Jesse Alden

Questionnaire from The Chamber of Catawba County

Please tell us a little about yourself and what prompted you to run for office.

I am a combat veteran and college graduate. I thoroughly enjoy working with people from all backgrounds and industries. My passions are leading and guiding people in ways to live better individually and collectively. I do not believe that our current leaders have listened to and acted on behalf of the people they represent. I want to bring proper leadership that takes responsibility, provides accountability and transparency, and places the well-being of our residents above their own.

What experiences, skills, or perspectives have best prepared you to serve in this role?

I spent nine years in the Army, with multiple combat deployments to the Middle East. I have extensive leadership training and experience from the military. I have completed multiple leadership training and academies here in North Carolina, while both in and out of school. I am a community leader and activist. I work well under pressure, in groups, and am not afraid to talk to the folks I represent.

If elected, what would be your top two priorities?

For starters, I would say growth and infrastructure. We need to assess different approaches to growth and how we are going to manage it. This includes zoning, environmental protections, renewable energy projects, etc. The other would be our education system, from increased funding to higher teacher pay. We need to ensure that are children are receiving the highest-quality education and services that we can provide.

Elected officials often face difficult decisions involving competing priorities, limited resources, and differing perspectives. How would you approach those decisions and work with people who may see an issue differently than you do?

Transparency requires communication. Our current leadership has failed to keep the public informed. I want more communication on all levels. If elected, I would conduct periodic town halls in which there could be open dialogue with constituents. I would seek to cooperate with local farmers, local educators, local small business owners, and the general public by having conversations and determining what needs must be met and how to meet them. I do not have all the answer to anything, nobody does. But through constructive dialogue and sharing ideas, I believe we can make the best of all that we have.

Catawba County faces significant school facility and classroom-capacity needs. How should the county plan and pay for those needs while balancing educational needs, other county responsibilities, and the impact on taxpayers?

I believe that we can reassess where the current funding is being allocated. I think that we could also review school districting and figure out a more sensible way to district, without eliminating or merging. I would also address tax incentives to big businesses and make sure that those taxpayers dollars get used for our local interests, not the business interests.

The availability of housing at a range of price points affects the county’s workforce and economic growth. How should commissioners approach land-use and development decisions to accommodate housing needs while considering infrastructure capacity, property rights, and community concerns?

As leaders, we must take into consideration multiple factors. We need to invest in local businesses for construction, utilities, and certain public services. Entering contracts with big businesses for these items dwindles the competition from small businesses. I would fight to end these contracts and invest in our local businesses for the services. I would review current zoning policies and discuss with colleagues and departments to develop an approach that would lower housing costs, preserve our agricultural land, and provide sensible improvements to infrastructure; such as renovating and repurposing current infrastructure.

How would you approach balancing the services and infrastructure needed by a growing county with maintaining a competitive and predictable property-tax environment?

Again, we need to ensure that proper infrastructure is in place before growing through developmental projects. This would make growth easier to manage from the beginning. Removing the tax incentives, rebates, and kickbacks to big businesses would help ensure that property taxes would remain low or unchanged.

What role should county government play in supporting economic development, business investment, entrepreneurship, and workforce growth?

I believe that we need to invest locally, as mentioned. I would seek to create programs that would provide small business loans and training to local residents wanting to open a business. I would seek to create programs that allow low-income families and adults to have access to skills training, educational opportunities and scholarships, awarded by the county. Cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and local organizations would assist in creating apprenticeship and internship programs.

Many of Catawba County’s growth and infrastructure needs cross municipal boundaries. How should the county work with cities, towns, and other partners to coordinate planning and support responsible growth across the community?

This would begin with communication. County officials and municipal leaders should be in regular contact and working together. Communication is key in almost any interaction or relationship. I would seek to coordinate with municipal leaders and act as a bridge to communicate with state leaders as well. We need to be able to coordinate and approach things in the interest of Catawba County.