Special to the Scoop
Though Bobby Compton officially filed to run for the open Mooresville mayor’s seat last month, today he’s opening up with the public about why he wants — and says he’s best for — the job.
A Mooresville native, Compton is a graduate of Mooresville High School and a former firefighter and retired fire marshal for the town. He has served three terms as at-large commissioner on Mooresville’s town board.
“It is with pride and determination that I announce my candidacy for Mayor of Mooresville,” said Compton in a news release issued earlier today. “My 43 years of local government experience, all in this town that I love, have instilled in me a deep appreciation and allegiance to Mooresville and its citizens. I know where we’ve been, I know where we are currently and I am eager to lead us into the future.”
Compton will be vying for the mayor’s seat against Chris Carney, a former Ward 4 commissioner and N.C. senator, after Mayor Miles Atkins announced he will not seek re-election this year. Compton’s bid for mayor left his at-large seat open, and six people filed for it, forcing a primary on Oct. 10. The top two vote-getters in that race will face off in the Nov. 7 general election, joining on the ballot the two mayoral candidates and the two candidates for Ward 2: Will Aven is challenging Incumbent Thurman Houston for that seat.
Compton began his fire-service career in 1974 as a Mooresville firefighter. He was Fire Marshal from 1988 until his retirement in 2005, then he jumped back into the public-service arena in 2011, being elected as at-large commissioner.
He said he hopes to take his commitment, experience and advocacy for Mooresville and its people to the next level as mayor, leading the community toward a safer and more prosperous future. “From my years as a firefighter to my current seat as commissioner, improving the lives of Mooresville residents has been at the forefront,” he said. “This has been my passion since 18 years old, and I hope to continue putting this town and its people first as Mooresville’s next mayor.”
Compton said his campaign will focus on public safety, economic growth and transparency/accountable leadership:
Public safety
As mayor, Compton said he would “prioritize the well-being of Mooresville residents, working closely with law enforcement and the fire service to enhance community safety practices.” He said he will also “lead measures that ensure public safety personnel have the necessary resources and support to effectively carry out their life-saving duties.”
Economic growth
Drawing upon his 12 years in local government, Compton said he will “foster an environment that attracts businesses, encourages entrepreneurship and creates job opportunities for the greater community.” His economic policies, he said, “will focus on sustainability, including small businesses – the backbone of the Town of Mooresville.”
Transparent/Accountable Leadership
From his time as a firefighter, town staff member and commissioner, Compton said transparency and accountability have been long-standing pillars of his leadership. As mayor, he said he “pledges to maintain open communication with the public, seeking input on important matters and increased involvement in decision-making.” His administration, he said, “will be characterized by honesty, integrity and a commitment to serving within the best interests of Mooresville residents.”
“Together,” Compton said, “we can continue to grow Mooresville in a positive way and build on the principles of unity, progress and compassion.”
Compton is a lifetime member of the Western N.C. Fire & Life Safety Educators Association, chairman of the Centralina Regional Council, member of the National League of Cities, member of the N.C. League of Municipalities and ex officio to the Town of Mooresville Historic Preservation Commission and Public Arts Committee. He also sits on the board of directors for the Mooresville Downtown Commission. He was recognized in April as Downtown Mooresville’s 2022 Main Street Champion.
