Who is Scott Higgins, 2023 candidate for for Cornelius Board of Commissioners?
.jpg "Scott Higgins is a candidate for Cornelius Board of Commissioners.")
Name: Scott Higgins
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 75
Campaign website or social media page:
scotthigginsforcommissioner.com and Facebook.com/VoteForScottHigginsom/
Occupation: Retired
Education: MS Health Care Administration Ed.D in Higher Education/Health Care Administration
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Background: I am a retired professor and dean of the Graduate School and the chief research officer, Western Carolina University. I live in Antiquity in Cornelius. I am a candidate for Town Commissioner. I currently serve on the Planning Board and was a Commissioner for the Park, Art, Recreation, and Culture Commission, serving as Chair and Vice Chair for 5 years. In the past decade, I championed greenways, parks, ball fields, special event venues and was instrumental in the development of the Northern Regional Recreation Center and was recognized statewide for my service and achievements. I was the Cornelius representative for the Arts and Science Council, Chair of the Advisory Committee for the early development of the Cain Center for the Arts, and served on many Town Committees and Task Forces focused on housing, roads, and quality of life initiatives in Cornelius.
Platform: Manage residential growth with quality of life needs; accelerated infrastructure development, especially improved roads and walkability; Reaffirm commitment to Public Safety, especially Fire and Police; Economic growth via smart business development; Strategic Plan for the Downtown Arts District
What are, in your view, the most important issues facing Cornelius, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?
Traffic congestion, delayed road Improvements, lack of Infrastructure to support growth and ability to hire and retain fire and police personnel. Manage residential growth, fund infrastructure completion, accelerate start of road projects, continue to budget for hiring and retaining Fire and Police personnel as a top priority.
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?
See above
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
While serving for a decade on numerous Town of Cornelius committees, task forces and other key activities, I inspired others to do their best. I am energetic and driven to achieve results. I display integrity and honesty while working collaboratively. I am one of the most engaged town citizen advocates!
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Professional: While serving as Chair of the Cornelius Parks and Recreation Commission, I received the Raburn Jackson Award by the NC Park and Recreation Association given annually to a local park and recreation board member for their outstanding service and achievements.
This story was originally published October 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
