Welcome to Independent Tribune Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

independenttribune.com - Independent Tribune

HomeNewsEntertainmentSportsLifestylesOpinionCommunityWeather Online Tools Jobs | Real Estate | Shopping | Classified

Candidate Q&A: Michael Metcalf

Staff compilation

Published: October 14, 2009

Occupation
Clinical Consultant, Volcano Corporation, San Diego, Calif.

Education
Emergency Medicine, Davidson Community College, Lexington, N.C.

What life and professional experiences do you feel will help you, if elected?
Having been elected in 2008, I am bringing back that experience back to the table. In February of this year my new job required relocation to Charleston, SC. In late April I was given the opportunity to assume the Charlotte territory. This allowed me to keep my family and home in Mt Pleasant.
While on the Town Board we expanded town staff creating three permanent full time positions, built a much needed new public works building, completed a downtown improvement study and started preliminary work on the a walking trail around the town limits. We were able to accomplish a lot of goals and needs and only had a budget increase of around 3%. As a board we shared a common goal of being good stewards of the taxpayer's funds and being a voice for their opinions.
Working for Cabarrus County as a Paramedic Crew Chief I have learned a good deal about local government and how it works. I plan to use this experience combined with the other experiences in my life to serve the citizens and the Town of Mount Pleasant.

What are the three biggest issues facing your constituency and your community?
Economy, Infrastructure and Quality of Life.
Economy- By far this is the most important issue we are facing. We as a community leaders should and do know this. We are not immune to the growing concerns we all share. We should explore all options before we increase any burden on the citizens and be prepared to explain why and if we have to raise fees or taxes. I am not saying I plan to do these things. But when and if I am faced with the decision. I can assure the citizens it is the last resort.

Infrastructure- We must plan for the widening of Highway 49. Although this is not popular with everyone it is inevitable it will happen. Therefore we must use this to our advantage. We can use this to our advantage if we plan and grow the way we as a town see fit. This growth we include upgrades to our other roads, water and sewer.

Quality of Life- Many here in Mount Pleasant agree that we all want to grow at our pace. Not losing the quality of life we have known for years. We can do this we need to use our resources to our advantage. We must work to attract more small businesses that provide services to our citizens. Parks and recreation are on a lot of minds as well. We have completed preliminary plans for a walking trail. We are also looking into a YMCA and increasing the number of athletic fields in the town. All will help with the quality of life for our citizens.

What specifically would you do to spur economic growth and bring jobs, if elected?
Keep applying pressure to our state elected officials to keep Highway 49 project on schedule. This will allow us to attract small and medium size businesses to our town. Thus creating jobs and increasing our tax base.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love the outdoors! Whenever possible I enjoy fishing and Duck hunting. As a family we enjoy camping in our RV with friends.

What was the last book you read?
Charlotte's Web with my son for his school work.