election 2013 davidson town council

Student Candidate Guide 2013

Election 2013 Candidates – Town of Davidson

Office Candidates # seats in election Mayor John Woods * 1 candidate will be elected

Council

Stacey Anderson Beth Cashion Jim Fuller Rodney Graham * Brian Jenest * Rick Short Connie Wessner Vince Winegardner

5 candidates will be elected

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

Return to the Student Candidate Guide for other Election 2013 candidates, information about local government, how to participate in GenerationNation’s Kids Voting election, and more. www.generationnation.org/index.php/election/candidateguide2013

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Davidson Town Council

Stacey Modlin Anderson

Website electstaceyanderson.com Email smadavidson2013@mi‐connection.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/smadavidson2013?skip_nax_wizard=tr

ue Twitter Occupation Strategic Planning Manager at Wells Fargo Education MBA in Finance; University of Houston & BS in Accountancy;

University of Illinois Political viewpoint financially conservative, socially moderate Favorite news source davidsonnews.net, Charlotte Observer, WSJ, NYTimes & USA

Today Community involvement and leadership experience

HOUGH HIGH SCHOOL, Cornelius, North Carolina PTSA Scholarship Chair, August 2012 to present PTSA Board Member, August 2012 to present UNITED WAY. OF CENTRAL CAROLINAS – MOORESVILLE‐LAKE NORMAN, Mooresville, North Carolina Citizens Review Process, January 2007 to September 2009 Chair of Citizens Review Process, September 2009 to December 2011 Board Chair, January 2012 to present Board Member, February 2008 to present UNITED WAY. OF CENTRAL CAROLINAS Charlotte, North Carolina Nominating Committee, Fall 2013 and Fall 2012 MENTAL HEALTH ASSOC. OF CENTRAL CAROLINAS, Charlotte, North Carolina Board Member, November 2006 to June 2012 Treasurer, September 2008 to June 2009 President of the Board, July 2010 to June 2011 Strategic Planning Process Leader, June 2007 to June 2012 DAVIDSON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, Davidson, North Carolina Sense of Place/Housing‐Community Development Study Group Participant, November 2008 to April 2009 DAVIDSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Davidson, North Carolina Leadership Team, August 2004 to May 2007 PTA Member, 2003 to 2009 LAKE NORMAN LEADERSHIP, Cornelius, North Carolina Member of Class IX, 2005 to 2006

First issue I will tackle I would look for ways to increase Davidson's tax base.

Municipalities that are mainly residential do not traditionally have the tax revenue required to provide basic services to its residents.



How I will impact…

Young people I will continue in my role as a board member of the Hough PTSA and look for ways to increase the partnership between local schools and the Davidson community. I will also work to bring suicide prevention training to our local schools through my connections with the MHA of Central Carolinas.

Economy I would look for innovative approaches to finance socially responsible projects in real estate. Estimates of the amount of money available for investment in buildings that provide social and environmental benefits range from $400 Billion to $1 Trillion. Imagine if we could get a single project in Davidson that benefits our town and pays investors an 8% return. http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=3141

Community growth and/or transportation

I would look for options to improve traffic through and around Davidson. This includes widening I77, completing the Potts‐Sloan‐Beaty Street connection (this connection when complete will provide another north‐south route that would run parallel to Main Street (NC115)) and supporting commuter rail.

Community safety I would work with fellow residents to identify locations to improve street lighting and visibility at key intersections and pedestrian cross walks. The roundabout at Davidson‐Concord and East Rocky River is an example of an intersection that could benefit from additional street lighting.

Housing and neighborhoods

Currently Davidson is revising its Planning Ordinance. We need to improve the process used to approve new development and make it faster for developers to build neighborhoods that fit our planning ordinance and preserve the small town feel of Davidson.

Budget I would look for ways to improve the revenue side of Davidson's budget. Because of the funding required to support MI Connection, Davidson currently has a 21% debt service ratio. 10% should be the maximum amount a town spends to service debt.

Most important …

Role of local government In my opinion, the most important role of local government is to provide a safe and healthy place for its citizens to live, work and raise their families. Healthy communities attract people and businesses that want to relocate. A healthy community has clean air and water, a safe environment for its citizens and a variety of transportation methods and housing options.

Collaboration between CMS, local and state government

Ensuring students graduate from high school is most important area for collaboration between CMS, local and state government. I would recruit volunteers to pair with at risk students to encourage and mentor them. I would also work with existing



programs for at risk students like Ada Jenkins to expand their outreach.

