David Gantt Democrat A Commissioner for Everyone
Since 1996, David Gantt has served on the five (5) member Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. This Board is the governing body for the County. The Commission offices are located in the historic courthouse that was completed in 1928. In 2004, the population of Buncombe County was 214,000. David believes that the residents of Buncombe County are best served by a commitment to quality education, decent employment opportunities and reasonable housing costs. During much of his term, David has been an outspoken opponent of government waste and unnecessary government regulations. He has consistently supported our teachers and schools in their quest to educate our children. David is also a leader in protecting the environment of mountainous western North Carolina. He is a regular recipient of the Protector Of The Blue Ridge Parkway recognition.
Some of the new programs and policies adopted by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners include:
Projects since election to Board of Commissioners
Open and efficient government
Televise all Commission and Community meetings
38 Community meetings in all parts of Buncombe County
Interactive Website for Buncombe County
Improved customer service and information on Website
Offer property tax base via the Website
Use inmate labor to reduce taxpayer labor costs
Privatize child support collections
98.25% tax collection rate- Consistently one of highest in NC
Cut computer costs by $500,000 by lease instead of purchase
Replace and modernize 40-year-old voting machines
Reduction in force of 75 employees
Maintain "AA" bond rating to reduce interest costs and continue ability to borrow money for major projects
Consolidate 911 dispatch communications
Move Job Link Career Center to AB Tech
Obtain $1.3 million grant for electronic data management system
Require spay/neuter of pets to decrease costs of shelter program
Education
Support bond issues- Construct 3 new middle schools in Enka, Wendy Ridge, and Cane Creek areas to relieve overcrowding
Support budget request for computers and increased technology in schools
Support teacher supplements to get best teachers possible
Construct 4 new libraries in Leicester, Enka, North Asheville, and Fairview
Completely renovate 2 existing libraries at Weaverville and South Buncombe
Support Biltmore School museum project
Support AB Tech- $3 million to help renovate Enka campus
Economy
No new tax increase for 9 years
Support business incentives for new and expanding businesses
Insure all County residents have some access to health care by partnering with medical community on Project Access
Increase law enforcement officer salaries to reasonable levels
Adopt land use regulations- limit inconsistent land uses
Adopt mobile home safety and decency standards
Environment/Recreation
Ban any new billboards in County
Limit new cell tower construction
Clean up junk car lots
Protect 80 acres of land next to Blue Ridge Parkway
Create new kayak and new mountain bike parks
Create first class soccer complex at Sand Hill Venable school
Limit asphalt plant construction
4 new swimming pools at Enka, Cane Creek, Erwin, and Owen areas
Comprehensive household recycling program at land fill
Maintain top land fill in United States- EPA Excellence in Leadership Award
Obtain $433,000 for Bioreactor at landfill
Public/private partnership to create composting facility at landfill
Land use plan that helps long range preservation of our quality of life
Adopt steep slope construction guidelines
Set up land conservation trust board to seek funding for conservation efforts
Establish land conservation trust for protection of sensitive land
Adopt noise ordinance to help control noise pollution
Helped organize Early Action Compact with 5 counties to speed air pollution control efforts
Health and Human Services
Regional Bioterrorism team developed
Obtain $300,000 grant for Homeland Security efforts
Regional laboratory at Health Department
Mental Health Reform action and planning
Set up affordable housing trust for innovative programs, building projects
Support ongoing housing programs that increase supply of affordable homes
Adoption of 1st Rental Code to protect tenants in Buncombe County history
Employee health clinic established at no additional costs
Support soldiers through 911 recalls and Operation Free Iraq (health insurance and phone cards for military)
Bus service to Black Mountain
Goals
Policies that bring government to the people
Support policies to offering the best education possible for our children
Protect the beautiful environment we are entrusted with
Work to effectively use tax money to keep tax burden as low as possible
Partner with current businesses for growth and bring new businesses into area
Better paying jobs that improve family life and living conditions for all residents
Personal
Born in Winston-Salem, NC
Graduate of UNC Chapel Hill- Economics
Graduate of Campbell Law School
Lawyer for 24 years
Resident of South Buncombe County
Family
Wife- Charise- Pharmacist for PSA in Swannanoa
2 Children- Brett- Junior at UNC Chapel Hill Carrie- Freshman at Duke
Past Activities President
Glen Arden PTA
Toastmasters Public Speaking Club
Asheville Optimist Club
Santa Pal
South Buncombe Youth Basketball
People's Law School- NC Trial Lawyers
Member
Leadership Asheville
Buncombe County School Foundation
Advantage Asheville
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Quality Forward
Council of Independent Business Owners
Blue Ridge Parkway Protectors
United Way Campaign Cabinet
Asheville Jaycees
Asheville Optimist Club
Buncombe County School Foundation Board
Current Activities
Past Chairman/Current Board of Directors - Land of the Sky Regional Council
Board of Directors - Asheville Buncombe Community Relations Council
Board of Directors - Metropolitan Sewage District
Board of Directors - Asheville Airport Authority
Board of Directors - United Way
Board of Directors - Eblen Charities
Board of Directors - Pack Square Conservancy
Board of Directors - UNC Chapel Hill Parents Council
Sunday School Teacher - Central United Methodist Church
Frequent Speaker at Trial Lawyer seminars and conventions
