The Gatton Report

More on Carney's election to the State Senate

2011-11-29T16:25:00.002-05:00

To read the Mooresville Tribune article, click here.

Carney appointed to N.C. Senate

2011-11-28T20:18:00.002-05:00

Just confirmed: Mooresville Commissioner Chris Carney will be appointed to the N.C. Senate to fulfill the term of the late James Forrester. Details to follow...

Moving on up

2011-11-18T17:46:00.001-05:00

Commissioner Chris Carney, currently serving his second term as Ward 4 commissioner in Mooresville, could be appointed to serve in the State Senate, fulfilling the term of the late James Forrester. For more information, visit the Mooresville Tribune.

Town of Mooresville hires public information officer

2011-11-14T20:06:00.007-05:00

It's been a while since the Town of Mooresville has had a public information officer.

Click here to read the Mooresville Weekly post about the new hire.

What are your thoughts? Is this a positive move for the town?

(FYI: I'm testing a possible new comment format, so your comments will not go through automatically as they have in the past. I will still post, at least for this article, all comments that do not violate my previously-stated policies.)

Candidates reflect ... and a new board looks forward

2011-11-11T19:54:00.009-05:00

It's a new day in Mooresville.

The town will have a new board of commissioners - and a new mayor - on Dec. 5 after deciding to keep Thurman Houston as commissioner of Ward 2 but to replace Ward 1 Commissioner Mitch Abraham with political newcomer and local businessman Eddie Dingler.

Voters also elected Miles Atkins as mayor, and they chose Bobby Compton to fill Atkins' empty at-large commissioner seat.

The Ward 1 race was so close - only six votes separated the two candidates - that a recount was requested. But after the Iredell County Board of Elections' recount, Eddie Dingler stands as the Town of Mooresville's new Ward 1 commissioner, squeezing out 8-year Incumbent Mitch Abraham.

The votes remained the same – Dingler's 462 to Abraham's 456 – after the recount, said Becky Galliher, director of the county's board of elections.

Abraham said he is disappointed that he will not be serving another term. “I had eight great years, and I'd like to think that Mooresville did too,” he said Thursday. “I wanted four more, but it didn't work out.”

Abraham said he plans on staying involved, especially with transportation issues. “I really enjoy serving Mooresville.”

The two-term commissioner said he knew the race would be close. But he hoped his experience would help him secure another term. He said he also knew that getting people out to vote would be crucial. “I answered questions, attended forums and told people how critical it was to get out and vote,” he said.

He said he was looking forward to possibly serving with Atkins as mayor, and he was also excited about the potential of working with Bobby Compton as an at-large commissioner since Compton will look at things through the eyes of a former town employee.

But while Atkins and Compton both made it in, Abraham will end his time as commissioner when Dingler is sworn in Dec. 5.

Dingler said he “can't believe” how close the race ended up being between he and Abraham. “I would like to thank all the voters not just the ones who voted for me,” Dingler said. “It was great to see all the interest this time. I can't wait to get started.”

He said he looks forward to “putting a business perspective on the board” and he wants to be “a commissioner that people can get a hold of.” Also, Dingler said, “I want to be in touch [with] all the citizens of Mooresville.

“Again, thanks for all the votes and all the support from everybody.”

Bobby Compton came out on top of the at-large commissioner race with 1,465 votes. Opposing candidate Skip Alexander collected 1,337 votes.

Said Compton: “Skip Alexander was a very worthy contender and opponent. I learned from Skip how preparedness can and will pay off. If I could change this to Co-Commissioners, it would be Skip and me.

“I am very fortunate to have survived from a field of seven candidates for Commissioner-At-Large,” Compton said. “Returning to local government, reuniting with the town is what I have wanted to do. Now, I have the opportunity.”

Alexander, in congratulating Compton, said “it would be hard to imagine a more cordial and cooperative relationship between opponents than Bobby and I experienced.”

“While he and I offered different sets of qualifications and experiences, I am confident that Bobby will serve Mooresville’s residents with concern and effectiveness.

“My concern and affection for Mooresville are no different today than they were the day before Tuesday’s election,” Alexander said. “Despite choosing to invest considerable family funds and efforts into the Commissioner’s campaign, it is no secret that I diverted much time and effort into a process of informing Mooresville’s voters about issues involving a candidate in another race. This was the only time in my 62 years I ever felt compelled to research and disclose information that questioned a candidate’s fitness. The outcome of Tuesday’s election gives me assurance that these efforts were not wasted.

"Just this week," continued Alexander, "I have interacted with families dealing with cancer, children serving in distant military assignments, and people dealing with financial strains. Today is Veterans Day. These matters readily place into perspective the matter of 'losing' a mere election. I am blessed beyond measure, and content with where I am.

"To my friends, family, volunteers who helped, and voters who cared enough to get involved, THANK YOU!" Alexander said. (To read a complete copy of Alexander's post-election reflections, click on the document below:)

The other race that Alexander spent much of his time and effort on was the mayor's race, which which was the highest-profile election this season. In that race, Miles Atkins edged out political newcomer Jared Esselman, 1,563 votes to 1,292.

“I am excited and humbled to be elected the next Mayor of Mooresville,” said Atkins. “I look forward to working with the citizens, fellow elected officials, businesses and city leaders as we continue to make Mooresville the ideal place for families and businesses.

“Jared ran a strong and spirited campaign that generated interest in the mayoral election,” Atkins said. “His campaign created a robust election cycle in Mooresville and inspired me to work even harder to get my message out.”

Atkins said he believes his experience and leadership over the past four years is what gave him the ultimate edge. Additionally, he believes “grassroots campaigning” probably helped: “I personally knocked on more than 2,000 doors leading up to Election Day and had great conversations with many Mooresville residents,” he said. “I also had a strong team of volunteers, supporters and donors.

“I am very grateful for all the support and am committed to putting Mooresville first,” Atkins said.

Esselman did not respond to a Report e-mail asking for comment.

Thurman Houston held onto his Ward 2 Commissioner seat collecting 344 votes to challenger Billy Hendrix's 292.

Houston said he realizes “there is work for me ahead to try and bridge the gap in Ward 2.” He said he is thankful for the support and prayers of everyone who voted for him. “I will continually work for the citizens of Mooresville through your voices and vision” for the town, he said.

Hendrix congratulated Tuesday's winners in a comment on the Report, adding, “I'm a little disappointed I'm not one of them.”

“Thank you to anyone that supported me, and to those willing to express your concerns,” he said. “It was all very much appreciated.”

And the winners are ...

2011-11-09T10:46:00.001-05:00

Hey, guys! I'm trying to track down comments from all the candidates today. Meanwhile, if you're still unsure of last night's election numbers, visit the Iredell County Board of Elections webpage.

Meanwhile, here's a quick rundown of the winners:

Miles Atkins, Mayor
Bobby Compton, At-large Commissioner
Eddie Dingler, Ward 1 Commissioner
Thurman Houston, Ward 2 Commissioner

Change of voting location for some Mooresville voters

2011-11-07T22:59:00.002-05:00

All "Davidson" precinct voters (DV1-A, DV1-B, DV2-A, DV2-B) will vote tomorrow at Rocky Mount Methodist Church, 1739 Perth Road in Mooresville, not at your usual voting locations.

You should have received a letter from the Iredell County Board of Elections about this change, but the change is apparently not showing if you go to the Board of Elections website to find your polling place.

If you have any questions about where to vote tomorrow, call the Board of Elections at 704-878-3140.

An open letter to you from Skip Alexander, candidate for at-large commissioner

2011-11-07T18:10:00.001-05:00

Skip Alexander - candidate for at-large commissioner - and mayoral candidate Jared Esselman have no doubt been the two most talked-about candidates in the comments section of the Report this campaign season.

Most recently, the Esselman camp accused Alexander of "crossing the line" in regard to an e-mail request which consequently revealed that Esselman's mother - a teacher in the Iredell-Statesville Schools System - used her school-issued e-mail address to promote her son's mayoral campaign. Jared Esselman's father, Dennis, has stated in the comments section of the Report that "Skip requested her emails from her school account."

On the eve of Election Day, Alexander submitted the following open letter to you to set the record straight on that issue and others that have been raised in the community and right here on your blog:

Mooresville’s Mayor’s Office:

Important Position of Leadership, or Graduation Gift?

My name is Robert “Skip” Alexander, a concerned resident of the Town of Mooresville, North Carolina. This letter sets out some of the reasons that I have found Jared Esselman to be clearly unfit to become mayor of Mooresville. Information about why I have engaged in this disclosure process appears below. This is written for voters who care enough to spend ten minutes reviewing what has actually been said by me, not a set of self-serving distortions. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions.

Locals who support Jared Esselman may call my effort “negative campaigning.” I hope that objective voters will regard it as a principled attempt to inform voters – even after I have been warned by an Esselman supporter that it could harm my own campaign.

This letter is not a last minute campaign statement for Jared’s opponent. It will be read by most people after tomorrow’s election, but it re-states statements that I have made, in order that Mooresville’s residents will have reliable information as they consider allegations that have been made about my own motivations and honesty.

Who's been lying?

Today, at a downtown development luncheon in front of approximately 65 local leaders, an audience member directed a question to Jared Esselman, reading from a letter to the editor that appeared in the November 5 Mooresville Tribune (author: Betty Wright Russell). I copy from the letter, which stated, “…I know firsthand the lies being spread against him are malicious and without substance.” (Please note: Ms. Russell – like Jared and every one of his supporters, has never informed me of any concerns about the accuracy of my charges against Jared Esselman.)

The luncheon questioner directly asked Jared to give any examples of such “lies.” Jared responded that one candidate had told his mother that Jared did not even grow up here. When Jared finished, I stood, expressed that I was involved, and gave a detailed account of the September 20, 2011 conversation in which Jared had given me evasive and misleading answers to questions I asked about his residence, until Jared’s version appeared to square with the truth. I absolutely refuted Jared’s claim, and pointed out that Jared’s mother did not identify herself as his mother until after I answered her questions. I concluded with, “And that is the truth.” Jared sat in stone silence, like a child caught robbing the cookie jar. At no time did he question any portion of my answer – because the entire audience had just heard a clear statement of the truth.

My home phone number appears in the Mooresville phone book. It, along with my home address, appears in public elections records. I am regularly, visibly present in various parts of Mooresville and can be contacted by email through my campaign Internet site (Alexander4Mooresville.com, for Mooresville At Large Commissioner). Despite this broad, 24-hour access, I have never received even one contact from Jared Esselman or his supporters to challenge the accuracy of any information I have shared, or to offer alternative versions.

Public office: A public trust or a graduation gift?

I submit that, as his graduation present from a two year Harvard masters degree program, Jared’s family and supporters are trying to make a graduation gift of the Mayor’s Office of Mooresville, to a person who is clearly unqualified for this position. When a speaker at his campaign announcement event misspoke and said that Jared was a candidate for Governor, the crowd cheered, “Not yet.” One of his vocal supporters told me she does not mind his using the Mooresville Mayor’s office as a “stepping stone” to higher office. Jared’s campaign committee members do not limit themselves to Mooresville, but call themselves “Friends of Jared Esselman for Office.”

What got me started:

Jared's residence

By his own admission, Jared Esselman has been a resident of the town of Mooresville for only the time he was in second to fifth grade, and since July of 2011. He rented a house here in May, 2011, but did not move in until July – within days of his filing to run for Mayor. His campaign committee was actually formed in March, 2011 - more than a decade since he even lived in Iredell County, outside of Mooresville.

In a rare display of “Candid Jared” rather than “Candidate Jared,” he actually expressed to a local media person that he kept informed about Mooresville while at Harvard by subscribing to a local newspaper! I subscribe to Mooresville, Statesville, and Charlotte newspapers that cover Mooresville, and am fully aware how ridiculous it would be to claim that these papers give me the knowledge necessary to be a credible candidate.

Several weeks ago, I distributed a two-page information note, which correctly stated that the Iredell County Board of Elections (IBOE) records showed Jared, despite being registered to vote in 1999, has never cast one single vote in Iredell County – in-person or absentee. (Fewer than 15 copies of this two-page were distributed by me. Jared furnished a copy to a local blog, and his mother used the Iredell-Statesville Schools email system to distribute it. Thanks to Jared and Brenda for unintentionally giving my disclosures much broader distribution!)

How I came to see Jared’s mother’s emails

In order to find the basis for Jared Esselman’s claim that the “school system” (name not specified) assigned two interns to his political campaign, I made public records requests to Mooresville Graded School District and Iredell-Statesville Schools, requesting nothing except records related to such a request. The county system informed me that they found certain emails when searching the name “Essleman.” Brenda Esselman’s I-SS emails contained numerous falsehoods, which I will detail to any voter upon request.

I am concerned that Brenda Esselman and son Jared used the county email system because: (1) I am an Iredell County taxpayer and do not expect to fund the Esselmans’ intra-family Internet communications, (2) her use of I-SS emails was blatantly in furtherance of her son Jared’s current candidacy to become Mayor of Mooresville, and (3) her husband, Dennis Esselman, has fabricated and posted on The Gatton Report an untrue version alleging that I requested his wife’s emails. If Dennis Esselman had wanted the truth, he could have simply obtained it by requesting my publicly available original records request.

Jared's lack of voting

My two-page info sheet stated what appeared in IBOE online records and what IBOE personnel verbally confirmed to me - that Jared had been continually registered in Iredell County. Inquiries that I made to Charleston, SC elections personnel in October, 2011 disclosed that Jared was listed as registered there, but he had not voted there since 2008. IBOE personnel stated they were correcting their records based upon my information. It remains 100% true that Jared Esselman has never voted in Iredell County or paid any property taxes as a Mooresville resident.

Jared's lack of community involvement

Don’t ask me – examine Jared’s own literature. I have regularly acknowledged the 7 years that Jared spent as a loadmaster in the U.S. Air Force. However, he is 31 years old, and there is a glaring lack of community involvement in the places where he’s lived – South Carolina and Massachusetts – while building his academic resume. Many college students find ways to serve. Compare Jared’s service a president of his college Political Science club to the public service of any other candidate for office in Mooresville.

