Election 2013 Cornelius Town Council

Student Candidate Guide 2013

Election 2013 Candidates – Town of Cornelius

Office Candidates # seats in election Mayor Chuck Travis * 1 candidate will be elected

Council

Robert Ageenko Del Arrendale John R. Bradford, III Jim Duke Dave Gilroy Michael F. Miltich J. R. Mount Thurman Ross, Jr. William C. Sykes Woody Washam, Jr.

5 candidates will be elected

High school students surveyed all candidates for office in Election 2013. Candidates who completed the questionnaire are included in this guide. * = The candidate did not provide the requested information.

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Cornelius Town Council

Robert Ageenko

Website www.ElectRobert.org (under development) Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation small business owner Education M.S. Economic Cybernetics Political viewpoint independent Favorite news source combination of many Community involvement and leadership experience

I support multiple local organizations. My leadership experience was to the time when I was involved in big international politics which is the reason I left Russia 20 years ago and have never been back. Over the years leaving in America I have realized the importance of creating better communities. That's the reason why I want to leverage all this experience in helping the community where our families live and we do business.

First issue I will tackle I‐77 expansion. We desperately need additional lines in each

directions up to Exit 40, but not paid ones. How I will impact…

Young people When I was young, I liked to listen the eldest. Now is my time to share many interesting stories with the young people. I believe ‐ I can inspire many of them.

Economy One of the reasons why I want to be a Commissioner, is to promote the small business in our town and create a more business friendly environment..

Community growth and/or transportation

Improving the transportation is the core of my campaign. We need I‐77 be wider, and we need a newest Catawba and other roads and interceptions. Make our parks more enjoyable (and yes ‐ we need public beaches on this beautiful lake).

Community safety This is also very important point of my agenda. Visiting many times city of Helsinki in Finland I've never seen policemen on the streets. But this city is one of the safest on the planet. How? Video cameras. Why we cannot try to implement the same here, in our town?

Housing and Environment will be cleaner, safer (with less traffic going through



neighborhoods internal roads), and happier. Budget Local budget has to be always balanced. Taxes should be as low

as possible to promote local businesses while taking care of social issues.

Most important …

Role of local government Local government is the bridge between the citizens who have put trust on them and the resolution of local problems.

Collaboration between CMS, local and state government

I'm open to any hearings. Both of my children attended public schools (from the elementary to the high) in CMS and went to public university in NC. Our schools are very important part of our society and we need the support of the local and state government in this area . Our kids ‐ are our future and it is very important how they are educated so they can compete and contribute to the local and global economy.

Biggest accomplishment will be Any improvements to the city as a result of my efforts will make

me very happy. Other comments




Del Arrendale

Website www.DelArrendale.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter delarrendale Occupation Business Owner Education Physics, Computer Science and Business Political viewpoint Fiscally Conservative ‐ Socially Moderate Favorite news source Internet Community involvement and leadership experience

Coached & Sponsored Pony League Baseball 1996‐2002 for Cornelius Lake Norman Youth Athletic Association (CLNYAA) Strategic Planning Committee – In 2002 delivered a Strategic Planning report to Mayer Cato and Town Board Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) – From 2008 to 2012 I was a commissioner on the TAB, service as Vice Chair and Chairman Performance Review Committee (PRC) – In 2009, at the request of Mayor Tart and Commissioners Rinker and Gilroy led a team that audited the PARC department Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Board – From 2010 to today, I have been on the PARC board and am currently the Chairman. Our Board oversees the capital budget process, evaluates and approves new projects and helps set the course for the over 1000 programs we deliver annually. Cornelius Veterans Monument Project – In 2010 as part of the TAB and PARC committees, oversaw the justification, design, and construction Exit 28 Improvement Project – In 2011 and 2012 I participated in the Diverging Diamond Interchange Review, Exit 28 Signage as seen from I‐77, worked on bridge facade design as part of Select Committee

First issue I will tackle My focus will be on local initiatives that balance the needs of East

and West Cornelius, to improve our quality of life, and continue the Town’s investment in the Community. My overall ambition will be to support initiatives that make Cornelius the best town in North Carolina to live and work in. Specifically, if the Bond Referendum is passed I will devote my time to insuring the bond money is properly managed.



