Election 2013 Huntersville Town Council

Student Candidate Guide 2013

Election 2013 Candidates – Town of Huntersville

Office Candidates # seats in election Mayor Jim Puckett

Jill Swain 1 candidate will be elected

Council

Melinda Bales Lawrence Brinson Franklin Freeman Charles S. Guignard * Ron Julian Rob Kidwell Sarah R. McAulay * Jeff Neely Danny Phillips * Nick Walsh *

6 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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Huntersville Town Council

Melinda Bales

Website www.melindabales.com Email [email protected] Facebook Melinda Bales, Huntersville Town Commissioner Twitter Melinda Bales@VoteMelinda Occupation Stay at Home Mom Education Attended East Tennessee State University Political viewpoint Fiscal Conservative Favorite news source Google Alerts‐this gives me a broad view of the issues, CNN and

Fox News Community involvement and leadership experience

Currently, I am serving my first term as a Huntersville Town Commissioner. Prior to serving as a Commissioner, I was appointed to the Huntersville Greenway Committee and served as Chair of that committee. I also served as the PTA President and President‐Elect of Torrence Creek Elementary School.

First issue I will tackle During my first term I have worked to help move Huntersville's

road infrastructure forward. If elected, I will continue that focus by working with the Huntersville Board, the State, and NC Department of Transportation. There are a lot of moving parts but together we can address this issue.

How I will impact…

Young people During my first term I worked with local citizens to create CHEC. CHEC's mission is to meet the needs of our youngest citizens by providing resources to our local schools. I will continue this focus to help ensure our students have the tools they need to be successful.

Economy By ensuring that Huntersville is a "business‐friendly" community. Huntersville needs a diverse business sector. It is important that the Town Board create this environment. This will encourage more businesses to move here and will provide more jobs for our citizens. I will work to make Huntersville that community.

Community growth and/or transportation

Huntersville is projected to grow from 50,000 to 78,000 by 2030. This is why addressing our community's growth now is so important. I will work with the Huntersville Planning Department to make sure that the needs of the community are being met



through this planning process. Community safety I will continue to support our local police, fire and rescue

departments by providing them the tools they need to keep our community safe.

Housing and neighborhoods

Huntersville has wonderful neighborhoods and it is important that we support our neighborhoods and help to meet needs as they arise by working with the community to provide housing of all types for our citizens.

Budget It is important to be responsible with taxpayer money. I have worked to keep Huntersville taxes low and will continue to do so. As a local elected leader it is important that we work with our state and federal legislators and communicate the needs of our citizens.

Most important …

Role of local government In my opinion, the most important role of local government is to ensure that our community grows effectively for the future and we do that by prioritizing needs of the community and then budgeting appropriately for those needs. Spending taxpayer dollars wisely is critical to the success of the community.

Collaboration between CMS, local and state government

Communication. It is important that all are on the same page and that needs are identified and addressed appropriately. I would continue to advocate for Huntersville students and schools. CMS, Mecklenburg County and the State are responsible for education but as a stay at home mom I know it is important for the Huntersville community to be actively engaged. This is why Huntersville created CHEC.

Biggest accomplishment will be I will have worked to address the road infrastructure needs within

Huntersville by voting to fix and/or widen our local roads. This will help to drive economic development and help meet needs within our community for decades to come.

Other comments I am proud to be part of an amazing community. I believe we are

building a community that will meet the needs of our citizens now and in the future. It is my hope that Huntersville will be a place where all have the opportunity to work, live and play for many years to come.




Lawrence Brinson

Website electlawrencebrinson.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Social Studies Teacher ‐ Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Education B.A. Economics Political viewpoint Favorite news source CSPAN Community involvement and leadership experience

Served on various boards and committees Certified Teacher ‐ Charlotte‐ Mecklenburg Schools Program Specialist ‐ Salvation Army Founder of LEA Partnership (LEAP) Youth Services Specialist ‐ Housing Authority

First issue I will tackle Did not complete 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




Franklin Freeman

Website www.electfranklinfreeman.com Email [email protected] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/electfranklinfreeman Twitter https://twitter.com/dfreemanphd Occupation Small Business Owner Education PhD‐ Organizational Management Political viewpoint Republican Favorite news source Fox News, CNN, Charlotte Observer Community involvement and leadership experience

