Frederick Foster

♦ Age: 54
♦ Education: Statesville High School Class of 1990,  Mitchell Community College Basic law-enforcement training 1993, Full Sail University Information and Technology 2025.
♦ Professional Background: Law enforcement
♦ Elected experience: former city Council member for the City Of Statesville representing Ward 6
♦ Volunteer/community service experience: Reserve deputy Iredell County Sheriff’s Office; Statesville human relations committee; City Of Statesville Stormwater Committee

Q&A

IFN: What motivated you to run for this office? If you are elected, what will your top three priorities be? What can the council do to move the needle in these areas? 

FOSTER: What motivated me to run for this office is to continue making progress in our city, particularly in South Statesville. I am also running to support our city employees by providing competitive wages, enabling them to continue working for the city without seeking employment in other municipalities. My top priority for the city includes promoting smart growth, safety, and expanding recreational activities for our citizens.

IFN: Voters want their elected officials to understand their lived experiences as they consider policy/budget decisions. Tell us about your family (spouse/partner; children/children; parents/grandparents) and how your family’s experiences in Statesville have shaped your views on major issues where the city council can make a difference.

FOSTER: As a former city councilman, I had the pleasure of engaging with numerous constituents, gaining a deeper understanding of daily challenges they face, from struggling with utility payments to concerns about family safety. To effectively address citizens’ concerns, I found it to be essential to hold quarterly town hall meetings. During my tenure as councilman, I consistently hosted these meetings and during the COVID-19 pandemic, when socialization was heavily restricted, I utilize Facebook live to keep the community informed. Through these interactions, I developed a profound concern for the struggles many families endure during the pandemic, including difficulties paying utility bills. In response, I used social media and television news outlets to disseminate vital information on assessing funding to maintain utility service during an unprecedented time in our nation’s history.

IFN: The City Council has or will soon approve the rezoning and annexation for the massive Compass Data Center project. This project will add an estimated $1 billion or more to the city’s tax base and generate millions of new tax dollars for the city. What will your priorities be for spending this money? As part of your plan, will you support a reduction in the property tax rate to give homeowners some relief? 

FOSTER: In my studies of information and technology and research on the data center, I have discovered that this industry can bring high-paying jobs to our city, with estimated starting salary ranging from $85,000 to $100,000 per year for 200 to 300 individuals. This tax revenue generated from this industry can contribute significantly to our city’s general fund. This increased revenue can be allocated to enhance various city services, including fire, police, and utility serviced. Furthermore, it can also be utilized to improve our infrastructure, providing better transportation and recreational facilities for all citizens.

IFN: The cost of housing, including monthly rent and purchase prices for starter homes, has increased dramatically in the last five years. As a council member, would you support the use of taxpayer dollars to help first-time homebuyers? If so, what is your vision for such a program? If not, do you have any ideas for helping residents struggling to pay rent or buy their first home?

FOSTER: To aid citizens with housing costs, the city should establish a citywide living wage, enabling families to forego local and federal assistance. However, if the city provides first-time buyer assistance, restrictions should be imposed to prevent homeowners from selling their properties after gaining equity as this would be unfair to taxpayers who did not receive assistance.

IFN: Iredell-Statesville Schools previously asked the City Council to help fund a pre-K classroom for low-income children to ensure that they are ready to begin kindergarten. The cost was in the neighborhood of $200,000. The council declined to provide funding. If elected, would you support such an initiative? Explain your decision.

FOSTER: To facilitate the city’s growth, we must enhance our school’s education, particularly those with low test scores. Many businesses are reluctant to locate in our city due to concerns that their employees’ children will not receive a quality education. It is essential for the city council and the school board to collaborate, ultimately benefiting our citizens.

IFN: There are six candidates running for two seats in this race. What makes you the best candidate to represent the interests of ALL Statesville residents during the next four years?

FOSTER: Out of all six candidates running for City Council at-large seats, I am the only one with genuine experience, having served as a former council member. During my tenure, I successfully helped lower the tax rate by 3 percent and collaborated with our police, fire, and utility workers to ensure they received the necessary support that they need. I also made it a priority to listen to all of my constituents, addressing their concerns. As a taxpayer, I want the best for myself, my family, and my community. I am not running to gain popularity with the local elite or to boost my social status. I am a concerned citizen who is committed to assuring the best quality of life for everyone in the City of Statesville. God bless!