How I will impact… Young people As Chairman of the PARC Department my focus has been on

providing young people amenities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. I believe a healthy community should be easy to move around in by providing safe pedestrian walk and bike paths. Cornelius is growing quickly and available land for infrastructure is going fast. In my current role as a Commissioner, I have had the opportunity to see first‐hand the value Cornelius residents place on well planned and cost effective parks and greenways. We are planning additional park construction, programs (check out our website http://www.cornelius.org/parc ), a splash park, skate board park, swimming beach and more. I will continue to advocate for these programs.

Economy As a Commissioner I will be in a position to make a difference by supporting projects like the Town Center and an Arts Community. I will be an advocate for both business and resident interests. My work on the Exit 28 Plan, which combines the Diverging Diamond Interchange, the new bridge facade and the Exit 28 signage from I‐77 are all designed to attract tourists and make Cornelius a destination, all issues I will continue to advocate and manage to proper resolution.


My experience on the Cornelius Transportation Advisory Board will enable me to make informed decisions about the I‐77 HOT lane issue and the many Transportation projects pending the Bond Referendum outcome. Select highway connectors that make the most significant impact on keeping traffic flowing are a priority and my experience will help me manage the process. Based on my five years as a Commissioner on the Cornelius Transportation Advisory Board, I fully support Mayor Rinker’s list of recommended connectors which are included in the bond proposal.

Community safety Safety is a complex issue as it crosses boundaries between parks, roads and community programs. While serving on the Transportation Board we addressed safety and the result of our work was a crosswalk signal at Jetton Park, and a Citywide 35 MPH speed limit. As PARC Chairman, I had addressed safety in our parks from both a personal security measure to equipment and facility design. The Tree House at Robbins Park is an example of the type of equipment design that relates to safety.

Housing and neighborhoods

Planning is an important department in any growing community. Once the Town is grown out it is harder to influence housing and neighborhoods. Gut, Cornelius is still growing and we have a responsibility to insure the neighborhoods are safe, well lighted and have sidewalks for safety and convenience. I will make



decisions that preserve our current growth model, which to date has been well managed by prior boards.

Budget As a Town Commissioner we only have tax authority at the Town level. As a fiscal conservative we must keep taxes low, which can be done by solid financial management and clear and critical analysis of bond revenue (should they be passed). We should only fund projects that make both fiscal and common sense. There will be an impact on taxes should the bonds pass. When the Town widened W. Catawba, we borrowed $6 million and paid it back with a 2.5 cent per $100 valuation over six years. At the end of the debt the tax was eliminated. This bond will cost $20 million and cost 1 cent per $200 valuation, but for as long as ten years. The taxpayer must decide if the bonds should be passed. I will vote for the bonds vecause it is good for our Town to do so.

Most important …

Role of local government The most important role of government is to provide safety and protection of the citizens. Government must be responsive, promote unity and diversity, provide transportation and mobility options, create and maintain infrastructure (water, sewer, electricity, roads, sidewalks etc.) and most importantly, represent the will of the people.


As a Commissioner for a small Town, we do not have much control over education, which has its own governance, taxes, etc. However as a citizen I have and will continue to advocate for after school programs for latch key children. A foundation I helped start, Charlotte Matters, was intended to do this but the bureaucracy of CMS, and the continuing change of Superintendents stalled the project. As a Commissioner I will have a larger platform to lobby for these types of programs.

