Election 2013 Cornelius Town Council

Student Candidate Guide 2013

Election 2013 Candidates – Town of Cornelius
Office
Mayor
Council

Candidates

Chuck Travis *

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.

# seats in election

1 candidate will be elected

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.

Return to the Student Candidate Guide for other Election 2013 candidates, information about local government, how to participate in
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Cornelius
Town Council

Robert Ageenko

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint
Favorite news source

Community involvement and
leadership experience

www.ElectRobert.org (under development)
ageenko@LKNIndustries.com

First issue I will tackle

How I will impact…
Young people

Economy

Community growth and/or
transportation

Community safety

Housing and

small business owner
M.S. Economic Cybernetics
independent
combination of many

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.
I‐77 expansion. We desperately need additional lines in each
directions up to Exit 40, but not paid ones.

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.
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..
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).
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?
Environment will be cleaner, safer (with less traffic going through


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neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …
Role of local government
Collaboration between
CMS, local and state
government

Biggest accomplishment will be

Other comments

internal roads), and happier.
Local budget has to be always balanced. Taxes should be as low
as possible to promote local businesses while taking care of social
issues.

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

Any improvements to the city as a result of my efforts will make
me very happy.


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Cornelius
Town Council

Del Arrendale

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint


www.DelArrendale.com
del.arrenadale@yahoo.com

delarrendale


Business Owner
Physics, Computer Science and Business
Fiscally Conservative ‐ Socially Moderate
Internet

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
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.


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Young people

Economy

transportation

Community safety

Housing and
neighborhoods

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.
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.
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.
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


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Budget

Most important …

government


Other comments

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

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.

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.

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


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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.


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Cornelius
Town Council

John R. Bradford, III

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education

Www.ElectBradford.com
Jbradford@electbradford.com

Political viewpoint



Young people

Economy


Real Estate Investments and Residential Property Management
Executive MBA ‐ University of Memphis, BS Biosystems
Engineering ‐ Clemson University
Pro‐Business Platform, Sound Fiscal Policies
Community newspapers and local news websites

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
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.

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.
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.
Connectivity within our Town limits as well as along I‐77 is critical


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transportation
Community safety

Housing and
neighborhoods

Budget

Most important …

government


Other comments

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

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.

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.

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.


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Cornelius
Town Council

Jim Duke

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education

jcdduke@bellsouth.net

Political viewpoint



Young people
Economy
transportation
Community safety
Housing and
neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …
government


Retired
Bachelors ‐ Southern Methodist University; Masters in Financial
Management ‐ Syracuse University
Fiscal Conservative
Fox News

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
Building diversified tax base through business friendly town policy

See out talented youth for involvement in community projects
and committees
Help keep taxes low and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Work to improve roads and byways within the community.
Support mass transit initiatives.
Work to expand safe street through lighting and expanded
greenways and trails.
Work for proper mix of housing and park land.
Work to keep taxes low.

Encourage smart growth, policing, and rural preservation.
Work to encourage citizen participation in local advisory
committees.  Encourage brightest and best to run for office.

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


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Other comments

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


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Cornelius
Town Council

David Gilroy

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education

www.scalefinance.com
gilroy@scalefinance.com

Political viewpoint



Young people
Economy
transportation
Community safety
Housing and
neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …

Business owner
Bachelors of Science & Engineering ‐ Princeton University; MBA,
Harvard Business School
Fiscal conservative
PBS Newshour

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)
Ongoing work against pay tolls on I‐77

Through ongoing expansion and development of Cornelius's
awesome Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Culture department
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
Continued support for the best police department in
Mecklenburg County, bar none
Ongoing work to reduce neighborhood decay and blight on east
side
Continue my well recognized voting record in support of reduced
spending and low taxes

Above all, do no harm. Focus on essential services and extremely
prudent use of taxpayer dollars
School capacity in North Mecklenburg. Continue to do what we
did in the last decade ‐ make the land available and push for more


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government


Other comments

schools, e.g. Washam Elementary, Bailey Middle, and Hough High

No tolls on I‐77. It's a basic fairness issue. We can and should
widen I‐77 without installing tolls

Thanks for your support!


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Cornelius
Town Council

Michael F. Miltich, MD

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education

Dr.Mike_Miltich@aol.com
facebook.com/Miltich.MD
@miltich

Political viewpoint



Young people
Economy

transportation

Community safety
Housing and

Otorhinolaryngologist
Doctor of Medicine/Wayne State Univ, Otolaryngology/Mayo
Graduate School of Medicine
Fiscal conservative
Charlotte Observer, Carolina Journal, Cornelius Today, Lake
Norman Citizen, Herald Weekly

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.
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!

I hope that I will have a positive impact on all ages!
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.
This ties into the concepts in my answer #9.
This also dovetails into answers 9 and 10.


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neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …
government


Other comments

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.

Protection (police, fire, medics) and lifestyle (housing, recreation,
employment opportunities) .
Currently this is a dysfunctional relationship that I don't have
quick answer for.

That the Town of Cornelius is a better place to live, and that no
one person is given the credit.


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Cornelius
Town Council

J.R. Mount

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation

jrmount78@yahoo.com

Education
Political viewpoint



Young people

Economy

transportation
Community safety

Management Analyst and Reserve Police Officer with Davidson
Police Department
B.S. Criminal Justice‐Western Carolina University; M.P.A.‐Western
Carolina University
Moderate Conservative
No specific favorite source

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.
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.

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.
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.
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


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Housing and
neighborhoods

Budget

Most important …

government


Other comments

what the community needs.
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.
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.

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.

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.

No.  Thank you for reaching out to me.


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Cornelius
Town Council

Thurman Ross Jr.

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint



Young people
Economy
transportation
Community safety
Housing and
neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …
government


Other comments

thurmanross4cornelius.com
thurmanross@gmail.com


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Cornelius
Town Council

William C. Sykes

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint


na
bsykes12@bellsouth.net
William C. Sykes
@williamsykes


Young people

Economy


Retired from IBM and BoA
BS, Industrial Eng., MBA, PMP,LSSBB, BA, HIT Professsional
Conservative
Web, TV, Newspapers

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.
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.

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.
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.
As mentioned before, At the local level roads and economic


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transportation

Community safety

Housing and
neighborhoods

Budget

Most important …

government

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.
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.
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.

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


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Other comments

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.

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.

Given the opportunity I will do my utmost to fulfill the trust that
has been given to me by the citizens of Cornelius.


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Cornelius
Town Council

Woody Washam

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education

www.woodywasham.com
washam@bellsouth.net
Woody Washam
Woody Washam

Political viewpoint



Young people

Economy

Banker‐Market President for Alliance Bank and Trust
High School: North Mecklenburg/College: BA degree in Business
Administration from Catawba College
progressive conservative
Cornelius Today, Charlotte Observer, Business Journal

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)
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.

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


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transportation

Community safety

Housing and
neighborhoods

Budget

Most important …

government

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.
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.
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

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


GenerationNation

@GenNation



Other comments

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.

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.

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!


GenerationNation

@GenNation

Election 2013 Cornelius Town Council

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Election 2013 Cornelius Town Council