Gary West, Mooresville commissioner at large incumbent, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 4, 2025 election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Gary West.
Age, as of Nov. 4, 2025: 65.
Campaign website: Facebook- Elect Gary West for Commissioner at Large, Town of Mooresville
Occupation: Retired, former police officer Education: Marine Corps, Police Academy, Denver Tech, UNC School of Government, Loyalist College
Have you run for elected office before? Yes. Current Commissioner at Large.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement: Accomplishments as Commissioner: Selma Burke Center renovations. Creating the new Skate Park. Cornelius and Mazeppa Road Park improvements. The new Police Headquarters for MPD. The new Fire Station 6 - Maintaining our top ISO 1 Rating. The creation of Liberty Park. The East West Connector Road. Timber Road extension to Hwy 21. Installing License Plate Reader Cameras for MPD. We have arrested over 400 subjects and confiscated over $2 million in drugs, cash, weapons, and vehicles.
What is your vision for Mooresville’s future? Smart growth – At the top of the list. We are finalizing our new land use plan and continue to make adjustments in our development ordinances. Public Safety – If our citizens do not feel safe, how can they enjoy the amenities the Town has that provide that quality of life? Police enhancements such as Drone as First Responder (DAFR) and maintaining Fire Rescue’s ISO 1 rating.
How should Mooresville best handle traffic and other growth challenges? NCDOT owns most of the roads in Mooresville. They also own the traffic light timing on all the traffic signals. We have created new ordinances that incentivize Developers to help with infrastructure improvements as part of the conditional rezoning process. In addition, we are currently working on an exciting new capability. We are creating our own Traffic Signal Management Department and will be taking over the timing on our traffic signals. We will be able to adjust them to meet demand.
What differentiates you from the other candidates? Experience. I started out being appointed to our Planning Board which handles recommendations on rezoning. I went to the Citizens Academy to understand how our town operates. As a Marine and former Police Officer, I have a passion to serve and keep Mooresville safe. Being a Commissioner long enough to understand how to manage growth legally. Knowing how to navigate local government to serve Mooresville is key. Time – To be good, you need to put in about 30 hours a week and be accessible.
This story was originally published October 15, 2025 at 3:40 PM.