Biggest accomplishment will be I hope to have made an impact on the final decisions that will

shape Cornelius. By the end of this decade our Town will be built out at 37,000 people, and it will be difficult to add parks, greenways, roads, and such after that time. So the decisions of the next Board on how and what to spend the bond revenue on will decide the future look and feel of Cornelius. Also, the Transportation needs of the Town will have been addressed including the I‐77 HOT lane controversy.

Other comments There are ten people running for Town Commissioner. I am

grateful for any citizen that is willing to serve. But many times well intentioned people without experience or a solid foundation will make wrong decisions. We are at a point in our Town's



history where we need qualified candidates and I feel I am the most candidate running, including the sitting Commissioners, because of my extensive work for the Town on various committees and Boards. I ask you to vote for experience in this case, not popularity.




John R. Bradford, III

Website Www.ElectBradford.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Real Estate Investments and Residential Property Management Education Executive MBA ‐ University of Memphis, BS Biosystems

Engineering ‐ Clemson University Political viewpoint Pro‐Business Platform, Sound Fiscal Policies Favorite news source Community newspapers and local news websites Community involvement and leadership experience

Cornelius Town Commissioner ‐ 2011 to current PARC Commissioner ‐ 2011 Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors ‐ 2010 to current National Association of Residential Property Managers National Board of Directors (Southeastern VP) ‐ 2010 to current National Association of Residential Property Managers National Board of Directors (Treasurer Elect) ‐ 2014 Pi Kappa Phi National Housing Corporation Board of Directors ‐ 2013 to current Rotarian ‐ 2011 to current

First issue I will tackle Continue our current path to support and implement the

Comprehensive Master Plan that was developed by our residents. Start the strategic implementation of the Cornelius Bond Referendum if it is passed by voters. Help foster a business friendly environment to attract new businesses to our Town which will add new jobs and additional tax base.

How I will impact…

Young people There is an arts movement happening in Cornelius. There is a younger generation that is leading this charge. I have been extremely supportive of their efforts thus far and will continue to champion their cause.

Economy Cornelius is open for business. I have supported the new bridge project in creating a timeless bridge design that will be very memorable for all traffic along I‐77. This is a major step in creating an inviting gateway to Cornelius and Lake Norman that is certain to attract tourists, businesses and residents alike.

Community growth and/or Connectivity within our Town limits as well as along I‐77 is critical



transportation to our Town. Improved infrastructure will stimulate community growth as well as our local economy.

Community safety I have a track record of supporting new technology investments for our local Police Department. I voted to support the addition of a K‐9 unit for our Town. I am also an advocate for our Town's Police Department to take over Lake Patrol duties from Char‐Meck Police Department to improve response times which will improve safety on Lake Norman.


Maintaining and adding sidewalks for community connectivity is a must for our Town. I believe in calculated and methodical density analysis to ensure we are not overburdened with too many new neighborhoods and multifamily projects.

Budget I believe in responsible budgets and forecasting to prevent surprises. I voted to lower (2012) and then maintain (2013) our Town's tax rate in my last two years of office while still ensuring the Town continues to prosper.

Most important …

Role of local government I believe in sound fiscal policies. Capital investments into our Town are necessary for certain projects but we must be mindful of the tax rate for our residents. We should partner with businesses, when and where appropriate, versus entering into risky business ventures.


I want a school system with a kids‐are‐first mentality that drives results while holding teachers and administrators accountable. I have met Superintendent Heath Morrison and respect him greatly. I will continue to work with him and our CMS Board Representative, Rhonda Lennon, to help where possible. At a minimum, we must continue the open lines of communication.

Biggest accomplishment will be To be known as a Commissioner that was objective, methodical,

pro‐business and available to our residents. I want to be a driving force to ensure Cornelius is the one of the most sought after places to live, work and play.

Other comments I have held a monthly Commissioner Coffee Chat since I was

elected. It is an open meeting where I make myself available to anyone in Cornelius that wants to talk about issues on their mind. I will continue this endeavor if I am re‐elected.




