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Peter Molleur

From staff reports

Published: July 1, 2009

Occupation: Accountant/software specialist for Iredell County
Education: B.A., psychology, Ricker College
B.S., business administration, University of New Hampshire

What are the biggest issues facing your constituency?
1. Promotion of the city to attract new businesses, industry and airport activity for increased job opportunities.
2. To have growth in housing and neighborhoods enhanced to improve the housing for all the citizens.
3. Implement the downtown/115 plan to start the basis for growth of opportunities for all of Statesville.

Of those issues, which is the most important?
Promotion of the city to new businesses for job opportunities. When new industry, business or activity at the airport happens, it will not only bring jobs but existing businesses will need to expand to serve the business growth. Job growth leads to new housing and the increased tax base to fund new and expanded services for citizens.

What, if any, prior experience do you have that will help you if you're elected?
Worked as accountant, accounting manager, benefits manager and finance director for school systems and county governments. I worked as the financial analyst for the Latin American Group at Sara Lee Incorporated. I understand budgets, financing of projects and how to manage employee benefits. I have served on various municipal and school commissions and boards as a volunteer.

What is one thing you think the incumbent is doing right?
They have been present when progressive votes were taken for improvements for the city - new fitness and recreation center, new fire station and to pay a design team to work with the city on the downtown/115 improvements.

What is one thing you think the incumbent is doing wrong?
They do not appear to be involved with the commissions and committees within the city government. A councilman needs to not only go to the council meetings, but spend time with the other parts of city government so they can make an informed decision on issues before the council.

What specifically would you do if elected in response to the area's growth?
Implement the plan to renovate downtown and the 115 corridor to assist in the planning and development of this gateway to the city. Once this plan is started, review the next area to go through the same type of gateway plan. Front Street, Broad Street and North Center Street need to go through some of the same planning to improve a new gateway image. I would work with NCDOT to be involved in their plans for road improvements to assist citizens in their travel and recreation needs.