for offenders to reduce recidivism.
- Supports promoting the use of modern technology in crime fighting, such as improved surveillance and data analysis tools.

Public Safety

Supports setting clear, measurable goals to improve literacy rates, high school graduation rates, STEM education, and access to early childhood education.

Supports aligning high school, community college, and trade school curricula with local job market needs.

Supports drafting policies and legislative proposals to enhance education, including increased school funding, teacher retention incentives, and programs to reduce educational disparities.

Supports increased school funding, teacher retention incentives, and programs to reduce educational disparities.

Supports ongoing professional development for educators and investing in continuous improvements in teaching methods and resources.

Supports vocational training programs and apprenticeships in high-demand sectors.

- Supports setting clear, measurable goals to improve literacy rates, high school graduation rates, STEM education, and access to early childhood education.
- Supports aligning high school, community college, and trade school curricula with local job market needs.
- Supports increased school funding, teacher retention incentives, and programs to reduce educational disparities.
- Supports ongoing professional development for educators and investing in continuous improvements in teaching methods and resources.
- Supports vocational training programs and apprenticeships in high-demand sectors.

Education

Supports state legislation that benefits the military, including tax benefits, funding for local military infrastructure, and educational opportunities for military children.

- Supports state legislation that benefits the military, including tax benefits, funding for local military infrastructure, and educational opportunities for military children.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Twitter

Raymond Smith, Jr.

Raymond's served in the U.S. Army, fighting in the Gulf War and serving as a military policeman. He has worked as the executive director of Goldsboro/Wayne Transportation Authority, a statewide planner for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the director of the Wayne Interagency Transportation Inc.

Believes in responsible budgeting and spending, prioritizing projects with the greatest impact.

Supports investing in broadband internet expansion to enhance digital access for all residents.

Supports ensuring new infrastructure projects are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Supports collaborating with state officials to align local goals with statewide sustainability objectives.

Supports educating the public about sustainable practices and their benefits through workshops and seminars.

The candidate's website says, "Access to Healthcare: Improve healthcare facilities with a focus on preventive care."

Plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce crime in Wayne, Wilson, and Greene counties by addressing immediate safety concerns and the root causes of criminal behavior.

Supports developing and funding community-based programs that offer mentorship, job training, and recreational activities.

Believes in ensuring transparency in law enforcement activities and crime reduction efforts.

Believes understanding the types of crimes prevalent in each area (e.g., property crimes, violent crimes, drug-related offenses) is crucial for public safety.

Believes in keeping the public informed about crime trends and measures to address them.

Believes in conducting thorough research to understand the current state of education, including analyzing standardized test scores, graduation rates, teacher-student ratios, resources, and educational programs in Wayne, Wilson, and Greene counties.

Believes a comprehensive approach, including data-driven analysis, community involvement, collaborative planning, and transparent execution, is key to achieving and sustaining educational goals in North Carolina counties.

Supports educational programs in schools to teach youth about the consequences of crime and promote positive alternatives.

Supports partnerships with universities, non-profits, and businesses to enhance educational opportunities and resources.

Supports incorporating sustainability education in schools and community programs.

Supports vocational training and apprenticeship programs, particularly in high-demand sectors.

Believes building trust and genuine relationships with military and veteran communities is crucial. Supports policies reflecting a deep understanding and commitment to their well-being and needs.

Believes in creating a detailed policy platform addressing veteran employment, healthcare, education benefits, and military infrastructure.

Supports establishing connections with local veteran organizations, military advocacy groups, and community leaders.

Supports forming a council of military leaders, veterans, and community stakeholders to provide ongoing advice and insights on foreign policy.

Supports partnerships with federal and state entities to enhance military support.

Believes in tailoring foreign policy initiatives to the needs of military communities in Wayne, Wilson, and Greene counties.

The candidate's website says, "Establish a Military Advisory Council:"

Believes in staying informed about the latest developments and needs within the military community.

Supports coordinating with neighboring districts and states for broader military support initiatives.

Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr. is a resident of Eastern NC and a product of historically black colleges and universities, holding degrees from NC A&T State University, NC Central, and Fayetteville State University. He is the son of Raymond E. Smith Sr. and Thelma F. Smith. Details about his church affiliation or family life beyond his parents are not provided in the information given.

Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr. is a former Representative of House District 21 in the North Carolina General Assembly and has served as a Minority Whip. He has also been an At-Large member and Vice Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Education. His career includes experience as an Educator and a Combat Veteran in the U.S. Army. Additionally, Dr. Smith holds degrees in Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, and Education Leadership from HBCUs.

Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr. is a former two-term Legislator who served as a Representative of House District 21 in the North Carolina General Assembly. During his tenure, he was elected as a Minority Whip and held leadership positions within the Democratic House Caucus and the legislative Black Caucus. He has a history of public service as the first African American At-Large member on the Wayne County Board of Education, where he also served as Vice Chairman.

- Your State Senator participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 50 members of the North Carolina Senate. The North Carolina Senate is the upper house of the North Carolina General Assembly (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Senator drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Senator can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Senator is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- The State Senator is elected to a 2-year term. There is no term limit.