Election 2013 Huntersville Town Council

Student Candidate Guide 2013

Election 2013 Candidates – Town of Huntersville
Office
Mayor

Council

Candidates

Jim Puckett
Jill Swain

Melinda Bales
Lawrence Brinson
Franklin Freeman
Charles S. Guignard *
Ron Julian
Rob Kidwell
Sarah R. McAulay *
Jeff Neely
Danny Phillips *
Nick Walsh *

# seats in election

1 candidate will be elected

6 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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Huntersville
Town Council

Melinda Bales

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint
Favorite news source

www.melindabales.com
melinda@melindabales.com
Melinda Bales, Huntersville Town Commissioner
Melinda Bales@VoteMelinda

Community involvement and
leadership experience

First issue I will tackle

How I will impact…
Young people

Economy

Community growth and/or
transportation

Stay at Home Mom
Attended East Tennessee State University
Fiscal Conservative
Google Alerts‐this gives me a broad view of the issues, CNN and
Fox News

Currently, I am serving my first term as a Huntersville Town
Commissioner.  Prior to serving as a Commissioner, I was
appointed to the Huntersville Greenway Committee and served
as Chair of that committee.  I also served as the PTA President
and President‐Elect of Torrence Creek Elementary School.
During my first term I have worked to help move Huntersville's
road infrastructure forward.  If elected, I will continue that focus
by working with the Huntersville Board, the State, and NC
Department of Transportation.  There are a lot of moving parts
but together we can address this issue.

During my first term I worked with local citizens to create CHEC.
CHEC's mission is to meet the needs of our youngest citizens by
providing resources to our local schools. I will continue this focus
to help ensure our students have the tools they need to be
successful.
By ensuring that Huntersville is a "business‐friendly" community.
Huntersville needs a diverse business sector.  It is important that
the Town Board create this environment.  This will encourage
more businesses to move here and will provide more jobs for our
citizens.  I will work to make Huntersville that community.
Huntersville is projected to grow from 50,000 to 78,000 by 2030.
This is why addressing our community's growth now is so
important.  I will work with the Huntersville Planning Department
to make sure that the needs of the community are being met


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Community safety

Housing and
neighborhoods

Budget

Most important …
Role of local government

Collaboration between
CMS, local and state
government

Biggest accomplishment will be

Other comments

through this planning process.
I will continue to support our local police, fire and rescue
departments by providing them the tools they need to keep our
community safe.
Huntersville has wonderful neighborhoods and it is important
that we support our neighborhoods and help to meet needs as
they arise by working with the community to provide housing of
all types for our citizens.
It is important to be responsible with taxpayer money.  I have
worked to keep Huntersville taxes low and will continue to do so.
As a local elected leader it is important that we work with our
state and federal legislators and communicate the needs of our
citizens.

In my opinion, the most important role of local government is to
ensure that our community grows effectively for the future and
we do that by prioritizing needs of the community and then
budgeting appropriately for those needs.  Spending taxpayer
dollars wisely is critical to the success of the community.
Communication.  It is important that all are on the same page and
that needs are identified and addressed appropriately.  I would
continue to advocate for Huntersville students and schools.  CMS,
Mecklenburg County and the State are responsible for education
but as a stay at home mom I know it is important for the
Huntersville community to be actively engaged.  This is why
Huntersville created CHEC.

I will have worked to address the road infrastructure needs within
Huntersville by voting to fix and/or widen our local roads.  This
will help to drive economic development and help meet needs
within our community for decades to come.

I am proud to be part of an amazing community.  I believe we are
building a community that will meet the needs of our citizens
now and in the future.  It is my hope that Huntersville will be a
place where all have the opportunity to work, live and play for
many years to come.


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Huntersville
Town Council

Lawrence Brinson

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint


electlawrencebrinson.com
brinsonlawrence@gmail.com


Young people
Economy
transportation
Community safety
Housing and
neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …
government


Other comments

Social Studies Teacher ‐ Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
B.A. Economics

CSPAN

Served on various boards and committees   Certified Teacher ‐
Charlotte‐ Mecklenburg Schools    Program Specialist ‐ Salvation
Army    Founder of LEA Partnership (LEAP)    Youth Services
Specialist ‐ Housing Authority
Did not complete


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Huntersville
Town Council

Franklin Freeman

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint


www.electfranklinfreeman.com
elect@electfranklinfreeman.com
https://www.facebook.com/electfranklinfreeman
https://twitter.com/dfreemanphd

Small Business Owner
PhD‐ Organizational Management
Republican
Fox News, CNN, Charlotte Observer

