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Candidate Q&A: Rick Burleyson
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Published: October 14, 2009
Occupation
I am a senior systems programmer in the information technology group at Duke Energy Corporation. I have been employed at Duke for 27 years.
Education
Bachelor's degree – Management Information Systems – Pfeiffer University
What life and professional experiences do you feel will help you if elected?
My profession requires me to develop and work within budget constraints; plan and schedule work with others; build consensus regarding requirements and deliverables; provide performance feedback for peers; utilize short and long term critical thinking.
What are the three biggest issues facing your constituency and your community?
We must continue to provide basic services (water/sewer/waste management/streets/public safety). The cost to provide these services will continue to rise as pipes age, fuel prices increase and we receive less funding from the state. We will experience growth at some point. We need to ensure we plan for and manage that growth for the betterment of the community as a whole. We have an aging infrastructure that must be rebuilt over time. The most important issue is going to be paying for the services we provide. We must look for innovative ways to fund infrastructure replacement over time. We must explore more efficient ways to provide services.
What specifically would you do to spur economic development and bring jobs if elected?
We need to look for strategic sites (following our land use plan) and recruit partnerships to develop commercial ready properties. We need to take advantage of non-utilized properties in our downtown area and look towards partnerships to up fit and utilize these historic spaces.
What is your vision for the community that would shape your decisions if elected?
I want to see Mount Pleasant retain the small town atmosphere it projects. I expect to see growth but I want it to be managed and welcomed. I want the residents of Mount Pleasant to be able to afford to live here and receive the services and quality of life they deserve. I would like to see more opportunities for exercise , leisure and culture. I would like to see some more commercial/industrial jobs be available for our residents.
Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy camping, gardening and music (all kinds). If you have not heard the new album by the Avett Brothers you are missing a gem from the hometown band.
What's the last book you read?
The Testament by John Grisham
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