Jim Duke

Website Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Retired Education Bachelors ‐ Southern Methodist University; Masters in Financial

Management ‐ Syracuse University Political viewpoint Fiscal Conservative Favorite news source Fox News Community involvement and leadership experience

Chair, Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities Advisory Committee President, Peninsula Property Owners Association 6 years Board of Directors ‐ MI Connection Retired Army Officer; Helicopter Pilot & Instructor Career Civil Service ‐ Duty at Executive Office of the President ‐ OMB

First issue I will tackle Building diversified tax base through business friendly town policy How I will impact…

Young people See out talented youth for involvement in community projects and committees

Economy Help keep taxes low and encouraging entrepreneurship. Community growth and/or transportation

Work to improve roads and byways within the community. Support mass transit initiatives.

Community safety Work to expand safe street through lighting and expanded greenways and trails.


Work for proper mix of housing and park land.

Budget Work to keep taxes low. Most important …

Role of local government Encourage smart growth, policing, and rural preservation. Collaboration between CMS, local and state government

Work to encourage citizen participation in local advisory committees. Encourage brightest and best to run for office.

Biggest accomplishment will be I will have seen that all resources are intelligently invested for the



benefit of all. Clearly, Town priorities need to address all constituencies in our Town.

Other comments



Cornelius David Gilroy Town Council Website www.scalefinance.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Business owner Education Bachelors of Science & Engineering ‐ Princeton University; MBA,

Harvard Business School Political viewpoint Fiscal conservative Favorite news source PBS Newshour Community involvement and leadership experience

8 years Cornelius Town Board; 3 years Cornelius Planning Board; 5 years Cornelius Land Development Code Committee; 6 years Lake Norman Economic Development Corporation; 5 years 911 Emergency Dispatch Advisory Board; Youth sports coach YMCA leagues (30+ teams)

First issue I will tackle Ongoing work against pay tolls on I‐77 How I will impact…

Young people Through ongoing expansion and development of Cornelius's awesome Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Culture department

Economy Economic development for high quality jobs and the lowest tax rate of any town our size in NC


Pursue infrastructure improvement bonds and the associated initiatives. See www.cornelius.org

Community safety Continued support for the best police department in Mecklenburg County, bar none


Ongoing work to reduce neighborhood decay and blight on east side

Budget Continue my well recognized voting record in support of reduced spending and low taxes

Most important …

Role of local government Above all, do no harm. Focus on essential services and extremely prudent use of taxpayer dollars

Collaboration between CMS, local and state

School capacity in North Mecklenburg. Continue to do what we did in the last decade ‐ make the land available and push for more



government schools, e.g. Washam Elementary, Bailey Middle, and Hough High Biggest accomplishment will be No tolls on I‐77. It's a basic fairness issue. We can and should

widen I‐77 without installing tolls Other comments Thanks for your support!




Michael F. Miltich, MD

Website Email [email protected] Facebook facebook.com/Miltich.MD Twitter @miltich Occupation Otorhinolaryngologist Education Doctor of Medicine/Wayne State Univ, Otolaryngology/Mayo

Graduate School of Medicine Political viewpoint Fiscal conservative Favorite news source Charlotte Observer, Carolina Journal, Cornelius Today, Lake

Norman Citizen, Herald Weekly Community involvement and leadership experience

Past President of: Mecklenburg County Medical Society, Charlotte EENT Associates, Carolinas Medical Center‐Pineville, Charlotte Apple Computer Club. Graduate of: Leadership Charlotte and MCMS Leadership Development. Several Chairs/Positions with North Carolina Medical Society ‐ currently Delegation Chair for Mecklenburg County.

First issue I will tackle In my experience, you never know what "THE" issue is going to

be. Most of the time, it isn't even known before the election. Therefore, it is important to have expanded skill set in order to handle whatever!


