Who is Denis Bilodeau, 2023 candidate for Cornelius mayor?
Name: Denis Bilodeau
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 69
Campaign website or social media page: bilodeauformayor.com
Occupation: Retired Insurance Executive
Education: BS- Business Management University of Connecticut
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
2017 -2019 Commissioner, Town of Cornelius; 2019 -2021 Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Cornelius; 2021 -2023 Commissioner, Town of Cornelius
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Founding Board Member - Cain Center for the Arts; Past President - Rotary Club Of North Mecklenburg; Past President- Peninsula Property Owners Association; Board Member - Kings Point Village Association and Bayshore Condo Owners Association; Two-term Cornelius Park Commissioner; Former Board Member Visit Lake Norman and LKN Chamber; Former Board Member Arts and Science Council
What are, in your view, the most important issues facing Cornelius, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?
Traffic congestion has consistently been identified by citizens as the biggest drain on the quality of life in Cornelius. Safety is also very important in our town and on the lake. Although there are several NCDOT approved projects scheduled for our roads, we should not wait for NCDOT to move forward on Town managed and paid for improvements. As mayor, I will set an agenda with focus and urgency to address traffic congestion, bike lane and pedestrian cross walk safety. I will advocate for using some of our surplus funds to address these needs and others within our town’s capability.
Communities across Mecklenburg County have seen growth and development as well as a hot real estate market in recent years. How should Cornelius approach development and housing issues?
The town’s new Land Use Plan emphasizes commercial over residential development in order to better balance our property tax mix. There are several approved projects which have not yet come out of the ground. We should take this time to address infrastructure and road needs.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I have great respect for the office of mayor. There are however, significant areas of difference on the “business side” of the mayor’s responsibility that came to light during this past budget review.. After six straight years of budget surplus, I advocated for a “revenue neutral” tax change .I believe it was especially important to hold the line this year in view of the property revaluation increase and the county’s tax hike. The mayor argued for a double digit / two penny tax increase. I will continue to take a fiscally conservative approach and respect the value of our taxpayer’s hard earned money. A second issue is setting an agenda that lacks urgency. A recent example is the establishment of a six month Transportation Task Force to advise the town’s Transportation Advisory Board, which advises the Town Board. The stated delivery date for the Task Force is December 2023,. Unfortunately, a decision must be made by end of October 2023 to meet NCDOT deadlines for discretionary funds. I understand that activity does not equal action. As mayor, I will set an agenda that responds with urgency.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
As a town commissioner, I have been involved with many decisions that served to improve the quality of life in Cornelius. I am especially proud of a recent budget amendment I advocated for and introduced to add a School Resource Officer for both of our elementary schools. Protecting our children is a high priority and passion for me.
This story was originally published October 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