Leadership North Carolina (Expected Graduation June 2014)
American Leadership Forum – Charlotte (Expected Graduation
June 2014)  Hesselbein Ambassador Professional Development –
Senior Executive Leadership Cohort  Fellow, North Carolina
Institute of Political Leadership  Alumni, Leadership Charlotte –
Cohort 34  National Girls STEM Collaborative – Leadership
Institute  North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs/North
Carolina State University ‐ Leadership Institute, Cohort 1   North
Carolina Latino Nonprofit Leadership Academy – The Center for
Leadership Innovation     Member, Mecklenburg County Board of
Commissioners ‐ Small Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory
Board, Charlotte, NC 6/13‐Present  Member, RealityCheck2050,
Charlotte Region, NC 2013  Member, Town of Huntersville
Planning Board, Huntersville, NC 3/13‐Present  Member,
Republican National Hispanic Assembly, Charlotte, NC 2/12 –
Present  NC CAP Liaison, N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs,
Mecklenburg and Union Counties, NC 11/10 ‐ Present  Nonprofit
Representative, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners ‐
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Charlotte, NC 11/10 – 12/12
Chair, August/12 – December/12  Vice Chair, August/11 ‐ July/12
Member‐Board of Directors, ASPIRA of North Carolina, Inc. (Not
for Profit), 2012 to Present  Member‐Leadership Team, North
Carolina Girls Collaborative, 2012 to Present  Member‐Advisory
Council, Eckerd Foundation (Not for Profit), 2012 to Present
Member‐Advisory Council, MAS Premier Soccer League (Not‐for‐
Profit), 2011 to Present  Vice President, Sponsorship Program
Chair, Kingdom Athletics & Recreation Association (Not for Profit),
2008 to 2010  Board Member, Chairman of Compensation


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Committee, Bridges of Faith Foundation (Not for Profit), 2006 to
2010


Young people

Economy

transportation

Community safety

Housing and
neighborhoods

Budget

Transportation will be my first focus for Huntersville.  Much talk is
centered around the I‐77 HOT Lane project but with the
overwhelming growth in Huntersville we will need better East‐
West corridors to alleviate pressures of I‐77.

I believe that its important for us to involve our young people in
the political aspects of the community.  I am looking at creating a
student advisory group that would help Huntersville
Commissioners better understand what we need to do in our
planning that would bring more opportunities for young people
whether, high school, college or young professionals.
I believe that we have to make sure that we have an balanced
economy which not only includes being a bedrock community but
more of an emphasis on our small business and entrepreneurial
advantages for our community.
As stated above community growth will occur with a focus on
supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs; as well as
bringing new businesses to the community that will help grow our
tax base and bring jobs.   Transportation needs can be
accomplished by finding ways to get our legislators to understand
the growth in Huntersville and the importance of making east‐
west corridors a priority in their current implementation of
projects.
I believe that when it comes to community safety, the
Huntersville Police Department has more than exceeded the
community expectations surrounding safety.  It would be my job
to make sure that the Chief has everything he needs to continue
to stretch this success as much as possible.  Safety is the most
important thing for families and businesses to want to stay and
thrive in a community.
I believe that our housing/neighborhoods are growing as
necessary.  It would be my focus to push a strategic plan that
would allow us to better plan the growth necessary for the Town,
Utilities organizations and Public Safety agencies can efficiently
and effectively serve.
As an elected official, it's important to manage the people's
money in the most efficient and effective manner possible.  I
would make sure that Huntersville's budget remains sound and is
transparent enough for citizens to know how, where and when
money is spent and the "direct" impact is to them and their


GenerationNation

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Most important …

government


Other comments

families.

The most important role of local government is to "SERVE" the
community.  As a Disabled Veteran, I have served the public
selflessly and understand that to "Lead" is to "Serve".
I believe that CMS and the local/state government should be
doing a better job of influencing how our youth are being
educated.  I believe that education is the key to successful
economic growth for our community; and it's important for
government to not just financially support CMS but have input
and understanding about how our youth are educated and what
is needed to make sure they are successful once they graduate.
As an Education advocate already, I would continue to push an
agenda that would allow for more collaboration in supporting our
students.

My plan is to have my biggest accomplishment as being called a
"servant" of the community.  If I'm not serving those who I am
elected to represent; then I have not accomplished the goal of an
elected official.

These were some great questions and I hope that I was able to
answer them in a manner that you the concerned citizen will
understand.  It's important that candidates/elected officials are
able to talk to citizens in a manner that citizens can understand
and envision the plans that are being discussed.  If an candidate
or elected official is not able to do that; they are giving you an eye
opener of how they will work if elected/reelected.  Thank you.


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Huntersville
Town Council

Ron Julian

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint


www.voteronjulian.com
voteronjulian@aol.com
ron.julian.56@facebook.com
Ron Julian@voteronjulian

Property Management/General Contractor
Degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology
Conservative
wsoc, talk radio