Young people I hope that I will have a positive impact on all ages! Economy It is government's job to create a level playing field, ie set the

rules, and then allow the marketplace to flourish and reward those endeavors that individuals (not politicians) feel has value to them.


In Cornelius, this is a major concern and is a true role of government. There are too many examples of limited transportation options thus adverse events turns into gridlock quickly. Smart growth that allows for expanded transportation options, such as those in biosystems, need to be studied and implemented when possible.

Community safety This ties into the concepts in my answer #9. Housing and This also dovetails into answers 9 and 10.



neighborhoods Budget As a fiscal conservative, I feel it is immoral to take via taxes for

pay for projects (and votes) that are outside the domain as defined by the governing documents for that governing body. Every organization from families to corporations have to live within a budget. Governments should be expected to do also.

Most important …

Role of local government Protection (police, fire, medics) and lifestyle (housing, recreation, employment opportunities) .


Currently this is a dysfunctional relationship that I don't have quick answer for.

Biggest accomplishment will be That the Town of Cornelius is a better place to live, and that no

one person is given the credit. Other comments




J.R. Mount

Website Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Management Analyst and Reserve Police Officer with Davidson

Police Department Education B.S. Criminal Justice‐Western Carolina University; M.P.A.‐Western

Carolina University Political viewpoint Moderate Conservative Favorite news source No specific favorite source Community involvement and leadership experience

National Night Out, Tolerate No Truancy, Crime Prevention Seminars, Citizens Police Academy, Special Olympics. Past supervisoin include Sergeant for the Cornelius Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff's Office as well as supervisor for Mecklenburg County Pretrial Services.

First issue I will tackle The first issue will be planning. Toll roads on interstate highways

should never be an option when expansion of the roadways was obvious seven years before hand. Our town must identify its current and future needs and plan accordingly. This goes for all areas of growth in Cornelius.


Young people I want to speak with youth groups about the political process and what I have experienced. It is important to understand the entire election process, especially at the local level.

Economy Revitalize the West Catawba corridor. There are too many small businesses that come and go because they can't make it in our town. Make Cornelius friendly to small businesses, and look to improve how surrounding areas are zoned to bring in business.


The biggest impact a town can have is through proper for growth forecasting and needs analysis. Strive to address possible future issues before they become problems two years later.

Community safety I will support the police department's efforts to reduce crime and review the proposed budget by the department to ensure that resources are being allocated to what the department wants and



what the community needs. Housing and neighborhoods

Housing must be built in accordance with the capability of the roadway system to sustain it in a safe and convenient manner. Neighborhoods should continue to have services such as leaf pick up that ensure the neighborhood looks clean and assist in keeping housing prices from falling due to distressed appearance of the neighborhood.

Budget I will review budget increases and cuts in services and jobs to see if they are fair and equitable. Look to balance what is needed with what is wanted.

Most important …

Role of local government The most important role of local government is to work towards effective planning to meet the basic needs of people living in the town today and for those who will be living in the town several years later.


The continued safety of the elementary, middle and high schools located in Cornelius. Collaboration means increase training between CMS Security and the police department to identify security issues and student life issues such as bullying or any type of abuse.

Biggest accomplishment will be Transparency will be my greatest impact. It is important for

citizens to have a clear understanding of what monies are being given for salary increases, bonuses, and business projects granted. Put council meetings on the website, and provide a summary of expenditures, raises, or new projects on the website.

Other comments No. Thank you for reaching out to me.



