2019 BPC Candidate Guide by BPC-Charlotte-Mecklenburg

BPC 2019 PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE

PRIMARY EDITION

CANDIDATE GUIDE

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BOOK 2019 PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE

MAYORAL

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS

AFFO RDAB LE H OU S IN G

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE E D U CATI O N

BLACK POLTICAL CAUCUS ECO N O MI C MO BI L ITY

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Mayor VI ALEXANDER LYLES BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

and other organizations including the June Community Conversation to hear suggestions from residents on conflict resolution, de-escalation tactics, and how to break the cycle of violence. Policies related to affordable housing, bringAlso, as mayor, I’ve listened to the opinions ing good-paying jobs to the city, having safer and ideas of others through council meetings neighborhoods and building better transwhere residents are able to make their voices portation infrastructure are key priorities for heard. I’ve also met with citizens at least one me as mayor and would continue to be if I’m day a week by request, which led to me meetelected to a second term. These are focus aring with over 1,000 individuals – many of whom eas that specifically promote social and racial are African American – during my current term. equity and helps us recover from systematic We’ve also made it easy for anyone to schedule issues that have affected our community. time to meet with me as mayor to discuss concerns by going to the City of Charlotte website OW DO YOU PLAN TO INand clicking ‘Meet the Mayor.’ I’ve also includVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DEed residents in the decision-making process CISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR through community forums and meetings; and CITY? through the appointment of a number of resiDuring my current term as mayor, I’ve indents new to boards and commissions. Involvvolved residents in the decision-making process in various ways, and I will continue to ing residents in the decision-making process has also included the formation of task forces, do so. To address issues such as the recent working with other community leaders to creviolence in Charlotte, I’ve hosted a number of community forums in conjunction with the ate ordinances to solve some of the issues that plague our community and also adding new Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department members to the Citizens Review Board. HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

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ALEXANDER LYLES

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? The most important issues currently facing Charlotte that will continue to be focus areas are affordable housing, jobs, transportation and creating safer neighborhoods by reducing violence. We’ve made a lot of progress in these areas since I was first elected mayor - including raising funds for affordable housing through various public-private partnerships and city council-approved measures - but there is still more work to do in preserving our existing housing units and building new ones when possible. In a second term, this will be a major focus as having safe, stable housing for Charlotte residents helps to ensure that our city is equitable for all. I’ve also worked with corporations to bring more jobs to the city including Fortune 100 company Honeywell, the newly-forming Truist Bank that will headquarter in Charlotte, and the creation of the Lowe’s new technology hub in South End amongst others. Transportation is also an important issue as both the population and job opportunities continue to grow in the city. Working to improve the affordability, reliability, timeliness and quality of city transportation helps to expand employment opportunities for residents as they’ll be able to commute better than current infrastructure allows. Additionally, ensuring the safety of our neighCONT I U N E R E ADI N G ON N EXT PAG E

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CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE INFORMATION Candidate Name: Vi Alexander Lyles Candidate Address: South Regal Lane Charlotte, NC 28201 Candidate Phone:704-737-7710 Candidate Email: vi@vilyles.com SOCIAL MEDIA Campaign Website: vilyles.com Campaign Facebook: facebook.com/vilylesCLT/ Campaign Instagram: Campaign Twitter: https://twitter.com/vilyles POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Political Affiliation: Democrat Year(s) as an Elected Official: 6 Previous Offices Held: Charlotte City Council (2013 - 2015); Charlotte City Council/Mayor Pro-Tem (2015 - 2017); Mayor (2017 - present) Campaign Lead Contact: LaToya Evans & Tonya Jameson Campaign Contact Phone Number: 910-261-5874, 704-577-4130 2019 PR IM A RY E L ECT IO N

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Mayor VI ALEXANDER LYLES BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

borhoods continues to be a discussion and area of concern in Charlotte. In addition to the community forums on de-escalation and conflict resolution, I will continue to fund and grow violence prevention programs that focus on diversion of young people from arrest to jobs - instead of jail - and continue summer programs focused on young people from 13 to 17 getting a positive summer experience. An example of such activities includes the recent partnership with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and the City of Charlotte to provide local teens with free access to the YMCA during the summer months. In addition to granting teens access to the facilities and programs, the City is also providing free dinners Monday-Friday nights. I will also focus on government spending for minority businesses and challenge the government policies and laws that “red line” minority businesses with bonding and insurance requirements.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS

THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Economic mobility continues to be an issue for the general African American community, and in Charlotte, we are in a good position to turn things around in the following ways: A. Bringing more good-paying jobs to Charlotte. In the relocation of Honeywell and various other companies to the area during my term, Charlotte has seen thousands of jobs added in our city since I’ve taken office in 2017. These jobs help to create economic mobility as each of the companies look for diverse candidates and play a vital role in employing our new, current and re-entering residents. In order for members of the African American community to take advantage of these opportunities, the city also continues to offer workforce development programs in partnership with corporations, nonprofits and other community groups, providing them with the skills necessary to secure jobs that are coming to our city. We’re also working to increase the number of apprenticeship programs adding to those currently available in

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construction, aviation and computer training as I continue to champion career education and training in schools. Additionally, through partnerships with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and other groups, we’ve continued to level the playing field for diverse suppliers and minority-owned businesses in the city. B. Housing and Transportation. With studies showing that children raised in stable homes are much more likely to get out of poverty, working to secure millions of dollars to fund affordable housing is not just one of the things I’m most proud of during my time serving as Mayor, but it’s also something that will continue as we battle Charlotte’s affordable housing crisis. It’s the best opportunity for families to begin to build lives and secure economic mobility for themselves and their children. Additionally, building out transportation infrastructure and providing more options for those living in various parts of the city will allow residents to affordably commute, expanding opportunities for employment and increasing their chances of earning a living wage. C. Safer neighborhoods. Crime in Charlotte has become an area that needs more focus and attention, as it greatly affects the mobility particularly of young African Americans. Working to identify issues causing violence and addressing the mental health needs of our young adults will help us to keep our neighborhoods safe and our children out of the judicial system.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?

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the issue and work with city leaders on developer incentives to build more affordable housing units. However, we cannot build our way out of the affordable housing issue, and it’s imperative that we work to renovate and rehabilitate existing affordable housing units. This is why I’ve worked with the Charlotte City Council to allocate nearly $2.1 million from the city’s Housing Trust Fund to subsidize the renovation and rehabilitation of the Sharon Oaks Apartments while continuing to explore more ways to preserve and improve current affordable housing conditions. I will also endorse and support an additional $50 million for affordable housing in 2021. To give more people access to affordable housing, I will work with landlords to adjust policies related to felony convictions and credit checks to help those working to transition.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The city is on excellent financial footing. Our continued growth environment continues to bring new thousands of new jobs a year and at least 1000 people a week (net) are moving into our city limits. This provides an expansion of our tax revenue base. This combined with our Manager’s commitment to find all revenue streams for city priorities and willingness to take innovative approaches for how our internal structures run (and are therefore paid for) leave us with a bright financial outlook. T HE END

As mentioned, the affordable housing crisis in our city is one that we continue to battle and have made great progress in, yet we still have a long way to go. In addition to various public-private partnerships totaling over $70 million in funding and the Charlotte City Council’s approved $17.7 million for eight additional affordable housing projects, I will continue to find funding to address 2 0 1 9

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Mayor RODERICK DAVIS BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? I will pursue policies that stop gentrification

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? Allowing them to vote on the issues through an online poll

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES ARE HOMELESSNESS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND CRIME.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Create more black owned businesses, fund these black owned businesses, and buy from these black owned businesses. The best thing we can do for our own economic mobility is to keep our dollars circulating in our community.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? The first step is to create affordable housing for low income families not the middle class. I live in a low income community so I know what affordable housing is to people who live there.

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HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? I believe the city is doing fine financially, but there is a lack of competence when it comes to spending. T HE E N D

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: RODERICK DAVIS CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 4100 WESTCLIFF DR CHARLOTTE 28208 CANDIDATE PHONE:9807850555 CANDIDATE EMAIL: RODAVIS84@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.RODERICKDAVIS.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/RODERICKAD CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @REALRODERICKDAVIS CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: 0 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: RODERICK DAVIS CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 9807850555

