I emailed the following questionnaire to every town board candidate in Huntersville a month ago in an effort to provide voters with more insight into each candidacy. There was no word limit for responses. Only three candidates returned the questionnaire by Friday’s deadline (and one late entry from Mayor Aneralla): Dan Boone, Stacy Phillips, and Brian Hines. I am definitely not an undecided voter and there’s little doubt which candidates I could or do support, but this questionnaire was intended to benefit the hundreds of other voters in the Huntersville Politics group who are still undecided and who don’t know the candidates/issues as well, so it’s disappointing more candidates didn’t participate.
Election day is Tuesday, November 5. If you need more information about local elections, you can visit the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website here.
Eric
– A specific agenda item you want to work on if elected: Town being more Proactive in getting things accomplished whether its road improvements, greenways or economic development.
– For incumbents – any vote over the last two years you would change and why – or, if none, any item you wish you the board would have accomplished and why: I put a lot of time and effort into researching and understanding the issues at hand so when it comes time to vote I am very confident that my vote is what’s best for the town. So there is not a decision that I recall that I would reverse.
– What is the proper role of town government and do you think there is any limit to what town government can use taxpayer dollars for: Provide community local services such as Police and Fire Protection, land use regulations, public recreation facilities, waste collection and maintenance of town owned roads to name a few.
– If you are running on an anti-growth platform, how do you intend to legally halt or slow down growth in Huntersville? Be specific.:
– If not running on an anti-growth platform, how do you plan to deal with growth challenges if elected?: We live in a fantastic area and due to our proximity to Charlotte we are experiencing and will continue to see growth. Every project that comes in the door has to be viewed independently of others and decided on if in the best interest of the town at that time.
– Should town government select winners and losers in business by providing tax incentives/tax rebates to certain companies over others: When the Town appropriated $1,300,000 for the improvement and expansion of Patterson Road in order to entice a German company to locate their North American HQ in Huntersville it was a win for the residents of Huntersville. By our proactive approach to increasing our commercial tax base we also made that area more attractive for new commercial development. My understanding is the other land is under contract and the total investment in Huntersville, all because we built the road, will be north of $80,000,000. That is a win/win scenario.
– Are you hoping to benefit yourself personally if elected? If yes, explain. If no, one example of prioritizing Huntersville over your own self-interests: It is my observation that every person running has good intentions in wanting to serve the community. I have not met anyone on the local level that does this for selfish gain.
– If elected, is it more important to you to vote the will of the people (however that is determined) or to vote your conscience (except when the board is acting as a quasi-judicial body): Every vote I consider what is the best for the community, while also recognizing that not everyone is going to be happen with my position.
– Does the town need to do more to ensure transparency and accountability in its departments, including the use of independent, professional audits?: We have a great Town staff who are transparent and are held accountable.
– Do you support the public education status quo in Huntersville?: We formed the Huntersville Education Opportunity Study Commission to look into what, if anything, we can do to provide additional school options for our residents.
– Cats or Dogs (or Chickens)?:
– Best place to get pizza in or around Huntersville:
– Your favorite 19th century French political economist:
– Person/group most responsible for influencing your political views?:
– How can readers find out more about your campaign? (social media, website)?:
FB – @electbrianhines
704-949-0171