Special to Iredell Free News

Iredell County Commissioner Scottie Brown has announced he is seeking a second term in office.

Brown, who lives near Troutman and owns Zootastic, is one of seven Republicans running for three seats on the Iredell County Board of Commissioners.

“I have some unfinished business like the fairgrounds,” he said Monday. “I want to see the fairgrounds started and a final plan before I leave.”

Brown said his other priorities for the next four years include getting started on a new Health Department, Sheriff’s Office and courthouse — “in that order.”

The GOP primary is set for March 5. Early voting begins February 15.

In his announcement, Brown touted his record as a fiscal conservative. He voted to lower the property tax rate to 50 cents per $100 valuation last year, and also voted against spending $30 million on Jennings Park because of the high cost.

During Brown’s tenure, commissioners increased funding for emergency services and boosted local per pupil funding for Iredell-Statesville Schools and the Mooresville Graded School District.

Iredell County, Brown said, now offers competitive pay for EMS personnel, Emergency Communications and the Sheriff’s Office. The starting pay for ICSO deputies is now more than $50,000.

Brown also supported raising Sheriff Darren Campbell’s annual salary.

“I fought hard for that,” he said. “Now he’s one of the highest paid sheriffs. And we have one of the lowest crime rates.”

While serving on the Board of Commissioners, Brown has served on the Cooperative Extension Committee, as an alternate on the Advisory Council, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, Fairgrounds Committee and Public Safety Task Force.

If re-elected, Brown said he would continue to scrutinize how taxpayer money is spent.

“As a businessman and owner of the largest tourist attraction in the county, I think I know how to manage money as well as any conservative,” he said.

Brown and his wife Kim share five children and have four grandchildren.