Brad J. Stroud Sr.
♦ Family Info: Married, father of 4 and grandfather of 4
♦ Education: Some College / Extensive Leadership Training and Experience
♦ Career: Retired Active Duty Army 20 year, Retired Director of Iredell County Veteran Services 20 years
♦ Elected Experience: Iredell County Board of Commissioners 2022-Present
♦ Community Service: Past President and board member Trinity Fire and Rescue
Q&A
IFN: What inspired you to run for a seat on the Iredell County Board of Commissioners? What experiences have prepared you for this role?
STROUD: My entire adult life has been in service to others. I have a desire to keep the voice of the everyday average citizen of Iredell County heard.
IFN: In your opinion, what has the current board done well during the past 3-4 years and in what areas could it have done better?
STROUD: We completed Jennings Park and paid cash (under budget) for a project the county had been planning since 2014. We have invested significantly in all areas public safety.
IFN: Commissioners have received some criticism for not making a significant reduction in the tax rate after property values increased dramatically in the last property revaluation. What are your thoughts on this? If you believe the tax rate could have been reduced further, would you have balanced the budget by drawing down money from the fund balance, cut county services/staff or some other means?
STROUD: Tax rate was reduced by 3 3/4 cents per $100. The county has obligations to meet in public safety, employee retention, funding three education systems. By balancing rate reduction with property value increases, the county was able to invest cash and mostly avoid interest payments saving millions of dollars.
IFN: Current commissioners have declined to release additional property in the county’s zoning jurisdiction to the municipalities in an effort to slow high-density residential development. Do you support this strategy or do you believe the municipalities should have more say in development outside of their current jurisdiction?
STROUD: I do not support wide spread ETJ releases, citizens that live in ETJ areas are in a tough situation, not city residents but all planning/ zoning is controlled by the municipality. With few exceptions if municipalities want to have that ability then they should look at voluntary annexation.
IFN: As you have been speaking with voters in the past few months, what issues are they bringing to your attention? If elected, what will you do to address these issues? Will your solutions require an increase in funding?
STROUD: Growth, must be managed as much as possible to maintain a healthy balance of commercial, industrial and residential to ensure that we have businesses with higher paying jobs that support the tax base and provide adequate housing. While also protecting our agricultural roots and its heritage.
IFN: Do you believe any of the services currently provided by the county should be reduced or eliminated? If so, which ones and why?
STROUD: No reduction or elimination of county services at this time
IFN: What is your assessment of the various departments of Iredell County government? Are there departments that could do a better job?
STROUD: All in all I believe that county departments are providing better that average services to our citizens, there is and will always room for improvement such as ease of access and improved customer service skills to enhance customer experience, quality and satisfaction.
IFN: Do you think the Iredell County Board of Commissioners adequately funds Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded Schools and Mitchell Community College? If you would increase funding, where would the money come from? If you would decrease funding, what cuts would you expect these entities to make?
STROUD: Education is the largest and one of the most important portions of the county budget. This fy we have invested over $172 million in current operating expense, capital improvements and debt service, by paying $52 million cash for the new elementary school saving an estimated $12 million dollars in debt service that can be used for other projects and services.
IFN: Anything else you want voters to know about you as they consider all of the candidates in this primary election?
STROUD: Promises are easily made by candidates that have no real idea of how limited their ability is based on laws, regulations and ordinances. Many expenses are mandated by federal and state regulations and are often unfunded mandates that require the county to pay the bill. State law prevents imposing impact fees that could be paid by developers to assist with issues such as schools and public safety improvements and expansion as our population increases.