Challenge to readers: Search Jared’s statements and campaign literature, and ask him, for any examples of his Mooresville-area community service or involvement during his non-military years since high school.

Jared's donor base

On September 6, 2011, the “Friends of Jared Esselman for Office” campaign committee filed their mandatory 35 Day Report. (Available online at the Iredell Board of Elections website) Not one of the 36 named donors is a resident, taxpayer, or voter in the Town of Mooresville. Data derived from Jared’s 9/6/11 report:

Number Percent

Iredell County voters outside Town of Mooresville 4 11.1%

Residents of Massachusetts 25 69.4%

Residents of other non-North Carolina states 7 19.4 %

Town of Mooresville residents and/or voters ZERO ZERO

Jared's vision to radically restructure Mooresville's form of government

Earlier this year, Jared Esselman, as a 31 year old college student (now a candidate to become Mooresville’s Mayor) submitted proposals to radically change Mooresville’s form of government, even spelling out the changes of our Town Charter that would be required.

Examples of his proposed changes were: full-time Mayor with a salary of approximately $140,000.00 (almost 4 times the Charlotte mayor’s salary), using his proposed salary formula; the Mayor’s salary would automatically increase as the Town budget grew; giving this Mayor veto power; authority to Mayor to suspend or remove all but a few Town employees; “one or more Deputy Mayors” appointed by the Mayor; mayoral authority to issue “executive orders…binding on all departments…;” transferring appointment authority from 6 Commissioners to one Mayor; etc.

Esselman stated that his proposal was created, “after some research, meeting with professors, and talking with my friends back in Mooresville.” I have benefited from a great education in North Carolina’s schools, ending with Law School at UNC-Chapel Hill, and I am strongly pro-education. However, Mooresville is not Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, and we need wisdom from the real world, not textbook theory from Ivy League schools.

The timing of Esselman’s proposal is crucial. This was not a proposal made years ago by an immature college kid. It was mere months ago! His campaign committee for the Mayor’s race was formed on March 14, 2011, within days or weeks of his forcefully advocating these drastic Charter revisions (all of this is public record). Fleeing from his radical ideas, Esselman has not recently publicized his radical proposals, or made them a part of his campaign platform. Because Miles Atkins politely responded that Jared could share his ideas (all on the public record), Jared has practically tried to blame Atkins for their being presented. I cannot say whether Jared’s retreat from his forceful advocacy of this proposal is evidence that he realized how totally off-the-wall his ideas were, and how totally they were rejected, or if he is postponing his call for radical action until after voters make their decisions.

I believe I have spoken with every recipient of Esselman’s proposals, and not one of those recipients stated that Esselman ever withdrew or disclaimed his proposal. The best sources for determining how Esselman’s proposals were perceived are the people who received them, so I contacted every current Commissioner who is not running for office. All three of them conveyed that this proposal was regarded as a call for immediate action, not a mere conceptual proposal. The last Commissioner contacted , Chris Carney, reviewed a draft of my write-up and confirmed my account of his October 17 telephone remarks about the Esselman proposal:

“Without question, his (Jared Esselman’s) last letter made it very clear it was his intention to change the form of government, and it was incumbent upon us to implement this. That that was his expectation, for us as representatives of the citizens of Mooresville. It was very clear that was what he was asking us.”

“This was before I knew him in any way. When I saw the cities he listed as examples of this form of government and saw they were among the most liberal cities in the United States, especially in California, I didn’t give it a second thought. I thought it was so off base – especially giving so much authority to the mayor - that I didn’t have time to spend educating somebody who didn’t live here. I was terrified that somebody would even suggest such a thing. It was very clear that it was his intention to implement it here.”

Quotes of Esselman’s own words make it unambiguously clear that was pushing adoption now, not tendering some theoretical concept for possible consideration. Jared Esselman wrote to local media and elected leaders:

“”…I wrote a column in the Mooresville Tribune regarding the need for revising the Town Charter.”

“…a unique opportunity to both re-invent and re-vitalize the Town.”

“…There is a window of opportunity in Mooresville right now to act on the issues addressed here.” (underlining added)

“The Town Charter represents a very antiquated method of trying to run our town…”

For those who study not just Political Science (as both Jared and I did), but also History, cities like Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans offer examples of strong mayor governments. I do not want what these cities have experienced, or the kinds of mayors that these systems have often produced. Remember that wannbe Mayor Esselman has not one minute of real world governmental executive or elective experience since leaving college.

I believe Jared’s proposal to replace our current system of government with a full-time mayor was absurd. Only people without a real job – like Jared – or those willing to leave their employment for a minimum of two years, would be able to serve as Mooresville’s Mayor under that system.

Jared argued “Nearly two-thirds of the 50 most populous cities in America have a Mayor-Council…” (not cities of Mooresville’s size) What U.S. cities does Jared cite as his role models for conversion to a Mayor-Council system? Ultra-liberal Seattle, San Jose, Fresno, and Oakland.

"Iraq war veteran"

We acknowledge Jared’s service as enlisted U.S. Air Force Aircraft Loadmaster. All available information indicates that Jared served our country honorably. I salute his and every veteran’s service, notwithstanding concerns about his campaign. I do join the numerous Air Force and other veterans who have asked how Jared’s particular military duties (see job description for “Aircraft Loadmaster” on the U.S. Air Force website) gives him some unique qualification to be mayor of a sizable municipality.

Harvard graduate

To date, Jared has accomplished nothing with his Spring 2011 Harvard diploma, and apparently sought no job, except to begin as the mayor of a town where he had not lived since the fifth grade.

At today’s downtown luncheon, many attendees looked shocked, or amused, when Jared invoked his Harvard degree in trying to answer a question for which he appeared to be baffled. Ask anybody who was in attendance.

Civics note: Jared’s #1-listed priority in his campaign ("education") is not within jurisdiction of Mooresville's Mayor or Commissioners, but is legally subject to governance by the board of Mooresville Graded School District.

Jared posted on a blog that I had said we should not be concerned about education. This absolutely false. My son graduated from Mooresville High School; I have been a judge for Senior Projects at Mooresville High School; my wife is a CMS public school teacher. We chose Mooresville because if its school system!

Jared's sweeping, slanderous allegations about local leaders

One of Jared’s emails to local officials bemoans “…recent embarrassing events and long-term corruption…” As a retired FBI Special Agent and subscriber to every local newspaper, I somehow missed this news. If Jared is honestly aware of “long-term corruption” in Mooresville, it is absolutely irresponsible and inexcusable for Jared – candidate to be Mooresville’s Mayor - not to report this to the FBI and SBI.

A conservative?

See the questions submitted to Jared by The Gatton Report, which asked about an anti-war rally of a Charleston, SC left-wing student group, where Jared was featured as speaker - in a very recent year. Jared has every right to express his criticism of our government, but a potential mayor needs to consider how his public choices are reviewed. Indeed, Jared has criticized our current Mayor for his choices.

Jared's contempt for public service by people other than himself

Responding to comments about the 25 American flags flying among 10 campaign signs at his rented Mooresville house, Jared made a bold and false statement about my service to our country. Repeating once more his boasting about his military service, Jared wrote, “I am an American soldier! I have earned the right to fly the flag, by placing my life on the line in defense of others. Neither Miles nor Skip have.”

I served as an Infantry-trained Drill Sergeant and Staff Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve, subject to being deployed as a non-commissioned officer in an Infantry unit. As a police officer, I have made car stops without backup at 2 a.m. As an FBI Special Agent, I pursued various fugitives and other felons. As a deputy sheriff, I have responded to domestic violence situations. I would invite Jared to take his self-centered arrogance to the next funeral of a law enforcement officer and share his boasting about how being an aircraft loadmaster is the only way to place one’s “life on the line in defense of others.” This is obviously a lame attempt by Jared to trivialize the service of others and distract voters from his glaring lack of public service in the 24 non-military years of his life. There is no clearer example of his sense of entitlement.

Conclusion

During the current election campaign in Mooresville, NC, I became concerned about the nature, completeness, and accuracy of information being furnished by and on behalf of Jared Esselman. When I attempted to get clarifying information directly from Jared, he was evasive, defensive, and confrontational. When I requested information from him via email, he gave absolutely no response – as he has done in response to questions from a blog author, when this author posed challenging questions that weren’t just an opportunity for self-serving promotion. Thus, I have turned to alternative, reliable sources and attempted to share with voters the most relevant, accurate information I could obtain – a process made more difficult by Jared’s unwillingness to even answer simple, straightforward questions. The responses of Jared, his family, and his other supporters have magnified every concern that I had about Jared. All readers are encouraged to make a thorough evaluation of every assertion in this letter.

Jared’s mayoral opponent, Miles Atkins, has not ever requested, supported, coordinated, or otherwise participated in these efforts. If asked, I would have encouraged Miles to more forcefully disclose these facts. Even with Atkins’ broad qualifications, commitment and service to Mooresville in recent years, I have told numerous Esselman supporters they should present a qualified, credible write-in candidate if they found Atkins to be unacceptable. Please vote wisely.

Thank you.

Skip Alexander

Mooresville, NC

Vote tomorrow!

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day!

Mooresville will elect a new mayor and at-large commissioner, and commissioners of Wards 1 and 2 will also be decided.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Unsure of where to vote? Click here or call the Iredell County Board of Elections at 704-878-3140.

Below is a complete list of the candidates' responses to questions you recently submitted. This list is "clickable" and will help you easily navigate your way through the responses. If you have not already, please take a few moments to read through these posts so that you can make an informed choice at the polls tomorrow.

And whatever you do, please remember to vote!

Dear Readers ...
Mayoral candidate Miles Atkins responds to your questions
Mayoral candidate Jared Esselman ignores your questions
Mitch Abraham, seeking re-election to Ward 1, responds to your questions
(Note: Abraham's challenger, Eddie Dingler is the only candidate besides mayoral candidate Jared Esselman to not respond to your questions. Dingler never returned Report calls for his e-mail address to which to send the questions.)
Billy Hendrix and Thurman Houston, candidates for Ward 2, respond to your questions
At-large commissioner hopefuls, Skip Alexander and Bobby Compton, respond to your questions

At-large Commissioner hopefuls Skip Alexander and Bobby Compton respond to your questions

2011-11-04T16:55:00.005-04:00

Please see below answers to your questions from Skip Alexander and Bobby Compton, who are vying for the town's at-large 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?  

Compton: Hopefully it will not be as bad as we think. Most traffic may turn west on Brawley School Road. We will need to push for funds from NCDOT to complete the widening to US 21.

Alexander: High density, high traffic development should not be allowed as has occurred on Route 150 (Exit 36). For traffic patterns and regulation, the Town must coordinate with NC Department of Transportation, which has control and primary responsibility for state roads. The board should utilize land use planning and carefully study the impact of potential congestion when considering proposals for development/construction. Exit 35 should not be assumed to become a major artery and it does not appear to offer a quicker route of north-bound travel for most drivers than Exit 31, which will continue to bear significant downtown-bound traffic. Also, “big box” stores and other high traffic businesses are not planned, as on 150. Hopefully, the sharing of traffic loads among multiple exits will distribute the flow.

2. What do you believe we should do with MI-Connection? 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? 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? And wouldn't there be a temptation to violate email privacy on some level or another if the city is involved? Would you consider a plan to make MI Connection reimburse the town of Mooresville for their budget shortfalls, assuming they eventually break even?

Compton: If we give up or walk away, banks may not loan the town money for future projects, interest rates would go up, our bond rating would go down. If we sell, taxpayers would still be in the hole for millions. I do not know why the town bought the system. A guess would be a way to attract business/industry, to use as a marketing tool. While we are stuck with it, we should find a way to make it work.

Alexander: (What do you believe we should do with MI-Connection?) Because of the bond funding’s prepayment provisions, escrow requirements, and contractual commitments, it looks as though it is not financially feasible to sell the cable system before 2017. Continued installation of fiber optic cable – of great value to potential job-producing corporate relocations – should proceed.

We do need to be continually prepared with an exit strategy, in the event that changed circumstances, improved value of the system in a recovering economy, or other factors allow for an earlier disposition. While Monday morning quarterbacking won’t cure the system’s financial challenges, my conservative philosophy would have opposed bringing such a cable system under government ownership. As for now, a “make the best of the situation” approach – including encouraging local residents to consider utilizing MI-Connection when feasible – will hopefully maximize the system’s value and minimize the Town’s financial exposure.

Alexander: (What will ever happen that might possibly make it a viable (sellable) business venture?) Like the “experts” and local leaders who favored purchasing the cable system purchase, I can’t foresee the future. MI-Connection should maximize efficiencies, pursue affordable technological advancement, make its services extremely user friendly, and generally ensure best business practices. The higher percentages of revenues from broadband Internet and telephone service (more than cable TV) should be marketing priorities. Some recent improvement in MI-Connection’s financial reports gave some short-term encouragement.

Alexander: (If it can't generate a consistent profit, should it be auctioned off?) While the board must closely monitor the town’s financial contributions and exposure, talk of an auction (at fire sale pricing) seems premature. If there were potential bidders at acceptable pricing, we presumably would already be pursuing such options.

Alexander: (Would you consider a plan to make MI-Connection reimburse the Town of Mooresville for its budget shortfalls, assuming it eventually breaks even?) If revenues supported it, where contractually and legally allowed, I would welcome having MI-Connection reimburse Mooresville and Davidson for monies spent.

Alexander: (Are you planning to refund most of the $16 million in reserves to the rightful owners, the taxpayers?) While this question assumes some conditions that I am not familiar with, I believe municipalities must absolutely maintain certain financial reserves in order to avoid situations of having to unnecessarily fund the town’s operations with borrowed money. Consider the funding of the parks and other facilities, where plans to borrow money can easily return to high interest rates.

Alexander: (Why is the town in the cable TV/Internet/phone-service business anyway?) As stated above, the decision to place Mooresville into a business that I believe should be a function of private enterprise was not something I would have been inclined to accept.

