I went to Davidson Elementary, North Mecklenburg High School and Pfeiffer College. At Pfeiffer, I double-majored in Parks & Recreation Management and Health & Physical Education and played baseball all four years. I have been selling real estate for 29 years, first for my family business, Knox Realty, and now for Allen Tate Realtors. I attend Davidson College Presbyterian Church and play guitar with the church music team. Musically, I have been a gigging musician for over 20 years, have recorded two CD's in Nashville, played regionally and had a band for many years. Today, with my schedule as Mayor, realtor, husband, father and grandfather, there are many fewer gigs being played. Volunteering for several non-profits in the greater Charlotte region has always been important. My three main focus areas for our Davidson and the surrounding region are Affordable Living, Mental Well Being and Public Transportation.
I am a lifelong resident of Davidson. My family established roots in Mecklenburg County in 1757. Five generations of my family have called Davidson home. My grandfather, Ralph Knox, was a cotton farmer out on East Rocky River Road, he was instrumental in helping form the Mecklenburg Agricultural Extension Office. My father was raised on that farm, along with seven siblings, working in the fields, with other families from the area, many still reside in Davidson. My family has always been involved in community. At one time, during the 80's, my dad, Russell, was the Mayor of Davidson, my uncles Joe and Eddie, were the Mayors of Mooresville and Charlotte respectively, all at the same time. I've never really viewed my family as political, having always seen my family as stewards and servants of their hometowns and community. This area is what it is today because of those that came before us. My family heritage is important, sense of place is important. Everyone that chooses to call this place home should feel the same pride and sense of place.
Growing up here, Davidson was a town of 1500. Today, Davidson is roughly 15,000 residents. That's a lot of growth in 60 years. Even with that growth, our Davidson has maintained it's small town character, values and historic feel. Having Davidson College as a partner and neighbor is one thing that has kept us unique and different from our surrounding neighbors. It's no accident that Davidson has kept itself so unique as well. Our land use plan along with Town Staff and citizen-led advisory boards, give our town the best paths for our future Davidson. The challenge of keeping our Davidson small isn't easy. The Charlotte region grows by roughly 300,000 people per year. Many of those new residents want to call Davidson home due to many factors. Our schools, public, charter and private offer quality educational choices. Our parks and greenways provide both passive and active opportunities for all age groups. Our specialty shops and restaurants draw people from around the state and our Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings is second to none. Davidson will continue to grow, my hope is that those that come after me protect and preserve what is our Davidson.
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