To help inform voters about the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Laura Pichardo
District/seat: Senate District 23
County or counties represented: Caswell, Person, and Orange
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 33
Campaign website: www.pichardonc.com
Current occupation: Accounts Payable Business Analyst and Contractor
Professional experience: Results-driven Senior Accounts Payable Analyst with 15 years of expertise in AP, SaaS, and AP Financial Reporting. Recovered overpayments and finds cost savings. Skilled in data analysis, SOX controls, and cash forecasting. Strict with reporting deadlines and month-end close. Trained analysts reducing AP lag time. Proficient in managing AP, ensuring financial accuracy, and financial security. Writer for small business grants.
Education: Master of Business Administration, Winston-Salem State University. Bachelor of Science, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Advocated for internet access in rural Caswell County, NC. Treasurer of the Caswell Republican Party. Was a part of the Caswell Economic Development board. Active in the local community. Advocate for small businesses, agricultural tourism and economic growth.
What would be your top priority if elected?
To close gaps in our economy and decrease unemployment. To improve the economy in the rural parts of my district. To make sure that teachers have the inventory of supplies they need to teach our next generation of North Carolinians. I want to see people thriving!
By percentage, what raises should state employees, school staff and teachers receive in the next state budget?
To determine appropriate raises for state employees, school staff and teachers in the next state budget, we should consider the current rate of inflation. Typically, raises that match or slightly exceed the inflation rate help maintain or improve the purchasing power of staff.
What legislation would you support to improve Triangle transportation, housing or infrastructure? Please be specific.
Enhance infrastructure from Durham to Hillsborough to reduce traffic bottlenecks where lanes merge. Improve access to Caswell County, NC, to reduce accidents and ensure safer travel. Advocate for greater transparency in project bidding, enabling more local businesses to compete for and secure job opportunities, fostering local economic growth.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
The rural part of my district depends on public schools. I would have to evaluate if we are receiving a fair portion of the applicants for the scholarship program. My priority is to advocate for the prosperity of my fellow North Carolinians of my district.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
We will see.
Under the Dome
Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here .
Local News