Alexander: (Wouldn't there be a temptation to violate email privacy on some level or another since the town is involved?)   The use of email by MI-connection customers is far different from usage of Town email, in which the contents are generally non-private, thus being public source. I do not see intrusion into MI-Connection customers’ emails as a likelihood. Any employee who abused any access should be subject to severe disciplinary action.

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 firetrucks from running up and down the road wearing out the trucks and wasting gas? Is there is a formal grievance procedure against town employees?  

Compton: I would like to take a closer look at town-owned vehicles. I am against paying mileage because if an employee is on town business and has an accident then for insurance reasons that employee should be in a town vehicle. Some departments require certain employees to live inside town limits. Vehicles taken outside town limits are typically on call. Imagine the town as a large company or corporation with 300+ employees. The town manager is the CEO. His salary is in range if not smaller than a company CEO. Town employee salaries are competitive with other local governments. To lower someone’s wages will mean a reduction in quality service to our citizens. Look at sanitation workers salaries. Would the author of this question pick up trash for this amount? Can you make a living on the library assistant’s salary? Firetrucks are manufactured to be used, to move, and operate. Keeping those types of trucks idle do more harm than good. Firefighters are away from the fire station doing required inspections on Level I businesses. They also are required to do flow tests on fire hydrants. Firefighters are out in the community teaching fire safety. Doing all of this keeps our insurance rates low but more importantly, saves lives. Call Human Resources or a town department head for inquiries about town employees.

Alexander: (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. Appropriate supervisory oversight and auditing of usage should be provided to ensure accountability. In this and other areas, I would not have commissioners engage in micro-managing of day-to-day municipal functions. The question seems to suggest that Town employees might be routinely required to use their personal vehicles for Town business, which I would not support for reasons too numerous to list here.

Alexander: (Are you going to put town employees' pay and benefits on par with the taxpayer?) This question might suggest an “apples vs. oranges” approach. Because of differing employee benefits, retirement options, etc., between public sector and private sector employees, I believe that such a parity approach is less appropriate than conducting appropriate pay and class studies, evaluating our employees’ compensation based upon factors such as comparison to other equivalent municipal employees and factoring the pay levels required to hire and retain competent, high quality employees. Keep in mind that a 2011 municipal salary – which might appear higher under current conditions – would compare differently to private sector salaries in more prosperous times.

Alexander: (Are you going to stop the fire trucks from running up and down the road wearing out the trucks and wasting gas?) I spend a lot of time in various parts of Mooresville and my observations lead me to disagree with the premise of this question. I do not see fire personnel out “joy riding.” If a crew travels away from their station to obtain food or for other legitimate activities, it would make no sense to require them to return to their station when a call for service was received.

Alexander: (Is there is a formal grievance procedure against town employees?)   This requires a two-part response. There are formal grievance procedures among Town employees, available for viewing in the Human resources section Town’s website, under “Personnel Policies/Compensation & Performance / Grievances.” For external complaints received regarding town employees, complaints typically go to the employee’s supervisor and further “chain of command,” and are handled according to the nature of the complaint. Within the town’s personnel administration, this process can go as high as the Town Manager.

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?  

Compton: I am in favor of keeping the golf course as an attraction to bring people to our town. The recent Citizen Engagement Survey that everyone was invited to fill out rated the golf course high on the service/program to the citizens. At a recent Town Board meeting a presentation was done on how competitive our course is compared to other courses in the area. I think changes will be coming in the future. Town employees used to play free IF they walked. Everyone pays cart fees. Clubs, balls or anything used for play are not free to anyone.

Alexander: (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?) An affirmative response to this question - like selling the cable system – would require the availability of a private entity with the ability to operate the golf course at a profit, and in manner acceptable to the town. If such entities were identified, the board should evaluate the pros (pun intended) and cons of such an arrangement.

Alexander: (Would you be willing to sell or close the golf course?) Under current circumstances, no, but I believe the board must do everything reasonable to control costs of operating the course. However, inadequate spending is likely to be counterproductive, leading to decreased usage and revenue.

Alexander: (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?) I do not believe a conversion to a different usage is required or appropriate at this time. I would propose changing the signs at entrances to the course which now prohibit walking and other use by non-golfers, modifying them to allow such usage during non-golfing hours. Such hours would need to be adjusted seasonally because of daylight hours.

Alexander: (Do you know how many golf pros we have on the payroll?) Two.

Alexander: (Do you know how much we're paying those pros?) $57,601 and $62,010. At least one of these salaries has been reduced in recent budget decisions.

Alexander: (Do you think we need that many pros for a golf course that's been losing money for over 10 years?) This depends upon what the pros are doing. I am not a golfer and, like others who are not incumbents, will learn more about this if elected. If the pros are regularly occupied performing golf pro duties, having two pros might be the minimum needed. If they are unnecessarily performing non-golf pro duties, the number could need review.

Alexander: (How exactly do you plan to cut costs at the golf course?) The board – not performing a micro-managing function – should provide direction via the Town Manager to ensure that course operations are carried out in the most efficient and effective ways. More utilization of part-time employees might reduce costs. Since many of the course’s users are non-residents, some of them are presumably purchasers of local goods and services. I would consider a lease or contracted management operation if that appeared to be the optimum method. Having staff provide friendly, helpful, competent, responsive service to users of the course should be an absolute expectation. I have been told that employing outside management operators has not always been advantageous at other area golf courses.

Alexander: (Do any town employees get to play golf for free at the Mooresville Golf Course? If so, who are they?) Yes. Town employees, like employees of many private and government employers at similar facilities, are allowed to use the golf course without paying green fees, and purchase certain products at a discount.

Alexander: (Do they get free carts, free golf clubs, etc.?) They are required to pay to use golf carts.

Alexander: (How does this affect the bottom dollar?)   Because the number of employees using the facilities is limited, the reduction in income is similarly limited. Such free play by employees should not be allowed to crowd facilities during peak usage hours and should be monitored as to its cost impact.

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?   

Compton: Rates were the lowest in the region for many years. This is an enterprise fund, supported by customer fees, not tax dollars. The town’s mistake was not making gradual increases when rates were so low to prepare for when this time came. Attracting industry that are large water users would help reduce residential rates.

Alexander: (Our water/sewer rates are some of the highest in the region. How do you plan to address this?)   There is absolutely no question that restraining Mooresville’s water/sewer rates must be a priority for all elements of Town government that are involved. While much expansion of infrastructure was done during high cost building years and at high prices, we must now optimize the usage and profitability of these facilities. I believe we must avoid issues that occurred in the contractor selection and payment of increased billing that occurred during previous expansion. Hopefully we are at a point that further expansion of water and water treatment facilities will not be required for an extended period. Our current usage is far below the systems’ capacities and the amount of water we are permitted to draw. For now, the addition of residential and especially corporate customers – like soon-to-open Niagara Bottling – will help balance future income against past expenditures.

Alexander: (Can you bring them back in line?) See previous answer.

Alexander: (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?)   Besides the answer above, it is noted that the Board of Commissioners was able last year to hold the line on utility rates – which needs to be continued.

Alexander: (Do you plan to cut water/sewer rates?) This will be a goal, if budgetary conditions and operational costs allow it, but certain levels of revenue must be maintained. Because there are still bond payments to be made, major reductions in utility costs are very unlikely any time soon. The addition of high usage corporate water purchasers should increase revenues.

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?   

Compton: I am aware they exist but not who has one. I’m guessing department heads. I know Mrs. Setzer in Finance has it under control. Better checks and balances than in recent years.

Alexander: (Are you aware of who (elected or non-elected officials) has town-issued credit cards and how they are used?) I was told there are 229 cards, issued to particular employees. This is a standard practice at various levels of government, as well as private industry.

Alexander: (What is your opinion on upper-management having such credit cards?) It’s a standard way that employees pay for necessary expenses. Of course there should be effective oversight and accountability of the nature and cost of items purchased.

Alexander: (How closely would you supervise the usage of such credit cards?)  This is a primary responsibility of the respective levels of management. The board should hold the Town Manager and other management ultimately responsible and deal with any abuse, but – as referenced above – it is not the board’s responsibility to micro-manage every facet of Town operations.

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? 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? Mooresville's parking ordinance states that vehicles are to be parked along the curb facing the direction of travel. Why is that not enforced?  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?  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?  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?  

Compton: If elected, I will take the oath administered to me. I will need to look at the Town Ordinance Book before I answer ordinance questions. Traffic seems to flow nicely with the removal of traffic lights at Main/Moore and Church/Moore. The walk/don’t walk signs do not work properly at all locations. I do not know why the short distance between I-77 and US 21 was omitted. NCDOT claims no money. Will consult with Mrs. McKenzie with recreation and IT Department on fiber optic at Cornelius Park.

Alexander: (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?) With available time to answer these questions, I am relying upon verbal checks, but have been told that Mooresville ordinances do not now impose the cost of town-installed sidewalks upon the property owner, and, for example, that properly owners down Magnolia were not required to pay for recent sidewalk installation. Funds came from the general fund and grants under the sidewalk improvement plan. The Town paid for easements, and some owners held out seeking higher compensation. I do support the continued program to expand Mooresville’s sidewalks, recognizing that budget limitations prevent installation everywhere we might hope for. In recent years, tax funds and grant funds have been used to pay these expenses.

Alexander: (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?)  I believe this has been done, under current and past Town leaders, in a spirit of attempting to provide a high level of service to residents, in a practical application of ordinances. I have not observed it to require a large amount of extra time or resources. If these pickups are not provided consistently to all residents, that situation would need to be changed. I am open to discussion of whether most local residents would prefer to forego this extra service in order to achieve some level of cost reduction.

Alexander: (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?) The Town should not pick up commercial trash, including excess trash generated by home businesses. The Town should pick up up trash generated by normal household activity. My answer is similar to the preceding one, and I would oppose the ongoing collection of excessive amounts of such items from any customer.

Alexander: (Mooresville's parking ordinance states that vehicles are to be parked along the curb facing the direction of travel. Why is that not enforced? ) Mooresville ordinances only prohibit such left side parking in certain areas, such as the downtown section.

Alexander: (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?) I believe you will find that Mooresville employees a transportation planner rather than a traffic engineer. The Town has tried traffic alterations, like replacing a downtown stoplight with stop signs. Even there, we must monitor whether this provides control to adequately accommodate pedestrian traffic. Efforts at improving downtown traffic are ongoing. Unique factors like the closely parallel Main and Broad Streets, as well as train tracks, make this a matter needing ongoing attention. We must coordinate local streets with State DOT, the railroad, and other entities.

Alexander: (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?)  That two-lane bottleneck is actually much longer than 100 yards. Regarding Brawley, State spending on two phases was closer to $80 million. This bottleneck has been identified as a priority, but State funding has not yet been allocated. Mooresville’s leaders need to strongly advocate for such funding, but we compete with other areas.

Alexander: (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?) Here, as elsewhere, I am reporting explanations as obtained from current Town employees and elected leaders. Cornelius Park lies at the other side of an industrial park. The fiber optic installation was done to expand availability of fiber optic coverage for potential business/industrial users, as well as providing security for Cornelius Park.

Alexander: (When will these misappropriations stop?  ) If elected Commissioner, I will continue my pattern of doing research, asking questions, and studying recommendations from all sources in order to minimize potential “misappropriations.”

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

Compton: I like the idea of light rail coming to Mooresville. How to pay for it will be the problem. Iredell County has to buy in and the state must help but the state is always out of money. Federal grants? I don’t know.....

Alexander: (What is your position on a commuter rail to Mooresville?) I am not convinced that its value has been proven to justify the expense and physical impacts it would bring to the Mooresville area. I have not been convinced that using large sums of taxpayers’ money (Do any government projects come in UNDER BUDGET?) for the benefit of a limited number of commuters is prudent. If economic development and citizen service factors show sufficient advantages, I would want to discuss how something like a tax overlay district might be considered, to impose more of the costs on commuter corridor property owners who would benefit from such placement. I do not want the cost of extended commuter rail to be imposed upon citizens without their consent.

Former FBI assignments required me to live and commute in New York City and Washington, DC. I learned that not all growth, and not all effects of mass transit are positive (e.g., increased parking issues, crime around transit facilities, etc.) The historical limited usage of a commuter bus from Mooresville leaves open the question of consumer demand. If expanded transit merely means bringing the congestion of more residents moving here to take advantage of it, I would not view this as an asset. I have requested information from the regional Red Line Task Force and will study information from other sources.

Alexander: (Would you support Mooresville being the end of the red line to Charlotte?)   I hope that Mooresville will not be the end-of-the-line stop for any Red Line extension. I do not want us to become the parking lot for Troutman, Salisbury, Statesville, etc.

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?

Compton: Work hard with the Planning Department and NCDOT. No one could have foreseen what exit 36 turned into. Hopefully, learn from that.

Alexander: See response to question #1.

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

Compton: No, I do not support a full time mayor. In N.C., the council-manager form of government is the dominant administrative system in municipalities over 5,000 in population. The mayor-council system is popular with less than 1,000 population. The council-manager form of government works well with our budget, population, number of departments, and number of employees. Better direction, more accomplished.

Alexander: Absolutely not. This suggestion needs to be firmly rejected. While I am running to become a Commissioner, I am a Mooresville citizen concerned about every race this year, and one candidate firmly has strongly advocated this change of our government . My research and reporting regarding mayoral candidate Jared Esselman have been conducted with absolutely no encouragement, coordination or direction from Esselman’s opponent, Miles Atkins. While Atkins offers a wealth of qualifications, I have actually urged several of Esselman’s supporters to present a viable write-in candidate if they find Atkins to be unacceptable.

Your very relevant question (I do not know who authored it) has a basis in recent history. Earlier this year, Jared Esselman, as a 31 year old college student (now a candidate to become Mooresville’s Mayor) submitted proposals to radically change Mooresville’s form of government, even spelling out the changes of our Town Charter that would be required.

Examples of his proposed changes were: full-time Mayor with a salary of approximately $140,000, per his proposed salary formula; the Mayor’s salary would automatically increase as the Town budget grew; giving this Mayor veto power; authority to Mayor to suspend or remove all but a few Town employees; “one or more Deputy Mayors” appointed by the Mayor; mayoral authority to issue “executive orders…binding on all departments…” transferring appointment authority from 6 Commissioners to one Mayor; etc.

