CharMeckVotes.org

Margo Williams – Davidson Board of Commissioners

E-mail: mwilliams@ci.davidson.nc.us

Phone Number:: 704 892-3036

Current Occupation:: writer

Education–Highest Degree:: BA with honors in English and Spanish

What office are you running for?: Board of Commissioners

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:: I was born in Houston, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin. I taught English and Spanish at the secondary level. In 1977, my husband, Bill, and our baby son, Ben, moved to Davidson. Our second son, Dan, was born in 1980. In 1991, I opened A Way With Words, my freelance writing business. In 1995, I was first elected to the Town Board of Davidson and have served in that capacity ever since. In 2004, I was given the Algernon Sydney Sullivan by Davidson College for Community Service and I was named a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum.

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):: Davidson College Presbyterian Church
Davidson Housing Coalition
The Arts and Science Council

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:: The creation of the Fair Share Housing Ordinance in Davidson, in which all new housing developments must include a portion of affordable housing.
The creation of our Land Plan and then Planning Ordinance to guide growth in Davidson, according to the wishes of our community.
Our work in the area of economic growth, in order to expand our commercial and industrial tax base.

Why are you running for the office of your choice?: Davidson is a great place and is worthy of our time and energy to keep it so. My husband and I were privileged to rear our family here and I hope future generations will have the same opportunity to experience a safe and beautiful community in which people know and care about each other.

What makes you the most qualified candidate?: I have served the town as a commissioner for 14 years. So, I have a wealth of experience in town government that is rare in today’s fast-paced world. And I love Davidson and want to help it prosper and be the best it can be for all its citizens.

What regional issue do you believe most affects your municipality (such as crime, roads, schools, etc.) and what role do you believe your municipality can play in improving it?: Davidson does not exist in isolation. Air quality, roads, schools, the arts and development all have a huge impact on our citizens. Consequently, we participate in many regional efforts, such as MUMPO, COG, CATS, the Lake Norman Transit Commission, and the Arts and Science Council. We must join in the regional conversation and find solutions to these issues as a whole, rather than in separate parts.

Do you believe there could be better collaboration among the municipalities in Mecklenburg County? If so, what would you suggest to improve it?: Our North Mecklenburg towns meet on a regular basis and we work together on the problems that are common to all of us. Also, Davidson meets with the Mayor and Board of Mooresville, because our destiny is tied to theirs, as well. The philosophy of collaboration is well-established in Davidson.

How can residents get involved in your campaign? Please include campaign manager or volunteer coordinator’s contact information.: Anyone who is interested can contact me by phone or email. I welcome citizen commments and suggestions and would be honored to have their support.