Brent Goddard
♦ Family Info: Married to Kelly Goddard, and have three children and eight grandchildren.
♦ Education: Bachelor ‘s of Science, United States Naval Academy; Master’s of Science, Business Administration, Boston University; Master’s of Science in National Resource Strategy, Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
♦ Career: 34 years military service in Navy and Marine Corps retiring as a Colonel in 2012. Served over 7 years in corporate America at Ingersoll Rand as Global Logistics Director and Vice President of Supply Chain, Trane Latin America
♦ Elected Experience: None
♦ Community Service: Board Member, Top of the Lake Rotary Club; Board Member, Child Advocacy for Iredell and Alexander Counties; Blue and Gold Officer, US Naval Academy; Guardian Ad Litem, Iredell County
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?
GODDARD: Based on the rapid growth in Iredell County, I saw some gaps in experience and knowledge of the current Board of Commissioners and knew that I had the skills to fill those gaps and help the other four members of the board make future proactive decisions instead of being reactive. My experiences with over 40 years of strategic planning combined with my two masters degrees, give me the skills to excel in this role.
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?
GODDARD: The current board has spent tax dollars very well. Communication between the current board and all other areas within the county from city leadership to other elected officials needs to improve so that the entire county functions as a team.
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?
GODDARD: I think that the tax rate should have been reduced to ensure taxes remained flat. Every increase needs to be closely reviewed and justified to the taxpayers. It is very easy to spend money if you do not have to justify the increase and think you can blame the State.
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?
GODDARD: I support this strategy in the short term until a complete strategic plan is developed. The County needs to develop a true strategic plan that both the county and businesses can use to ensure smart growth.
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?
GODDARD: Everyone, from North to South Iredell, is concerned with another tax increase with another pending land assessment. The other close second is not having smart growth. I would keep taxes low and develop a strategic plan for the near-term, mid-term and long term with a good balance of commercial and residential growth.
IFN: Do you believe any of the services currently provided by the county should be reduced or eliminated? If so, which ones and why?
GODDARD: None at this time, but every department needs to be looking at ways to become more effective.
IFN: What is your assessment of the various departments of Iredell County government? Are there departments that could do a better job?
GODDARD: I think that the departments of Iredell County are working well in this environment of competing requirements, uncertainty, and lack of strategic planning. The issue is the lack of leadership from the elected officials.
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?
GODDARD: I think that the school system is adequately funded; however, it is all about people. I remain concerned with recruiting and retaining the very best teachers so I would be working closely with our legislative representatives and school board to ensure competitive pay for teachers.
IFN: Anything else you want voters to know about you as they consider all of the candidates in this primary election?
GODDARD: I am not a politician. I am a problem solver and doer. Vote for me and I will give you 100 percent every day to keep our quality of life strong.