Esselman stated that his proposal was created, “after some research, meeting with professors, and talking with my friends back in Mooresville.” I have benefitted from a great education in North Carolina’s schools, ending with Law School at UNC-Chapel Hill, and I am strongly pro-education. However, Mooresville is NOT Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, and we need wisdom from the real world, not textbook theory from Ivy League schools.

Esselman’s timing was crucial. His campaign committee for the Mayor’s race was formed on March 14, 2011, within days or weeks of his forcefully advocating these drastic Charter revisions (all of this is public record). Esselman has not recently further publicized his radical proposals, or made them a part of his campaign platform. I cannot say whether this is evidence that he has realized how totally his ideas had been rejected four months before his candidacy, or if he is postponing his call for action until after voters make their decisions.

I believe I have spoken with every recipient of Esselman’s proposal, and not one of them has stated that Esselman ever withdrew or disclaimed his proposal. The best source for determining how Esselman’s proposals were perceived is the people who received them, so I contacted every current Commissioner who is not running for office. All three of them conveyed that this proposal was regarded as a call for immediate action, NOT a mere conceptual proposal. The last Commissioner contacted, Chris Carney, reviewed a draft of my write-up and confirmed my account of his October 17 telephone remarks about the Esselman proposal:

“Without question, his (Jared Esselman’s) last letter made it very clear it was his intention to change the form of government, and it was incumbent upon us to implement this. That was his expectation, for us as representatives of the citizens of Mooresville. It was very clear that was what he was asking us.”

“This was before I knew him in any way. When I saw the cities he listed as examples of this form of government and saw they were among the most liberal cities in the United States, especially in California, I didn’t give it a second thought. I thought it was so off base – especially giving so much authority to the mayor - that I didn’t have time to spend educating somebody who didn’t live here. I was terrified that somebody would even suggest such a thing. It was very clear that it was his intention to implement it here.”

Quotes of Esselman’s own words make it unambiguously clear that he was pushing adoption NOW, not tendering some theoretical concept for possible consideration. Jared Esselman wrote to local media and elected leaders:

“”…I wrote a column in the Mooresville Tribune regarding the need for revising the Town Charter.”

“…a unique opportunity to both re-invent and re-vitalize the Town.”

“…There is a window of opportunity in Mooresville right now to act on the issues addressed here.” (underlining added)

“The Town Charter represents a very antiquated method of trying to run our town…”

I do not claim that our current town manager (who would have presumably been fired under Esselman’s proposal, but was apparently not consulted by Esselman in preparing his proposal), or any of our elected officials or Town employees, is perfect. However, Mooresville’s current Town Manager has 24 years of administrative experience, and he is fully subject to oversight and removal by the Board of Commissioners, as needed. Compare this to a town run by a mayor who, using Esselman as an example, has not one minute of real world governmental executive or elective experience since leaving college.

Neighboring Charlotte, with its size and complexity, gets by with a part-time mayor. Minimal research shows that few towns of our size, geography, and demographics utilize the mayor-council form. I believe a proposal to replace our current system of government with a full-time mayor is absurd. I regard such drastic ideas as a threat to our town, and will risk whatever response voters may have to my sharing these concerns and underlying facts.

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

Compton: I like the Zero-based budgeting. It’s based on needs, departments to be cost effective, eliminates wasteful and obsolete operations, opportunities for outsourcing, detects inflation.

Alexander: I would NOT impose over-simplified, across-the-board solutions like arbitrary percentage reductions on all departments. It is the Commissioners’ duty to set spending priorities and adopt a budget reflecting these. I strongly support the priority-based budgeting approach being utilized by the current board. The board just cut four million dollars from the recent budget. There might be savings by achieving even greater efficiencies in areas like the Charles Mack Center and the golf course, and working to increase revenue at the golf course. We should determine whether the library could achieve any savings through additional coordination with the county library system. I would oppose spending large sums to install new computer equipment and technology just because it is available, unless town needs specifically require it.

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?

Compton: See answer to number 11.

Alexander: No. I will not make such a campaign promise that arbitrarily removes commissioners’ ability to adopt budgets that take into account what the Town’s future essential needs will be. I do promise to do my best to spend taxpayers’ funds wisely and conservatively, attempting to avoid spending increases, offering reductions when possible.

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?  

Compton: Sounds good on paper but if someone is out to get someone else, that’s the way to do it.

Alexander: I am willing to have discussions about the adequacy of existing procedures to deal with integrity issues of elected officials. Adoption of the The 2010 “Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners of The Town of Mooresville, North Carolina” was an appropriate step. I have worked in criminal investigation and at different levels of government and am prepared to consider such issues. It is the ultimate responsibility of people in the criminal justice system to “investigate charges” and prosecute for criminal misconduct, but I support local mechanisms to monitor and address official misconduct.

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”?  

Compton: Not ethical but there are statutes related to this, however exceptions are for items of nominal value, honorariums, advertising items, meals at banquets, participation in professional organizations. Other than these, it’s a misdemeanor. The town’s personnel policy would address any further.

Alexander: I believe the Commissioners’ above-referenced Code of Ethics addresses this well. It cites examples of allowable non-monetary gifts within a value limit of $15.00**, such as meals, … souvenirs… and “items given out to the entire board as a goodwill or advertising gesture…” Commissioners are guided by the overall Code principle that, “A board member shall not accept any gift, favor or thing of value that may tend to influence such board member in the discharge of his or her duties.” (** I need to check whether the $15.00 amount has been modified.)

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

Compton: Good HR question.

Alexander: While the Town does not have a position with that title, it does have two ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act – see www.ada.gov) coordinators, one for matters affecting Town employees (like workplace accommodation), and one for non-employee citizen matters. I fully support efforts to raise such awareness and to address specific identified needs. Current ADSA coordinators and volunteers should be encouraged and equipped to do so. For example, the Town has been re-doing parks with rubberized surfaces to accommodate wheelchairs. It would be good to have a panel of people, including those with disabilities, to promote this awareness.

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?  

Compton: As long as that person has religion and attends church, no problem.

Alexander: In general, no, and I welcome the influence of spiritual beliefs in guiding the values of town employees and elected officials. During a recorded public candidates’ forum, I referred to the influence of my faith upon my actions, and conveyed that, if a consensus of residents demanded some action that I could not join, that would be my last day as Commissioner. Speaking for myself, I believe my faith and values will not “interfere with,” but be an asset to the Town’s deliberations and decisions. Obviously, there could be a potential for the improper injection of religious views or non-religious preferences and beliefs into a public official’s service.

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?  

Compton: Great question! West Wilson Avenue is a beautiful street with a bike path! A sidewalk would be perfect. I’m not elected, yet, so I do not know how to proceed with that.

Alexander: Wilson sidewalk is a current priority for the Town’s sidewalk expansion program. However, retro-fitting older streets with sidewalks is not a simple or inexpensive process. Things like existing retaining walls and right of way issues have prevented quick completion. I will support continuing this as quickly as is feasible within our circumstances and finances.

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?

Compton: I hate seeing vehicles parked anywhere but driveways. If they will not run, get rid of them. Perhaps Planning/Zoning can beef up their ordinances.

Alexander: I won’t offer a simplistic answer and do not have all information needed to answer this fully. Things like historical precedent, unavailability of on-street parking, and the requirement to have access for emergency vehicles have to be factored into this issue. In addition to neighborhood efforts, I would give consideration to legal requirements about such situations. I prefer approaches that respect landowners' rights, as well as protecting the entire community.

With 34 years in law enforcement and assignments in large cities, I am fully aware of the “broken window syndrome,” which is the phenomenon when an area first starts to experience issues like unrepaired windows, unused vehicles, and graffiti, then goes downhill when the early problems are not addressed. I hope to be a “fresh set of eyes,” helping to spot and improve any such developing situations.

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?   

Compton: I am a lifelong resident, just as Erskine Smith, knowing him from childhood to the present and a former town employee. The past controversies are the past. Begin judging him from his officially being named Town Manager. We have been through Mr. Justice and Mr. Husemann with a great cost to taxpayers. The two former managers cost the town much more than Erskine Smith will ever cost the town. (salaries and contract buyouts which we’re probably still paying for)

Alexander: As this year’s only non-incumbent candidate for Commissioner or Mayor who has completed the Mooresville Citizens Academy (2008) and been a regular attendee at board meetings for a number of years, I know Erskine Smith casually and cordially. We have never met or socialized outside of his official functions. He has consistently and promptly responded to my occasional requests for information.

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

Compton: Approximately eight years ago, Deborah Hockett was hired as internal auditor. Deborah reports directly to Maia Setzer. Potter & Company would come in annually as external auditor. Mrs. Hockett is still there but the external auditor may not be Potter since that’s a bid process to determine the outside auditor.

Alexander: I am aware that some cities have such a position and find it useful. At present, I am not convinced that this would be better than the use of independent outside auditors, who may be more objective because they are not part of the same institution that they are auditing. I would be willing to discuss this idea.

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?  

Compton: I have heard of some of that but not sure of any details. I would support the Chamber of Commerce and the Mooresville Graded School District (MGSD) using the facility free or at a reduced rate but not at the point of them taking advantage of us. Those two entities do so much for our town, bringing people and jobs. The MGSD continues to be one of the best in the state. The Town, Chamber, and MGSD have supported each other and I would like to strengthen that support.

Alexander: (Are you aware of double standards and selective leniency when it comes to payment of dues for rooms rented at the Charles Mack Center?) Certain non-profit organizations have been allowed to use Charles Mack Center facilities for free or at reduced rates when engaging in non-profit functions. My understanding is that these same organizations are required to pay when they engage in for-profit type activities. Also, the amount of charges or waivers to some groups have been “grandfathered” to continue past practices.

Alexander: (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?)   I haven’t seen the arms of all Chamber personnel and am not familiar with their past negotiations. My previous answer would include the Chamber.

I believe the Charles Mack Center needs to be operated in the most cost-effective manner possible, and am open to updated discussions regarding what, and by whom, payment is being made for its use. I do not advocate implementing a fee structure that would effectively deny most usage of the Center to non-profit organizations, which often provide community services that complement the Town’s efforts.

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?

Compton: As a former town employee, I am aware of the benefit package to employees and elected officials. I personally think it is very much comparable to the private sector. To learn the value annually please contact HR.

Alexander: I am aware of the availability of employee health and dental benefits, but not all the particulars, and that elected officials are eligible for these benefits. Provision of such benefits is typical for municipal employees. I have not surveyed other municipalities regarding coverage for elected officials.

As a federal retiree I doubt that I would need the coverage, but I do not find it to be inappropriate in view of the limited overall compensation provided to Mooresville’s elected officials. Availability of this coverage was certainly not a factor when I decided whether to respond to citizens who encouraged me to seek elective office. At this point in this political campaign and preparing responses to this inquiry, I just do not have the time to research and describe the detailed information which is available to you from other sources. The program is not a secret, and I believe the Town’s contributions for long-term participants have been reduced from what they were previously.

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

2011-11-04T10:57:00.002-04:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mitch Abraham, seeking re-election to Ward 1, responds to your questions

2011-11-02T20:48:00.002-04:00

Below, please find responses from Mitch Abraham, who is seeking re-election to the seat of Ward 1 Commissioner. Abraham's challenger, Eddie Dingler, never responded to Report calls requesting his e-mail address to which to send the questions.

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

Abraham: I have learned from serving on several transportation committees that Transportation works on a 40 to 50 year horizon. We, as a municipality are dependent on NCDOT for 90% of that planning horizon. The other 10% we as a Board of Commissioners have chosen in the past 3-4 years to commit taxpayer monies on local priority projects, in conjunction with NCDOT, but are not on the state list of priorities. The new Brawley School Road interchange was designed to alleviate traffic backups. The design of this interchange went through NCDOT's traffic engineer's movement studies before the correct design was chosen. This particular interchange is based on "single point urban interchange" design, similar if you will, to the Tyvola interchange in Charlotte. The design is based on two lanes off, two lanes on, which is what we have road wise to the west with the new construction. With the completion of the first phase of this interchange from Williamson Road west, one can see and use this success of traffic flow as a model for this new interchange. It is also important to note, that a lot of morning and evening traffic comes from those who live on Brawley Road, west of Williamson towards The Point, The Farms, and other subdivisions. They presently use Exit 33 and 36 for their on/off access. This new exit will help reduce congestion at both of these exits and further help move traffic in Mooresville.

Dingler: did not respond.

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?

Abraham: Since the question was asked, I need to remind you that I did vote "no" on this system. Originally, with 5 towns and Mecklenburg County being involved, more customers, plus Meck. Cty being the financial backer, it made some sense. When the players changed, the system cost did not make sense to me and many of the Ward 1 constituents that I represent. I have, however, since it did pass, been active in trying to make the system the least cost to our taxpayers and to become profitable. MI has made better strides in the last year to re-organize, through transition of becoming more self-sufficient, managed by local management and becoming more cost efficient. It would be speculative to say we should auction it off, that would be an easy answer. At the present time, MI is making money to handle the operations side, but the debt service is not being taken care of, that is why Mooresville and Davidson have been appropriating money the last two years. To reimburse the town would be just paying ourselves back. Mooresville is one of the owners of the system and we need to help make it work. Yes, I would be in favor of viable offers of established company's to purchase, lease, partner with MI, as long as it is can be done under the existing inter-local agreements and parameters, and to the best benefit to the Mooresville citizens.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: In our last budget process, it was asked and identified with a print out of what vehicles the ToM has, what vehicles are signed out and are allowed to be used as a needs basis or as a Dept. Head need. It was established at that time that there were 59 police cars assigned. They are monitored and have a circle of radius that keeps them local. There were 2-3 that were authorized to go past that radius, but that no more privileges of this nature would be granted. There were 13 other cars that were assigned to department heads, town manager, or those who had on call duties per their employment. The Board continues to monitor this program and will make changes as are needed per circumstances. Firetrucks on the road are usually out doing inspections on either fire hydrants, buildings, etc., they are for a public safety purpose which I support. Public safety is nothing that I am willing to gamble on. If a citizen has a grievance against an employee, the should call the supervisor in charge of this employee, then on to the town manager. The town manager is in charge of personnel decisions.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: The Mooresville Municipal Golf Course is an asset for Mooresville.. The course has had a high round total of near 50K in the past and has also made its budget many years, with grounds maintenance included. It is no secret throughout the golf world, at least in this region, that all courses are down in number of rounds played, both private and public courses. Many factors are involved from hot weather, to the downturn in the economy, to rain, etc.. The course the past two years has needed approx. $300K to make it break even, this includes costs for buildings and grounds. We presently have 2 PGA pros on staff, with part time staff to take care of both the course and the snack shop. Both of them came qualified as PGA pros and are an asset to the course and town with their employment. It is presently a requirement for employment at the course(Club House) and the Board would have to change the job descriptions for future hires. If the question is could we survive with less or just one? Yes we could. In my 8 years on the board, we have looked at private enterprise at least 3 times. There are definite pros/cons, but it all boiled down to losing local control of the towns assets and managing the citizens assets. Both positions have a total salary of approx. $120K, 62/57 split. This is listed on ToM website. The staff has set prices to accommodate play, they are aggressive in MWGA play, MGA play, corporate leagues, tournament play for churches, corporations, etc., they are being Internet savvy in advertising, etc. Changes are continuing to be studied and implemented.

