Vinny Smith was born in NYC and moved to Durham, as a teen. He graduated from high school in Durham and went on to graduate from the US Naval Academy. While serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer, he earned a Master’s Degree in Management and a PhD in Business Management. He has worked in corporate America for over 25 years in sales, marketing, and market development. Along with his son Caleb, Vinny is co-founder and co-owner of NC Esports Academy where they provide year-round STEM Camps, Technology Programs, and Esports Teams for youth. He has been married for 27 years.
The job
The Governor prepares and presents a state budget, appoints many executive branch officials and members of boards and commissions, has veto power over the legislature.
Our Q&A with Vinny Smith
Do you have a plan to help control health care/ pharmaceutical costs?
Where do you stand on time limits for Medicaid and work requirements for the program?
What can North Carolina do to support rural hospitals?
PFAS contamination is a state-wide issue; How do you plan to address this issue?
Is North Carolina ready for the next pandemic?
In a questionnaire with the News & Observer, Smith said “the governor of course should abide by the N.C. Constitution which does not call for issuing executive orders for shutting down businesses, deciding which businesses are essential, requiring churches to close their doors, social distancing requirements, and mask mandates. The Constitution Party of N.C. advocated for articles of impeachment to be issued to Gov. Roy Cooper due to the restrictions/mandates he instituted.
In 2009, Congress required more transparency from hospitals on their charitable work. What role, if anything, can the state do about requirements for nonprofit hospitals to justify their tax exemptions?
What would you do if the legislature were to keep current abortion rules in place/What would you do if the legislature were to pass a heartbeat bill?
On his website, it reads, “Vinny is the Only Candidate that will defend all Life without exception. This includes those unborn, born, and until natural death.”
He told the News & Observer that, “based upon Jeremiah 1:4-5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, and Exodus 20:13, I do not believe in abortions, from conception without exception. I do believe that we must have a support system in place available to help pregnant mothers emotionally, psychologically and financially if needed.”
What can the state do to improve access to child care?
What steps would you take to improve access to mental health services and to address the opioid overdose crisis?
Any other issues you’d like to weigh in on?
On his campaign website, it reads: “Vinny believes we must move from our current Disease Management System to true Healthcare. This will be achieved through mandatory health and nutrition classes in grades K-12, only healthy foods and snacks will be offered in schools, and a daily exercise program.
“For Medical Freedom, as Governor, Vinny will advocate for parental choice for immunization requirements in public schools.”