MONTGOMERY: 'A lot of people aren't being heard'

By: By Dave Demarest | Mooresville Tribune
Published: October 21, 2009

Two years ago, Mooresville Mayor Bill Thunberg cast a deciding vote, paving the way for the town's joint purchase of a cable system – now known as MI-Connection – with the towns of Davidson and Cornelius.

Chris Montgomery says if he had been mayor the vote would have gone the other way.

"I have nothing against MI-Connection," said Montgomery, a Mooresville native and magazine advertising representative who is running against Thunberg on Nov. 3. "And, it's easy to be a Monday morning quarterback, but even if MI-Connection had been lucrative for the town I would still be against the town's involvement.

"I fundamentally believe government should not get involved in private business."

Montgomery believes the town's pursuit of the cable system is one example of what he calls a "condescending" attitude the town has toward its citizens.

"Right now, it's like they're saying 'We know what's best for you,' " he said. "And, I have the feeling a lot of people aren't being heard. The people definitely didn't want the town to be involved in purchasing a cable TV system. I think their voices were ignored."

That's something Montgomery, a 1987 Mooresville High graduate, vows not to do, if elected.

"I have a genuine love for Mooresville," he said. "I just want to be a regular guy who serves the community the best I can. I want to be the voice of the people."

A political newcomer, Montgomery think his two decades in the advertising industry would help him connect with citizens from across Mooresville, a claim also made through his blue and white campaign signs which feature the slogan "a mayor for all of Mooresville."

"For a long time I've heard people say old versus new Mooresville," Montgomery said. "I'm from 28115 and my grandparents ran a laundry business downtown for 40-plus years. During my advertising career I've worked with a lot of businesses in 28117. I know audiences on both sides, and I've been exposed to opinions from both sides.

"In advertising it's all about creating a buzz. I would encourage activities to be on both sides."

That would create a buzz that would help bridge the two, he believes.

Montgomery points to town-sponsored concerts and civic meetings held on Mooresville's west side as evidence that creating that "buzz" is possible.

Regarding downtown Mooresville, Montgomery said the historic business district has made some good strides lately. "I think some good things have been done to bring people downtown, he said. "I think we have some good folks in place that are going to help."

Based on conversations with residents since he announced his bid for the mayor's seat, Montgomery believes Mooresville voters will have on their minds MI-Connection, rising water and sewer rates and how wisely their tax dollars will be spent.

"If elected, I would spend the Mooresville taxpayers' money wisely; he said. "I don't think MI-Connection is wise spending. Perhaps, if we hadn't put so much into MI-Connection, more funds could have gone to water and sewage, instead of being forced on the back of taxpayers."

(A complete Q&A with Chris Montgomery can be read at www.mooresvilletribune.com)