Melinda Bales
Title: Mayor
Municipality: Town of Huntersville
Position Interested In: 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.
Since 2011, I have strived to make a positive difference in my community and the quality of life that Huntersville experiences. I have focused on diversifying our business sector to ensure that Huntersville isn’t just a bedroom community to Charlotte, and I continue to focus on education/workforce development opportunities by partnering area businesses and non-profits with area schools to create pipelines from CMS and local charter schools into our businesses.
I would like to use my experience in education/workforce development to help other municipalities build sustainable relationships with area schools, businesses and non-profits in order to provide their local businesses with a skilled workforce. As one of the guiding principles in the League’s Vision 2030, I know this will help municipalities to continue to add to their community’s quality of life.
I want to be an advocate for municipalities. I would like to use my skillset to help develop leaders. I believe all elected representatives should have the opportunity to grow as leaders. I believe the taxpayers want their representatives to be informed and educated on issues that impact them or have the potential to impact them. It is important that elected representatives stay on top of relevant and developing issues that may impact our municipalities. I would like to help grow and develop these leadership opportunities.
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.
I have served Huntersville in a variety of roles. In addition to serving as Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Commissioner. I am currently serving on the NCLM Board of Directors-representing District 8, NCLM Legislative Policy Committee Co-Chair, Centralina Council of Governments EDD Board and the Connect Beyond Steering Committee for the region. Mass Transit Commission (CATS), Lake Norman Economic Development, Huntersville's Legislative Policy Committee, and Huntersville's Affordable Housing Task Force. I have served as past chair of the Lake Norman Transportation Commission and served on Visit Lake Norman (tourism board).
Tell us about your educational background, professional experience, and/or community or civic activities.
I have co-chaired the Lake Norman Education Collaborative for the last 10 years. This group works to provide area high school and middle school students with an opportunity to engage with the business community and provides workforce opportunities for the students and the area businesses. I currently serve on Central Piedmont Community College Paramedic Advisory Board. I attended East Tennessee State University, I worked for MCI WorldCom as a quality manager.
Have You Participated in Any NCLM Events or Committees?
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CityVision Annual Conference
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Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
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Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process
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Regional Meetings
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Legislative Lobby Days
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Legislative Policy Committee
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Technical Advisory Committee
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Affiliate Organizations: NC Women in Municipal Government,
Please provide any other information you would like the Nominations Committee to consider.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term on the NCLM Board of Directors. Having the opportunity to co-chair the Legislative Policy Committee this year has been an honor. Working with other elected across the state and at the NCGA has been rewarding and I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the relationships that were built by working together. I truly believe that the diversity of our communities and the willingness to work together are our strengths. I would be honored to continue to serve District 8 on the NCLM Board of Directors.
Letter of Recommendation (NCLM Past President Karen Alexander, Mayor, Salisbury)
Letter of Recommendation (Mayor Rusty Knox, Davidson)