Denis Bilodeau, Cornelius mayoral candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2025 election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Denis P Bilodeau
Age: 71
Campaign website or social media page: bilodeauformayor.com
Occupation: Retired Insurance Executive
Education: Bachelor of Science- Business Management
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held) Cornelius Town Board - Commissioner 2017 -2023 ( Mayor Pro tem 2019-2021) Candidate - Cornelius Mayor 2023
Please list your highlights of civic involvement Past President - North Mecklenburg Rotary Club , Distinguished Rotarian, Rotarian of the Year Past President of The Peninsula Property Owners Association- 6 Years President of The Bayshore Condo Association-Cornelius - current Treasurer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Day at the Lake - Event committee Member 20 yrs Past Board Member Lake Norman Chamber , Robert Cashion Business Owner of the Year Founding Board Member of The Cain Center for the Arts Charlotte Youth Orchestra Advisory Committee
What are the most important issues facing Cornelius today, and how would you address them? Traffic congestion and the lack of proper infrastructure to accommodate growth is damaging the quality of life in Cornelius. It is imperative that we supplement NCDOT road projects with local, town managed/funded improvements. Operational issues such as the timing of traffic signals and inadequate signage will also be addressed. I will create a town Board agenda that addresses these issues with urgency.
How would you ensure Cornelius’ growth doesn’t outpace its infrastructure? Cornelius growth has already outpaced its infrastructure. I will help the Board identify the top areas of shortfall and create a plan to quickly catch up. I will implement a proactive approach that limits further development and targets only the most desirable projects that will have a positive impact on our quality of life.
Do you support implementing a local sales tax to fund transit improvements? Why or why not?
I support allowing our citizens to vote on the local sales tax. It is important that voters receive complete and unbiased information to make an informed decision. At this point , I do not believe potential financial and operational vulnerabilities have been clearly outlined. As a result, I would not support the tax at this time.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
I offer voters proven leadership skills and the experience to implement much needed change.
