July 10. Three-term Cornelius Commissioner Denis Bilodeau has officially filed with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections to run for mayor of Cornelius. He will oppose Woody Washam who is running for a fourth term as mayor.
The 22-year Cornelius resident has been a business and community leader having served as a founding board member of the Cain Center for the Arts, past president of the Peninsula Property Owners Association, former diversity and inclusion chair for the LKN Chamber Board, and past president of the North Meck Rotary Club.
Denis, Chantal Bilodeau
He has been Rotarian of the Year, Distinguished Rotarian and the Lake Norman Chamber’s Robert Cashion Business Person of the Year.
“I believe it is time to present new ideas and accelerate action to address the No. 1 citizen concern—traffic congestion.” Bilodeau said. Cornelius Today reported back in May that Bilodeau would run.
While the mayor does not have a vote, he or she sets the agenda and is tasked with helping the town board respond to the needs of its citizens. Bilodeau, who represents Cornelius on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) has
challenged the town’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) to prioritize road and crossing safety improvements that can be constructed and managed by the town.
In a press release, Bilodeau said NCDOT should continue to be pushed to complete the larger corridor projects such as Hwy. 21, Hwy.115, Hwy. 73 and W. Catawba. “However there are several smaller projects the town can complete to immediately address
traffic flow, safety and connectivity.”
Prior to serving as a town commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem, Bilodeau was a two-term member of the Park Board.
A former senior executive at a Fortune 500 company and business owner, he plans to work as a “full time” mayor pursuing ways to connect with a larger number of engaged citizens.
“As your mayor, I will certainly enjoy the ceremonial duties and ribbon cuttings however I will bring a new energy to updating our decade old Comprehensive Master Plan as well as creating a downtown area plan that addresses economic development, traffic, parking and safety. “
His campaign website is www.bilodeauformayor.com