Dingler: did not respond.

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?

Abraham: With the water/sewer infrastructure upgrades almost all complete, we should realize a flattening of the tax rates for both water and sewer. We were able to not raise them in this current budget and would hope that this can be continued in future budgets. The rates were affected by the construction, but were twofold. They did pay for the new construction and debt service, but also created fund balances in the water/sewer enterprise funds to help in the future to not acquire debt when a major event happens. This is protecting the citizens from excessive borrowing and interest payments. Everyone must realize that the water/sewer enterprise fund is an in/out money flow, pay as you go system. We cannot supplement that fund with general fund monies. It is a separate entity that must pay for itself. With the addition of water users such as the recent announcement of Niagara Water, we will see a profit from this large water user and will eventually see benefits to the citizens of Mooresville, which could include reduction in water/sewer fees.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: We have received a list of town issued credit card users and the limits on the cards. No elected officials have credit cards. Our finance department has a tremendous tracking program for these cards are very adamant in paperwork/receipts turned in. I have seen this program in action and it is, as should be in Gov't finance, down to the penny. I am aware of why department heads have a card and the use they play in emergency matters. I have complete comfort and confidence in our finance department and auditor that the supervision of this program is at the highest level.

Dingler: did not respond.

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? 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? Mooresville's parking ordinance states that vehicles are to be parked along the curb facing the direction of travel. Why is that not enforced? 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? 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? 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?

Abraham: The current sidewalk project at Fieldstone/Magnolia is funded by a federal CMAQ grant. Public Works will sometimes replace sidewalks using Powell funds, which are also a federal road tax given back to us on a rated formula yearly, Not aware of the situation you may be talking about. Our garbage pickup annually is one of the most positive services that we hear feedback on from the citizens. Occasionally, our street technicians will go the extra mile to pick up extra items. I would contend that building materials, carpet, padding are not picked up, as in my travels around town daily, I see a lot of this sitting in place for a long time. Does this mean it sometimes gets picked up, probably so, but as a general rule, no. The remaining questions are simply not answerable, because in my opinion the writer is asking them with prejudice. I would answer these in person if the writer calls, stops me or sends me an email.

Dingler: did not respond.

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

Abraham: The Redline is a transportation plus for Mooresville and the entire region. It's use as a reverse commute for our industries such as Lowe's, would be tremendous. The present Redline Task Force is touting a "dual freight/commuter line aspect". It is formulating an economic plan to join 9 entities from Mecklenburg County to Iredell County. It has some very exciting aspects and promotes true regionalism for economic growth and benefits for all involved. The Redline, combined with the widening of I-77, are two transportation programs that weigh heavy on our continued success as a top economic driver in the State!! We won't be the end of the line with the new proposals, but there would be worse things to be at the end of. I support the concept, but the funding source is my main deciding factor. I won't jeopardize Mooresville with excessive, unwanted debt service. This must be publicly vetted and approved.

Dingler: did not respond.

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?

Abraham: Exit 36 has many different business growth practices that developed after the fact. With the use of Small Area Planning, Land Use development ordinances put in place in recent years, we as a town have situated the growth at these new interchanges to work in a concerted effort of business/traffic flow principles to make everything built work for the best of the citizens.

Dingler: did not respond.

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

Abraham: No, I would not support a change from the council-manager form of government that the ToM presently uses. Simply, a professional town manager(trained in public administration/business) running the daily business of the town is the most effective type of government. North Carolina is a leader in our government system nationally and has a strong School of Government at Chapel Hill that is a tremendous support to local municipalities, as well a leader in producing candidates for public administrative positions. The School of Government also has great continuing education programs for all levels of municipal government.

Dingler: did not respond.

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

Abraham: The present Town Board along with staff has been working hard, especially the last 4-5 years in reducing spending and making town government more efficient. This last year alone, we reduced the budget by 3.8 million through the initiation of priority-based budgeting. The prior year the reduction was done by an across the board reduction(Town Board direction to the Town Manager) that also saved a similar number in savings. As early as 2007, the financial downfall was being forecast and at that time, through job attrition, freezing hiring of positions in the budget, stopping non-essential purchases, delaying capital equipment purchases, we started a means to make the Mooresville budget work with less spending and more efficiently.

Through this Priority-based budgeting process that is in the works, through citizen's input, Town staff (Dept Heads to employees), Commissioners the Town Manager should and will be able to put the most efficient budget numbers together to allow the best quality of life for our citizens. The process will make all of us ask the hard questions of should staff be reduced, should services be reduced, any and all things are on the table. I must add that Public Safety will not be an area of reduction. Public Safety is at the top of all the commissioner's priority's. That is not to say that we will not look for efficiencies in these departments to make them run better.

Dingler: did not respond.

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?

Abraham: I have pledged personally and through my oath of office to do what is best for the citizens of Mooresville. The present course of the Town Board has been to not raise property taxes. The last time they were raised was in 2007. I see no reason that this will change. With the budget process being a number one priority this last year, we are committed to becoming more efficient with what the citizens give to the Town in the form of taxes. We did not raise water/sewer rates this year, and will hopefully be able to keep this trend in place, also.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: I have not seen the need to establish a committee of this nature in Mooresville. We have a code of ethics adopted in Mooresville, and mandated ethics training by the state, that control these issues.

Dingler: did not respond.

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”?

Abraham: The Mooresville Personnel policy dictates what a gift is for the employees from Town Manager down. Elected should be held to no less than that. I personally think it is wrong to accept any gift from any citizen.

Dingler: did not respond.

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

Abraham: I would need more information describing what this person is before answering this question. This is more of a County cost or employee, we as a town do not handle this type of government employee.

Dingler: did not respond.

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?

Abraham: No, not particularly. It would be more dependent on how they use their religious views and is really an individual value issue. The separation of church and state is very defined.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: Plans are in hand to eventually put sidewalks on West Wilson, the cost and the right timing are what is the hold up. Sidewalks and connectivity are a concern of the Board and we have asked for continued staff input, to bring us feasible projects across town, with possible grants, ideas to finance sections of sidewalks, one project at a time. I would pledge to continue this program of connectivity of our neighborhoods.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: Our ordinances address this policy and Planning/Zoning administer these areas. Notice of violations are given in cases that warrant them. The best manner for citizens to ask is the question is to call Planning/Zoning directly to report a perceived problem. They will be able to answer any questions and/or investigate a claim of wrongdoing. The system works, I have personally inquired on behalf of constituents, and in almost every case have found that they have either sent a NOV or were monitoring the situation. I support personal property rights and would not be in favor of taking away the rights of a homeowner from parking on their front lawn.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: I have known Mr. Smith professionally and consider him the viable replacement. The ToM has invested in Mr. Smith during his 23 years of employment, and in his current position he is using this investment for the citizens of Mooresville. Believe me that this current board has vetted with Mr. Smith all of the past and his contract reflects the professionalism we are looking for and also treats him in professional standards. As always, the town manager serves at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioner, and Mr. Smith is well aware of this!!

Dingler: did not respond.

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

Abraham: The town has a CPA. This position answers by chain of command to the financial director, then the Town manager. We frequently get reports and she is asked by the Board to report on issues as we see them and need clarification. As far as an internal auditor on staff, we are better off hiring a internal auditor as required. This creates a cost efficiency and one less employee with benefits.

Dingler: did not respond.

Abraham: The CMCC has a very defined rental rate package for all citizens. They are not selective at all. The rates are well defined and fairly administered to non-profit and profit groups. The Chamber of Commerce, Mooresville Graded School District, EDC, ISS school system, MDC and the Senior Center are grandfathered with limited free use with stipulations as during the week and regular work hours, no extra staff needed for their use, no fees charged by them. The Center director has defined limits of what can be done and they are monitored from time to time by Board inquiry.

Dingler: did not respond.

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?

Abraham: The salaries per employees are listed on the ToM website. These are base salaries per position. Benefits to our employees include single health insurance, family insurance is available, but employees pay for spouses/children, it is quite high. This year the board made the prior longevity pay on a set schedule, no longer a percentage of salary. There is also a merit pay system for employees that is based on a review by supervisors. Criteria needs to be met to realize any % increase. 3% is usually the highest merit pay. 401-K is a state-mandated benefit, similar to school teachers or other state employees. All of this information is public knowledge and I would advise any citizen to please call our finance director with any questions.

Dingler: did not respond.

Mayoral candidate Miles Atkins responds to your questions

Mayoral candidate Jared Esselman ignores your questions

2011-11-02T15:48:00.001-04:00

Jared Esselman, candidate for mayor, did not respond to the questions sent by you last week. In addition to many questions that were sent to all candidates, you asked the following individual questions of Esselman:

1. Concern has been raised about a March 2008 blog article in which you are noted as a speaker at an anti-war rally at the College of Charleston, where you studied. The article states:

“Among the speakers was Jared Esselman, a junior Political Science student as well as an Iraq veteran who served in the Air Force. His passionate speech brought up the importance of such protests to prevent the illegal invasions of other countries deemed members of Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' namely Iran. The words of an Iraq veteran add a special potency to the conversation; this was not an average student speaking it was a man who tasted the dirt of the desert and watched his friends lay down their lives for a country they love and a war they don't believe in. In addition, he not only spoke for himself but also spoke for the voiceless men and women half a world away. These service members are facing the brutality of an enraged community protecting their own nation, as well as the betrayal of an authoritarian president who answers to none.”

So which are you? Are you a proud, conservative American soldier who risked your life defending our freedoms, as you have been quoted as saying? Or are you a service member who was forced to participate in a war you didn't believe in?

Esselman did not respond.

2. Is it true that you want to change the town charter and name yourself the Mayor/Town Manager paying yourself a handsome salary and naming lackeys to serve at your pleasure? If it's not true, why did you send all those emails? If it is true, how do you plan to get this past the good people of Mooresville?

Esselman did not respond.

3. Considering Mooresville’s troubled track record of the quality of town managers, I for one was very drawn to your idea of a Mayor-run versus a Town Manager-run system. Have you now backed off of this very good idea? And if so, why? If you have backed off of this idea, why would I not assume you will flip-flop on other important issues in the future?

Esselman did not respond.

4. You have contended that Skip Alexander has “deceived” the people of Mooresville by disseminating false information about you. Could you tell us exactly what that false information is?

Esselman did not respond.

5. There are grumblings in town that you are being backed and supported by the good ole boy network that found itself exposed and ousted in the past decade in Mooresville, including former mayors and commissioners who were voted out of office. Is this true?

Esselman did not respond.

6. Your literature makes references to improving education in Mooresville and “saving teachers’ jobs”. How do you propose to accomplish this within our current system where the town board has no jurisdiction in the school system? Did you make these empty promises in order to procure votes from teachers and parents?

Esselman did not respond.

7. As a member of the Mormon faith, would you place the well-being of Mooresville before the dictates of that faith?

Esselman did not respond.

8. Education and loading planes aside, why are you qualified to be Mayor?

Esselman did not respond.

9. What private-sector experience, if any, do you have, and how would that come to bear on your performance as mayor?

Esselman did not respond.

To read responses to your questions from Esselman's opponent, Miles Atkins, visit here: Mayoral candidate Miles Atkins responds to your questions.

Mayoral candidate Miles Atkins responds to your questions

2011-11-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

Please find below the Q&A with Miles Atkins, candidate for mayor. Note that questions 7-28 were asked of every candidate. The top six questions were individual questions posed to Atkins:

1. You have been criticized for having a wife who serves as the executive director of the Mooresville Downtown Commission, which receives funding from Mooresville's board of commissioners, on which you serve as a commissioner and are seeking the mayor's seat. Some people call this a conflict of interest. Do you believe this is a conflict of interest?

My wife, Kim Atkins, was hired as executive director by the board of directors of the MDC, a non-profit entity separate from the Town of Mooresville. As such, none of the members of the board of the directors, nor the executive director, are employees of the Town of Mooresville.

Because I sit on the town board as an at-large commissioner, it is important the public understands I have always recused myself from discussion and votes regarding any MDC funding.

To ensure no conflict of interest, I requested our town attorney Steve Gambill, seek the guidance of the Office of the North Carolina Attorney General on the interaction between myself, as an elected official, and the Mooresville Downtown Commission. This underscores my transparent and ethical governance.

You can visit www.milesatkins.com to find the response from the attorney general’s office in full.

A former downtown business owner, Kim was hired on her own merits and has been a key figure in the revitalization of downtown Mooresville. I am proud both heads-of-household in my family are dedicated to serving Mooresville and working diligently on behalf of our community.