Cornelius Thurman Ross Jr. Town Council Website thurmanross4cornelius.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Education Political viewpoint Favorite news source Community involvement and leadership experience

First issue I will tackle How I will impact…

Young people Economy Community growth and/or transportation

Community safety Housing and neighborhoods

Budget Most important …

Role of local government Collaboration between CMS, local and state government

Biggest accomplishment will be Other comments



Cornelius William C. Sykes Town Council Website na Email [email protected] Facebook William C. Sykes Twitter @williamsykes Occupation Retired from IBM and BoA Education BS, Industrial Eng., MBA, PMP,LSSBB, BA, HIT Professsional Political viewpoint Conservative Favorite news source Web, TV, Newspapers Community involvement and leadership experience

Was a contributing member of the" Flawed Revaluation" Group form North Mecklenburg that challenged the Assessor's office in 2011 to redress the faulty assessment of all properties in Mecklenburg County. I continue to work with county board officials and state legislature to make sure the complete revaluation is accomplished.

First issue I will tackle At the local level roads and economic development are critically

connected. How we allow access and egress to our town will affect long‐term economic development. Decisions have to be made quickly concerning both of these fronts as it will affect future development and growth of the town.


Young people Cornelius has the unique opportunity to become a learning center for the entire region. Plans are underway to fully develop this resource and if elected I will continue to direct and facilitate the proper development of these resources to assure their maximum effectiveness.

Economy The local economy is a bellwether of the region, state and national economy because of the opportunities that lie here. We must ensure proper taxation of our main revenue resource(property taxes) are fair and balanced in order to attract future businesses. We have to increase our local vocational opportunities to make sure we have an educated and prepared workforce to accommodate future job growth.

Community growth and/or As mentioned before, At the local level roads and economic



transportation development are critically connected. How we allow access and egress to our town will affect long‐term economic development. Decisions have to be made quickly concerning both of these fronts as it will affect future development and growth of the town. Proper planning along with decisive resource allegation is the key to our future.

Community safety Luckily we have an accredited police force with the proper leadership in place to assure our safety. As both population and opportunity rise this resource will be taxed and stretched to meet future needs. As a commissioner working with our police chief and officers I would hope to be able to anticipate their future growth needs to accommodate them with the right resources.


Houses and the neighborhoods they make up reflect the character of a town. Cornelius has many neighborhoods that impact its character. It is the responsibility of a Commissioner to understand each of those neighborhoods and how their character can be used to facilitate quality of life within that neighborhood. AS a Commissioner I would hope to be able to have input in how these neighborhoods can be developed as a resource to strengthen our town.

Budget Eliminating fraud and waste at any level of government is critical. From a local stand point I will continue to monitor local issues that center around waste, fraud and abuse and report any issues that arises. We've got to make sure we spend every tax dollar as if it was our own. As a Cornelius Commissioner, I will work hard to make sure I am always responsive and engaged with my constituents. Using social media, town hall meetings and newsletters as tools to give and receive feedback from citizens as this is the only way budgets can be modeled to effectively deliver critical services.

Most important …

Role of local government Local governments are microcosms of state and federal governments. They are by fact and definition the grassroots of any economy. If local governments or not managed correctly to achieve their greatest potential the corresponding County, State and Federal Government will not function correctly. Locally we are charged with responsibility to develop and nurture local resources to add to the sum total of government.


All three entities have to openly and honestly communicate what the goals of the education system are in order to have the correct resource allocation between these entities. Since local and state governments make up the funding source for CMS; CMS must define, measure and communicate its exact needs with realistic



budget to achieve his goals. Goals must be mutually agreed to on a short and long term basis in order to effectively deliver the economies job force education requirements.

Biggest accomplishment will be IAt the end of my term I would hope that I could turned to a set

of accomplishments that have generated a different level of 'Quality of Life' for the citizens of the town.

Other comments Given the opportunity I will do my utmost to fulfill the trust that

has been given to me by the citizens of Cornelius.




