Who is Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, District 6 Democratic Mecklenburg County commission candidate?
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 58
Campaign website: www.mcdowell4meck.com
Email: susan@mcdowell4meck.com
Occupation: Mecklenburg County Commissioner
Education: Bachelor of Fine Art; Master in Counseling
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): None before 2018 election to BOCC
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
I am a longtime resident of District 6 (35+ years), a CMS graduate, dance and baseball mom of 3 CMS kids, HOA leader, and precinct vice-chair before being elected in 2018. Since then, it has been my honor to serve the people of D6 and indeed the whole county.
What more can county government do to help CMS close achievement gaps and support students in impoverished families?
The BOCC is investing $23m/year in Meck-PreK, preparing children to learn. Studies show that the return on investment in terms of education is tremendous. This is a positive way that the BOCC can impact local schools. Our children and educators are facing a huge crisis, we must be at the table with our school district creating solutions. The disastrous achievement gaps that worry us all will never be solved by withholding financial or moral support from our educators and students.
How do you plan to collaborate with other local and state elected officials?
I will continue working as an active participant and respected member at the local, state and national level on multiple committees, conferences and trainings for elected officials. These professional opportunities are enabling me to become a more disciplined and effective public servant as we focus on policies regarding education funding, economic development, the environment, mental health, and the arts while also helping to build and maintain key relationships at every level.
How do you plan to approach the county’s upcoming revaluation and how will the results inform your stance on the 2024 fiscal year’s tax rate?
I will utilize my knowledge and experience from the 2019 revaluation process as I approach next year’s revaluation. Mecklenburg County’s positive growth numbers keep us in a strong position financially. The county currently has a large amount of cash reserves which is a sign of positive fiscal management. This indicates that a stable property tax rate is in order for FY24. I am keenly focused on the financial impact to residents.
Name a quality about yourself that makes you a good leader:
With a master’s degree in counseling, I am a trained listener. I look below the surface to do a deep dive on the issues that matter to people the most.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am exceptionally proud of the endorsements and support that I have earned from the town mayors that I represent in District 6. The strong working relationships that we have built and our focus on people and families will work to create a safe and sustainable future for all of south Mecklenburg.
This story was originally published October 3, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
