MECKLENBURG COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 06
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners is the governing body of Mecklenburg County. The Board consists of nine commissioners - six representing districts and three elected at-large - that are elected in November of even-numbered years. A Commissioner At-Large is a designation for Mecklenburg County commissioners who are elected or appointed to represent the whole membership of the County. The Board's major responsibilities include adopting the annual County budget, setting the County property tax rate, and assessing and establishing priorities on the many community needs, especially those related to health, education, welfare, mental health and the environment. The Board also makes appointments to citizen advisory committees.
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Susan Rodriguez-McDowell
(DEM)
What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)
What is the most important issue the County Commission will have to address in the next two years? (Max. 750 characters)
What is the most effective role the County Commission can play in improving the local schools? What policies or funding will you suggest when elected? (Max. 750 characters)
What policies will you propose to improve the economy of your county? (Max. 750 characters)
What policies would you propose to improve the quantity and quality of social services in your county? (Max. 750 characters)
Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)
Position/philosophy statement
I believe that we the people are responsible for our government. We have to participate, and that is why I am running for re-election. First elected in 2018, I am proud of my record of responsive, professional, and effective leadership.
Current Occupation
Mecklenburg County Commissioner
Age (optional)
62
Campaign Phone
704-491-1390
Currently serving in my 8th year, I will be one of the longest serving members in the coming term. My experience includes 8 budget cycles, constituent services, responsive, effective and transparent governing. Before serving in this role, my experience includes Operations Manager for a national graphic arts supply distributer, and principal of 2 small businesses.
Budgeting will be a huge challenge due to the state and federal leadership shifting of costs to local government. Keeping the property tax rate low is always a priority to residents and to the BOCC. (Note: Mecklenburg County currently has the 25th lowest property tax rate in the state.)
The only role the BOCC has with the school district is a partial funding role. The state is the main funder, but since the state is trying to promote private & charter schools, public schools are sorely underfunded. That is why I have always supported full funding asks from CMS. In light of recent troubles at CMS and a pending state investigation, in my view, it is not appropriate to hold back resources at this time. The vast majority of county funding is going to teacher supplements so that the district can attract and retain teachers. I will continue to support public school funding in order to support our students, staff and faculty.
Supporting small businesses remains a major focus. This means supporting programs that help entrepreneurs to stabilize and scale their businesses. In addition, I will continue to support workforce development efforts in order to assist individuals in achieving upward mobility. Lastly, I believe it is important to continue to diversify our county economy through recruiting different kinds of industries.
I will continue to support increasing county pay for workers in the social services and public health. These are difficult jobs and it is important to retain and continuously train these workers in trauma informed care. We have to decrease case loads and maintain a high standard of care.
I believe that my record is my strongest asset. I have worked hard, I have been accessible and transparent. I have been consistent in my advocacy for working people and families. I remain committed to giving my all to the work, and to listening to different voices and perspectives. It is my honor to serve.
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