But he was always there, ready to speak with some authority on most subjects related to transportation. Beginning in January, however, Thunberg will begin his tenure as executive director of the body, succeeding Carroll Gray, who has been the chief executive of the LNTC since its inception.
Gray announced his resignation from the LNTC two months ago, effective Dec. 31, although there is a possibility he will continue to assist the LNTC for the remainder of the fiscal year. A search for his replacement was launched immediately, but the representatives from the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Mooresville, and the City of Charlotte didn't have to look far for what appeared at the outset to be an obvious choice.
"I am excited to work with the commission as it continues to focus on improving the quality of life in the Lake Norman region by advocating for improved transportation throughout the region," says Thunberg.
The new executive has some pretty big shoes to fill. Under Gray's guidance, the LNTC has gone from a fledgling regional advisory body with no real authority to an influential force in regional transportation issues. It began making its presence felt early, as legislators across the state began to recognize — and listen to — the unique, multi-jurisdictional advocacy group that included municipalities from two counties.
The LNTC has been credited with keeping discussions on the Red Line Commuter Rail project on the front burner and helping to resurrect the proposed project, now packaged — with firm backing of the North Carolina Department of Transportation — as the Red Line Regional Rail Project. The LNTC has also been front and center in keeping regional and state officials' focus on the needed widening of I-77, helping to elevate — with significant support from some NCDOT officials — the crowded highway from low priority status to an impending project that could span the twin causeways into Mooresville.
By January 2010, the LNTC had raised more than $100,000 from the four towns, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and private industry to bring an Urban Land Institute panel to the Lake Norman region. The resulting report is largely credited with refocusing the discussion on the Red Line from a mass transit matter to one of economic development. That helped capture the attention of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County — which together carry the majority of influence on the Metropolitan Transit Commission — as well as the state on the viability of the Red Line.
State transportation officials took the subject one step further, expanding the concept to a combination focus on commuter and freight rail expansion, which, if financing and operational plans can be agreed upon by all parties involved, could begin service from downtown Charlotte to southern Mooresville in 2017.
All the while Thunberg has been there, contributing to the discussions and working behind the scenes.
"Bill is most knowledgeable about public policy at both state and local levels," says Gray of Thunberg. "As mayor of Mooresville, Bill played a formative role in creating the LNTC and is well regarded by the leadership of Mooresville and Iredell County, as well as the municipalities in Mecklenburg, including the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County."
Thunberg's Iredell County ties will be politically significant. In order for the Red Line concept to work, Mooresville and Iredell County will have to be involved. Mooresville has been an active participant in the discussions, but to date, Iredell County — which has a history of isolationism — has not.
The LNTC has no official voice in the discussion, but with a membership that includes one elected official and one staff member of each of the participating jurisdictions, it has proven to have some influence.
"Over the last three years, the LNTC has grown into an effective regional advocate for the citizens of the Lake Norman area," says Davidson Commissioner Brian Jenest, the chairman of the LNTC. "Bill brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the LNTC and we welcome him as executive director."
To date, the LNTC's budget has been about $80,000 per year, which has covered Gray's compensation, Web site development and maintenance, light travel and other miscellaneous expenses. There is no office for the organization; Gray worked largely out of his home. There is also no paid staff, other than the executive director. Jenest says Thunberg's compensation is yet to be finalized as the LNTC is working through a role for Gray to play through June.
Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month, rotating between each of the town halls. Thunberg is expected to assume his new responsibilities after the first of the year.