Biggest accomplishment will be My biggest accomplishment will be increasing the revenue base

and reducing Davidson's debt service ratio while maintaining the quality of life Davidson residents are accustomed to and expect. Identifying alternate sources of revenue will stabilize our community and allow our local tax rate to remain competitive with other local towns.

Other comments As a member of the Davidson community for the past 18 years, I

understand that the role of commissioner is an advocate for all the people of Davidson. I intend to listen to the community before making decisions that impact Davidson’s future. I will always look forward, bringing a balanced and compassionate perspective to my efforts.




Beth Cashion

Website www.votebethcashion.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation Sales and Marketing Finesse Worldwide, Inc. Education BA Hollins University Political viewpoint Independent, Fiscally Responsible and Socially Responsible Favorite news source Community involvement and leadership experience

Over the years, my work has included rewarding involvement with community organizations that contribute so much to the Lake Norman area. I have been privileged to hold leadership positions with: the Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson Community Players, Alexander Children's Center, Davidson College Presbyterian Church Pre‐School, Guardian ad Litem, the Lake Norman YMCA and as President of the Parent Teacher Association at Davidson Elementary. I currently serve as a member of the Davidson Town Planning Board.

First issue I will tackle Communication! I feel that all issues revolve around

communication. Whether the issue at present is affordable housing, balancing the budget or parking for shop owners and their customers I see it as my job to educate myself and then communicate to other board members and constituents the facts.


Young people I will approach the young population with energy, open ears and open eyes. I would promote forums and collaborative opportunities for the Town Board and the young people of Davidson. I would actively involve the local schools in the Town Board meetings and activities.

Economy I will work to positively impact the economy in Davidson. Davidson is in dire need of services and business to support our growing population. In focusing on economic outreach I hope to bring new industries to our town that will serve and employ our people while increasing our tax base.




I will broaden and strengthen our connections to the other communities in Lake Norman. We need to progressively study our transportation options while encouraging and educating all on the benefits of public transportation, walking and biking.

Community safety Education is the key to safety. I will work with our departments to insure that we provide exceptional police, fire and sanitation services to its constituents. As a Town Commissioner, I will work with staff and community groups to pilot and promote educational opportunities on best practices for individual and community safety.


Davidson is a town with very little developable land left. We must be progressive in our approach of housing development. We need to ensure that our Affordable Housing Program is effective and practical and inviting. We need to invite and educate developers on our towns housing needs.

Budget We must prudently manage our local tax dollars and be fiscally responsible with our town’s budget. We must consistently monitor the level of impact that changes in the state and federal budget will have on Davidson’s town budget. We must maintain an open dialogue with our state and federal representatives.

Most important …

Role of local government It is the government responsibility to insure that Davidson is a safe place to work, live and raise a family. It is the government responsibly to be fiscally responsible with its tax dollars. It is the government’s responsibility to be progressive in its vision of economic and social needs.


Davidson is unique in that Davidson Elementary is our only CMS School in our jurisdiction, however our students continue in the CMS system. There must be clear and consistent dialogue from town representatives, parents and students of our needs in North Mecklenburg, both individually and cohesively, to be effective.

Biggest accomplishment will be My hope is to ensure that Davidson is a growing, thriving, caring,

successful community in which all of our citizens can live and work.

Other comments I understand the role of a town commissioner to be that of a

committed listener, creative problem solver and a voice for the people of Davidson in local government. I will be open in all communication. I will look for creative and innovative ways to make Davidson successful in the future.




Jim Fuller

Website fullerfordavidson.com Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation lawyer & educator Education BA, Davidson College4; JD UNC Law School Political viewpoint A single question: what is best for all who live in Davidson? Favorite news source DavidsonNews.net Community involvement and leadership experience

Current member of Davidson Board of Town Ckommission; adjunct professor, Davidson College, 2013; past president, Davidson Lands Conservancy; past member, Davidson Planning Board; past member, Ada Jenkins Board; past member, Davidson Community Players Board; Davidson United Methodist Church.

First issue I will tackle Preserve our neighborhoods and small‐town atmosphere while

also seeking to bring in good businesses that will give our citizens jobs, reduce our taxes, and contribute to our quality of life.


Young people During 2011‐2013, I have taught young people at Davidson College and at the law schools at UNC, Duke, Wake forest, and Charlotte. When I teach, I also listen. So, I have a sense of how to work for a dynamic town where yound people will continue to want to live.

Economy In the last 2 years, we have worked hard and together with civic leaders to bring over 500 badly‐needed jobs into our community. We will continue to work to expand this admirable record to bring in other companies that will support our community values, our environment, and our economy.