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Mayor TIGRESS MCDANIEL BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Foremost, I must reiterate as I have stated before - I have no agenda of mine own to push. I prefer to prioritize policies with the input of the people. I shall seek to create citizens’ boards with representatives from each ward/neighborhood and we shall identify and prioritize a comprehensive list of issues as near day one as I can. (1) Proposing legislation to address mold and slumlord practices that often inevitably leads to homelessness or derogatory rental credit which makes it even tougher to qualify for “fit” housing and plagues our communities - We Black Charlotteans can normally only afford the rental properties in Charlotte that are not fit; unfit premises are primary cause for health issues, consequential significant absences from school and a myriad of other problems; (2) working directly with Kerr, Mike, Khalid, and Garry to address police immunity for exces-

sive force, cultural awareness and training and binding consequences for failure to comply, expunction awareness and assistance for CMS students et cetera, legal education, crime prevention, youth empowerment and real solutions against bullying...I even wish to propose police mentorship for our Black youth. I launched the ABOVEground Railroad Commission Incorporated and have fun philanthropic projects over a span of 15 years upon the thrusts , and impactfully so. These are just a few of many re-strategization efforts I shall pursue as your Mayor. And fair share city grants and forgivable loans for Black owned businesses. Some of these will require policy; others will not.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? Literally; I am and have been the only candidate who has consistently, since my first candidacy for office, encouraged a participatory leadership model. As abovementioned, when elected I shall create a team of representatives from respective wards/neighborhoods and facilitate 2 0 1 9

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TIGRESS MCDANIEL weekly brainstorming/planning/implementation meetings. I also plan to work directly with the local government for surrounding townships; the decision making process need include them as well.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? All mentioned in question 1 - together with air and water pollution, public transportation, high vehicular fatality and accident rates, crime rate, living wage and rampant foreign corporate headquartering in our city (exploiting our labor force and incentivized funding) and so much more.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: TIGRESS MCDANIEL CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 3727 MARGARET MITCHELL

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? (1) Equal allotment of city budget funding to Black owned businesses (2) Increase Black representation in leadership - the citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; board can help in that regard (3) Legal education community oneness programs to unite different generational populations within our Black communities.

COURT CHARLOTTE NC 28273 CANDIDATE PHONE:7046059205 CANDIDATE EMAIL: SEEWEEVOLVE@SEETIGRESSRUN. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.SEETIGRESSRUN.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/SEETIGRESSRUN CAMPAIGN TWITTER: WWW.TWITTER.COM/SEETIGRESSRUN POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: NA PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NA CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: TIGRESS MCDANIEL CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7043120967

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Mayor TIGRESS MCDANIEL BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I’ve answered this question above. We don’t have an affordable housing issue - instead, we have a living wage issue, a slumlord and no mold legislation issue, a fit premises are usually the more expensive premises issue (as opposed to all premises in commerce are mandated by law to be fit)...my MS is in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development; I offer an interdisciplinary rounded perspective to implement solutions to this issue where landlords and tenants “win”

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? I understand that the most recently adopted budget is for 2.6 billion. I have requested disclosure of the budget. From the outside looking in, with stalled construction all throughout the city or none at all, dilapidated sectors, understaffed police force to address crime and traffic, to any Economist an unstable financial footing is obvious. As abovementioned, I would be getting ahead of myself to answer this without having reviewed the adopted budget. However, generally speaking, I haven’t “met” a budget yet that I couldn’t restrategize and minimize costs and maximize benefits (impact). I expect it will be no different with our city’s budget when I am elected. - Thank you the opportunity to share my disposition with your organization.

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Mayor JOEL ODOM BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

I’ll work to promote inclusionary zoning policies that encourage developers to build affordable housing units in median-income areas, creating economic diversity that will reduce racial segregation, lower crime levels, and increase economic mobility.

The three most important issues facing the city of Charlotte are affordable housing, crime, and political and racial division. I’ll tackle those issues in that order.

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? As mayor, I’ll hold monthly town hall meetings with members of the community. There, any citizen will be able to directly challenge my decisions. I believe that government works best when people are able to directly hold it accountable.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES?

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? -Expand the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program to employ more African American students. -Developing job training programs specifically focusing on trade skills. -Incentivizing private sector employment in low-income areas.

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JOEL ODOM W

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? As mayor, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pursue a more aggressive affordable housing strategy by increasing the total housing supply alongside designating certain housing units as affordable units.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Charlotte is a great city for the middle class, but low-income communities continue to struggle. Charlotte has become a big-business city at the expense of small businesses, and I will work to protect our local business owners.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: JOEL ODOM CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 605 ECHODALE DR CHARLOTTE, NC 28217 CANDIDATE PHONE:9806133711 CANDIDATE EMAIL: INFO@JOELODOMFORCHARLOTTE. COM SOCIAL MEDIA

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CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.JOELODOMFORCHARLOTTE.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/JOELODOMFORMAYOR/ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @JOELODOMFORCHARLOTTE CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @JOELODOMFORCLT POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: JOEY CHONG CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 9806133711

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Mayor LUCILLE PUCKETT BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES?

