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Rhett Dusenbury
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Published: July 1, 2009
Hometown: Born in Florence, S.C.
Occupation: Real estate agent / US Postal Service
Education: Rocky Mount Senior High School, Rocky Mount; B.S. in political science, Francis Marion College, Florence, S.C.
What are the biggest issues facing your constituency?
I have asked citizens of Mooresville open questions regarding the operation and atmosphere in Mooresville, and the responses have been strong concerns about spending. The citizens have voiced to me the question,"Why are we (Mooresville) spending so much money when the economy is so bad?"
The issue of high water/sewer bills is another frequent question, but I would attribute that to the fact the bill is in their hand each month. The issue of traffic congestion toward the western side of I-77 and the effect of future growth is also a concern. The fear of rising taxes due to the state of the economy and the fiscal irresponsibility of our government (local, state, and national) is voiced almost to the person.
Of those issues, which is the most important?
I would have to say spending. The citizens of Mooresville know first hand about these difficult times. They are the ones on the front line being hit with unemployment or having their hours cut. The citizens know that with these tough economic times, the Town of Mooresville will be collecting less on water/sewer, property taxes,commercial tax revenue,sales taxes,etc,. The question to me from most people I talk with is: "When are they(Mooresville) going to tighten their belts like we are having to do as citizens and quit spending like it grows on trees?"
The Town of Mooresville is going to have to adapt to the current situation in the economy and make some tough choices. I don't feel it is right that the citizens of Mooresville have to change their behavior as a result of the economy by making choices in their budgets and municipal government doesn't follow suit. The government is given the power to raise taxes by the citizens, however, that doesn't mean that government has the ability to act in a frivolous manner with the tax dollars. I don't see how the Town of Mooresville can recoup the investment of 10 million dollars in a golf course make over through rounds of golf. The John Locke Foundation determined that each round of golf played at the Mooresville golf course in 2005 was subsidized by the Town of Mooresville by $1.75 per paid round. I hate to see the new numbers after the makeover, and with tough economic times now, will the number of rounds played increase or decrease? I can say with relative certainty that the amount subsidized to each round by the taxpayer will increase.
The choice government has to make with tax dollars is bang for the buck, to benefit the most taxpayers, for the least amount of money. The principle obligation of government is to do for the citizens what they can't do for themselves; common necessities such as police, fire, water, education,etc., so perhaps bond referendums would be good things, so the voters can decide if they want to be spending their tax dollars on nonessential projects.
What, if any, prior experience do you have that will help you if you're elected?
I have a BS in Political Science degree, which gives me a good base on governmental issues and public policy procedures. I have faithfully attended the town board meetings over the past years and I have voiced my positions publicly on alot of the large fiscal questions facing Mooresville. I feel that my core policy position of "Government should only spend tax dollars because it has to, not because it can," will bring a conservative fiscal voice to the Mooresville Board of Commissioners. I also feel that my positions on transparent, ethical and open government would benefit the citizens of Mooresville, and in my view, should be the essential core values of a public servant. The citizens of Mooresville should have no doubt that I know who my bosses are - every taxpayer in Mooresville - and I intend to serve each and every one equally.
What is one thing you think the current board is doing right?
I think that my opponent is fulfilling his obligation to the taxpayers of Mooresville in the area of being accessible and available to his constituents.
What is one thing you think the current board is doing wrong?
I would have to say that in my opinion, my opponent has been the driving force behind $134 million and counting of what I feel are non-essential ventures using taxpayer bond leverage in Mooresville.
The M-I Connection cable company purchase was a first right of refusal option exercised by the Mooresville Town Board, which didn't require a referendum vote to approve. The public hearings were overwhelmingly opposed to the purchase, and any shortfall in projected revenues by M-I Connection will have to be covered from the Mooresville General Fund, which will cause taxes to rise. The problems I have with this purchase are first, it wasn't a necessity and second, the Town of Mooresville Board of Commissioners acted on a $92+ million purchase without a vote at the ballot box. I feel that the fact that they leveraged the citizens of Mooresville for so much money without a vote is irresponsible to say the least.
I would also like to say that I see a pattern of "bypassing the people" in Mooresville to finance projects which don't need voter approval. The General Obligation Bonds that voters have approved in the past require a referendum to be used, however the "new" Special Assessment Improvement District (SAID) Bonds do not. These bonds are similar to Tax Increment Financing (TIF's) and Certificates of Obligation (COP's) in that they don't require voter approval by referendum. These forms of financing tend to cost more than the General Obligation bonds and carry more risk to the taxpayer. The problem of "no vote" and more risk is one thing, but the Town of Mooresville will be the "guinea pig" for SAID bonds in North Carolina. The Town of Mooresville will be the first time they are used and I have questions in my mind as to whether the citizens of Mooresville want to be the "guinea pig" without their approval. I would never vote as a commissioner for any risky financing on non-essential projects of such magnitude, nor do I care to experiment with someone else's wallet.
What specifically would you do if elected in response to the area's growth?
I would continue to support the already adopted long range plans for growth and I would encourage staff to continue to supply commissioners with helpful information which will save tax dollars during its implementation. I would also encourage our local commerce organizations to continue to recruit new business/industry to locate in Mooresville to create more jobs. I also feel any decisions regarding future financing of large scale capital projects be approved by the voters through ballot majority, because it is their money. The most important aspect of our area growth is citizen participation. The citizens should exercise their voices regarding the direction the Town of Mooresville should take. I have talked to too many citizens that feel government does what wants without regard to the sentiment of the taxpayers and that is contrary to our country's principles--the citizens are the boss and we are their entrusted servants.
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