Who is David Merrill, Republican Charlotte City Council at-large candidate?
David Merrill
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 43
Campaign website: votemerrill.com
Occupation: National Sales Director
Education: Bachelor of Philosophy, East Carolina
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement: None
Should the City Council limit the number of new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation?
No. Unfortunately we severely lack safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation. The number of parking garages and spaces should be determined by the property owners in trying to attract people to their properties.
Describe your views on using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums.
I support using public money to attract and retain sports facilities to the area. While the net cost is only shifting money over time, sports teams add to our culture, pride, and city identity. That pride helps attract new residents and visitors who in turn contribute to the success of our vibrant community!
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
Individual Freedoms. Many Republicans claim to be pro-freedom but want to deny the same freedoms that they enjoy to members of the LGBTQ+ community. While I have a clear personal opinion about abortion, my personal feelings should not impact the difficult decisions that a pregnant person may have to make.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I tied the national record for youngest age to earn the rank of Eagle Scout
What separates you from your opponents?
Simply put, I am a reasonable and responsible person that wants to bring back a sense of good governance and accountability to the Council. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result. In this election, we all are running on a platform of public safety, affordable housing, economic mobility, and public transportation. Today many of those issues feel worse than they have ever been. The current City Council has been scratching the surface of many issues but has yet to make a meaningful impact. It is time for balance. It is time for a change in leadership.
I have almost twenty years of experience, leading people, building high-performing and highly motivated teams working towards common goals. I have nearly two decades of experience managing financial forecasts, P&L sheets, and budgets. I am a systems-based thinker who knows how to inspire others, use design thinking, and process improvements to develop a path for long-term success. I work providing technology solutions to the housing industry. I know the housing industry, I see the trends, and I know how to improve housing for Charlotte.
Finally, I am running in this city election for city issues. No matter how you may feel about any SCOTUS ruling, Ukraine, the January 6th hearings, $5 gasoline, or 8% inflation, this local election is about local matters: public safety, affordable housing, economic mobility, and public transportation. It is about accountability, common sense government, and looking out for each other. That is what I am focused on: our Charlotte family. I am not the far right. I am not the far left. I am a moderate trying to bring us together and make us all a community of people working for each other.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.