County Commissioner Candidate Survey: Making Life More Affordable in Davidson County
The rising cost of living is among the most pressing concerns for residents heading into the Nov. 3 election. Sidney Briggs asked the candidates for the Davidson County Board of Commissioners how they would work to make life more affordable for the people they would serve. The candidates' answers are printed below in alphabetical order. Robbie Beasley and Dwight Cornelison did not respond. This is the first in a series of questions.
Felicia Dreher: My position: Reduce the burden on taxpayers and remove unnecessary barriers to economic opportunity.The rising cost of living is affecting families, seniors, and small businesses throughout Davidson County. While the county cannot control national inflation, it can make decisions that either ease or add to the financial burden on residents.
As a commissioner, I would:
Scrutinize county spending: Review the budget for unnecessary expenditures, duplication of services, and opportunities to reduce costs.
Protect taxpayers: Carefully evaluate property tax increases and avoid placing additional financial burdens on residents without a clear, demonstrated need.
Support small businesses: Encourage policies that reduce unnecessary regulations and make it easier for local businesses to operate, expand, and create jobs.
Promote housing affordability: Review county policies that may unnecessarily increase housing costs and work within the county's authority to reduce barriers to development.
Demand financial transparency: Make county spending, long-term obligations, and the costs of major projects accessible to the public.
I believe affordability begins with responsible government. The county should not spend money simply because it is available. Every expenditure should have a clear purpose, a measurable benefit, and accountability to the taxpayers funding it.
Tonya Lanier: Making life affordable for Davidson County residents is not going to be an easy fix. A short solution would be to identify and communicate available resources. Identify places people can go temporarily until a more stable solution is found. Let citizens know where they can access much needed food and services. Not many people know about the availability food and/or clothing and how to access these services
Matt Mizell: As county commissioner I cannot set prices of goods and services or anything that would influence monetary policy. What we in county government can control is the cost of county government itself and the decisions that affect property taxes, infrastructure, housing, economic growth, and local conservation. My approach over the past four years has been simple and rooted in common sense. I support keeping the property-tax burden as low as we responsibly can while still funding the services citizens expect: public safety, schools, EMS, parks, and other essential human services. The heart of affordability is responsible growth. Yes, we need enough housing and a full-spectrum of housing options that fit the financial needs of families, but growth should be planned so taxpayers are not continually asked to subsidize new roads, schools, emergency services, and other infrastructure created by poorly planned and excessive development. This is why I have promoted balanced growth and reforming subdivision ordinances and enacting new conservation policies. Inflation cannot be solved by county government, but we can avoid making the problem worse.
Chuck Slipetsky: I believe that the answer to this question is exactly the question being answered at the kitchen table throughout the county. Most families that are not part of the wealthy class are deciding on how to cut expenses, spend what money they have wisely, put off some purchases if possible and look for ways to increase revenue. These steps are exactly what I will take. The present board has, as a whole, failed badly at this. One example is the Flock security cameras that the citizens did not want yet the board spent over $85,000 dollars to put up and are now spending more money to take them down. Money that should have been used for more pressing needs. Better management of these funds would require less need for the increase in property taxes. In addition, I would encourage the state government to suspend fuel taxes to provide some short-term relief. I am also open to other suggestions. I would also encourage the building of real low-cost housing but with so much being built now, I think there is a need to study this issue so see how much of the new housing is really low cost. The board has limited control over affordability, but I want to exercise as much of it as possible. We must improve the revenue coming into the county as well but we need to do it in a logical way that protects the environment and is part of a plan unlike the haphazard way being done presently.
Dexter Short: 1-Making Life More Affordable-All property owners in Davidson County had their property re-evaluated in 2026, but due to the NC Legislature a moratorium was placed until 2027. Most revaluations were significantly higher. I think these re-evaluations need further review. Also, we will need to set a tax rate that even when the new evaluations become effective it does not increase the tax burden of property owners. I also would consider some type of discount for our senior citizens above the current discount.
Andrea Tate: The rising cost of living is affecting families across Davidson County, and local government has a role in making sure growth and spending decisions do not make those pressures worse. Affordability is connected to housing, wages, transportation, access to services, and whether people can find good jobs close to home. As a County Commissioner, I would support responsible growth that brings economic opportunity while considering the needs of current residents. That means looking carefully at housing options, infrastructure, roads, schools, emergency services, and the long-term cost of development before decisions are made. My background in human services and Social Services has shown me how quickly one unexpected expense can create hardship for a family. I have spent years helping people find resources, navigate benefits, and work toward greater stability. I would bring that same practical approach to county government. I also believe affordability includes responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Residents should understand how major spending decisions are made, what the long-term obligations are, and how those choices affect county services and taxes. My goal would be to support economic growth, stronger wages, housing options, and accessible services while making sure Davidson County remains a place where working families, seniors, and young people can afford to live and build a future.
