Billy Hendrix and Thurman Houston, candidates for Ward 2, respond to your questions

Please find below responses to your questions from Thurman Houston and Billy Hendrix, who are vying for the Ward 2 Commissioner seat:

1. What can be done about the potential traffic back up on Brawley to US21 after another Mooresville "gateway" opens at Exit 35?

Hendrix: I would think the majority of the "rush hour" traffic will be headed south on 77 or west on Brawley. I will agree that it was an oversight not to take the expansion all the way to 21. I doubt that it is currently high on the county/state priority list. It looks like we were left with a "wait and see" situation. If it does become a huge traffic snarl I'll do my best to get it pushed up the priority list.

Houston: The extension of Brawley School Road to US 21 is estimated to cost more than $20 Million. We need to push the State to make this a priority. In the meantime the town can make this a part of a "Comprehensive Traffic Plan" and begin preparations to make this happen when funding is available. Traffic studies in the past point that most of the increased traffic at exit 35 will be heading out Brawley away from town. But I agree the bottleneck at highway 21 needs to be addressed.

2. Re: MI-Connection: What do you believe we should do with the system? What will ever happen that might possibly make it a viable (sellable) business venture? If it can't generate a consistent profit, should it be auctioned off? Would you consider a plan to make MI-Connection reimburse the Town of Mooresville for its budget shortfalls, assuming it eventually breaks even? Are you planning to refund most of the $16 million in reserves to the rightful owners, the taxpayers? Why is the town in the cable TV/Internet/phone-service business anyway? Wouldn't there be a temptation to violate email privacy on some level or another since the town is involved?

Hendrix: The debt load has it so far "underwater, upside-down" that it is just not attractive to anyone right now for a takeover/buyout. I would consider almost any plan that would relieve us of this burden. Can we break it up? Can we convince someone to lease it? What's our "break even point" if we sell it at a loss? I'm sure Davidson has to agree to anything we want to do. In very very simple terms, they get 100% of the services at roughly 1/2 the cost (4 million vs. 2 million). The 16 million in our "savings account" probably helps our bond rating and looks very good to potential creditors down the road. We should probably look at having some kind of a cap and adjust taxes when needed. Sorry to answer questions with questions but I'm as frustrated as many of you are.

Houston: (What do you believe we should do with the system?) What can we do until 2017- we have debt service? If we can get our citizens engaged in OUR system and using OUR product, then we can make better decisions after 2017. (What will ever happen that might possibly make it a viable (sellable) business venture?) Again, if we can get our subscriber base engaged and using the fiber, this business venture will be more sellable after 2017. (If it can't generate a consistent profit, should it be auctioned off?) No - We will still be in debt, and the citizens will still have to pay for it. (Would you consider a plan to make MI-Connection reimburse the Town of Mooresville for its budget shortfalls, assuming it eventually breaks even?) If it ever makes a profit, the Town of Mooresville will be reimbursed for the budget shortfalls. (Are you planning to refund most of the $16 million in reserves to the rightful owners, the taxpayers?) I am not aware that MI-Connection has a $16 million reserve. The Town has about that in the General Fund, and that is contingency as required by NC Statute and Town policy. (Why is the town in the cable TV/Internet/phone-service business anyway?) Because 4 out of 7 Mooresville Board members and the Mayor voted for it. I was not one of those votes. I DID NOT VOTE FOR MI-CONNECTION! (Wouldn't there be a temptation to violate email privacy on some level or another since the town is involved?) No. The Town simply owns the system and does not operate it. No Town officials or employees have access to the system except as users.

3. Re: town employees: Are you going to take away town cars and just pay mileage when the workers are in town at the office? Are you going to put town employees' pay and benefits on par with the taxpayer? Are you going to stop the fire trucks from running up and down the road wearing out the trucks and wasting gas? Is there is a formal grievance procedure against town employees?

Hendrix: If we just pay the mileage it may end up costing more than it does now. It could introduce an opportunity to "fudge" some numbers as well. If four employees are going to "X" on town business, why wouldn't they all just take their own car, they will be compensated for it anyway. The question may be just how much mileage are we putting on the town cars, is it saving us vs. paying mileage? I don't have those numbers.

