Meet The Candidate: Bobbie Shields For NC State Senate

CHARLOTTE, NC — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in Mecklenburg County, will choose delegates for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the North Carolina General Assembly, county commission, as well as superior court and district court judges.

Bobbie Shields is a 67-year-old Republican seeking election to the District 40 seat in the North Carolina State Senate.

As part of its coverage of the 2020 election, Patch has asked candidates in local races to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

Are you running for office in Mecklenburg County? Contact Kimberly Johnson at kimberly.johnson@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Charlotte Patch.

Bobbie Shields

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Town/City of Residence

Charlotte, NC

Office Sought

NC State Senate

If you are running for local office, or in a district, please specify. (District 1, Commissioner at-large, etc.)

Senate District 40

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married for 45 years, three married children, eight grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor and Masters in Civil Engineer; MBA

Occupation

Professional Engineer

Campaign website

https://votebobbieshields.com/

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Mecklenburg County Manager; NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing Senate District 40 and North Carolina is the need for a common vision. I will work to refocus legislators' attention to those things that we have in common - those things that define us as North Carolinian.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Black lives matter no less than other lives. I do not support the BLM organization's call to defund the police.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

There are ways to improve the operation of all government agencies; however, I do not support the "defund the police" campaign.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

A safe and effective vaccine is our best hope to end the coronavirus pandemic. I favor monitoring the data to assure that sufficient resources are available for those infected. Bans and restrictions should be imposed only if the data indicate that we will not have adequate health care resources.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I support school choice, fiscal responsibility and limited government.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The incumbent has been elected three times but has little to show for it.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My campaign platform is based on bipartisan initiatives to increase economic opportunity, invest in infrastructure and promote a more successful education system.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Twenty-seven years of leadership in county government.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

More bipartisanship.

Why should voters trust you?

I have no hidden agenda - just a desire to serve for the betterment of our State.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I believe in "good government" which provides support for the needy and more responsible government spending.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others the way you want to be treated, do justly, love mercy and walk humbly.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

A vote for Bobbie Shields is a vote for principled leadership, protection of our rights, and solutions for our problems.

SEE ALSO:

• Early Voting To Begin This Week In Charlotte: 5 Things To Know
• 2020 Election: Absentee Ballot Requests Surge In Mecklenburg