After nearly 16 year, Scotland County is poised to have one of its own serve on the state Board of Transportation.

Gov. Beverly Perdue has nominated Laurinburg businessman David Burns as District 8 representative. Unless, the state General Assembly objects, he is expected to be sworn in next month. District 8 covers Scotland, Chatham, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Montgomery, Randolph and Richmond counties.

Burns would replace G.R. Kindley, of Rockingham, who had served in the position since 1993.

"I hope it will be something that I can be helpful on the state level, in Scotland County and the seven other counties I'll represent," Burns said. "It is an honor to follow someone like G.R. Kindley."

Burns, an executive with ZV Pate, said as a board member he plans to spend time learning what the transportation needs are in the district and across the state.

For example. Burns said the four-laning of U.S. 401 from Raeford to Laurinburg should be a priority.

"There are projects in this part of the state I'd like to see," he said.

Chairman J.D. Willis, of the Scotland County Board of Commissioners, says it's a plus for the county to have local representation on the state board.

"Scotland County is very fortunate to have someone of David's caliber to be serving on the department of transportation," Willis said. "David has served Scotland County in many capacities. He well knows the needs of Scotland County and I am sure he will do an outstanding job and serve Scotland County well."

Laurinburg Mayor Matthew Block is hopeful Burns will push several local initiatives, including widening U.S. 401, making U.S. 74 into Interstate 74, improving city streets and perhaps finding money to help the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport's runway project.

"Here at the city of Laurinburg, we are extremely pleased at Mr. Burns appointment as so much of what is important for Laurinburg's growth is under DOT."

Block said he was glad the governor's pick for the DOT seat is "someone as committed to Laurinburg's future as Mr. Burns" and said his appointment is "important for the future of Laurinburg and Scotland County."

Rep. Doug Yongue is also enthusiastic about the pick.

"I think it is a plus for Scotland County," Yongue said. "You can look from here to the end of the road and you couldn't find a more qualified person than David Burns. He is a consensus builder and knows how to get the job done."

Burns has worked for Z.V. Pate for 35 years. He recently retired as president and is serving as CEO until the end of the year to let Hew Fulton, the new president, learn the job before he leaves. He will then become chair of the board for Z.V. Pate.

Burns has a long history of service in Scotland County. His has previously chaired the Scotland County Board of Commissioners, the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce, Scotia Village and Scotland Health Care System.

He currently heads the board of trustees for St. Andrews Presbyterian College.

"I've lived in Laurinburg for over 40 years," he said. "Scotland County was a great place when I came here and I raised my kids here. I have always tried to give something back to the community and make it a better place for all of us... I always look for ways to improve quality of life type issues."