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Candidate Q&A: Scott Padgett
Concord Mayor Scott Padgett
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Published: October 23, 2009
Updated: 10/23/2009 10:00 am
Profession
Retired school principal
Education
Degrees from Appalachian State University, UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC-Charlotte
What life and professional experiences do you feel will help you if elected?
My parents and extended family have been wonderful role models. This experience, combined with that as a school administrator, educator and elected official, have made me aware of the importance of strong and supportive families in a community. To have strong families, residents must have job opportunities to make a decent living with a good quality of life. My 60 years have taught me that local government, working with the private and nonprofit sectors, has an important role in creating an environment for this to take place. I have faced the same opportunities and challenges as the United States during my lifetime. My background has also taught me that hard work and good listening skills help contribute to practical solutions that will address future challenges.
What are the three biggest issues facing your constituency and your community?
A: The economy and the loss of jobs is priority number one. We all know there are plenty of good people who have lost their jobs, and even some that cannot afford adequate food and shelter because of the current economic times. Anyone willing to work hard deserves the opportunity of employment. Our unemployment rate is over 11 percent and this is a serious challenge; however, there are other areas in North Carolina where it is much worse. We are fortunate that in the last four years, we have added over $250 million in new investment and created over 2,000 new jobs. If we did not work to diversify over the past decade, the challenge would be much greater. Obviously, we cannot stop as there is much left to do.
B: An adequate water supply is vital to the future of our community and its economic sustainability. Concord and Kannapolis started planning ahead several years ago to take the necessary steps to provide adequate water for the next generation. We were granted an interbasin transfer of water by the State of North Carolina after diligently following the legislation and rules dictated by the State. Others have appealed this decision. This issue needs to be settled to protect our future interests and I am committed to this result.
C: Transportation infrastructure to meet existing and future needs is imperative. We must have adequate roads to serve current residents and businesses and compete for future economic development opportunities. Our future should also include mass transit. Fortunately, there is good news on the horizon. The widening of Interstate 85 through Cabarrus County is scheduled to begin in a couple of years. Almost as important are the improvements to the I-85 interchanges at Poplar Tent and Hwy. 73. The city has partnered with N.C. DOT to accelerate the extension of George Liles Parkway and to improve Morehead Road to address congestion issues, offer better transportation alternatives and improve safety. The City has also partnered with the Federal government and N.C. DOT to widen Derita Road, which will be an asset to move traffic and for economic development near Concord Regional Airport.
What specifically would you do to spur economic development and bring jobs, if elected?
I spend much time in meetings to recruit new jobs. We need to continue the success seen over the past decade. I will continue to be available at the drop of a hat to meet with expanding businesses and new prospects. Even more important is working with our partners to make sure we have buildings and sites that are attractive to prospects. Another important factor has been our $.42 tax rate, the lowest of any comparable city in N.C. that does not charge separate fees for services like garbage and recycling collection. We need to maintain a low tax rate and be aggressive in working with partners like the N.C. Department of Commerce and the Cabarrus County Economic Development Corporation. While education is not a municipal service in North Carolina, we should support efforts to improve education because this is another important factor to potential employers. Related, we have to maintain a good quality of life so these employers can attract and keep good workers.
What is your vision for the community that would shape your decisions, if elected?
I want a community that offers good job opportunities that will support strong families and neighborhoods. Strong families and neighborhoods require municipal services that enhance the quality of life in our city.
Do you have any hobbies?
I am a husband, father, son and grandfather, so naturally I enjoy spending time with my family. I also try to stay physically fit.
What is the last book you have read?
"Outliers" and "The Shack"
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