From the Office of Councilman Andy Ball 550 Queen Street | Boone, NC 28607 (828) 406-2408 | andyballforboone@gmail FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 5, 2013 BOONE, NC - Two-term Council member Andy Ball filed for Mayor of Boone today at the Watauga Board of Elections office. Ball, 30, brings leadership experience at Appalachian State University, advocacy on neighborhood and environmental issues, and service leadership on the Boone Town Council and in civic organizations. “The next few years are very promising for Boone,” Ball said, “and I’m asking for the opportunity to serve as Mayor to help lead the way.” With his first election in 2009, Ball became the second ASU student to serve on the Boone Town Council. Councilman Ball studied Government and Public Policy at ASU, and has worked for years in the local hospitality industry and as an independent consultant. He was most recently elected 3rd Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Part. Ball serves on the Board of Directors of AppalCart Transit Authority, and PHARMN, a non-profit collaborative supporting the Watauga Farmer’s Market. Ball also serves as Council liaison on the Boone Transportation Committee and the Watauga Economic Development Commission. In addition to the Mayor’s primary function as presiding officer of the Town Council, another role has been to establish and communicate a clear vision for Boone’s future, a discussion Ball sees many opportunities for. “As University enrollment steadily increases, new questions arise for Town leaders as to how we manage our resources, and plan our growth. We have to retain our small town culture and vibrant downtown areas, while making improvements to our transit infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle traffic. We must do more to protect our air and water quality, while encouraging more housing density closer to the University. These are important discussions, and they require a forward thinking Council and proven leadership to bring everyone in our community to the table.” “My goal in serving is to find new ways to protect the quality of life for all those who live, work, and study in Boone. Toward that end, residents can expect a continued commitment to environmental stewardship, ongoing water conservation measures, infrastructure investment including expanded sidewalk and bike lane routes, and a focus on protecting existing single family neighborhoods from incompatible development.” “Mayor Clawson has set a tremendous example, and I will work to continue her advocacy for road improvements, more trees and green space, support for Boone’s cultural heritage, and a fiscally responsible approach to the budget.” Ball has remained involved with the North Carolina League of Municipalities, being selected for their Local Elected Leaders Academy. He also serves as Deputy State Director for the Young Elected Officials Network, and as an elected delegate to the 2012 DNC in Charlotte, NC.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 19:42:44 +0000