CharMeckVotes.org

Brian Jenest – Davidson Board of Commissioners

Phone Number:: 704 971 4501

Email: bjenest@colejeneststone.com

Current Occupation:: Managing partner ColeJenest & Stone

Education–Highest Degree:: bachelors in environmental design NCState University

What office are you running for?: Board of Commissioners

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography::Born in Boston Massachusetts, lived in the Charlotte Mecklenburg region for 29 years. Have lived in Davidson for 17 years. Married to Sarah, who works in the Athletic Dept at Davidson College, two sons, Colin a senior at NCState and Peyton, a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill. Managing Partner of ColeJenest & Stone, a landscape architectural, land planning and civil engineering firm in Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington.

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three)::Lake Norman Transportation Commission (chairman)- consists of representatives of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville, charged with looking at transit and transportation issues from a regional perspective. Presently working to bring commuter rail to north meck and widen 77 from Huntersville to Statesville.
Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization- Davidson rep to regional organization that decides road priorities in two counties
Urban Land Institute-
Professional organization that looks at land use matters in a non political way.

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years::1. Began a dialogue with Huntersville, Cornelius and Mooresville in addressing transportation needs which includes air quality through the newly formed Lake Norman Transportation Commission.
2. Authorized the commencement of a Comprehensive Plan for the Town that will create a vision for how we grow in the future.
3. Began a discussion on growing our tax base that includes encouraging non residential development in appropriate areas of our town including the village center, exit 30 and highway 73.

Why are you running for the office of your choice?: Through my work I have developed skills in planning and development as well as leadership and fiscal management which are beneficial to the town of Davidson. I also am a resident who is very thankful to live in such a wonderful place and would like to give something back in return

What makes you the most qualified candidate?: Experience and Enthusiam. As I have stated previously, I deal with many issues in my professional life that are directly applicable to my role on the Town Board. From matters of land planning and zoning, to working with a wide variety of people and understanding a budget and the choices that have to be made to balance it are important qualities I bring to the town. Being willing to deal with conflict in a professional, objective manner is another one of my strengths.

What regional issue do you believe most affects your municipality (such as crime, roads, schools, etc.) and what role do you believe your municipality can play in improving it?: Two issues that come to mind Schools- We are fortunate that we have recently opened a new middle school, have a high school on the way, and have an expanding charter school, but we need to constantly stay in front of county and state school leaders so we don’t fall behind.
Transportation-
Most of the roads in our area are congested and our air quality is worsening. We have been working to bring commuter rail to north mecklenburg for over 10 years… With limited financial resources, we need to work regionalling with our neighboring towns to address these vital needs to maintain economic vitality and environomental sustainability.

Do you believe there could be better collaboration among the municipalities in Mecklenburg County? If so, what would you suggest to improve it?: Absolutely. We need to make ourselves visible. We need to participate in as many discussions about issues of regional significance as possible. Since I work in uptown Charlotte and have lived in Charlotte before coming to Davidson, I have a broad perspective and see the values in looking at the issues that join us all.

How can residents get involved in your campaign? Please include campaign manager or volunteer coordinator’s contact information.: Contact me at bjenest@colejeneststone.com or call me at 704 971 4501. I am managing my own campaign.