Lake Norman Publications

Mooresville Primary Elections: Meet the candidates for Ward 3 commissioner


MOORESVILLE – The May 17 primary features three candidates for the Ward 3 seat on the Mooresville Town Board

Tommy DeWeese, Kevin Kasel and James “Toodles” Ritchie are vying for the seat held by Barbara Whittingon, who is not seeking another term representing Ward 3, which encompasses a large part of Mooresville’s east side. The primary’s top two advance to November’s general election.

Each candidate was asked to provide an introduction and a summary of their platforms:

DeWeese

Tommy DeWeese

68, retired federal executive

Everywhere I go I hear complaints about the traffic in and around Mooresville and its population growth. I personally see it:  Ward 3 residents are certainly not immune to these issues. I also hear people ask why can’t we stop the growth and focus on infrastructure?

Short answer: Mooresville does not own or maintain the congested roadways. They are owned and maintained by either the State of North Carolina or Iredell County. Growth is also controlled by the State.

So, what is the solution? Working hard and continuously to convince the agencies involved to put their resources and efforts into our infrastructure.  I have the background to help do this.

I have worked with State Governments, the US Senate, the US House of Representatives and the White House. This was to get legislation created, legislation passed, funding made or funding released. I was successful not because I am a politician, but because of my tools: listening, being knowledgeable, being honest and being open. These same tools will make me successful in working for the residents of Ward 3.

My accounting background, especially my knowledge of governmental accounting practices, will help me transition faster into an asset for Ward 3 and how the budget impacts our part of Mooresville. My experience and training in project management will also serve us well.

My 39 years of experience in public service, 18 years which was as an executive officer, will help me provide good service to Ward 3, the Town Council and the citizens of Mooresville. I have 28 years of community service volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America and the American Field Service. I have always served the public and my community. I would be honored to continue to do so as the Commissioner of Ward 3.

 

Kasel

Kevin Kasel

63, visual presentation manager at Lowe’s

Hello. My name is Kevin Kasel and I am running for Mooresville Ward 3 Commissioner.

My wife Linda and I moved to North Carolina in 2020 when I took a position with Lowe’s. We decided on Mooresville because we liked the people, local businesses and the small town in a big city feel. Since then Linda has started to work for a local company, I have been involved in the community as a member of the Public Arts Board, joined a local band and became involved in local civic groups.

While newer to the community, I have 12 years of experience as a mayor and council member in our former home of St. Michael, MN. Over that time the city’s bond rating was upgraded twice, we adopted a 10-year capital and infrastructure plan and helped secure over $100 million in State and Federal funding for local transportation projects. On the council I was viewed as the go-to member on budget and fiscal matters and earned a reputation for being honest, analytical, impartial and not letting personal matters cloud my judgment.

I have a history of service and community involvement. I proudly served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and I am a member of the American Legion and Lions International. In the past, I served as a Scout leader, church board member, church youth leader, local festival committee chair and school volunteer. Professionally, I have over 30 years of retail analytics and project management experience.

I am running because Mooresville needs commissioners with the experience to lead a growing town.

I ask for your vote and look forward to talking to you over the next few months.

If you have any questions, please contact me at kpkasel@gmail.com or 704-727-2881.

Thanks in advance for your support.

 

Ritchie

James “Toodles” Ritchie

Thanks for considering James F. “Toodles” Ritchie as Mooresville Ward III Commissioner. 

I attended North Mecklenburg High School, while working for FoamEx, (formerly Reeves Brothers) in Davidson. After serving two years in the Army (one year in Vietnam), I returned to FoamEx and joined the Quality Assurance department. It was there I developed the exemplary customer service skills proven useful for future endeavors.

I would eventually start several businesses. One was the Downtown State Theater, which I ran and operated in the early 1970s.

Both of my existing businesses have helped me remain relevant in the community. Lake Norman Auto Sales and Ritchie Rental Properties have been a mainstay for 60 years. It helps that I am a real people person! 

I attend Mooresville board meetings and would enjoy contributing to these conversations, representing the residents of Ward III.

Farms are now replaced with sub-divisions and strip malls. Some is positive growth, but most of the new construction is very overwhelming. I believe in steady progress and controlled expansion, with a constant emphasis on infrastructure. 

Mooresville continues to lead Iredell County in economic incentives. I understand the importance of maintaining these relationships and the networking necessary to further such efforts. 

I support all law enforcement and first responders and will support, equip and fund them to the best of my ability.

I believe in God and family, and am a member of the Cove Church. I believe in a person’s right to provide for their family without government interference, and am a strong advocate of the Second Amendment. 

Preserving and learning from history; and a voice for the people. I appreciate your prayers of support. I love Mooresville for what it was and what it can be.

Local, homegrown, the whole kit and caboodle. Vote May 17th for Commissioner Toodles!

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