Running for: Iredell County Commissioner
Hometown: Mt. Mourne/Mooresville
Occupation: COO of The Langtree Group
Education: Attended N.C. State; graduated from UNC Charlotte (marketing)
What are the biggest issues facing your constituency?
Rapid Growth, School Facilities, Parks & Recreation, Life Safety (Volunteer Fire & Rescue) Needs, Law Enforcement Needs
Of those issues, which do you feel is the most important?
Growth – We must focus on growing smart, not just growing haphazardly; Encouraging Smart Growth; Growth that doesn’t burden the taxpayer, but keeps the local economy strong.
What, if any, prior experience do you have that will help you if elected?
I currently serve, appointed by the commissioners, on the Iredell County Board of Equalization and Review. I chair the MSIEDC Developer’s Council, serve as vice-chair on the SCAN Board of Directors. I serve actively on the boards of the Iredell County Republican Party, United way of Central Carolinas Mooresville/Lake Norman, Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce, Mooresville-South Iredell Crime Stoppers. I am an active member of Rotary, MSI & Greater Statesville Chambers of Commerce, Iredell County Republican Men’s Club.
I have attended nearly every Iredell County Commissioner’s meeting and public work session to familiarize myself with the county’s concerns over the past few years. Working in land development, I understand land planning, zoning ordinances, and legislative requirements. I worked nearly 8 years in manufacturing operations, so I understand managing people and working with customers. Customer service is an important aspect to serving the public. I studied business administration and marketing in college. I understand government and bureaucracy, and know that as a large part the system is broken.
What is one particular thing you think the current commission is doing right?
I believe the current board has been a good steward of the taxpayer’s dollars. Fiscal responsibility is an admired trait of the existing board. I believe throughout their tenure they have served the taxpayers well by balancing the needs vs. the wants of the budgeted departments.
What is one particular thing you think the current board is doing wrong?
Strategic planning for Iredell County. It has been nearly 10 years since the last county plan was adopted. There are very distinct needs for the northern region of the county, in comparison to the southern region. Farmland Preservation is a key concern for generation farms; while smart, planned, managed growth is needed in the southern region.
What specifically would you do if elected in response to the county’s growth?
I would work in partnership with the county’s municipalities to develop a through strategic plan for the county at large; keeping in mind that there must be a balance of smart growth and land use planning. We must continue our economic expansion in order to maintain a low tax rate for Iredell County’s citizens, so that we may continue to provide the necessary services for the taxpayers. I understand government and bureaucracy, and know that as a large part the system is broken; I find it easier to work through Washington, than through Raleigh. We must demand our state legislators better address Iredell County’s transportation concerns. Simply saying, “the political power rests in the eastern half of the state,” is no longer acceptable. We must begin demand more of those who represent the citizen’s of Iredell County and this great state. I’m not one to play political games. I will demand accountability of our government, without waiver.
(704) 746-9095
Posted on 02/11/08 at 01:58 PMCopyright (c) 2008 Media General. All rights reserved