Continue to explore fuel‐efficient, environmentally‐sound ways of traveling locally, and bringing public transportation.

Community safety By giving ev en more emphasi8s to our town's pedestrian safety program, including adding the besxt lights and signals at school crossings, and also at other dangerous interesctions and crossings.

Housing and By supporting Davidson's "affordable housing plan," and working



neighborhoods with builders to facilitate homes that are "green" and which can be afforded by our entire community.

Budget dMy goal is to sc rutinize each budget, providing high‐quality necessary services, working to make MI Connection economically viable, and ultimately lowering taxes and upgrading services.

Most important …

Role of local government To give weight and respect to the opinions of all people, and to cast votes for what is in the best interest of all the town.


We need a concentrated effort by local, state, and federal elected and appointed officials to deal with the asphyxiating congestion that is already clogging our highways , and which will only get worse if not addressed.

Biggest accomplishment will be I will be known to have worked hard to protreservw our

neighborhoods from Sikpnnaker to West Side to River Run, an d, as well, our small town atmosphere. Yet, I will also have worked to bring jobs, economic well being, and lower taxes.ect the small town values and

Other comments Thanx to all of you for taking the time to do this kproject, and

doing it well.




Rick Short

Website RickShortForDavidson.com Email [email protected] Facebook "Rick Short for Davidson" Twitter @RickShortForDav Occupation Information Technology Manager at Bank of America Education Bachelors and Masters Degrees University of Virginia Political viewpoint Fiscally Conservative Republican Favorite news source Voracious reader of multiple online news sources from local to

international, from blogs to mainstream media Community involvement and leadership experience

‐ One of the founding volunteers at the Davidson Community Garden ‐ Homeowners Association President for the Bradford neighborhood ‐ 18 years experience in Information Technology in the telecommunications and banking industries leading development teams on large and complex initiatives

First issue I will tackle Work to maintain support for Mi‐Connection until such time it

can be sold. To get there, subsidies will need to reduce at faster rates over the next few years. I will lean on my experience in the telecommunications industry to provide ideas and support to help achieve this goal.


Young people I will encourage young people to get involved in local politics whether it be as volunteers on political campaigns, registering voters, or working to get out the vote for election‐day. Local politics is where individuals (particularly young people) can have the most impact in our political process.

Economy Davidson has limited available commercial development capacity. To maximize that capacity, the town needs to focus on our existing strengths such as the growing hub of industrial services and product knowledge at Exit 30. We also need to ensure additional retail/commercial opportunities on the east side are handled correctly.


I support sensible transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve parking in downtown ‐ the Potts‐Sloan Connector



and an in town parking garage as examples. Davidson should not support projects such as I‐77 HOT lanes not intended to reduce congestion but commit Davidson residents to living with tolls for decades.

Community safety Davidson needs a second fire station on the east side of town. With additional growth planned in that area, this should be a top priority for the town when it comes to budgeting. Additionally, we need to ensure the police department has the resources to retain its top CALEA certification.


I will encourage Davidson’s homeowners associations to organize and provide more input to the town government on their common issues.

Budget I support stronger budgetary discipline to allow for lower taxes and fees. Davidson’s solid waste fee is particularly high when compared to neighboring communities. It is also very regressive for our lower income residents. I would work to set firm targets for lowering this fee as the Mi‐Connection subsidies decline.

Most important …

Role of local government Public safety followed closely by smart infrastructure improvements.


CMS should look to leverage available resources such as Davidson's Civics 101. Encouraging attendance at this type of class and accepting these hours for community service requirements would be a great way for young people to get a practical feel for how our government works.

Biggest accomplishment will be In coming years, Davidson faces numerous decisions – many of

them potentially very costly with far reaching impacts on our quality of life. The Board needs someone willing to ask the difficult questions to ensure we minimize the downside risk of these decisions. My goal is to be that person.

Other comments I strongly believe solid decisions originate where diversity of

opinion is encouraged and accepted. My philosophy on politics is that vigorous debate is good and does not have to be divisive. It is when debate is prematurely shut down or people feel shut out that division more often occurs.




