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Candidate Q&A: Gene McCombs
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Published: October 16, 2009
Updated: 10/22/2009 10:57 am
Occupation
Retired city manager
Education
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, N.C. State University
What life and professional experiences do you feel will help you, if elected?
I have more than thirty years experience in local government as a city manager and served as the first city manager for Kannapolis. I am completing my first term on the Kannapolis city council. I will continue to use the knowledge and experience I have acquired to serve the citizens of Kannapolis.
What are the three biggest issues facing your constituency and your community?
The three biggest issues facing our constituency and our community are: (1) the creation of new employment opportunities for all of our people (2) bring new business and industry to our area to broaden our tax base (3) improve our aging infrastructure to include roads, water and sewer lines and storm drain systems to meet the needs of new business and industry.
The creation of new employment opportunities is the most important issue facing our city. The downturn in the economy has been a significant blow to the development of the North Carolina Research Campus and our ability to provide the much needed infrastructure to support our economic development program. All of the issues listed are interrelated and must be dealt to reach a solution on these important challenges.
What specifically would you do to spur economic development and bring jobs, if elected?
I will work to find ways to finance the needed public improvements without placing the burden on our residents. The tax increment financing bonds is a way to accomplish this by using the increased taxes generated by the new construction at the research campus and not spreading the burden over the entire tax base.
What is your vision for the community that would shape your decisions if elected?
My vision for Kannapolis is a community that is able to provide employment opportunities for all our people. For many years our young people have had to leave Kannapolis to find good jobs. This can change by the growth of our biotechnical capabilities and the other new industries that will be drawn here. It is important to maintain our quality of life and provide quality governmental services without increasing the tax burden.
Do you have any hobbies?
My hobbies include walking, reading, community involvement and family activities.
What's the last book you read?
"The Secret Servant" by Daniel Silva.
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