Krushani Patel

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).

I am 31 years old and live in Concord, North Carolina. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, have completed coursework in Early Childhood Education, and earned a Commercial Real Estate Development certificate from Cornell University. I currently own and operate multiple small businesses.

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 for Cabarrus County Commissioner to bring practical, community focused leadership to county government. As a small business owner and homeowner, I understand the impact of taxes, regulations, and public safety on families and local businesses. While I have not held elected office, I bring real-world experience managing multiple businesses, budgets, and teams, along with community leadership through Healthy Cabarrus and volunteer service. I will focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and smart growth to keep Cabarrus County strong.

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 own and operate Kiddie Academy of Harrisburg, where I lead teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while supporting local families. I have also successfully owned and managed multiple small businesses, focusing on job creation, efficiency, and long-term growth. My work with the Healthy Cabarrus Advisory Board demonstrates my collaborative approach and commitment to community well-being.

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

One of my top priorities in the first six months would be to increase transparency and accountability in how county tax dollars are spent. I would work to review budget priorities, improve public access to financial information, and encourage open communication so residents clearly understand where their money goes and how decisions are made.

Cabarrus County includes both fast-growing communities and areas facing economic challenges. How would you guide county policy and investment decisions to support balanced growth and opportunity across the entire county?

I would focus on smart growth that is planned, balanced, and sustainable. That means making sure new development is supported by the right infrastructure, roads, schools, and public safety, so growth doesn’t strain existing neighborhoods or raise taxes on current residents. Smart growth ensures we protect quality of life while allowing all parts of Cabarrus County to grow responsibly and thoughtfully.

County government plays a central role in funding public school facilities and long-term capital needs. How would you approach decisions related to school capital investment to ensure facilities keep pace with growth, support student success, and remain fiscally responsible for taxpayers?

I would approach school capital investment with a focus on smart growth, long-term planning, and fiscal responsibility. That means using enrollment and growth data to plan ahead, not react after overcrowding occurs, and coordinating closely with the school system to prioritize projects based on need and impact. I would also ensure projects are phased responsibly, costs are controlled.

A strong workforce depends on more than jobs alone. It is shaped by access to education, child care, and community resources. How would you use the county’s role to support workforce participation and quality of life for Cabarrus County residents?

I would use the county’s role to create an environment where families and workers can succeed at every stage of life. That means supporting education pathways that connect students and adults to local jobs, recognizing child care as essential workforce infrastructure, and coordinating county services so families can easily access the resources they need. When we invest in people, plan smartly, and work in partnership with employers and community groups, we strengthen both workforce participation and overall quality of life in Cabarrus County.

Economic growth is essential to maintaining a strong tax base, supporting public services, and creating opportunity for residents. How would you approach county-level policies and investments to ensure Cabarrus County remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses while managing growth responsibly?

I would focus on smart growth that supports businesses while protecting taxpayers. That means planning development so infrastructure keeps pace, keeping regulations clear and predictable, and making sure growth pays for itself instead of overburdening current residents with higher taxes. This approach allows Cabarrus County to remain competitive while maintaining a strong quality of life.

While counties do not regulate businesses in the same way as the state or municipalities, county policies can still influence the cost and ease of doing business. How would you consider the impact of county decisions on the business community?

I would approach county decisions with an understanding that time, clarity, and cost matter to businesses. That means reviewing policies through a practical lens, coordinating across departments to reduce delays, and ensuring county actions don’t create unintended burdens.