Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, Mecklenburg commission District 6 candidate, answers questions

To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.

Name: Susan Rodriguez-McDowell

Birth date (month, day and year): Dec. 9, 1963

Campaign website or social media page: Mcdowell4meck.com

Occupation: County commissioner

Education: I graduated from South Mecklenburg High School. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Art from UNC-Charlotte and my Master of Arts in Counseling from Colorado Christian University.

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

I have only run for and won this office (County Commission District 6) in 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

During my tenure as District 6 county commissioner, I have been recognized for my service on key committees such as chair of Economic Development since 2021, Environmental Stewardship and Intergovernmental Relations. My record shows my dedication to strengthening relationships between local government bodies, improving the quality of life for all residents in my district and effective and collaborative governance. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to leverage these roles to advance our community.

What made you want to run for Mecklenburg County Commissioner?

Over the past 6 years, I have learned first hand how government works — in positive ways and negative ways. I am running to continue asking the tough questions and push for the best outcomes for the people of Mecklenburg County. I am running to continue to stand up to powerful forces that may not have the people’s interests at the forefront. Governing with integrity and authenticity matters because government is supposed to be about putting people first. Serving the public is a privilege.

How will you make a difference with your platform?

I will continue to advocate for smart solutions between all of the areas of local government and listen closely to the people closest to the issues. I believe in the importance of taking a long-term approach to challenges with an eye toward unintended consequences and equitable outcomes. For example, in the recent 1-cent transportation sales tax discussions, my concern has been with transparency and the long term impact on people in my district. How can it be made better? Not political expediency.

Housing is an issue county-wide. What would you do to ensure county residents have access to affordable housing?

Since joining the BOCC in 2018, I have been a champion for affordable housing. Prior to my tenure, housing was not considered a county issue. We have been creatively finding ways to be part of the solution. I will continue advocating for tax breaks for NOAHs and smart community partnerships to increase supply. I will continue to champion upward mobility measures to increase household incomes with my Economic Development Committee leadership. It takes a multi-pronged approach to solve tough issues.

What are the three top priorities in Mecklenburg County and how would you address them?

High quality public education is No. 1, and I will continue advocating for a qualified teacher in every classroom. This can only be done with concerted effort by the NCGA, but the county must be a cooperative partner. No. 2 is upward mobility, and I will continue my work to bring access to good paying jobs and wraparound services to assist with reducing barriers to employment. No. 3 is preserving green space, and my focus is on protecting our air and water quality, and to provide opportunities for healthy recreation.

What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice for Mecklenburg County voters this election season?

I have the experience and deep understanding of the issues. I have proven my dedication as required by the long hours and high demands of listening to the people closest to the issues and the solutions. I am well rounded in my views and interests, and I care about people. I am courageous. I am driven to learn more about how to solve issues as evidenced by the high level of engagement I bring to every issue. I am also proud of my leadership in collaborating with the school board and other local leaders.

CMPD saw an 8% increase in violent crimes as of July 2024. How do you plan to address and curb rising rates of violence?

I will continue to support investment in community-based violence prevention programs. I have also been an advocate for our courts. We need more assistant DAs, clerks and other supports for our large urban county so that criminals are prosecuted in a timely manner. People who see a future full of opportunity and hope are less violent, that is why I will continue to work to bring opportunity to those areas that have been left behind. I am proud to be endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police.

Last year, youth crime incidents spiked to the highest levels in Charlotte in at least the last five years, according to CMPD. In 2024, there has been a 300% rise in youth homicide suspects, according to CMPD. How do you plan to address and lower the rates of growing youth crime plaguing our communities?

Investing properly in our schools is No. 1. I have been a fighter for public schools. When children who are struggling at home have access to supportive resources in schools, like school counselors, coaches and caring, respected teachers, it can make a big difference in their outlook on life. I will continue to advocate for more social workers in CMS and for our non-profit partners. In addition, I believe deeply that it takes a multi-generational approach with support for parents who are struggling.

More than 100 people move here a day. How can the county do better at preserving neighborhoods and balancing rapid growth in neighborhoods?

I work closely with Charlotte City Council and the towns that fall within my district. I am proud of the strong and collaborative working relationships that help inform my decisions as Economic Development chair. Helping the county get ahead of decisions around land purchases, parks and greenways and building schools and libraries is an important part of how all branches of local government need to work together to balance our explosive growth.