Woody Washam

Website www.woodywasham.com Email [email protected] Facebook Woody Washam Twitter Woody Washam Occupation Banker‐Market President for Alliance Bank and Trust Education High School: North Mecklenburg/College: BA degree in Business

Administration from Catawba College Political viewpoint progressive conservative Favorite news source Cornelius Today, Charlotte Observer, Business Journal Community involvement and leadership experience

Past Chm of Lake Norman Chamber and the Mooresville Chambers of Commerce, Past Board Chairman of United Way of Mooresville‐LKN, Vice Chairman of MSI Economic Development Corp. Past Board Member of LKN Economic Dev Corp., Vice Chairman of Visit Lake Norman, Vice Chm of Little Smiles of NC., Past Chairman of Cornelius Transportation Advisory Board, Past trustee of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Founding board member of Lowes YMCA, President of South Iredell Community Development Corporation, Past President of Rotary Club and current member of North Mecklenburg Rotary, 40+years as organist of Mt.Zion United Methodist Church (Cornelius)

First issue I will tackle My first and number focus as both a candidate and Town

Commissioner will be to listen to the needs and concerns of the citizens of Cornelius. My top priority will truly be the direction I get from the Citizens from through out town. As a Native ‐ growing up in Cornelius‐ I know citizens from all parts of town.


Young people Between the lake, or parks and the many recreational and entertainment options in our community, Cornelius is a great and welcoming place for young people. I want better lake swimming access for our citizens as soon as possible. I want our youth throughout our community to be involved and learn what their role might be in future service.

Economy First, I would work with my fellow Commissioners to ensure our taxes are low, that cost of doing business in Cornelius remains



low and we always have a business friendly environment. We will need the infrastructure in place for local businesses to expand and thrive and programs in place for new businesses to want to locate here. I would work with LKN Chamber, LKN EDC and Visit Lake Norman aswell town staff to step up our new business recruitment efforts.


Because of our high quality of life and all the welcoming people that live here, Cornelius is going to grow for many years to come. As a town, we must focus on improving our road systems and improve connectivity without impacting our special neighborhoods. We must work closely with state and neighboring towns on regional transportation issue and ensure that transportation needs are given the deserved at regional and state levels. I want our town to receive lots of priority at those levels.

Community safety We are so blesses to have excellent fire and police departments in Cornelius.As a Commissioner I will make public safety a top priority and I would work closely with our fire and police chiefs to ensure that they have the resources necesssare to continue to provide outstanding service to our entire community.


I want all of our special neighborhoods to remain safe and ensure that they remain child and pedestrian friendly. I will stay in close communication will our neighborhood associations to ensure their concerns are being heard and needs being met.

Budget Cornelius has a strong reputation for aa fiscally conservative government. I would strive to keep that reputation intact by watching every penny that we spend, by looking at ways to make our government even more efficient and by eliminating all waste and duplicative services that may exist. We must remember that the money we spend comes out of the pockets of our citizens. It doesn't just fall from the sky

Most important …

Role of local government Th most important role of local government is to listen to the needs and concerns of citizens and to ensure that the quality (at the lowest possible cost) are being delivered to all citizens and all areas of the town.


As Cornelius and our surrounding towns continue to grow, the most important collaborations that needs to occur between CMS, local and state governments is working together to ensure that the school capacity and the necessary resources are going to be in place to accommodate that growth. We need to plan for that growth instead of reacting after it occurs. Frequent communications is required.I would leverage the many personal relationship I have developed at all three levels from across the



region to bring them together to discuss how we handle the expected growth and the listen to everyone's perspectives. We all have to listen to each other and show respect.

Biggest accomplishment will be I will strive to be the best listener, the best communicator ‐ you

must truly know where a commissioner stands and not waiver from the basic principals I learned from growing up in Cornelius and living here all my live. My biggest accomplishment will be to improve the quality of life even more that it currently is. I want to increase the pride we already have in our great Town.

Other comments Being a native of Cornelius all my life gives me a very special and

unique perspective. Attending Cornelius Elementary, JM Alexander and North Mecklenburg High School gives me deep roots in this Town. I consider myself a progressive candidate with a lifetime local perspective. I would truly appreciate your support to move Cornelius forward!


Election 2013 Cornelius Town Council

News & Politics