Who is Susan Johnson, 2023 candidate survey for Cornelius Board of Commissioners?
Name: Susan Johnson
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 49
Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/electsusanjohnson1
Occupation: Realtor
Education: B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; M.A., Queens University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Current Chair, Cornelius Planning Board
What are, in your view, the most important issues facing Cornelius, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?
The most important issues are traffic, public safety and improving affordability for workforce housing. I am passionate about listening to residents and making decisions so that Cornelius is a place where people want to live, work and play. As Cornelius has grown, so has traffic, which has created congestion related issues that impact citizen safety and overall quality of life. I plan to identify solutions for needed infrastructure projects that will mitigate congestion, enhance safety and improve walkability. Additionally, I want to move forward the existing projects that have already been approved and to create a strategic plan to implement balanced solutions that support smart, responsible growth to attract new businesses that will enhance overall quality of life and still maintain the small town feel.
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?
Currently there are a number of projects that were previously approved, and only one of which has actually started construction. These projects equate to over 1400 residences in which, In my opinion, our already congested roads can’t support. Cornelius needs to focus on implementing infrastructure projects and improvements now to allow for these and future housing projects.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
My local government experience sets me apart from other candidates. I have served Cornelius over the past 10 years on many committees and boards including Planning Board, Land Development Code Advisory Board, Growth Management Task Force, Mayoral Housing Committee and Pre-Development Committee. Understanding the nuances and intricacies of local government will allow me make decisions more quickly and effectively once elected.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud to have been appointed to serve on the Growth Management Task Force. As a member, I was able to utilize my town government experience along with my real estate experience to make changes to the Land Use Plan. In addition, I am proud of the efforts that we made to ensure citizen engagement was prioritized and citizen input was considered when decisions were made for all of the proposed updates.
This story was originally published October 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
