Position/philosophy statement
Protecting What Makes Monroe a Hometown
Current Occupation
Retired Law Enforcement Officer
In addition to serving on City Council, I am a Marine Corps veteran and recently retired after more than 25 years in law enforcement. Those experiences instilled in me the principle of service before self. Prior to my election, I served Monroe on both the Planning Board and the Airport Commission. On the Planning Board, I worked to address the impacts of rapid residential growth by advancing development ordinance changes that reduced density and increased transparency. On the Airport Commission, I helped with long-term planning for North Carolina’s second-busiest general aviation airport. Currently, I chair the Public Safety Committee, previously served as Mayor Pro Tem, and helped establish the Monroe Animal Welfare Committee.
Public safety will always come first. I will continue supporting strong partnerships between law enforcement, courts, and community leaders, while ensuring officers have the training and resources they need. Infrastructure is another top priority. Roads, utilities, and wastewater capacity must be treated as essentials. I will continue pushing for dedicated infrastructure funding, working with state leaders to bring more road funding back to Monroe, and supporting policies that require development to pay its fair share. Keeping Monroe affordable is critical. I did not vote to raise property taxes this year because it was not the right time to add pressure on families, retirees, and young people already facing the county re-evaluation.
With decades in law enforcement, I understand how important it is for officers to know they are supported by their elected leaders. Monroe is fortunate to have a professional, dedicated police department whose work makes our community safer. We don't have to change what works, but strengthen it. That includes improving coordination, expanding prevention efforts, and supporting a community-centered approach. I support focused deterrence for repeat offenders, continued collaboration with faith and community leaders, and exploring a community response network to help prevent retaliation after serious incidents. I also support stronger coordination between police, courts, and the District Attorney.
If you want to see my entire platform please visit: https://www.dotsonformonroe.com/platform
Position/philosophy statement
Bringing Our Community Together to Move Monroe Forward
Current Occupation
Retired - Chamber of Commerce CEO
I have extensive business experience as a banker, entrepreneur, and for the past 11 years serving as CEO of our community’s chamber of commerce. During my career, I managed teams, oversaw budgets, advocated for our community, supported small businesses, strengthened economic development efforts, and championed workforce development.
Most importantly, I spent my entire career bringing people together with different viewpoints to achieve meaningful results.
In addition to my professional work, I have been an active community leader for over 40 years serving on a wide variety of nonprofit and civic boards. Also, I served for 14 years on the Monroe-Union County Economic Development Advisory Board and 12 years on the Monroe Tourism Authority.
First, taxpayers deserve a city that delivers—and delivers well—on the core services that keep Monroe running: well‑maintained roads, strong police and fire departments and proactive code enforcement to ensure clean, safe neighborhoods, and reliable, sustainable water, sewer, and energy services.
Second, economic development. A thriving city depends on a strong business community. Businesses create jobs, strengthen our tax base, support local nonprofits, and help families build stability and opportunity.
Third, workforce readiness is key to Monroe’s future. For families, access to high‑demand, well‑paying jobs right here at home is life‑changing. For businesses, a qualified workforce is essential.
Ensuring our first responders have the resources and tools they need is paramount to their success, including visible support from their elected officials.
Providing needed support and resources for the city's code enforcement department to ensure neighborhoods throughout our city are clean and safe.
Monroe is unique as the only municipality in Union County with its own water, wastewater treatment, and energy services. Investing in the health and maintenance of those systems is critical to our city's current and future success.
Leadership is about bringing people together around a shared goal. For more than 40 years—in my career and in my volunteer work—I’ve united people with different viewpoints to get things done. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to the Mayor’s office.
For more details about my vision for Monroe, please visit our website: PatKahleforMayor.com
