Making a Difference on Key Issues

Our county government has not effectively addressed the needs of Mecklenburg County. The following issues are important:

• CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
  The county’s property crime rate has spiked recently, threatening our sense of safety in many neighborhoods. A major reason for the increase in crime is that too many repeat offenders are arrested but released without trial – because of a lack of district attorneys and insufficient jail space. Although the state government has a major role, we must be willing to provide some of the funds necessary to support our local law enforcement agencies in order to reverse this trend. Public safety must be a top priority; otherwise we may not be able to enjoy our neighborhoods, our parks, and our streets without a sense of fear.
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• EDUCATION
  Mecklenburg County spends more per pupil than most NC counties, but has shown too little progress for the large investment made. The county commission must hold our school board responsible for implementing wise policies and reasonable budgets. Hal believes that CMS is top heavy, having as many administrators and supplemental staff as teachers, and that the ratio of teachers to administration must improve. He would also like to see principals and teachers given more disciplinary authority in order to maintain a healthy educational environment. Finally, CMS can build more schools for less money by employing the best practices of the private education sector -- which builds equal or better schools for far less money per square foot.
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• LOWER TAXES
  Mecklenburg County already has higher local taxes than any other NC county, and the problem could get worse in 2009 when property owners receive the first tax assessments in 6 years. Although property values have remained flat for the last couple of years, the period between 2002 and early 2007 saw rapid appreciation in real estate prices. Unless the county commission decreases the tax rate significantly, many homeowners are likely to see a very large increase in their property tax bill. Hal will work to reduce local taxes which are driving many people out of our county. Working families and businesses need tax relief!

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• RESPONSIBLE SPENDING
  Over the last few years, county expenditures have been rising faster than inflation and population growth alone would justify -- meaning that a greater share of residents' money is going to run government programs. Unfortunately, the increased spending is not resulting in better services. Hal wants to see the county focus on a smaller number of important priorities, while demanding greater efficiency and a better return for our tax dollars.
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