Houston: (Re: town employees: Are you going to take away town cars and just pay mileage when the workers are in town at the office?) No. If they are in the office, there is no need to pay mileage. The car is simply idle until a need arises for them to use it for Town Business. (Are you going to put town employees' pay and benefits on par with the taxpayer?) It is on par with most of the Mooresville Taxpayers. I work at Duke and it is comparable, except at Duke, a private business, we can top out at a higher pay. Our medical, travel, and other benefits are almost the same as Town employees. I AM AN EMPLOYEE at Duke Power. I work hard, on the ground and up on poles for my bi-weekly pay. (Are you going to stop the firetrucks from running up and down the road wearing out the trucks and wasting gas?) If they are in the truck and a call comes in, they are already on the road and on the way. It saves time - and maybe lives. It's what the citizens have told us they want. Public safety is priority #1. (Is there is a formal grievance procedure against town employees?) If it is an internal grievance from within Town employees the personnel policy is used. If it is a concern by citizens they can use a the egov action line page on the Town's website.  

4. Re: the Mooresville Municipal Golf Course: The golf course has been a financial drain for many years and unfairly costs taxpayers to the advantage of non-residents. Will you finally lease this business to private enterprise? Would you be willing to sell or close the golf course? Are you willing to change the golf course into something that either makes money or is at least usable by more people than a handful of golfers? Do you know how many golf pros we have on the payroll? Do you know how much we're paying those pros? Do you think we need that many pros for a golf course that's been losing money for over 10 years? How exactly do you plan to cut costs at the golf course? Do any town employees get to play golf for free at the Mooresville Golf Course? If so, who are they? Do they get free carts, free golf clubs, etc.? How does this affect the bottom dollar?

Hendrix: I would not close it. We would still have to maintain (mow it) the "greenspace". Now we'd lose the 230k in income and just have a 400k landscaping debt. If we sell it and the buyer goes under then what? We have a foreclosed golf course? That we can't even "maintain" for appearance because it is not our property. We have 2 pros on the payroll. I'm good with that number. I don't know of anyone that actually gets to play for free. I said it in the forum, I've been beat up a little on this blog for it*, I think the golf course has potential to be profitable. The nice thing is, once it is, those profits will be available to the town in the general fund. It's not an Enterprise Fund or a stand alone fund. The profits go in the general fund and could be used for anything, personally I'm hoping for extended Library hours and services. (*Editor's Note: Hendrix is referring to the comments section of the blog, not the blog articles.)

Houston: (Re: the Mooresville Municipal Golf Course: The golf course has been a financial drain for many years and unfairly costs taxpayers to the advantage of non-residents. Will you finally lease this business to private enterprise?) Yes, this option is currently under discussion. We have to see what our best option is. (Would you be willing to sell or close the golf course?) Not really. It is a part of recreation and was a gift to the Town. Burlington Industries gave the town the property and the 1st 9 holes, and Congressman Jim Martin got federal funds to develop the 2nd set of 9 holes. We haven't put in the upkeep we perhaps should have to maintain this gift. We are looking at all of our options, but I am not currently in favor of closing or selling the Golf Course. (Are you willing to change the golf course into something that either makes money or is at least usable by more people than a handful of golfers?) Yes, we need to find ways to make the Golf Course more usable for the citizens of Mooresville. (Do you know how many golf pros we have on the payroll?) I think it is 2 with a part timer. (Do you know how much we're paying those pros?) I think the salary range and benefits are on par with other Golf pros ... perhaps $55,000 - $65,000 a year?  We looked at it with last year's priority budget. (Do you think we need that many pros for a golf course that's been losing money for over 10 years?) We have already cut positions - I think what we have is now correct. To be honest, from my point... I don't play golf, so I depend on our processes and input from citizens as well as other Commissioners who serve on the Golf Committee. (How exactly do you plan to cut costs at the golf course?) We have already cut salaries and positions and realigned operations such as snack bar and gift shop inventory. (Do any town employees get to play golf for free at the Mooresville Golf Course?) I believe it is a benefit offered to all Town employees - but I am not sure, because I have never played a round in my life. (If so, who are they? Do they get free carts, free golf clubs, etc.?) I think any employee. But they have to use their own equipment. (How does this affect the bottom dollar?) If they are renting carts, I assume it would help the bottom dollar. If they play for free and take up time that a customer/citizen would be paying for, it could hurt the bottom dollar.