Connie Wessner

Website www.facebook.com/keepConnie Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter @conniewessner Occupation School Administrator Education BA, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA; MA, Rutgers

University, New Brunswick, NJ Political viewpoint Nonpartisan race Favorite news source NPR Community involvement and leadership experience

15 yrs, board member, Davidson Housing Coalition; past board member, Davidson Lands Conservancy; past member, Town of Davidson Planning Board; member, 2009‐2010, Future of the Library Task Force‐‐Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Public Library; Subcommittee Facilitator & Vision Committee member, Town of Davidson Comprehensive Plan Task Force

First issue I will tackle One of the most important issues we will address in the coming

term is pursuing economic development efforts that will sustain our Town, while recognizing its values, strengths, and assets as a community. Davidson residents have invested much in the integrity of our planning processes, the depth of our civic engagement, and the management of growth with in the context of historic preservation and the stewardship of our natural assets. The next board must honor that investment while expanding its base.


Young people As an educator, I am always on the lookout for ways to involve young people actively in the civic life of our Town. We have included middle school, high school, and college students on our advisory committees and task forces and reached out to area schools to engage students in the decision making processes of local government.

Economy See answer to question #6. Community growth and/or transportation

I am committed to Davidson's long standing tradition of smart growth that values multi‐modal transportation, connectivity, high



quality design standards, and mixed‐use development that offers employment and housing opportunities to people of all income levels, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.

Community safety We are a safe community because of the strength of the bonds between neighbors. Our planning processes and design standards foster those bonds, as does our deep commitment to civic engagement. Standing firm in the face of demands to accept easy solutions to the challenges imposed by development pressures is important to the strength of those processes and standards.


My 15 years of active service on the board of the Davidson Housing Coalition is testament to my commitment to keeping Davidson a community that welcomes people at all socio‐economic levels, looks for its strength in a diversity of neighborhoods, and yet encourages all of its residents to work together as a whole community rather than a collection of disparate subdivisions.

Budget Financial stewardship is a primary obligation of elected officials. I entered office at a time when a very bleak economy made every financial decision difficult. Our Town has come through the economic downtown because of responsible budgeting, successful pursuit of grant money, a willingness to leverage investment and available county, state, and federal revenues, and a concerted effort to build a highly talented and professional town hall staff that works at the cutting edge of municipal government.

Most important …

Role of local government The most important role of local government is to facilitate the collective vision and values of the community by enhancing and protecting citizens' quality of life through responsible fiscal management, a deep commitment to public safety and infrastructure, and an openness to the notion that articulating shared goals has deeper meaning and broader impact than merely aggregating individual interests.


We are not going to have true collaboration until elected officials in each group fully set aside larger political ambitions to serve the interests of the region's residents. Adequate funding for our children's schools is by far the most important issue to address. Our children's teachers are underpaid, and our children's schools are under‐resourced. We need to stop telling ourselves that we can somehow brutally cut education budgets and still keep our communities safe, vital, and sustainable. A regional effort to take back our children's education and make it central to the funding concerns of state lawmakers should be our focus.



Biggest accomplishment will be My biggest accomplishment will have been to help Davidson

continue to be one the single best places to live in North Carolina and in the nation.

Other comments




Vince Winegardner

Website www.VoteForVince.org Email [email protected] Facebook Twitter Occupation management Education BS/MS Political viewpoint Fiscally Conservative ‐ Socially Responsible Favorite news source NPR Community involvement and leadership experience

I am actively involved in the Lake Norman community as President of Huntersville's Northcross Master Association and Northcross Professional Park Association. My past leadership and community involvement include my role as President of my neighborhood's award winning property owner's association. I also served on Davidson's Planning Board from 2009 to 2012. Prior to moving to Davidson, I led the United Way Campaign at Charleston Air Force Base which raised nearly $250,000 for that charitable organization. I have been on the Boards of other Associations and formed a community association in response to community issues. I have spent my life engaged in public service.

First issue I will tackle Toll Lanes on I77 How I will impact…

Young people Reduce the long term impact of today's bad decisions on future generation's ability to live, work, and dream.

Economy Support efficient, effective, low cost government that promotes lower taxes and is welcoming to thoughtful businesses.


Promote smart growth through affordable transportation infrastructure and smart planning.

Community safety Davidson is a safe community. Continue supporting our public safety departments and safe roads.


Good planning and smart growth.

Budget Make fiscally responsible decisions that do not needlessly burden the taxpayer.



Most important … Role of local government Provide basic services and promote a strong community through

policy and ordinance. Local government should also be the eyes, ears, and voice for issues outside of local government that will impact citizens.


Education needs to prepare our students for the workforce. Not everyone should go to college but should still be able to earn a good salary and enter the middle class. Local governmetns need to work with business to promote that goal.

Biggest accomplishment will be Stopping the tolls and providing a fair road funding solution for all

of North Carolina. Other comments No ‐ good questions.


election 2013 davidson town council

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