Chris Measmer

Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus

Note: The following responses are verbatim from the candidate and have not been edited.

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

Age: 38, Education: Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Occupation: Small Business Owner, Live: Concord

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters.

I am running to continue my work to make living more affordable and to champion responsible use of taxpayer dollars. As the cost of living continues to rise, as your Senator I will remain focused on identifying waste and fraud of taxpayer dollars and improving efficiency.  I voted for the SCRIPT Act to lower drug prices, and for the REINS Act to hold unelected bureaucrats from overspending state money and to require more transparency.

Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

I have served the Cabarrus community for a number of years as a job creator and an elected official. As a business owner I have met the challenges of meeting payroll with inflation, and as a County Commissioner have created policies to improve education, public safety and to preserve our way of life. I have taken my knowledge and care for District 34 to Raleigh where I secured a second DMV for Cabarrus and voted to hold the government accountable for how our tax dollars are spent.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?

The REINS Act was the first good step to preventing potential ambiguous regulations which negatively impact businesses. I would like to go a step further by reviewing current regulations and eliminating those which hinder businesses monetarily and operationally.

Cabarrus County’s economy depends on a strong and available workforce, yet employers continue to face challenges related to child care access, education pipelines, and labor shortages. How would you use your role in the General Assembly to support workforce participation and long term economic competitiveness in our region?

As a business owner I know first hand how the labor shortage has impacted the business community. I have supported the community college and technical education programs to help prepare our youth for the work force. In schools we must give an improved focus on teaching communication, critical thinking and professional skills.

As Cabarrus County grows, continued investment in transportation, water and wastewater systems, and technology infrastructure is critical. What priorities would guide your approach to state infrastructure funding, and how should the state partner with local governments to support growth?

I will collaborate with local officials to determine needs and advocate for infrastructure appropriations for District 34.

State policies often have direct impacts on local governments and school systems. How would you approach legislation that places new responsibilities on local entities, particularly when those responsibilities are not accompanied by recurring funding?

With each piece of legislation that crosses my desk I am able to apply my knowledge from serving on the County Commission on how unfunded mandates impact counties and municipalities. I am conscious not to approve new unfunded mandates.

State regulations shape the business environment for employers large and small. How would you evaluate whether regulations are achieving their intended purpose without creating unnecessary costs or barriers for businesses?

I was chosen by leadership to sit on the Regulatory Reform Committee to help determine excessive regulations and how to make current regulations more business friendly. Through our committee work, I'll advocate for a thorough review to identify opportunities for improving government efficiency.

Over the next several years, what state-level policy decisions do you believe will most influence Cabarrus County’s ability to grow, attract investment, and maintain a high quality of life?

The General Assembly has already made great strides to improve public safety, diversify education choices and to make living more affordable by lowering the income tax and reducing regulations. We can continue on this path by supporting workforce development programs and cutting red tape so North Carolina can continue to be the nation's top state for businesses.