Carl Schuler running for seat on Chapel Hill Town Council

Carl Schuler traveled more than 800 miles from his hometown of Ottawa, Ontario, before finding his way to Chapel Hill.

A nurse consultant at the UNC Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Schuler can often be seen on South Campus conducting clinical trials as a study nurse.

But after working in scrubs for more than 20 years, Schuler has decided to apply his medical background to a new field: politics.

In the company of fellow newcomers Lee Storrow, Laney Dale, Augustus Cho, Jason Baker and Jon DeHart, Schuler will run for a seat on the Chapel Hill Town Council against incumbents Matt Czajkowski, Donna Bell and Jim Ward.

Schuler said his decision to seek office progressed from participating in the Vineyard Square Homeowners’ Association and attending council meetings.

“I think it’s a natural extension,” he said. “The decision was really one of timing.”

If Schuler gains a seat on the council, he said he wants to focus on growing the local economy.

“We’ve already got the comprehensive plan moving forward, but that won’t be in its final stage until next year,” he said. “We need to look at our resources and make sure we’re on target, especially with projects like Carolina North.”

Schuler, who received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University, is also a member of the Good Neighbor Plan Advisory Committee and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.

Laurin Mancour, who served as president of the area chapter of ACRP when Schuler was secretary, said Schuler always looks at situations from a fresh perspective.

“He has the ability to transcend process and procedure and make sure to not lose sight of the overall big picture,” she said. “He has a talent for understanding things and spotting possible challenges.”

Ro Moser, the current president of the ACRP chapter who has known Schuler for three years, said she has always counted on Schuler to take initiative and create innovative ideas.

“With the political landscape as it is right now I’m always impressed when people want to reach out and do something,” she said. “Carl has the energy and interest to examine issues thoroughly.”

During his time at the University, Schuler has also participated in UNC’s employee forum, an experience which he thinks has thoroughly prepared him for a position in local politics.

“It’s really a microcosm of living up to the covenants and bylaws of the community,” he said. “We do much of the same things that would go on at council.”

Schuler, who recently began playing the saxophone again after a 25-year hiatus, said he also has an interest in the local arts scene.

“This area’s lifestyle is what keeps me here,” he said. “I enjoy the interesting mix of people.”

Contact the City Editor at city@dailytarheel.com.