5. Re: water/sewer costs: Our water/sewer rates are some of the highest in the region. How do you plan to address this? Can you bring them back in line? We keep increasing water and sewer capacity and claim that we must increase rates to pay for it. Doesn't the additional capacity generate additional revenue? Do you plan to cut water/sewer rates?

Hendrix: Commissioner Abraham summed it up very well. (Read Commissioner Abraham's response.)

Houston: (Re: water/sewer costs: Our water/sewer rates are some of the highest in the region. How do you plan to address this?)This has already been done: We have already built enough capacity to handle our water/sewer needs, and that debt is bonded. We will not be having significant additional costs there - but many of our neighboring communities will as their aging systems will need to be replaced. If we keep bringing heavy water (not sewer) users like Niagara and Carolina Bottling we can stabilize our operational costs. (Can you bring them back in line?) We are already doing this ... other communities rates will be rising as they fix their aging systems. The NC School of Government has a website dashboard tool that helps to understand this. (We keep increasing water and sewer capacity and claim that we must increase rates to pay for it. Doesn't the additional capacity generate additional revenue?) The rates have already been increased, and the debt funded as part of those increases. Additional capacity will help us handle growth and bringing in Niagara and similar water users help us to keep operating costs low, and stabilize rates. (Do you plan to cut water/sewer rates?) Yes, if we can cut operational costs.

6. Re: Town-issued credit cards: Are you aware of who (elected or non-elected officials) has town-issued credit cards and how they are used? What is your opinion on upper-management having such credit cards? How closely would you supervise the usage of such credit cards?

Hendrix: I have no idea who actually has cards. I'm guessing most of the Dept. Managers. We shouldn't need an emergency meeting to buy some envelopes or pens. I'm ok with them having cards, it's easier to track then just a petty cash fund. I'm sure it's supervised; if not, it will be.

Houston: (Re: Town-issued credit cards: Are you aware of who (elected or non-elected officials) has town-issued credit cards and how they are used?) Yes ... there are very few of them - we Commissioners don't have them- and they are only for Town business. (What is your opinion on upper-management having such credit cards?) Those that need them have them. It's not good to carry cash anymore, and it's a good way to track use. It's transparent on how they are used because of the record. (How closely would you supervise the usage of such credit cards?) We do audits and monthly financial reports. We have an outside auditor. I personally don't go through every financial receipt, but trust the process and people doing the audits. If there is a problem, we fix it.

7. Re: Town ordinances: If you are elected, you will take an oath to uphold Mooresville ordinances. The town's sidewalk ordinance states property owners are responsible for the cost of sidewalks. Why are tax revenues being used to pay those costs now?

Hendrix: It's my understanding that most are being paid for with federal/state funds and/or grants. There may also be a public safety concern around schools and parks, I don't want our kids walking in the road and I would be for paying for sidewalks in those instances. (Mooresville's garbage ordinance states that garbage is to be collected in 96-gallon (town provided) containers only. Why are bags and boxes of garbage picked up daily?) Mooresville's garbage ordinance also states that building materials, carpet and padding placed at the curb will not be accepted for pickup. Why is it being picked up daily?) I've seen this as well. An extra truck has to be sent out to pick up the extra trash not in the containers. This should be enforced, you can get an extra container for $50, I happen to have 2 myself. I'm ok with going the "extra mile" say after Christmas, but as whole it should be enforced. (Mooresville's parking ordinance states that vehicles are to be parked along the curb facing the direction of travel. Why is that not enforced?) That's probably one for the Police Department. (We have had a traffic engineer for two or three years now, and there has been no improvement whatsoever in downtown traffic flow. How and when is this going to be addressed?) It may be as good as it going to get without trying some one-way side streets. (Despite having a traffic engineer for two or three years, the State spends $46 million on Brawley, complete with 100 yards of two-lane bottleneck between I-77 and US21. How and when will this be addressed?) Pretty much question #1 (Mooresville spent $100,000 to install fiber optic cable for Cornelius Park this past year. What possible justification can there be for this expenditure when entire towns can operate on four fibers? When will these misappropriations stop?) I don't have an answer for that. I do think Mooresville will be expanding in that direction. Not sure if it will serve as a hub of some kind, maybe the cost was close to a lower quality and they decided for a little extra we could get the upgrade, really don't have an answer right now. I can only tell you that I'm concerned with where our money is going. At the same time you have to keep an eye on the future and get as much bang for our buck now.

