Lisa Qualls

♦ Age: 57
♦ Family: Fiancé Bill Willburn; two cats, Leo and Willie
♦ Education: Attended Ohio University
♦ Occupation: Mortgage Banker
♦ Community Service: Active with Williamson’s Chapel UMC, Rotary Club of Top of the Lake (Vice President, past President), FeedNC (Past Chair, current board member), and Mooresville Chamber of Commerce (Past Board Member, Town Liaison).

Q&A

IFN: Why are you running for office? What will your top three priorities be if you are elected in November? Is reducing the tax rate an option?

QUALLS: I’m running for re-election to continue the progress we’ve made. My focus is on roads, safety, and responsible growth. I’ve helped move long-stalled transportation projects forward through years of relationship-building and regional work. I’ll keep managing growth carefully, protecting neighborhoods, and keeping taxes low.

When I was sworn in in 2011, the rate was .58; today it’s .4846. Each year, we look for ways to lower it without cutting services.

IFN: If you are an incumbent, what do you consider to be the major accomplishments of the town board and mayor during your current term in office? If you are a challenger, what is your assessment of the work the mayor and town board have done during the past two years?

QUALLS: Transportation has been a top priority. As Ward 4 Commissioner and Chair of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, I’ve helped move key road and sidewalk projects forward, including safer routes along South Street, Shearers Road, and the East-West Connector. We’ve also invested in new police and fire facilities, expanded Liberty and Cornelius Road Parks, added greenway connections, and opened the new West Side Library—delivering real improvements
for Mooresville families.

IFN: One of the town board candidates has raised concerns about transparency in the operations of the town government. What is your assessment of the current mayor and board’s commitment to conducting the public’s business in public? What are your ideas for improving the town’s performance in this area?

QUALLS: I support open meetings, clear communication, and easy public access to information. Residents can find detailed budgets and project updates online and are always welcome at board meetings. Programs like the Citizens, Police, and Fire Academies are great ways to see how town operations work up close.

IFN: The town has lost several dedicated, long-time employees during the past two years. What is your assessment of the work culture in town hall, the police department and other departments? What role do the mayor and town board play in making sure town employees, including department heads, feel valued and empowered to do their best work?

QUALLS: As Mooresville grows, change within departments is expected. We’ve worked to improve communication, modernize management structures, and support professional development so employees feel valued and supported. Experience matters in maintaining stability while continuing to move forward—and that’s what I bring. Our town works best when staff and leadership share mutual respect, and I’m committed to protecting that culture.

IFN: It appears the traffic situation in Mooresville will get worse before it gets better due to current road projects and additional development. What responsibility do the town board and mayor bear for the current traffic congestion? What can the next mayor and town board do to make things better?

QUALLS: Traffic is one of Mooresville’s biggest challenges, driven not only by our own growth but by regional development. As Chair of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), I’ve worked closely with state and regional leaders to secure funding and move long-delayed projects forward. Through those partnerships, we’ve advanced connector roads, corridor improvements, and new sidewalks to make travel safer and more efficient. Most major roads fall under NCDOT, but local leadership and persistence matter.

I’m proud that Mooresville now has a stronger voice in regional planning, helping ensure our needs are prioritized as growth continues.

IFN: If you are running for a Ward seat, what is the most pressing issue in your ward? What will you do to ensure other board members and the mayor understand the importance of addressing this issue?

QUALLS: Traffic and infrastructure remain top concerns. I stay engaged with residents through neighborhood meetings and civic service to ensure priorities like safer roads, sidewalks, and public safety are front and center at the board level.

IFN: Why are you the best candidate in your race?

QUALLS: Experience matters. I’ve served Mooresville for over a decade, leading on transportation, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. My regional partnerships have helped secure funding for critical road and sidewalk projects that had stalled for years. I understand how to get things done within our town and across the state. While others may bring ideas, I bring results—and the proven leadership to keep Mooresville moving forward.