Frank Owens
♦ Age: 80
♦ Family: Wife and Daughter
♦ Education: Mooresville High School
♦ Professional Experience: Police Executive Management program, various other work-related college classes
♦ Volunteer/community service: Chairman, Mooresville Rescue Squad Foundation, 15-year volunteer services at Hospice of Iredell County, American Legion Post 66/Former Athletic Director Post 66 Baseball
Q&A
IFN: Why are you running for office? What will your top three priorities be if you are elected in November? Is reducing the tax rate an option?
OWENS: I’m running for Ward 3 Commissioner to put residents first. My priorities: fix traffic, manage growth responsibly, and invest in safety and infrastructure. I believe in smart budgeting. If we can cut waste, lowering taxes is possible. Leadership that listens and plans ahead is what Ward 3 deserves.
IFN: If you are an incumbent, what do you consider to be the major accomplishments of the town board and mayor during your current term in office? If you are a challenger, what is your assessment of the work the mayor and town board have done during the past two years?
OWENS: I respect the current mayor and board members for their time in office. However, my assessment is that while their intentions may be good, the current approach has failed to address the traffic situation in our town.
IFN: One of the town board candidates has raised concerns about transparency in the operations of the town government. What is your assessment of the current mayor and board’s commitment to conducting the public’s business in public? What are your ideas for improving the town’s performance in this area?
OWENS: My assessment of the current mayor and board regarding conducting business in public is that they attempt to share any town information that can be shared legally as proactively as possible. One idea for improvement would be to notify the public as far in advance and in as many outlets as possible.
IFN: The town has lost several dedicated, long-time employees during the past two years. What is your assessment of the work culture in town hall, the police department and other departments? What role do the mayor and town board play in making sure town employees, including department heads, feel valued and empowered to do their best work?
OWENS: At this time, I have not been made aware of any negative culture regarding employment for the town. From my personal knowledge and experience people leave their jobs for various reasons: retirement, better opportunities, some are terminated, and some for other unknown reasons. The mayor and town board can adjust benefits and make sure all departments have the needed equipment to do their best work.
IFN: It appears the traffic situation in Mooresville will get worse before it gets better due to current road projects and additional development. What responsibility do the town board and mayor bear for the current traffic congestion? What can the next mayor and town board do to make things better?
OWENS: Traffic congestion doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of decisions. The current officials have continued to approve rapid growth without matching it with the infrastructure our community needs. Growth is good, but it has to be managed with real planning. We need leaders who will make traffic relief a priority, work with the state, and get ahead of the problem — not chase it later.
IFN: If you are running for a Ward seat, what is the most pressing issue in your ward? What will you do to ensure other board members and the mayor understand the importance of addressing this issue?
OWENS: Like all areas of Mooresville, including Ward 3, the most pressing issue is growth and traffic congestion. I would bring any and all evidence to support any issue that arises in Ward 3 to help explain the concerns.
IFN: Why are you the best candidate in your race?
OWENS: I am a former two-term board member at large, serving for eight years. I am a proven leader in that I was employed at Mooresville Police Department for 30 years, serving as captain for 15 years. From this work experience I have the qualifications to instruct and lead others. What really sets me apart is that I’m out in the community every day — at Hospice, veterans events, ballgames, local stores, and more. People stop and talk to me, and I listen. You can’t lead if you’re not accessible. I may not always have the answers folks want, but I’ll work to find them — and they will know they were heard.