Houston: (The town's sidewalk ordinance states property owners are responsible for the cost of sidewalks. Why are tax revenues being used to pay those costs now?) Some of the new sidewalks were put in as the 2005 Street Bond money was spent to bring gravel streets up to par with Town Code. Sidewalks were a part of it. Most of the major sidewalks like Fieldstone and Brawley School Road were either funded by or reimbursed by Federal or State funds. But it also improves the quality of our life here in Mooresville ... and we need to put sidewalks and curb and gutter in parts of Town that has never been able to afford their costs ... we need to bring equity to all of Mooresville. (Mooresville's garbage ordinance states that garbage is to be collected in 96-gallon (town provided) containers only. Why are bags and boxes of garbage picked up daily?) Household waste is collected in the large roll out bins. Mooresville has always picked up most any debris- except that created by private contractors. I am thankful that Mooresville provides this service to keep our Town clean. (Mooresville's garbage ordinance also states that building materials, carpet and padding placed at the curb will not be accepted for pickup. Why is it being picked up daily?) I don't think they pick up carpet- but small amounts of building materials by private citizens usually is. I don't think they get it daily, but usually a day or two after the regular trash day. (Mooresville's parking ordinance states that vehicles are to be parked along the curb facing the direction of travel. Why is that not enforced?) I don't know. Maybe we need to look at it. Thanks for pointing this out, as I do this at my home sometimes and have never thought about it to be honest. (We have had a traffic engineer for two or three years now, and there has been no improvement whatsoever in downtown traffic flow. How and when is this going to be addressed?) When DOT & The Railroad give us permission to take it over. I talked with Neil Burke about it the other day (The Traffic engineer). It's in process now, but Raleigh moves even slower than the Town. (Despite having a traffic engineer for two or three years, the State spends $46 million on Brawley, complete with 100 yards of two-lane bottleneck between I-77 and US21. How and when will this be addressed?) This question was answered before. The cost to the Town is high, and we need Department of Transportation to help pay for it. We did make this problem, but we have to deal with it. We need to keep this a priority in our Comprehensive Transportation Plan. We did eliminate and significant retail or commercial use of the area around exit 35 in that Small Area Plan. (Mooresville spent $100,000 to install fiber optic cable for Cornelius Park this past year. What possible justification can there be for this expenditure when entire towns can operate on four fibers?) By connecting Cornelius Park and the soon to be opened Talbert Road Recreation center we are opening up communications to monitor the parks primarily for safety and perhaps also to use new technology to be able to view games and tournament play. This promotes Mooresville's efforts for Sports Tourism that we have been working on for several years now. This brings money into Town. This is also good for MI-Connection to help it have access to more services to partner with the Convention Visitors Bureau to bring in these dollars to our local economy. Also, these lines can be accessed by all the homes and businesses along the way for more customers to help keep MI-Connection from being such an ongoing burden. (When will these misappropriations stop?) I don't think safety for the recreation and parks the citizens asked for is misappropriation.

8. What is your position on a commuter rail to Mooresville? Would you support Mooresville being the end of the red line to Charlotte?

Hendrix: I don't want us to be the end of the line. Rail yard, maintenance buildings, parking lots, lots of potential for eyesores down the road. I think it needs to go at least to I-40, so North of Statesville. It can go around Troutman. It's pretty much a done deal all the way to Mt. Mourne. If we don't find a way to get in on this we're going to regret it in 10-15 years maybe less and it could "stunt" our long term growth. Shoot, take it to Wilkesboro for Lowes for the freight benefit.

