Timothy Reeder, candidate for NC House District 9
Name: Timothy Reeder
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 53
Campaign website: https://www.drtimreeder.com/
Occupation: Physician
Education: I attended Ohio State University where I received a degree in Biochemistry, a medical degree and completed my residency training in Emergency Medicine. I earned a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Have you run for elected office before? No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’ve spent over 20 years caring for the sick and injured as a physician in the emergency department, saving lives, comforting patients and families. I have been on the Board and President of the local homeless shelter. I have done volunteer medical work both locally and internationally. I serve on the Foundation of the North Carolina Medical Association.
What are the three issues that you see as most important to your district and what will you do to address them?
High inflation and prices create tremendous burden on families. Smart regulations, lower taxes and supporting individual freedoms will create the environment for broad-based economic growth and prosperity. We must focus on fundamental education like reading, writing, math, science, and history. More resource officers will make schools safer. I will work for consensus building for the best solutions. We must talk together and develop relationships with others to solve problems.
At a time when costs are rising, state government has a surplus. How should it be used?
With the risk of natural disasters and other unknown risks, it is important that we maintain a healthy rainy-day fund. Some of the money could be used to support priorities such as infrastructure, broadband access, school resource officers, and targeted economic development for rural and underserved communities. Funds should also support the police and firefighters who protect our communities.
Will you vote for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?
Yes.
What has the legislature gotten right, and what has it gotten wrong, about public education in North Carolina?
We need to ensure that K-12 education prepares students for the future. Schools should focus on fundamental topics to ensure that students are globally competitive. They should ensure that those who want to are prepared for post-graduate studies or to enter the workforce. We should prevent dropouts and increase graduation rates. We need to bolster the community college system to help prepare the workforce for future jobs. The universities should be more affordable.
Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?
There should be a ban on abortion, with some exceptions.
Please add anything else voters should know about your position on the legality or availability of abortion in North Carolina.
I believe in the sanctity of human life. I do not believe in abortion without restrictions or the use of tax funds to provide abortions. Abortion should be reserved for the rare cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
No.
What, if anything, should the legislature to do shape curriculum dealing with topics of race, sexuality and gender?
Curriculum should focus on foundational education like reading, writing, math, science, and history. At an age-appropriate time, there is opportunity for the topics of race, sexuality and gender. This curriculum should be transparently developed with the input and direction of parents.
Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?
Yes.
