David Scholl

Title: Mayor Pro Tem

Municipality: Town of Stallings

Position Interested In: At-Large - Elected Officials; District Representative - District 8

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.

I am a firm believer in governing with a vision in mind for what we want our town (or state) to look like. With that focal point, decisions can be made that align with that end goal.. Important issues can be decided that will move us forward toward the goal.

Municipalities are in a difficult era with inflation and a very tight workforce. Services must be as efficient as possible and better use of technology will help. My experience with technology has helped my town (as well school board), and could help NCLM. In addition, trying to provide services that are rising in cost (inflation or otherwise) without a corresponding cut in services or an increase in taxes is guaranteed to cause problems sooner or later.

I was with an informal group of citizens recently drinking coffee. Several of them wanted to hear how the town was doing and what issues we were dealing with. I was pretty frank with them and talked about crime and police staffing. They appreciated the depth of the conversation and said they didn't realize what all the town did for them. It is important for municipalities to actually talk with citizens so that they realize how a municipality adds to the local quality of life.

Sometimes the state legislature doesn't appreciate the work of local municipalities, and we need to be vigilant with bills (such as S317) that take away local controls. Zoning, taxation, and other critical functions of local control seems to be a frequent target of Raleigh and big time lobbyists.

In Union County, we have a local organization of municipalities with a main goal of collaboration on projects and unity for regional decisions. We have found it a valuable resource for collaboration and discussion of common issues. This idea/concept should be in more counties place around the state.

In summation, The NCLM 2030 goals should be goals of all municipalities. The success of the State depends on the success of each of us.

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.

During my school board term as well as my Town Council tenure, I like to focus on strategic planning, technology and budgets. My finance background helps me read and analyze financials, and frequently can pull bits of information to help explain to fellow board/council members. I always have an eye toward the future when making decisions.

I have learned over the years that it is important to listen to others. I find this song lyric very appropriate to keep in mind when governing, (bonus points if you name the song...) "People talking without speaking ,People hearing without listening" . Relationships and civil conversations are two keys to getting things done.

I have been a delegate to Centralina Regional Council since 2015, and am now a member of its' executive board.

As a rule, I treat my fellow council members with the respect that I expect from them. We won't agree on every vote, but that doesn't mean we can't be respectful. With this in mind, we have been able to deal with complex as well as controversial issues.

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

I have a BS- Finance and an MS- Instructional Technology, with a Graduate Certificate in Performance Improvement. I have "graduated" from the UNC School of Government Advanced Leadership Corps (2022)

My most recent business endeavors are as a technology consultant, specifically creating and managing online training as well as web design.

I am in my 20th season as a middle and now high school golf coach. This keeps me connected with the school and young adults.

Have You Participated in Any NCLM Events or Committees?

CityVision Annual Conference
Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
Legislative Lobby Days

Please provide any other information you would like the Nominations Committee to consider.

I was on Union County School Board prior to coming on to the Town Council of Stallings in 2015. I have a passion for common sense local decision making. In addition, I feel it is imperative to have a vision for the towns future so that we can base decisions to achieve stated goals.

I am approaching a time in my career where I will have more time and would like to share my experience and skills for the greater good.