Shelton Moore
Address: 742 Ferndale Drive, Statesville
Education: BS Business Management/ASS Human Services
Professional Background: Program Director
Elected experience: None
Volunteer/community service experience: 19 years various capacities: Statesville Human Relations Commission (6 years); Local Reentry Council (6 years); Iredell County Homeless Collaborative (4 years); Yokefellow Ministry Board (3 years); youth football and basketball coach (10 years)
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?
MOORE: Encouraged by the confidence and support of my colleagues and peers, I am running for Statesville City Council, Ward 5, to continue serving our community.
My top three priorities will be to build accountability and trust to strengthen leadership capacity and civic engagement; improve infrastructure; and smart economic development.
It’s important for City Council to regularly review and update the five-year strategic plan to ensure successful outcomes. We must attract employers that offer high-wage jobs, promote diverse housing options, strengthen retail opportunities, and expand public transportation. Council should demonstrate discernment and commitment to the needs of all Statesville residents. By putting strong plans in place, we can support healthy growth, foster a thriving community, and enhance the quality of life for both current and future generations.
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.
MOORE: My life has prepared me to lead and serve our community. I was raised in a single-parent household where my mother earned just enough that we didn’t qualify for public assistance. Because of that experience, I understand the challenges families face and the importance of stretching every dollar.
My mother instilled in me the values of faith, accountability, and discipline, principles that continue to guide my life today and that I’ve passed on to my own children. My grandparents and parents were hardworking people who valued family, integrity, and good relationships. Those same values have shaped my marriage, my family, and the person I am.
These life experiences have influenced my professional career and strengthened my understanding of the importance of access to quality education, good jobs, affordable housing, and reliable transportation. I believe every resident deserves the opportunity to build a better life, and I am committed to helping Statesville grow in a way that supports families, strengthens neighborhoods, and improves the quality of life for all.
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?
MOORE: The increased tax base will provide City Council with greater resources to fund vital community projects. My top priorities for this revenue include developing and supporting workforce housing, upgrading the Civic Center, building a multi-purpose amphitheater, and expanding programs and services for our youth.
As a result of the increase in tax base revenue, homeowners may see their properties re-assessed, which could lead to a reduction in property taxes.
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?
MOORE: We don’t necessarily need to rely solely on tax dollars to support a first-time homebuyers program. As Statesville’s tax base continues to grow, the resulting revenue can be directed toward housing initiatives. These funds could be used to provide down-payment assistance, support new housing development, or a combination of both.
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.
MOORE: I believe we can leverage our tax revenue with state and federal programs to provide Pre-K opportunities. Our goal should be to ensure that all children have access to a high-quality educational experience that sets them up for academic success.
IFN: If you are running for a Ward seat, what is the No. 1 issue in your community and what are your ideas for addressing it? How will you ensure the council is laser focused on this issue?
MOORE: My number one priority is to rebuild community trust in City Council. I will begin by reviewing the five-year strategic plan and providing regular updates to the community on our progress. Following that, quarterly reports will be released to keep residents informed about ongoing initiatives and accomplishments. This will help rebuild community confidence.