Welcome to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio! In this episode, recorded live on February 16th, 2026, Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Musler sit down with Representative Diane Wheatley of NC House 43 for a candid conversation that goes beyond politics. You'll hear about Diane's deep roots in the community, her extensive public service as a nurse, school board member, and county commissioner, and her work in Raleigh advocating for education, healthcare, and veterans.
The episode kicks off with lighthearted banter about Valentine’s Day gifts, community events like Athenian Night, and the realities of working the polls during election season. As things get rolling, Diane Wheatley shares her remarkable journey serving Cumberland County. She describes her background as a nurse and how it shaped her commitment to public health, recounting years at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, including pediatric care. Diane details her time on the school board, where she helped oversee the construction of much-needed schools—like Jack Britt High School—to address aging infrastructure. Later, as a county commissioner, she tackled issues ranging from funding schools and hospitals to repairing roads and supporting the sheriff’s department. She’s also been instrumental in advocating for clean water initiatives, especially in areas affected by PFAS contamination, and in fighting for veterans—securing grants for improvements to state-run cemeteries and pushing to reopen the local veterans nursing home. Giving a voice to her community’s needs, Diane leads with a hands-on, service-driven approach, both locally and at the state level.
Tune in for a thoughtful blend of local insight, civic engagement, and real talk about making Fayetteville and Cumberland County a better place.
