It would be difficult for anyone to dislike Sabrina Bengel, New Bern Alderman for Ward 1. She called herself a 'public servant' and I didn't believe her. I probably scoffed too. I met her today and see she’s an open book. I was literally listening to her interview the first female Governor of NC, Beverly Perdue, on her podcast as I walked into my meeting with her. I didn’t want to stop listening to that interview. She was so delighted to speak Gov. Perdue, even though they’re on opposing sides of the political aisle.
I think sometimes we forget politicians are human beings, just like us.
It was now time for my interview with Sabrina to begin. I’ve learned about her positions only on a handful issues by tuning into board meetings, but what I liked about this meeting was I finally got to put a face with the name. I mentioned I wanted to meet months ago, but I never followed up until recently. Sabrina didn’t really know me at all … other than I was this lady who just moved to New Bern and sent in occasional emails after the board meetings. Throughout our conversation, I was happy to learn she was not a supporter of raising taxes and reports having made purchases to revitalize the downtown district (as well as run successful businesses). I like the fact that she interacts with people she doesn’t always agree with. She seems to find the positive in what can be viewed as controversial.
Nonetheless, a kind and savvy businessperson is exactly who I want involved in helping run the city efficiently as possible. While the politicians aren’t technically running the city, they can have great impact on how the government functions. I want politicians who dig into the municipal budget and she is one who does. She doesn't write off expenses although the city has an allowance. She pays her way for everything. Although, I think she could've let me buy her the coffee.
Further, she has gone out of her way to share her personal experience about a POTENTIAL property transaction that was skewed by the media, as well as those running interference in what appear to be attempts to get her unseated. She is literally an open book on her podcast and goes over the Union Point Park debate.
I find it intriguing that people have allowed a random individual running a facebook page to "save a park" from development to cause great division in this small town setting. Upon further investigating, it has come to light the page admin is not a resident of the downtown area. She also has one, single record of voting in an NC election.
I am always looking for the truth in my endeavors and suggest going directly to the source and put a stop to buying into the mob mentality.
In general, when someone tells you they are for/against a candidate please consider asking a few questions. I’ve compiled these to help brainstorm ideas/ issues unique to your upcoming elections:
Why are you in support/against this candidate?
How do you know this to be true about the candidate(did candidate tell you)?
Have you met/talked to the candidate?
Can the candidate be persuaded to support ____ (this issue)?
How has the candidate voted on issues you care about?
Is my tax bill going to go up if this candidate gets in office?
Would this candidate redistribute my tax dollars outside the district?
Would the candidate oppose rezoning for new schools and/or businesses?
Would the candidate force you to do something you’re against (mask, vaccinate, close businesses, schools)?
Does the candidate support free speech (to what extent)?
As you can see, these are very easy questions you can ask anyone on the street and especially if they are a candidate seeking for your vote. Thanks for reading, don’t forget to subscribe, talk to the candidates and vote May 17, 2022!