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Gene Houpe
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Published: July 1, 2009
Occupation: Owner, Houpe's Carpet Cleaning
Education: B.S. from Florida State University; graduate of Statesville High School
What are the biggest issues facing your constituency?
Our biggest issues are loss of jobs and lack of growth.
Of those issues, which is the most important?
Growth. If we plan in a proactive way, using the many assets that this city has, we can attract both business and residential growth. We have two interstates, colleges, a great work force, low taxes and excellent schools. If we plan well, we will be prepared for major growth when the economy turns for the better.
What, if any, prior experience do you have that will help you if you're elected?
I have owned and operated my own business for over 15 years and have been a law enforcement officer for 21 years. These experiences have enabled me to handle a variety of issues. Dealing with a declining economy, overcoming obstacles by thinking outside the box and learning to listen to all sides are skills that I have developed that will also help me as an elected official.
What is one thing you think the incumbent is doing right?
The current council has done a good job maintaining a solid financial status for the city while preserving a low tax base that has limited effects on services to the citizens.
What is one thing you think the incumbent is doing wrong?
It is unfair to Monday morning quarterback the council for their past decisions because I do not have the information they were presented with, nor was I privy to all their discussions on which they based their decisions.
What specifically would you do if elected in response to the area's growth?
There has already been a tremendous amount of work by council, city staff, citizens, the DSDC and the chamber that have given us a plan for consideration. Before I can commit to a plan for our growth, I would need to consider several research points. As a council member reviewing a plan, I would need to know what impact the plan would have on our citizens and businesses as the development would progress. What would be the total cost, traffic disruptions and interruption to businesses? How will water, sewer and electrical utilities be impacted while repairing or replacing infrastructure?
We need to realize that growth is a necessary ingredient for our economy to grow. We have to think to the future in all aspects of our planning: scope, cost and impacts to all. The council that is elected this year will make some of the most important decisions that we have ever made. These votes will not only have an effect on our immediate lives, but they will also have ramifications far into the future; therefore we need to get it right. I would bring an open mind to the council and consider all points of view to avoid making a rash decision. We are getting ready to make historical decisions for this city; I hope the citizens of this city entrust me to be a proactive part of the council that gets to make such a positive impact on our future.
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