Houston: (What is your position on a commuter rail to Mooresville?) I'm not against it, but the only way I can vote for it is for it not to be a financial burden for Mooresville. There needs to be a good base of riders to cover the costs. (Would you support Mooresville being the end of the red line to Charlotte?) I really don't won't it to stop in Mooresville. I'd rather it go to Statesville - which is being considered. Currently the last stop is planned for Mount Mourne, not Downtown.

9. Exit 36 is an example of uncontrolled business growth that strangles the infrastructure. What will you do to prevent the new I-77 exits from turning into the same?

Hendrix: We have to learn from it, set up realistic set backs and lay it out with some long term expectations and stick to it.

Houston: When I was on the Planning Board even before being a Commissioner, I worked to change Zoning on this type of growth. I have continued that as a Commissioner, and we now have planning codes that address it. We have learned from our mistakes made decades ago.

10. Would you support a change to the full-time mayor concept vs. the town-manager form of government? Why or why not?

Hendrix: The way I understand right now, I would not. I think it shifts to much "power", if you will, to one person. It also puts a lot of pressure on the voters to be very informed and you've got to have some very strong candidates as well. I of course am "preaching to the choir", people here are trying to be informed. Think back to some past Mayoral races, did they all have someone strong enough, educated enough, experienced enough to take on being responsible for the whole town? I'm exaggerating a bit, but maybe you get my point. I'd be a little worried considering we had 820 out of 21115 come out to vote in a primary to decide who would be on the ballot for a position that does have some influence.

Houston: I don't like that concept. It gives full control to the Mayor, and the citizen's voice is exercised through the Commissioners.

11. What opportunities to reduce town spending do you see, and how would you realize them?

Hendrix: I don't have an answer that is not going to sound political. I like the idea behind the current budget . I would like to see it a little more detailed, maybe it is and I haven't seen those documents. Take it down line by line. I'm interested in learning more about the Citystat (?) program. Anything we can do to simplify the process.

Houston: We are using priority based budgets, and at Commissioner Rhett (Dusenbury)'s advice we have looked at contracting out work to private businesses. Sometimes it's good, and sometimes it ain't. We are already looking to realize these opportunities.

12. Would you pledge to hold all taxes at their present rate by adjusting spending to address inflation and not vote to increase them during your elected term?

Hendrix: Again, political, It's my money too, if it's in the cards I'll keep them right where they are, maybe even realize some water/sewer savings. Let's go for a profitable MI, profitable Golf course, and decreased water bills, would that get statues of the commissioners and mayor on Main Street? Hopefully everyone sees the bit of humor there, although I'm sure someone will kill me for it. I'll do everything I can to keep them or lower them, but I won't make a promise I'm not sure I can keep 3 or 4 years from now.

Houston: Yes. Our tax rate is sufficient to provide the services of the Town for our citizens.

13. Would you be in favor of establishing a committee of non-elected, non-government employed, citizen volunteers to investigate charges against elected officials' integrity as it applies to selling favors or otherwise realizing improper gain while in office?

Hendrix: Yes

Houston: Yes - I believe we have an ethics policy and can pull together that committee as needed.

14. What is your position on any public official (elected or otherwise) accepting any type of “gift” from developers? What would you classify as a “gift”?

Hendrix: I think the town/state has some guidelines on this. I would be opposed to gifts that came with an expectation of something in return, basically a payment.

Houston: We have a policy and do not accept anything more than $15 in value. I don't take anything.

15. Why isn't there a disability-resource person, or even a volunteer, in a town this size?

Hendrix: I've had several people ask me this as I walked around knocking on doors. I have no idea why we don't, but I think we need one. There is bound to be someone we can cross-train in the basics while establishing if a full-time position needs to be created.

Houston: I think that is a function of the County, but we can look at it if the citizen's let us know it is a priority.

16. Do you think that a person's religious views would interfere with him or her being a good mayor or commissioner. If so, why?

Hendrix: No

Houston: No. For me it is a strength.

17. All the candidates touted the sidewalk program, but West Wilson Avenue, which is a main gateway to Historic Downtown Mooresville, has none. What do you propose to enhance this boulevard-style street that leads to downtown?

