Kimberly Wasson

♦ Age: 54
♦ Address: 116 Shadow Woods Road, Statesville
♦ Education: Graduate of North lredell High, Kings College, and Mitchell Community College
♦ Professional Background: My professional journey spans 30-plus years of customer service and sales experience. I have managed multi-million dollar accounts for some of the top businesses in our country. That experience is augmented by 15 years in education. I have great relationships with elected officials locally and across the state. Presently, I am the founder of the Angel Wings Foundation and also serve as a realtor with Lake Norman Realty. 
♦ Elected Experience: Three Years in Statesville City Council, Liaison to the Visitor Tourism Board, alternate on the Charlotte Region Transportation Board, member of the NC Black elected officials. While on council, the city created an Affordable Housing Fund, Built Fire Station 1, Approved Fire Station 5, built Municipal Operations building, built Airport terminal, started addition to the police station, renovated five city parks (not completed), established National Black Historic District, supported many paving projects, all efforts with Iredell-Statesville Schools, and upgrades to communication systems and upgrades at the Civic Center 
♦ Civic/Community Organizations: Shiloh Ame Zion Church, Angel Wings Foundation, Statesville Woman’s Club, Drug and Alcohol Coalition, Youth Committee, NAACP, Iredell Health Foundation Board, and Iredell-Statesville Schools youth 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 mayor ad council do to move the needle in these areas? 

WASSON: Housing is critically important in our community at this time. I decided to run for Mayor because I feel that I am the strongest advocate for affordable housing. Our city has a homeless crisis. As we grow we have to assure that we have a variety of housing options for our current residents and newcomers to our city. My priorities will be: 1. Economic Development; 2. Housing; and 3. Parks/recreation (continued upgrades).

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 mayor can make a difference.

WASSON: Six generations of my family have been here in Statesville. I did not come from a very wealthy family. I grew up in the Belmont community in east Statesville. I was raised by my mom in public housing with my two sisters. 

I received a scholarship from Statesville Housing Authority that helped me to attend college. I have worked since I was 18 years old. I graduated college and raised my two amazing children, Preston and Katianna. I have six fabulous grandchildren that I love dearly. I want them to be proud of Statesville. 

I know how hard it is to work and pay bills on a low wage not knowing how you will be able to pay your bills. 

A safe place to live means everything to me. Without housing, nothing else in life feels secure or possible. 

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? 

WASSON: My priorities will be infrastructure with a focus on paving and sidewalks. An emphasis would be put on activities for our youth. We also desperately need a public pool. I would absolutely support a reduction in the tax rate for homeowners.

IFN: The cost of housing, including monthly rent and purchase prices for starter homes, has increased dramatically in the last five years. As mayor, 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?

WASSON: No, I feel there are many ways to create funding streams that support affordable housing. For example, the affordable housing fund that was recently passed. The funds come from the sales of dilapidated properties that the city owns. We also ask developers to sell a percentage of their units at a lower cost point. Developers that do not want to build and sell homes at a lower cost point can donate money directly to the housing fund. Those funds are then utilized by nonprofits that partner with the city to build housing fund or renovate affordable housing . The city is actively working with many entities like Community  Foundations, I-Care, Habitat for Humanity  and United  Way Housing Coalition. 

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.

WASSON: Absolutely. I was a yes vote when the school system asked initially. I will continue to say yes to supporting initiatives that support the education of our youth. I feel that having a great school system is essential to attracting better business with higher wages. 

IFN: The city has begun addressing some major capital/infrastructure needs in the past two years, but there are many projects still out there. Some fall into the category of “needs” and others are “wants.” What are your priorities in this area? How do you propose paying for them?

WASSON: Essential needs are road paving and sidewalks. Presently, we pay for them with Powell Bill Funds from the state. The city will have to provide more funds to truly make an impact. I would support additional funds for paving and sidewalks as deemed necessary by our staff. 

IFN: There are five candidates running for mayor, each with different backgrounds and experiences. What make you the best candidate to represent ALL residents of Statesville?

WASSON: I am convinced that I am the most suitable candidate for the position of mayor of Statesville, owing to my unwavering commitment to representing the interests of all residents. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, I aim to harness the full potential of our diverse and growing population. Through ongoing engagement and active listening, I will remain responsive to the evolving needs and concerns of our citizens. My economic development strategy will prioritize the creation of diverse, well-paying job opportunities, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Leveraging my experience in education, I will bring a nuanced understanding of the complex needs of our citizens. With my demonstrated dedication, leadership abilities, and collaborative approach, I am well-equipped to work in tandem with our city manager, council, and staff to promote a shared vision for Statesville that inspires pride in all its citizens.