Leadership North Carolina (Expected Graduation June 2014) American Leadership Forum – Charlotte (Expected Graduation June 2014) Hesselbein Ambassador Professional Development – Senior Executive Leadership Cohort Fellow, North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership Alumni, Leadership Charlotte – Cohort 34 National Girls STEM Collaborative – Leadership Institute North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs/North Carolina State University ‐ Leadership Institute, Cohort 1 North Carolina Latino Nonprofit Leadership Academy – The Center for Leadership Innovation Member, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners ‐ Small Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Charlotte, NC 6/13‐Present Member, RealityCheck2050, Charlotte Region, NC 2013 Member, Town of Huntersville Planning Board, Huntersville, NC 3/13‐Present Member, Republican National Hispanic Assembly, Charlotte, NC 2/12 – Present NC CAP Liaison, N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs, Mecklenburg and Union Counties, NC 11/10 ‐ Present Nonprofit Representative, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners ‐ Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Charlotte, NC 11/10 – 12/12 Chair, August/12 – December/12 Vice Chair, August/11 ‐ July/12 Member‐Board of Directors, ASPIRA of North Carolina, Inc. (Not for Profit), 2012 to Present Member‐Leadership Team, North Carolina Girls Collaborative, 2012 to Present Member‐Advisory Council, Eckerd Foundation (Not for Profit), 2012 to Present Member‐Advisory Council, MAS Premier Soccer League (Not‐for‐Profit), 2011 to Present Vice President, Sponsorship Program Chair, Kingdom Athletics & Recreation Association (Not for Profit), 2008 to 2010 Board Member, Chairman of Compensation



Committee, Bridges of Faith Foundation (Not for Profit), 2006 to 2010

First issue I will tackle Transportation will be my first focus for Huntersville. Much talk is

centered around the I‐77 HOT Lane project but with the overwhelming growth in Huntersville we will need better East‐West corridors to alleviate pressures of I‐77.


Young people I believe that its important for us to involve our young people in the political aspects of the community. I am looking at creating a student advisory group that would help Huntersville Commissioners better understand what we need to do in our planning that would bring more opportunities for young people whether, high school, college or young professionals.

Economy I believe that we have to make sure that we have an balanced economy which not only includes being a bedrock community but more of an emphasis on our small business and entrepreneurial advantages for our community.

Community growth and/or transportation

As stated above community growth will occur with a focus on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs; as well as bringing new businesses to the community that will help grow our tax base and bring jobs. Transportation needs can be accomplished by finding ways to get our legislators to understand the growth in Huntersville and the importance of making east‐west corridors a priority in their current implementation of projects.

Community safety I believe that when it comes to community safety, the Huntersville Police Department has more than exceeded the community expectations surrounding safety. It would be my job to make sure that the Chief has everything he needs to continue to stretch this success as much as possible. Safety is the most important thing for families and businesses to want to stay and thrive in a community.


I believe that our housing/neighborhoods are growing as necessary. It would be my focus to push a strategic plan that would allow us to better plan the growth necessary for the Town, Utilities organizations and Public Safety agencies can efficiently and effectively serve.

Budget As an elected official, it's important to manage the people's money in the most efficient and effective manner possible. I would make sure that Huntersville's budget remains sound and is transparent enough for citizens to know how, where and when money is spent and the "direct" impact is to them and their



families. Most important …

Role of local government The most important role of local government is to "SERVE" the community. As a Disabled Veteran, I have served the public selflessly and understand that to "Lead" is to "Serve".


I believe that CMS and the local/state government should be doing a better job of influencing how our youth are being educated. I believe that education is the key to successful economic growth for our community; and it's important for government to not just financially support CMS but have input and understanding about how our youth are educated and what is needed to make sure they are successful once they graduate. As an Education advocate already, I would continue to push an agenda that would allow for more collaboration in supporting our students.

Biggest accomplishment will be My plan is to have my biggest accomplishment as being called a

"servant" of the community. If I'm not serving those who I am elected to represent; then I have not accomplished the goal of an elected official.

Other comments These were some great questions and I hope that I was able to

answer them in a manner that you the concerned citizen will understand. It's important that candidates/elected officials are able to talk to citizens in a manner that citizens can understand and envision the plans that are being discussed. If an candidate or elected official is not able to do that; they are giving you an eye opener of how they will work if elected/reelected. Thank you.




Ron Julian

Website www.voteronjulian.comEmail [email protected] [email protected] Ron Julian@voteronjulian Occupation Property Management/General ContractorEducation Degree in Nuclear Engineering TechnologyPolitical viewpoint ConservativeFavorite news source wsoc, talk radio Community involvement and leadership experience