Hendrix: Mr. Abraham summed it up. I am concerned with the appearance of our exits and "gateways" especially West Wilson Avenue.

Houston: It has a bike trail, and should have a sidewalk. Connectivity, that's my word.

18. Many municipalities have passed ordinances prohibiting parking cars on front lawns. Many homes have multiple vehicles parked on the lawn, which is perfectly legal according to current zoning. What would you propose to do about this unsightly practice which also causes front lawns to deteriorate thereby giving the impression that the town is a rural, backwoods place?

Hendrix: I was thinking just last week that in 10-11 years I'm probably going to need space for at least 5 vehicles at my house (3 kids); where are we going to park? What part of town is this happening in? I don't recall seeing it. Is parking on the street an option? Or does it cause a safety concern? Some subdivisions are packed pretty tight. I'm kind of on the fence here, I see where you're going, and I understand the concern. But, it's also private property. If the cars are abandoned or create a health risk that's one thing. If it's just overnight, that's another. I'd want to see it in action and assess it from there, sorry.

Houston: I thought we had addressed that - maybe a text amendment is being worked on. I don't like it, and we need to fix this.

19. How closely do you know the current town manager, Erskine Smith? Considering all the past controversies surrounding him, would you be a proponent of conducting a search for a more viable replacement?

Hendrix: I hardly know him at all. I met him at a candidate orientation. I think I've seen him at 2 other functions, not sure if I even had the chance to say hello, maybe a wave. I would need to do more research and look at the entire body of work.

Houston: (How closely do you know the current town manager, Erskine Smith?) I've known him almost all my life. these last 7 years I have gotten to know him much better. (Considering all the past controversies surrounding him, would you be a proponent of conducting a search for a more viable replacement?) No. Those controversies are behind him. We are looking to the future. Everyone has skeletons in the closet. God has forgiven me of mine, and I work to be better. I think Erskine Smith has done the same. That's the way I feel.

20. Would you support hiring an internal auditor who reports directly to the town board? Why? Why not?

Hendrix: I think there is someone that serves in that capacity already.

Houston: We have discussed it. We are reviewing contracts and those processes. If we think there is an ongoing concern that something ain't right maybe we will. If the need is there, I will vote for such an auditor.

21. Are you aware of double standards and selective leniency when it comes to payment of dues for rooms rented at the Charles Mack Center? It is my understanding, for example, that the Chamber of Commerce strong-armed the town into not collecting any dues for its use of the facilities. Is this true? If so, what is your opinion on this matter? How would you rectify it?

Hendrix: Mr. Abraham summed it up. This was more of a public service in my mind. Something the Town should have sponsored and probably saved us money by having the Chamber conduct it.

Houston: (Are you aware of double standards and selective leniency when it comes to payment of dues for rooms rented at the Charles Mack Center?) No, other than the several groups grandfathered in a usage agreement like the MGSD, The Senior Center,  and The Chamber. (It is my understanding, for example, that the Chamber of Commerce strong-armed the town into not collecting any dues for its use of the facilities. Is this true? If so, what is your opinion on this matter?) I think it was part of the usage agreement from when the Mack Center was originally built. (How would you rectify it?) I don't think there is anything to rectify... except for the Theatre Group that somehow got lost in the shuffle. We need to address more culture here in Mooresville, and rectify that.

22. Are you aware of the benefits package offered to town employees and elected officials? What does that benefit package include and how much is it valued at per year per employee/official?

Hendrix: When I first became interested in running, I thought it was a "volunteer" position. I think the commissioners are compensated $6,055 a year? Or something like that, roughly $500 a month, I think. I got that information from this blog, so it must be true, right? Kidding :). I was told there is some insurance available, but I don't know any of the details. 

Houston: (Are you aware of the benefits package offered to town employees and elected officials?) Yes ... just like with most employees of an employer the size of Mooresville. (What does that benefit package include and how much is it valued at per year per employee/official?) Don't know the dollar value, but think it is in keeping with other employers the size of Mooresville. Commissioners get a "stipend" of about $7,800/year, Health Insurance, Dental, Vision like other employees. We also get access to cell phones, and ipads. I don't take the health benefits. I do take dental & vision & use my cell and ipad.