(Editor's Note: Atkins also forwarded a recent e-mail exchange between Mooresville resident Suzanne Yurkanin and Town Attorney Steve Gambill on this matter. The e-mail is public record. To read it, click on the document below:)

2. You have been criticized for accepting a substantial campaign contribution from a local businessman who himself has caught criticism for at one time trying to use his advertising dollars to attempt to control the flow of information from the press to the people. How do you respond? (Editor's Note: the following question was submitted after the deadline, but Atkins agreed to respond to it; it has been tagged onto this particular question due to relevance:) You have taken a sizable campaign donation from Randy Marion. Presuming you are elected and a matter arises that would benefit him but be a detriment to most of the average citizens of Mooresville, on what side would you come down on? In other words, have you been bought or are you here for all of us since this issue has been raised several times?

The additional information provided by the commenter was as follows:

It is a down payment on a road behind the dealership......such a campaign donation will not buy much but will buy attention from the Mayor. The next time the Mayor buys a new car I am sure Mr. Marion will give him a bargain.

I am humbled that many Mooresville residents and leaders have chosen to support me in various ways: through a range of donations (73% of which were under $100 & 90% are from the Mooresville-Charlotte region), as well as their time in volunteering and helping us get our message out. From newcomers to long-established business and civic leaders in our community, I am grateful they support my vision for the future of Mooresville.

Throughout my term as your at-large commissioner, I have a track record for standing up for what I believe in and doing what’s right.

No matter the size of the contribution, should any matter come before the Town Board that could present a conflict of interest; I would recuse myself.

Specific to the connector road, the discussion and vote regarding that came before the Town Board last month and I recused myself due to the campaign contribution.

3. You have been criticized for your home being designated historical, which gives you a property-tax break. How do you respond?

Just as my wife Kim and I chose to live and raise our family in Mooresville, we chose to live in a historic property in Mooresville to do our part in retaining the vibrant history of the town.

The Mooresville Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) preserves historic neighborhoods and assets in our town. Through this organization, any owner of a home 50 years or older may apply for local historic landmark designation. That designation includes guidelines the homeowner must follow to maintain the exterior of the home, plus any exterior modifications must meet historical guidelines and requires approval of the MHPC.

4. What makes you any different than the current status quo?

I am an experienced leader who brings people together. As commissioner at-large, I have earned a reputation for asking tough questions and advocating for citizens. My record shows I consistently make sound choices for all of Mooresville. In addition, I am:

willing to stand up for what I believe in
compassionate about individual needs and work to connect the right people/services to find solutions
committed to efficient government
passionate about public service

5. What private-sector experience, if any, do you have, and how would that come to bear on your performance as mayor?

After serving as an at-large commissioner for the past four years, my firsthand knowledge of our town operations means that as mayor, I will continue making Mooresville a great place to live and work by taking action on day one. I have 25 years experience working in private sector businesses, corporate businesses as well as start-ups and small businesses. I have managed employees, budgets and am seasoned in implementing solutions that generate results. I look forward to creating efficiencies in town government and getting our agencies to work better together.

6. What are the top 10 things you intend to do as mayor?

Champion priority based budgeting best practices
Guide responsible growth and thoughtful revitalization while ensuring effective public safety
Encourage community building through active participation and cooperation
Promote forward-thinking ideas that enhance our citizens' quality of life
Work to attract diverse and emerging businesses that spur quality job creation
Advocate for small business and entrepreneurship, promoting the success of Mooresville's business community
Collaborate with local, state and national levels of government to address issues and opportunities for Mooresville
Enhance the processes that connect citizens and their government
Demand fiscal responsibility from town government
Increase effectiveness and efficiencies in the town services that our community values

7. What can be done about the potential traffic back up on Brawley to US 21 after another Mooresville "gateway" opens at Exit 35?

As a current commissioner, I am proud to say the Town of Mooresville has a good working relationship with the NC Department of Transportation, which ultimately controls these roads. We are working with them to prioritize this project from Talbert Road to Hwy. 21, but unfortunately the project is currently unfunded by the state. I plan to utilize my already strong relationships in Raleigh to give a voice to Mooresville residents on how important this project is to our area.

8. 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?

I wasn’t a commissioner when MI-Connection was purchased, and would not have voted for it had I been in office. It was a bad idea then. It’s a worse idea to throw it away now. For additional insight into MI-Connection visit www.milesatkins.com.

9. 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?

The largest policy document the town board is responsible for is budget. This document is reviewed and approved annually. Last year, I championed priority-based budgeting which resulted in a $400,000 personnel reduction and an overall savings of $3.8 million. As mayor I will continue to champion this budgeting process which allows for service delivery efficiencies and cost accountability.

In regards to the other individual questions posed, my approach to every town policy and budget decision is based on the most fair and efficient use of people, equipment and taxpayer dollars.

10. 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?

Making sound business decisions and being accountable for those decisions has been a priority of mine as an at-large commissioner and will continue once I am elected mayor. The golf course may be one area where the Town of Mooresville can be more efficient and improve services through privatization and/or outsourcing. We have to explore all options and get citizens’ input to understand what the best solution may be for the golf course as well as other town services.

11. 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?

Since being elected, I have voted against all water/sewer rate increases. In the 2011-2012 budget, the Town Board voted to keep water/sewer rates flat. Increasing commercial consumption will help further stabilize rates.

12. 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?

Elected officials are not employees of the town and thus do not have town-issued credit cards. Those town employees who do have town-issued credit cards must follow the town policy that governs their use.

13. 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? 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? Mooresville's parking ordinance states that vehicles are to be parked along the curb facing the direction of travel. Why is that not enforced? We have had a traffic engineer for two or three years now and there have been no improvement whatsoever in downtown traffic flow. How and when is this going to be addressed? 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? 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?

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

Through my relationships with other elected officials throughout region, I hope to chart a course for a vibrant future for all of us. We must speak with a unified, regional voice on transportation and land-use issues if we are to be taken seriously on funding and policy priorities at the state and national level.

With that said, I am in favor of the Red Line to Mooresville if CATS pays for the building and ongoing operations of the system. I do not support using Mooresville tax dollars to fund it.

15. 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?

The Town of Mooresville, working in conjunction with Iredell County, has adopted small areas plans with stronger guidelines in place to address how the interchanges can or cannot be developed. As stated in the question above, we are in a fortunate position to control where, how and when we grow. It is up to us, your elected leadership, to manage growth that balances the benefits of an increased tax base that provides improved facilities and services with any perceived headaches that may result.

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

There are 23 North Carolina towns or cities with a population of 25,000 or more. None of them has a full-time, paid mayor. These municipalities, like we do in Mooresville, have a council-manager form of government. That means the mayor and commissioners are elected, they hire and supervise the town manager and in turn the town manager hires and supervises all town personnel and operations. I support the council-manager form of government because it is recognized as giving citizens more of an opportunity to participate in their government.

The council-manager format works better because it allows elected officials to be the representatives of the citizens and the town manager (who is most often professionally educated and trained in municipal government) to manage daily operations and personnel.

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

As an at-large commissioner, I championed a priority-based budget for 2011-12 resulting in a $400,000 personnel reduction and an overall savings of $3.8 million. As mayor I will continue to champion this budgeting approach, which allows for service delivery efficiencies and cost accountability. I would also explore appointing a citizen-based budget review task force to identify areas where privatization, outsourcing or other best practices could reduce expenditures and increase service levels.

18. 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?

During my four-year tenure as at-large commissioner, I have never voted to increase property taxes or water/sewer rates. As mayor, I will continue to advocate for fiscal accountability and responsibility for the taxpayers of Mooresville.

19. 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?

Yes. In 2005 and before becoming elected as commissioner, I proposed a code of ethics that included an independent, outside ethics advisory board. As mayor, I will continue my advocacy for ethical and transparent government.

20. 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”?

That is addressed in the Town of Mooresville Code of Ethics which I originally proposed as a non-elected, concerned resident in 2005. At that time, the Town of Mooresville adopted a code of ethics but I was gratified in 2009 when the N.C. General Assembly saw fit to require all municipalities to adopt a resolution or policy containing a code of ethics to guide actions by the governing board members. On October 4, 2010 the Town of Mooresville adopted an updated & modified code of ethics.

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

I would support an initiative that would ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to programs and services provided by the Town of Mooresville.

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

I am active member and leader in Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church. As a servant leader, my faith values are an important part of who I am and guide me in terms of how I chose to lead my life. However, I believe in a clear separation of church and state.

23. 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?

Several plans are in place to address sidewalks and gateways into Mooresville. The pedestrian steering committee recommended sidewalks on West Wilson Avenue as well. It’s a matter of prioritizing the project and finding funding for it.

24. 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?

In any healthy municipal government, ordinances should be reviewed periodically to ensure they reflect the needs of the residents and I believe it is time to do an overall review of our ordinances. Similarly, enforcement of those ordinances should be well-supervised and consistent. As an at-large commissioner, I have encouraged citizen participation in this process and will continue to do so as mayor. In addition, I have heard from many citizens of the need for overall improvement of the aesthetics of our town, including cleanliness and improving the gateways into our town.

25. 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?

Since I was elected four years ago; I have worked with three town managers, two of which were hired through an outside search process. In 2011, Erskine Smith was named Town Manager and is now accountable to the Town Board.

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

Overall, we need fiscal transparency and accountability and I would support any initiative that would ensure the town’s funds are properly audited.

27. 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?

There currently is a policy in place that addresses how fees are charged for use of the Charles Mack Citizens Center. There are community partners and organizations that have been granted the use of the Mack Center to support our local businesses, recruit businesses and improve the overall quality of life.

28. 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?

Each year, the town of Mooresville reviews its budget. This review takes place in town and is open to all citizens to attend.

During the annual budget process, there is a review of employee benefits and personnel costs. The Town of Mooresville is moving towards a consumer-driven health plan that puts more responsibility on employees to pay for their healthcare. In addition, longevity pay, merit increases and cost-of-living increases are now tied to performance-based compensation.

Dear Readers ...

2011-11-01T12:21:00.001-04:00

I was thrilled with the response to my recent call for candidate questions. From MI-Connection and the Mooresville Municipal Golf Course to traffic and town ordinances, I never imagined I would collect such a broad range of questions.

A huge thank you to all of you who took time to ask questions of the men vying to be your public servants.

Last week, I sent your questions, largely unedited, to every candidate but one; Eddie Dingler, who is challenging Incumbent Mitch Abraham for the Ward 1 Commissioner seat, did not return calls asking for his e-mail address.

I asked the candidates to respond by late this evening. But because of the number of questions - and because I sent them when the candidates are certainly busy campaigning - I offered to extend the deadline if needed. A couple candidates have taken me up on that.

As soon as both candidates from each race have submitted their responses, I will post them here. I plan to publish a different post for each race except for the mayor's race. So many of you posted and e-mailed individual questions of Miles Atkins and Jared Esselman that they will have their own individual post.

If a candidate has not responded by deadline and has not been in touch to let me know he needs more time, I will post the responses of the candidate who did respond. In the event you asked individual questions of a candidate who chooses not to respond, I will post your individual questions and note that the candidate did not respond.

The first deadline is tonight, so I could feasibly begin posting responses by tomorrow morning. My goal is to have all responses posted by late Friday so you'll have the weekend and Monday to digest the answers. I hope the information provided by the candidates will help us all make informed decisions at the polls on Tuesday.

Thank you, again, for your questions. And above all, thank you for being awake and alert citizens and taking interest in local government. As Anthropologist Margaret Meade once said:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

With appreciation and respect,

Jaime

(Yawn) Forum was a bore. Now for some real questions ...

2011-10-19T14:57:00.002-04:00

Last night's candidates forum for Mooresville's town government was (dare I say it?) a little boring.

Questions for the candidates - Mitch Abraham and Eddie Dingler (Ward 1), Thurman Houston and Billy Hendrix (Ward 2), Bobby Compton and Skip Alexander (At-large) and Miles Atkins and Jared Esselman (Mayor) - "were submitted by the general public, chamber members and the media," according to a forum handout. "The criteria for a question being included in the forum is that it deal with either current or future issues facing Mooresville and Iredell County, and be within the purview & authority of the races represented..."

The questions were all softballs: How great should the town board's role be in business and commerce? Why are you running for office? What are the top issues facing Mooresville today, and how will you address them? And my personal favorite: If a genie were to appear and give you three wishes for Mooresville, what would they be?

At that time, I finally gave up and put my pen down.

Where was the substance?

A specific question about MI-Connection - and how to deal with it - was not raised, even though every candidate I have spoken with has said MI-Connection is the primary concern being raised by citizens, followed by water/sewer rates, during this campaign.

Candidates were able to squeeze in a comment here and there about MI-Connection or water/sewer rates. But they weren't put on the spot and asked about it. So the candidate(s) who didn't want to address the hot potato of MI-Connection didn't have to. They got off easy.

Candidates were not allowed to address or even reference one another. Questions from the floor were not allowed.

I personally left the forum feeling disappointed - like I was fed a lot of bread crumbs when what I really wanted was meat and potatoes.

I think the public's questions and concerns are important. And here, we have a forum to have them addressed publicly by our would-be government officials.

So, here's your chance.

Do you have a question for the commissioner-hopefuls? The would-be mayors? It can be directed to all of them or to one in particular. Have a question or concern about your ward? The future of the town as a whole?

The floor is yours. I will do my best to ask every question submitted. No rules, just please keep them reasonable and relevant. If I receive a number of questions about the same topic, I'll compile them into one question for the candidates.

Post your questions here, in the comments section, or send them to me at jaimegatton@gmail.com, by Monday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. As soon as I've compiled them, I'll send them to the candidates and provide a week for them to respond. Then, I'll post their responses here, one candidate at a time.

Meanwhile, if you want to check out footage of last night's forum, please visit the Mooresville Tribune website and scroll down to the latest headlines. Clips are already being posted.

New N.C. law for campaign signs

2011-10-14T13:36:00.000-04:00

By Melinda Johnston
Correspondent

Charlotte Observer
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011

Towns and municipalities no longer have jurisdiction over some campaign signs placed on their borders.

In August, the N.C. General Assembly enacted into law Senate Bill 315 which permits placement of campaign signs on the rights-of-way of state maintained roads even if those roads are in towns with sign ordinances that would prohibit, or control size or placement of the signs.