As a Huntersville resident of almost three decades, I have seen many changes develop in the community. As a businessman, I recognize the growth the town has experienced and hope to continue my progress made by seeking re‐election for a fourth‐term as a Huntersville Commissioner. My public service to the Town includes representing the Council of Government, Planning Liaison, Visitors Bureau, Economic Development, Chamber and School Advisory Committee. I dedicated almost two decades of service in the corporate banking field, before venturing into my own business as a Property Manager/General Contractor. As a Huntersville Commissioner, I have worked hard to make progress in Huntersville. I have accomplished many goals during my last term, i.e.: instrumental as the EDC Rep in helping to bring ABB, a cable manufacturer, approx. 100 million dollar Capital investment to Huntersville; 130M+ in capital investments from new and expanded businesses with over 1100 jobs; Lobbied and received 18M of stimulus for the 73 widening project; addressed overcrowded schools ‐ Grand Oak Elementary School opened August 2013; completed many road projects; New Police Department Building; New Public Works Building; lobbied for multiple modes of transportation for the Huntersville area; and continue to lobby for JOBS in Huntersville. Business Week named Huntersville the fourth‐best affordable suburb in America, and Forbes named the town the second‐best place in the United States to move. My wife and I have raised 2 children in Huntersville and continue to believe Huntersville is a religious, family orientated community with many young families with strong values on the importance of children. I believe Huntersville



is a great place to live and offers a high quality of life sought by its residents.

First issue I will tackle Did not complete How I will impact…

Young people Economy Community growth and/or transportation



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

Biggest accomplishment will be Other comments




Rob Kidwell

Website www.voterobkidwell.com Email [email protected] Facebook voterobkidwell Twitter @voterobkidwell Occupation Productin Manager for SATO America Education BA Psychology and Communicatons Political viewpoint Conservative Favorite news source FOX, CNN, MSNBC, Huntersville Hearald Community involvement and leadership experience

This is my first time running for office. Prior to this I began as a member of the Mecklenburg County Young Republicans, serving one term as the campaign chairman. I have volunteered on the Lassiter, McCain and Stone campaigns, and in 2012 was was appointed to the Mecklenburg County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Authority. In 2012 my service began on my HOA board as vice president and as the current acting president or the 2013 year. I am also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity alumni chapter of Charlotte and a mentor to a new colony being established at UNCC. Earlier this year I was able to attend the Huntersville Citizens Police Academy with several other Huntersville Citizens, learning more about how our officers serve and protect the citizens of Huntersville, NC.

First issue I will tackle I believe that we need to change the way our board votes or

represents the twelve groups we are involved with so that it is a representation of the entire board not one person.


Young people Lead by example. The men and women who impacted me in my life, all lead by their actions, and I hope that I can do the same for our communities children.

Economy I would work with the LKN Economic Corp. and the LKN Chamber to promote our town to new and existing companies. To really market our community, we need to make sure we have the infrastructure to entice them as well.

Community growth and/or I am against Toll Roads on I77 but instead widening I77. I believe



transportation we need to focus on expanding our high traffic roads in the immediate future to help our existing and expanding traffic problems in the area. This will also allow us to grow economically as well.

Community safety The men and women of our Police and Fire departments, in my opinion, are a major reason we live in such a safe and sought after community. I would continue to offer my support and the towns for all off our First Responders so we may continue to have such a community.


I think that as we continue to grow in population we need to make sure we are not overbuilding. There is a balance between new housing developments, existing developments and our environment that we must maintain.

Budget Huntersville has a AAA bond rating and we have managed to keep our property tax rate .2825. However, there are areas within our budget that we could reduce spending on and continue to save the taxpayers of Huntersville money.

Most important …

Role of local government To be an extension of the people for whom it represents. Local government must take in account how each decision will impact the entire community, business owners, and property owners.


I think the work being done by the Community of Huntersville Education Collaborative is a testimony of what local government and our CMS schools can accomplish together.

Biggest accomplishment will be If elected, I would hope that I am able to push forward the

expansion of our towns infrastructure including the widening of I77 without toll roads and economic growth.

Other comments Huntersvile is a great town and we are growing every year. If

elected, I want to make sure we stay Huntersville and we dont become North Charlotte.



Huntersville Jeff Neely Town Council Website jeffneely4commissioner.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Management Consultant and Town Commissioner Education Political viewpoint Common Sense on a local level and understanding quality of life

issues Favorite news source Wall Street Journal, Local newspapers and online Community involvement and leadership experience

*Current Town Commissioner* Current Visit Lake Norman Board of Directors*Current HOA President* Current Executive Committee Huntersville Connection*Current Advisor Huntersville Historic Committee* Past served 5 years Huntersville Town Planning Board*Past graduate Huntersville Citizens Police Academy*Current Honorary Director Two Ten International Foundation* Retail Executive Experience as a VP,SVP and EVP

First issue I will tackle Transportation and infrastructure needs and the town budget to

support those needs. How I will impact…

Young people Strong support of the education system and having open lines of communication.

Economy Help to cost effectively expand existing business and industry. Community growth and/or transportation

My years of corporate executive leadership will help me to make the important decisions in this area.



Role of local government Public Safety, Quality Education and well planned growth. Collaboration between CMS, local and state government

We all need to listen to each other and respecting each other work together for the common good.



Biggest accomplishment will be Adding to the value of the quality of life of the citizens of

Huntersville while controlling expenses. Other comments


News & Politics

Election 2013 Huntersville Town Council