Title: Mayor

Municipality: Statesville

Position Interested In: District Representative, District #10

Q&A's:

Tell us why you would like to serve in a leadership position at the League. In particular, specify goals you would like to accomplish as an officer or board member and indicate how, if attained, they will help to achieve Vision 2030 – the League’s future vision of how cities and towns will operate in 2030?

During my early years as Mayor of Statesville, I believed my responsibilities were solely to be 'at home' and available to our citizens. As time went on and i was encouraged to engage on a regional and state level, i learned the importance to Statesville of having its Mayor more broadly engaged. As a current member of the NCLM board and Executive Committee, I have worked to highlight the value to ALL municipalities to accomplish our common legislative goals. I want to be a catalyst for protecting our 'revenue streams', so the NCLM can survive and thrive for many years to come.

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Tell us about your experience as a municipal official. You may want to include information on your service on the municipal governing body, other related boards and special areas of interest?

2025 is my 36th consecutive year as an elected official in Statesville, 16 as an at-large council member and 20 as Mayor. There have been 7 US Presidents and 7 NC Governors during that time. We have endured a pandemic and at least one Great Recession as well. Before my elected service, I was chair of the county BOA. So much has changed! I hope it is much better than I found it and that I have helped folks work in partnership with each other and to enjoy where they live and to be proud of Statesville.

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Tell us about your educational background, professional experience, and/or community or civic activities?

Wake Forest University (BA, 1973) - Phi Beta Kappa,Omicron Delta Kappa - my educational heart lies there.

Duke University (JD, 1976) - when i was there, you could walk in to a basketball game any time you wanted.

Emory University (LLM, 1982) - commuted weekly while working full time.

Leadership roles at Mitchell Community College, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Iredell County Community Foundation and Children's Hope Alliance have been especially meaningful.

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Have You Participated in Any NCLM Events or Committees? 

• CityVision Annual Conference

• Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process

• Regional Meetings

• Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days

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