The ruling covers most major roads and thoroughfares.

"Streets within neighborhoods are probably town maintained, but all others are mostly state maintained with a few exceptions," said Matthews Planning Director Kathi Ingrish.

"Before the statute, we were able to use Matthews sign standards on state and town maintained streets within our jurisdiction. Now, as town officials, we have no jurisdiction on state streets or rights-of way where political signs are concerned."

The state standards for locating political signs are more relaxed than many of the town ordinances and enforcement is being handled by the state.

N.C. Department of Transportation District Engineer Lewis Mitchell says if a sign is found out of compliance, someone from his department will remove it, and then call the owner to come retrieve it from one of the maintenance sheds.

Other than removal, there is no penalty.

The law says that permission must be obtained from a property owner before a sign is placed in front of a residence, business, or religious institution. If a sign is placed there without the property owner's permission, Mitchell says you still need to call his office.

Don't remove it yourself. State law makes it a misdemeanor for a resident to remove a political sign from the public right-of-way.

Mint Hill code enforcement officer Margie Nichols says she hopes residents understand that her ability to deal with violations is limited to town streets.

"If the sign is on a Mint Hill maintained road and it looks like it's in violation, I will go out and take a look. But if it's on a state maintained road, they need to call N.C. DOT to report it," Nichols said.

The Town of Pineville also is feeling the effects of the new law. Officials there also are wondering how it will be enforced.

"Obviously, with this new law, you're going to have growing pains just trying to figure it out. There are good points of it, but I think it will be difficult to enforce," said Pineville Planning Director Kevin Icard.

For the original article or to read the new law in its entirety, click here: Charlotte Observer.

Compton and Alexander advance to the November election

2011-10-11T20:54:00.002-04:00

The primary-election results are in, and Bobby Compton - former Town of Mooresville Fire Marshal - took the top spot for the at-large commissioner seat with 406 votes.

Robert "Skip" Alexander, a former FBI agent, came in second with 297 votes.

Both men will now advance to the Nov. 8 general election.

Seven candidates were seeking the at-large seat. The other five candidates included Dawn Huston, who received 47 votes, while William H. Washburn III garnered 23. David Roueche collected 21 votes, James Snyder received 17, and Raymond R. Gordner III collected 9.

Altogether, 820 people showed up to the polls today to cast their votes.

Full results can be found on the Iredell County Board of Elections webpage.

Supporting documents

2011-10-07T17:23:00.003-04:00

Several readers have contacted me, asking me to provide the supporting documents for yesterday's post, Liar, liar, pants on fire. Below, you will find several documents, all which were attached to Mayor-hopeful Jared Esselman's March 13 letter to Mooresville's board of commissioners, mayor and town attorney, obtained by the Report in a public-records request.

The following document, titled "Honorable Commissioners and Mayor," was one of the overall four attachments to Esselman's March 13 e-mail (click on the documents to enlarge them; once open, you should be able to click on them again to zoom in):

The following two-page document, titled "A Stronger System of Government," was also attached to Esselman's March 13 e-mail to the mayor and commissioners:

The following two-page document, titled "Town Charter Op Ed," was also attached to Esselman's March 13 e-mail to the mayor and commissioners:

Finally, Esselman included an attachment of the town's charter with some of his proposed possible changes, including granting the mayor the power to appoint "deputy mayors" to "serve at the pleasure of the mayor." Also in this document is the suggestion that the town could pay a full-time mayor a salary equal to .33 percent of the town budget's general fund. Titled "Article III of Town Charter," this was the final of the documents attached to Esselman's March 13 e-mail to the mayor and commissioners:

Liar, liar, pants on fire

2011-10-06T14:50:00.006-04:00

Liar.

It's a word that has been used often by Mayor-hopeful Jared Esselman and his campaign to characterize an at-large commissioner candidate, Skip Alexander, who has apparently been circulating a two-page document of his concerns about the would-be mayor and the truthfulness of some of his credentials and statements.

Earlier this week, Esselman wrote a document of his own in rebuttal of Alexander's document. In it, he makes the jump from Alexander being a liar to opposing mayoral candidate Miles Atkins being a liar, asking citizens: “Do you want another pair of liars representing you in office? These two politicians are willing to lie to you now, how much will they be willing to lie about once they are in office?”

Esselman calls Alexander a liar over an assertion Alexander makes that Esselman wants to radically restructure Mooresville's form of government, eliminating the need for a town manager and instead passing those duties – and the hefty salary – to a full-time mayor. Alexander cites a letter that Esselman wrote to commissioners in March to back up his allegation.

But Esselman says that letter was just a research paper he wrote while still studying at Harvard. “My thesis was: Instead of going through the hiring process (once Town Manager Steve Husemann resigned), here's another option,” Esselman said in a phone interview with the Report on Monday.

In his rebuttal document, Esselman says: “Skip is taking my college research and using it to deceive the people of Mooresville.”

To the Report, Esselman said that his “research paper” was essentially just “copying and pasting what (other cities) do” to provide some alternatives for the board to consider. He says he never suggested that the commissioners should restructure Mooresville's government.

But that's not exactly true.

In fact, in a March 13 e-mail to commissioners, the mayor and town attorney - obtained by the Report in a public-records request - Esselman writes: “We may not be a major metropolitan area but we are the largest city in Iredell County and we have witnessed the Council-Manager systems’ flaws and failures time and time again. Now is the time to adopt a new system!”

“ … the Town of Mooresville currently uses the Council-Manager form of Government. This form is very traditional for American cities and certainly has its benefits but also has its detriments,” Esselman writes. “I might suggest that with the rate of growth Mooresville has been experiencing and with the Town’s growing prominence in both Iredell County and the Piedmont region, transitioning to a Mayor-Council form of government could be incredibly beneficial.

“I ask the City Council to consider revising the Town Charter so as to create a Mayor-Council system of government. The timing could not be more appropriate. The need could not be more present.”

He also included potential changes to the town charter that would include granting the mayor the power to appoint deputy mayors to “serve at the pleasure of the mayor,” and he included an annual salary for the mayor of .33 percent of the town budget's general fund … just like Alexader states in his two-page document.

In a separate document Esselman sent to commissioners on March 13, the mayor-hopeful writes: “With Mayor Montgomery not seeking re-election, and since the Town Manager resigned, we as citizens are in the perfect position to vote on a referendum revising the Town Charter and creating a Mayor-Council structure for our town government.

"Mooresville needs full time leadership, and a full time Mayor."

Interestingly, on the following day, March 14, Esselman filed his Statement of Organization with the Iredell County Board of Elections to run for Mayor of Mooresville.

Just a research paper? Or a proposition to radically restructure Mooresville's town government?

You decide.

Mayor-hopeful fires back at candidate for at-large commissioner

2011-10-05T12:39:00.002-04:00

Mayor-hopeful Jared Esselman is firing back at Skip Alexander, candidate for at-large commissioner, and a two-page document that Alexander is reportedly distributing.

In the document, Alexander listed several “observations” about Esselman and his campaign, such as the mayor-hopeful's residency, his “lack of local involvement,” his donor-base being primarily out-of-state residents, and Esselman's “vision to radically restructure Mooresville's form of government.” (For more, click here.)

But Esselman is responding with a document of his own, accusing Alexander of “working for (mayoral candidate) Miles Atkins” and “actively spreading false information and lies.”

Alexander, in his document, stated that according to public records of the Iredell County Board of Elections, Esselman registered as a voter in 1999. The Board of Elections' computerized records, dating back to 1992, "indicate Jared Esselman has never cast one single vote (in-person or absentee), and that there has been no break in his Iredell voter registration," Alexander wrote.

Esselman, in his written rebuttal, stated: “Two things are wrong with his statement. 1. I was off fighting a war. 2. I was a registered voter in Charleston, SC where I was stationed at Charleston Air Force Base and did vote!”

Alexander stated that as of Esselman's Sept. 16 campaign-finance filings with the Iredell County Board of Elections, the mayor-hopeful's list of 36 named campaign contributors includes not one resident, taxpayer or voter in the Town of Mooresville. In fact, Alexander points out, 69.4 percent of Esselman's campaign money has come from donations from residents of Massachusetts, while 19.4 percent has been provided by residents outside the State of North Carolina. Iredell County voters outside the Town of Mooresville limits make up 11.1 percent of the overall total. Esselman's campaign listed no contributions from Town of Mooresville residents and/or voters.

Esselman, in his rebuttal, did not dispute the record. However, he said: "My friends and classmates from the military, Harvard, and my other travels make up a large part of my donor base. My campaign has been a small grassroots campaign with the vast majority of my donations being about $20.

"I have not sold out to businessmen here in Mooresville who are trying to buy their way into office, set on their own agendas. I don’t owe anyone any favors."

Alexander stated in his document that in a Sept. 20 conversation with Esselman, the mayor-hopeful “acknowledged that, except in his second to fourth grade years, and since July, 2011 (two months ago), he has never been a resident, and never a taxpayer in the Town of Mooresville.”

Esselman, again, did not refute Alexander's assertions, but stated: “My family moved to Mooresville when I was a child. We started in a small house on North Main street [sic]. When I was in the fourth grade my parents bought a house on Hwy 801. I will not apologize for the fact that my parents bought a home where they could afford one while raising six children and starting a family business. I grew up in that home and we did the best we could with what we had.

“Since my parents [sic] home was not inside the city limits we didn’t pay city taxes. They moved partially because they couldn’t afford to live in the city while raising six children.”

Esselman continued: “A lot of people have 'Mooresville' as their address who don’t live inside the city limits. The decisions the Mayor and Board of Commissioners make effect [sic] them too.

“The greater point here is I grew up here. Mooresville is my hometown. I am a part of the town, and the town is a part of me. I left to defend our freedoms and go to college. I will not apologies [sic] for that.

“Skip isn’t from Mooresville. He’s from Concord,” Esselman wrote. “And Miles isn’t from Mooresville. He’s from Florida. What gives these two men, who aren’t from here, the right to question my passion for the people and town that meant so much to me growing up?”

Also among the issues noted in Alexander's document was an e-mail Esselman sent to commissioners earlier this year that mentioned a restructuring of Mooresville's form of government, essentially eliminating the need for a town manager and instead paying the mayor a full-time salary.

Alexander's document states that Esselman “advocated ... the City Council … to consider revisiting the Town Charter so as to create a Mayor-Council system” and that Esselman suggested the mayor could be a full-time employee, making an annual salary of .33 percent of the town budget's general fund. That, Alexander stated, would be a salary of approximately $140,000 - “almost 4 times the Charlotte mayor's salary for wannabe 'Mayor Esselman.'”

Esselman's email to commissioners also suggested that the mayor would be authorized to “appoint one or more Deputy Mayors” to “serve at the pleasure of the Mayor,” Alexander stated in his document.

But Esselman, in his written response, said, “I have never claimed this in my campaign and I have no intention of changing the structure of our government. I took an interest in researching the structure of city governments and actually worked with Miles Atkins, who helped me with some of the research, and wrote an email suggesting some ideas that other cities had done.

“The research was interesting and I learned from it but it is not, absolutely not, part of my campaign nor is it part of my vision for Mooresville. Skip is taking my college research and using it to deceive the people of Mooresville.”

Esselman said, “I do not propose to increase the Mayors’ salary. I will earn my own keep. By my God given talents and efforts I will earn my own living. I do propose to be a fully engaged mayor and be available full time. There will be no increase in the mayors [sic] salary, only in the effort contributed.”

As for Alexander's assertion that Esselman wants deputy mayors, said Esselman, “Again, this comes from college research, which was a learning tool. Not, I repeat, not, my campaign platform.”

Alexander also took issue with Esselman having 25 U.S. Flags “and 10 of his own campaign signs on the house, yard and fence at his rented house on Institute Street” during the week of Sept. 19. Said Alexander: “The U.S. Flag Code prohibits using the United States flag for advertising.”

Esselman responded in his written document: “This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. And yes I have flags flying. The flag of the nation I fought to defend.

“I am an American Soldier! I have earned the right to fly the flag, by placing my life on the line in the defense of others. Neither Miles nor Skip have.”

Alexander also stated that while he acknowledges Esselman's service as an elisted U.S Air Force Aircraft Loadmaster – and while “all available information indicates that Jared served our country honorably” and “I salute his and every veteran's service” - several people who have agreed to place Esselman-for-Mayor signs in their yards “have said they were given the impression he was an Air Force pilot and officer.”

Esselman responded: “I was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. I enlisted. I am proud of that! I volunteered for service! As a Staff Sergeant I am a Non-Commissioned Officer. I was a loadmaster on C-17’s. And… get ready for this Skip, I am a pilot! I am a licensed pilot. I have never claimed to be anything other than what I am.”

Alexander also stated in his written document that “to date, Jared has accomplished nothing with his Spring 2011 Harvard diploma, and apparently sought no job.”

Responded Esselman: “The point here is, I HAVE a Harvard degree! I have the determination, discipline, and dedication it takes to earn a Harvard degree. Skip doesn’t, and Miles doesn’t.”

Esselman continued accusing Alexander of “playing dirty” with Atkins and, in his rebuttal document, asked citizens of Mooresville: “Do you want another pair of liars representing you in office? These two politicians are willing to lie to you now, how much will they be willing to lie about once they are in office?”

“I am a true son of Mooresville,” Esselman said. “I am an American Soldier. I am a Harvard Graduate.

“I am coming home, and trying to make home a little bit better.”

To read Esselman's rebuttal in its entirety, click on the documents below:

Document was at center of candidates' dispute

2011-10-03T23:56:00.002-04:00

A two-page document prompted Friday's spat between two candidates for political office in Mooresville.

Mayor-hopeful Jared Esselman said in a phone interview today that he confronted Skip Alexander, an at-large commissioner candidate, at the town board's agenda briefing Friday about the document which Esselman said Alexander has been handing out.

“He's been spreading a two-page document around, chopped full of lies,” Esselman said.

On Friday morning, when the two men came face-to-face at the town board's agenda briefing, “I confronted Skip and told him, 'You're a liar and a coward,'” Esselman said. “It got loud. I was firm, but I didn't yell. I'm not going to sit and let someone lie about me.”

