Candidates for North Carolina governor The candidates for governor in North Carolina are Democrat Josh Stein, Republican Mark Robinson, Libertarian Mike Ross, Michael Wayne Turner of the Green Party and Vinny Smith of the Constitution Party. There is no incumbent. Get to know the candidates in our 2024 NC Voter Guide.

The News & Observer
By Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan
October 4, 2024

Name: Michael Wayne Turner

Political party: Green

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 70

Campaign website: agreenforgovernor.org

Current occupation: Retired

Professional experience:

Experience in industrial and trade occupations as well as in teaching and scientific research. From 1987 until 2000 employed at Research Triangle Institute, rising to senior research engineer. Managed projects in automation, instrument design and hydrogen production. Owned a small business in home building and repair, and later a consultant in data acquisition for marine projects. Retired as general manager for a local manufacturer of specialty tools.

Education:

BS Applied Mathematics, N.C. State University, 1980; AAS Robotics and Automation Technology, Wake Technical Community College, 1987.

Please list any notable government or civic involvement:

I have worked in issues of minor party politics and political participation since 2000. As a consequence, and from promoting the party’s stances on public issues ranging from utility rate hikes to seeking municipal resolutions on a ceasefire in Palestine, I have become familiar with the politics and operations of city, county and state governments. In 2020 I co-founded the group Better Ballot NC, which seeks to introduce important voting reforms into our electoral system at all levels.

What would be your top priority if elected?

Reversing the decline in public education infrastructure and personnel that has taken place over the last three decades, largely due to underfunding, the disastrous and misleading experiments with charter schools, and the use of public education as a scapegoat to boost political agendas. Our decisions in this area will have impacts reaching far beyond the present, as private education threatens to reproduce social stratification and segregation along lines of economic class and race.

What percentage raises should state employees and school personnel receive in the next state budget?

At least 10%. I believe this is probably too low to make up for the paltry wage increases that have escaped from the legislature over the past 14 years, but in a state that is continuing to lose personnel, and cannot compete for qualified personnel in numerous positions, it would be a signal to the workforce that we are starting to get serious about attracting and retaining enthusiastic and engaged people to fill these positions.

Will you attend all council of state meetings, and how will you find common ground with the other nine elected officials?

I will attend all Council of State meetings. Common ground must be based on common goals. If we can agree on good improved quality of life for the working class in North Carolina, with good education, a clean environment, affordable housing, health care and affordable child care, then finding common ground will not be an issue. If this is not the case, then I will work on a case-by-case basis to argue for more state involvement in creating these conditions.

 If there’s another pandemic, how should the next North Carolina Governor respond?

The governor should respond based on advice from the public health community, which in turn must be founded upon the best current recommended practices supported by science. This includes declaring public health emergencies as appropriate, and challenging bans on appropriate public health measures that are threats to public safety.

What do you think of the general assembly’s reduction of gubernatorial appointments to several boards and commission?

A raw power grab contrary to the principle of a tripartite system of government with checks and balances.

At how many weeks pregnancy should state law ban abortion? What exceptions should there be, and at how many weeks?

I will not offer a gestational limit, nor debate over exceptions. State law should not ban abortion, period. Abortions are intensely personal decisions between a woman and her doctors, and the state has no legitimate interest in the process beyond ensuring that medical care is available to the mother.

North Carolina has consistently scored high in national publications’ business rankings. how would you maintain or improve its business climate?

A business climate should be tailored to attract businesses that (1) pay their employees a living wage and benefits; (2) do not degrade the environment, and (3) do not siphon profits away from the state. Such businesses will produce long-term economic and social benefits to the people. To attract businesses that can meet these requirements, my administration would emphasize the production of a widely educated and politically conscious workforce.

is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?

I cannot think of any area of policy in which I do not in general agree with the party’s positions.