As a Huntersville resident of almost three decades, I have seen
many changes develop in the community. As a businessman, I
recognize the growth the town has experienced and hope to
continue my progress made by seeking re‐election for a fourth‐
term as a Huntersville Commissioner. My public service to the
Town includes representing the Council of Government, Planning
Liaison, Visitors Bureau, Economic Development, Chamber and
School Advisory Committee. I dedicated almost two decades of
service in the corporate banking field, before venturing into my
own business as a Property Manager/General Contractor. As a
Huntersville Commissioner, I have worked hard to make progress
in Huntersville. I have accomplished many goals during my last
term, i.e.: instrumental as the EDC Rep in helping to bring ABB, a
cable manufacturer, approx. 100 million dollar Capital investment
to Huntersville; 130M+ in capital investments from new and
expanded businesses with over 1100 jobs; Lobbied and received
18M of stimulus for the 73 widening project; addressed
overcrowded schools ‐ Grand Oak Elementary School opened
August 2013; completed many road projects; New Police
Department Building; New Public Works Building; lobbied for
multiple modes of transportation for the Huntersville area; and
continue to lobby for JOBS in Huntersville. Business Week named
Huntersville the fourth‐best affordable suburb in America, and
Forbes named the town the second‐best place in the United
States to move. My wife and I have raised 2 children in
Huntersville and continue to believe Huntersville is a religious,
family orientated community with many young families with
strong values on the importance of children. I believe Huntersville


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is a great place to live and offers a high quality of life sought by its
residents.


Young people
Economy
transportation
Community safety
Housing and
neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …
government


Other comments

Did not complete


GenerationNation

@GenNation


Huntersville
Town Council

Rob Kidwell

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint


www.voterobkidwell.com
voterobkidwell@gmail.com
voterobkidwell
@voterobkidwell


Young people

Economy


Productin Manager for SATO America
BA Psychology and Communicatons
Conservative
FOX, CNN, MSNBC, Huntersville Hearald

This is my first time running for office.  Prior to this I began as a
member of the Mecklenburg County Young Republicans, serving
one term as the campaign chairman. I have volunteered on the
Lassiter, McCain and Stone campaigns, and in 2012 was was
appointed to the Mecklenburg County Industrial Facilities and
Pollution Control Authority.  In 2012 my service began on my HOA
board as vice president and as the current acting president or the
2013 year. I am also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity alumni
chapter of Charlotte and a mentor to a new colony being
established at UNCC. Earlier this year I was able to attend the
Huntersville Citizens Police Academy with several other
Huntersville Citizens, learning more about how our officers serve
and protect the citizens of Huntersville, NC.
I believe that we need to change the way our board votes or
represents the twelve groups we are involved with so that it is a
representation of the entire board not one person.

Lead by example.  The men and women who impacted me in my
life, all lead by their actions, and I hope that I can do the same for
our communities children.
I would work with the LKN Economic Corp. and the LKN Chamber
to promote our town to new and existing companies.  To really
market our community, we need to make sure we have the
infrastructure to entice them as well.
I am against Toll Roads on I77 but instead widening I77.  I believe


GenerationNation

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transportation

Community safety

Housing and
neighborhoods

Budget

Most important …

government


Other comments

we need to focus on expanding our high traffic roads in the
immediate future to help our existing and expanding traffic
problems in the area.  This will also allow us to grow economically
as well.
The men and women of our Police and Fire departments, in my
opinion, are a major reason we live in such a safe and sought
after community.  I would continue to offer my support and the
towns for all off our First Responders so we may continue to have
such a community.
I think that as we continue to grow in population we need to
make sure we are not overbuilding.  There is a balance between
new housing developments, existing developments and our
environment that we must maintain.
Huntersville has a AAA bond rating and we have managed to keep
our property tax rate .2825.  However, there are areas within our
budget that we could reduce spending on and continue to save
the taxpayers of Huntersville money.

To be an extension of the people for whom it represents.  Local
government must take in account how each decision will impact
the entire community, business owners, and property owners.
I think the work being done by the Community of Huntersville
Education Collaborative is a testimony of what local government
and our CMS schools can accomplish together.

If elected, I would hope that I am able to push forward the
expansion of our towns infrastructure including the widening of
I77 without toll roads and economic growth.

Huntersvile is a great town and we are growing every year.  If
elected, I want to make sure we stay Huntersville and we dont
become North Charlotte.


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Huntersville
Town Council

Jeff Neely

Website
Email
Facebook
Twitter

Occupation
Education
Political viewpoint

jeffneely4commissioner.com
jeff.neely@ymail.com




Young people
Economy
transportation
Community safety
Housing and
neighborhoods
Budget

Most important …
government

Management Consultant and Town Commissioner

Common Sense on a local level and understanding quality of life
issues
Wall Street Journal, Local newspapers and online

*Current Town Commissioner* Current Visit Lake Norman Board
of Directors*Current HOA President* Current Executive
Committee Huntersville Connection*Current Advisor Huntersville
Historic Committee* Past served 5 years Huntersville Town
Planning Board*Past graduate Huntersville Citizens Police
Academy*Current Honorary Director Two Ten International
Foundation* Retail Executive Experience as a VP,SVP and EVP
Transportation and infrastructure needs and the town budget to
support those needs.

Strong support of the education system and having open lines of
communication.
Help to cost effectively expand existing business and industry.
My years of corporate executive leadership will help me to make
the important decisions in this area.

Public Safety, Quality Education and well planned growth.
We all need to listen to each other and respecting each other
work together for the common good.


GenerationNation

@GenNation



Other comments

Adding to the value of the quality of life of the citizens of
Huntersville while controlling expenses.


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Election 2013 Huntersville Town Council

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