But contrary to what was reported in the original article about the argument, Esselman said Mooresville Police Chief Carl Robbins never stepped in to break up the disagreement. “The chief never said anything to me,” Esselman said.

He said Alexander's document “is misrepresenting my information, my campaign and me.”

“He doesn't even know me, and I don't know why he's doing it,” Essleman said.

The document, provided to the Report by Esselman, includes a disclaimer that Alexander is the sole author and that a more detailed letter is being prepared. Alexander could not be reached for comment today (Monday).

In the document, Alexander lists several “observations” about Esselman and his campaign for mayor. Among those observations, Alexander homes in on Esselman's residency, his “lack of local involvement,” his donor-base being primarily out-of-state residents, and what Alexander calls Esselman's “vision to radically restructure Mooresville's form of government.”

“According to public records of the Iredell Board of Elections (IBOE), Jared Esselman registered as a voter in 1999,” Alexander's document reads. He said those same records “indicate Jared Esselman has never cast one single vote (in-person or absentee), and that there has been no break in his Iredell voter registration.”

Citing Esselman's first “35-day report” filed with the Board of Elections on Sept. 6, Alexander points out that “not one of the 36 named donors (to Esselman's campaign) is a resident, taxpayer, or voter in the Town of Mooresville.”

In fact, Alexander points out, 69.4 percent of Esselman's campaign money has come from donations from residents of Massachusetts. Meanwhile, 19.4 percent of his campaign money raised as of the filing on Sept. 6 was from contributions from residents outside the State of North Carolina. Iredell County voters outside the Town of Mooresville limits made up 11.1 percent of the overall total. Esselman's campaign listed no contributions from Town of Mooresville residents and/or voters. (Candidate finance reports are available online at http://www.co.iredell.nc.us/Departments/Elections/finance_reports.asp.)

Alexander also took issue in the document with Esselman's residency. Alexander says in a conversation he had with the mayor-hopeful on Sept. 20, Esselman “acknowledged that, except in his second to fourth grade years, and since July, 2011 (two months ago), he has never been a resident, and never a taxpayer in the Town of Mooresville.”

Also among the issues noted in Alexander's document was an e-mail Esselman sent to commissioners earlier this year that mentioned a restructuring of Mooresville's form of government, essentially eliminating the need for a town manager and instead paying the mayor a full-time salary to carry out the duties now assigned to a town manager.

Alexander's document states that Esselman, in his letter to commissioners, “advocated ... the City Council … to consider revisiting the Town Charter so as to create a Mayor-Council system.”

Alexander states that in the e-mail, Esselman suggested the mayor could be a full-time employee, making an annual salary of .33 percent of the town budget's general fund. That, Alexander stated, would be a salary of approximately $140,000 - “almost 4 times the Charlotte mayor's salary for wannabe 'Mayor Esselman.'”

Esselman's email to commissioners also suggested that the mayor would be authorized to “appoint one or more Deputy Mayors” to “serve at the pleasure of the Mayor,” Alexander stated in his document.

Esselman said he confronted Alexander on Friday, “and I asked him, 'Who did you ask for that e-mail?'”

Esselman said the e-mail to commissioners was simply “a research paper I wrote on styles of government. I never campaigned on a research paper I wrote in college.”

When former Town Manager Steve Husemann resigned while Essleman was still studying at Harvard, Esselman said he contacted commissioners, encouraging them to explore all their options. “My thesis was: Instead of going through the hiring process, here's another option.”

He said much of what he sent to commissioners was “copying and pasting what (other cities) do.”

Esselman said if elected, he will not change Mooresville's form of government: “Hands down, I'm not going to do that. How self-serving would that be?”

(To read Alexander's two-page document in its entirety, click on the documents below. Once I've obtained a copy of the e-mail from Esselman to commissioners that Alexander references, I'll post it.)

Police chief breaks up meeting spat

2011-10-02T15:21:00.002-04:00

By Joe Marusak

Charlotte Observer

jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com

Police Chief Carl Robbins had to separate two candidates for local political office when they began arguing loudly face to face with one another before the start of a Mooresville Board of Commissioners meeting on Friday morning.

The argument between mayoral candidate Jared Esselman and Mooresville commissioner candidate Robert "Skip" Alexander grew so heated that Mooresville commissioner Mitch Abraham told them to take their argument outside the Town Hall meeting room.

Robbins told the Observer he allowed the men to remain in the room after they agreed to stop arguing.

Esselman is a political newcomer running for mayor in November against Mooresville commissioner Miles Atkins.

Alexander is among seven candidates in an Oct. 11 primary for Atkins' at-large seat on the Board of Commissioners.

The spat came just before the 8:30 a.m. start of a Mooresville Board of Commissioners "pre-agenda" meeting.

Commissioners hold such meetings on the Friday before their regular Monday board meeting to discuss what items will come before them at their regular meeting.

The meetings are open to the public, but only a handful of residents typically attend the meetings, where commissioners generally don't vote on issues.

For more from the Charlotte Observer, click here.

WBTV: Kyle Busch pleads guilty in speeding case; loses license

2011-08-23T15:18:00.000-04:00

Click here for WBTV's full report: WBTV Story

At-large field grows to 7

2011-08-11T15:42:00.002-04:00

The field of four candidates seeking Mooresville's at-large commissioner seat just grew to seven.

Robert “Skip” Alexander, Bobby Compton and David Roueche will join Raymond R. Gordner III, Dawn Huston, James Snyder and William H. Washburn II on the Oct. 11 primary ballot. The two top vote getters in that election will advance to the Nov. 8 general election.

Alexander ran unsuccessfully for Iredell County Sheriff last year, and David Roueche ran unsuccessfully in 2005 for the Town of Mooresville's Ward 4 seat.

The at-large seat is currently occupied by Miles Atkins who is running for mayor. Also on the ballot for mayor is Jared Esselman.

Eddie Dingler will challenge incumbent Mitch Abraham for commissioner of Ward 1, while Billy Hendrix will vie against incumbent Thurman Houston in Ward 2.

Filing ends tomorrow at noon.

It's a race!

2011-08-04T17:14:00.001-04:00

Mooresville's town board will have a race in every seat up for election this year.

Eddie Dingler of Main Street filed today to run against incumbent Mitch Abraham for Commissioner of Ward 1.

This comes a day after Billy Hendrix filed to run against incumbent Thurman Houston in Ward 2.

So far, four candidates - Raymond R. Gordner III, Dawn Huston, William H. Washburn III and James Snyder - have filed for the board's at-large seat which is being vacated by Miles Atkins. Atkins and political newcomer Jared Esselman will vie for the mayor's seat.

The four candidates for the at-large seat will force a primary in that race; the primary will be held Oct. 11. The two top vote getters in that election will advance to the Nov. 8 general election. Filing ends Aug. 12.

Commissioners serve four year terms while the mayor's term is two years.

Ward 2 has a race

2011-08-03T17:34:00.001-04:00

A second candidate has filed to run for the Ward 2 seat on Mooresville's town board.

Billy Hendrix of Emerson Drive filed to run for the seat earlier today, according to the Iredell County Elections Office. Hendrix is challenging incumbent Thurman Houston's bid for re-election.

Ward 1 incumbent Mitch Abraham, as of the close of business today, is running unopposed for his seat. Filing ends Aug. 12.

The four candidates for the at-large seat will force a primary in that race; the primary will be held Oct. 11. The two top vote getters in that election will advance to the Nov. 8 general election.

Fourth candidate joins at-large race

2011-08-03T09:38:00.003-04:00

A fourth name has been added to the list of candidates seeking the at-large seat on Mooresville's town board.

Raymond R. Gordner III filed Tuesday afternoon at the Iredell County Elections Office.

He joins three other candidates - Dawn Huston, William H. Washburn II and James Snyder - in the race for the at-large seat. A primary will be held Oct. 11 to narrow the field to the two top vote getters. Those two candidates will then vie for the seat in the Nov. 8 general election.

Mooresville's town board has two at-large seats but only one is up for election this year. The seat is currently being occupied by Miles Atkins who is running for mayor. Also running for mayor: Jared Esselman.

The seats for commissioners of Wards 1 and 2 are also up for election this year. So far, incumbents Mitch Abraham and Thurman Houston (respectively) have filed for re-election and are running unopposed.

The filing period ends Aug. 12 at noon.

Family fun in downtown Mooresville tonight

2011-08-02T09:43:00.001-04:00

Join the Mooresville Police Department today as it hosts "National Night Out," an organized event that aims to unite neighborhoods, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses and local officials in the fight against crime.

Main Street will close to traffic between Moore and Iredell avenues between 5-9 p.m. tonight. The free event, centered in front of the Charles Mack Citizens Center, will feature free food, games and giveaways, face painting, children identification kits, martial-arts demonstrations by Mangan Martial Arts and more.

If you can't make it downtown, the police department asks that you turn on your porch lights and/or enjoy some time outdoors with your neighbors to show your support for a crime-free community.

Esselman kicks off mayoral campaign

2011-08-01T13:40:00.002-04:00

Jared Esselman wants to be your mayor, Mooresville.

"Being in a position of authority does not make a leader; it just means you're in charge," Esselman said to a crowd of about 100 at his official campaign kick-off on Saturday in the Mooresville High School ampitheatre.

A 1998 graduate of Mooresville High School, Esselman, 31, said, "You have helped make me the man I am today, and I want to give back."

Esselman shakes hands with those who attended his campaign kick-off on Saturday

Esselman joined the U.S. Air Force after 9/11, serving in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He went on to graduate from the College of Charleston in 2009, earning his BA in political science then received his masters in public policy from Harvard University just this year.

"Mooresville students are receiving the kind of education is takes to get to Harvard," Esselman said Saturday. "Education is the jewel of our city."

Noting Site Selection magazine's naming of Mooresville the past two years as "the best place to build and expand a business," Esselman said: "We have potential; we just have to realize it. We have a wonderful, vibrant, diverse community.

"Unfortunately, we also have a divided community," he said. "I will work to heal that divide."

Esselman did not expound on what he considers the community's "divide." While his platform covers strengthening education, the economy and the community, he did not mention the town's MI-Connection cable system on Saturday. The struggling system is sure to be a hot topic in local political campaigns leading up to the Nov. 8 election, and Esselman has MI-Connection listed on his website as one of the top issues being reported to him by Mooresville residents.

Esselman did, however, note Mooresville Mayor Chris Montgomery's presence as a special guest at the campaign kick-off on Saturday. Referring to the exposure earlier this year of the mayor's public e-mails to a woman who is not his wife, Esselman said: "I know how you feel about our mayor, and I understand." However, he said people should at least respect Montgomery's courage in facing family, neighbors and himself in the aftermath of the scandal.

"It takes courage and passion to run for mayor," Esselman said. "My passion is serving people and investing in people because you invested in me."

Esselman's friend and former classmate, Lt. Comm. Joe Cousins, caught Esselman supporters' a little off-guard Saturday when he accidentally introduced Esselman as a gubernatorial candidate. Members of the audience chuckled, some of them responding, “Not yet!”

“One thing at a time,” Cousins replied with a smile.

Cousins, who flew to Mooresville from Washington, DC for the mayor-hopeful's official announcement, said while researching Mooresville, he was bothered to see that 'half the (government) meeting notes are closed.' He said government transparency is important to him and to Esselman.

For more on Esselman and his campaign, visit www.jaredesselman.com.

Miles Atkins files for mayor

2011-07-25T15:47:00.004-04:00

At-large Commissioner Miles Atkins has made official his bid for Mooresville mayor.

He filed earlier today at the Iredell County Board of Elections office in Statesville, according to a press statement released just moments ago by his campaign.

The filing period for Mooresville's town and school boards opened today. Voters will decide on Mooresville's new mayor during a general election on Nov. 8. Atkins will leave vacant his at-large seat, which is up for election this year. Also up for grabs: The seat of Ward 1 commissioner, currently held by Mitch Abraham, and Ward 2 commissioner, held by Thurman Houston.

Seats on the Mooresville Graded School District Board of Education that are up for election this year include those currently occupied by Sue Wilson, Roger Hyatt and Larry Wilson.

Atkins with son, Liam, at the Iredell County Board of Elections
(Photo courtesy of Atkins' campaign)

Atkins, 48, was first elected as at-large commissioner in November 2007. He has considered a bid for mayor since last fall, and he publicly announced his intentions on March 29.

“In serving the Town of Mooresville as a commissioner for the past four years, it has become abundantly clear we need maturity, experience and commitment to lead Mooresville not just for one term but for several,” says Atkins. “As mayor, I will convert the abundant knowledge I have accumulated since 2007 and chart a specific course for the future of Mooresville, not just for a few years, but for decades to come.”

Here's the rest of today's press release:

With the overall theme of “Vision into Action,” Atkins outlines his three platform planks as follows:

Community: Combine the strengths of 28115 and 28117, guide responsible growth and thoughtful revitalization, promote forward-thinking ideas that enhance citizens’ quality of life and encourage community building through active participation and cooperation.

Economy: Attract diverse and emerging businesses that spur quality job creation, advocate for small business and entrepreneurship and collaborate with all levels of government to address issues and opportunities for new and existing Mooresville businesses.

Government: Push for transparency and accountability, connect citizens and their government, demand fiscal responsibility from town staff and increase effectiveness in town services.

“My wife and I have lived and paid taxes here for the past 14 years, have raised our children here and have made a family commitment to the future of Mooresville,” says Atkins.

Among those 14 years of community leadership, Atkins has led and/or served on the Mooresville Ethics Advisory Committee, Citizens Mass Transit Initiative, United Way of Central Carolinas/Mooresville, United Family Services, Mooresville Historic Preservation Commission and Mooresville Museum, and he graduated from the Mooresville Citizens Academy, Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class and the Raleigh-based Institute of Political Leadership. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Top of the Lake – Mooresville and serves as a senior warden of the vestry at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church.

A graduate of Auburn University, Atkins is currently working toward his master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University. He and his wife, Kim, live in Mooresville with their daughter Rett, 11, and son Liam, 10. Visit www.milesatkins.com for more information.