I will start by pursuing a policy requiring all city workers to have implicit bias training as a Community and Public Safety part of employment. Youth Community Preservation Low-income and Affordable Housing OW DO YOU PLAN TO INEconomic Mobility VOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DEWhen working on one is working on all because CISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR they all goes hand in hand. CITY?

By having listening sessions in all areas of Charlotte especially the low-income communities. Redeveloping the community organization department, and have and open door policy 1-2 hour weekly.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Training for jobs of the future, living wages, and education

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HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? 1st and foremost STOP letting Developers guide the deal. 2nd use and repair what’s readily available. 3rd stop leveling homes, apartments, buildings when they can be restored and lived in. I will be in the community, do my own homework and listen to the community.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? When I am elected Mayor I plan to go over the budget and find those secret pocket that holds money for Developers and projects that is “delayed “ such as the $5.8 million that was found and gave to HNTB. I will hold companies accountable for delays within their control.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: LUCILLE PUCKETT CANDIDATE ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 790882 CHARLOTTE 28206 CANDIDATE PHONE:7049652826 CANDIDATE EMAIL: LUCILLE.PUCKETT@YAHOO.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @LPUCKETT68 POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT

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YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 9 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: CHAIRWOMAN OF ACORN TRYON HILL’S CHAPTER, HEATHER GLEN NEIGHBORHOOD VICE-PRESIDENT, DILLEHAY COURT TENANT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, CITY-WIDE RESIDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, CHARLOTTE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK CRISIS DIRECTOR, AND NAACP POLITICAL ACTION CHAIR CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: LUCILLE PUCKETT CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7049652826 2019 PR IM A RY E L ECT IO N

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City Council AT-LARGE DIMPLE AJMERA BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? My mantra is “your zip code shouldn’t matter.” Yet there are proven statistics correlating “health” and the zip code you may live in. I believe in economic development and environmental issues that can ensure sensible growth for all our residents.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I hosted numerous Town Halls, and/or led efforts to connect businesses and residents with city contracting services, including public safety, minority business enterprise, women business enterprise, historically underutilized business, and more.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Following through on the Strategic Energy Action Plan to reduce CO emissions. Continuing the historical financing of affordable housing. Continuing economic development initiatives (i.e.,) Eastland Mall. And public safety in our schools.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Affordable housing, equitable transportation (i.e.,) Cross Charlotte trail. In 2019, Property Tax Re-evaluations were of great concerns and I feared displacing the elderly and poor. In the FY 2020 budget, I advocated and supported no tax increase. Charlotte has seen thousands of jobs added in our city since I’ve taken office in 2017. These jobs help to create economic mo 2 0 1 9

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DIMPLE AJMERA W

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I have advocated for the expansion of the historic $50 million bond referendum and played an integral role in securing the funding and neighborhood support for the St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place which serves some of the most vulnerable members of our community. On Monday, July 23, 2019, we unanimously voted one 8 projects, the plan includes spending $12.8 million from the housing trust fund and donating nearly $50 million in cityowned land for projects.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? There are great inequities in our city including health concerns as it relates to the environment, affordable housing, food deserts, and transportation. While not in my purview, we need to increase the minimum wage.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE INFORMATION CANDIDATE NAME: DIMPLE AJMERA CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 6528 MATLEA COURT CHARLOTTE 28215 CANDIDATE PHONE:7049567114 CANDIDATE EMAIL: DIMPLE@DIMPLEAJMERA.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTPS://DIMPLEAJMERA.COM/ CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/COUNCILMEMBER/ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM. COM/DIMPLE4CHARLOTTE/ CAMPAIGN TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/DIMPLEAJMERA POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 3 YEARS (APPOINTED 1 YEAR, ELECTED 2 YEARS) PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CHARLOTTE HOUSING AUTHORITY (20152017), CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT 5, CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCILMEMBER AT LARGE

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CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: DIMPLE AJMERA CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7049567114

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City Council AT-LARGE JULIE EISELT BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Transit and Planning policies: Investing in our bus system to provide people with a worldclass bus system that allows residents to get to and from work, school and wherever else they need to go, in an efficient manner.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY?

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Refining the Affordable Housing Framework, developing an efficient transit system, and building capacity and in our workforce development program. We must also get stem the trend of homicides and gun related violence.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRIThe 2040 Comprehensive Vision Plan is most SIS? important initiative that we are undertaking and will map out the vision for the City’s 1. Help African American businesses get better future. I actively promote important resident access to capital. engagement in the charrets, online participa- 2. Build upon Social Capital programs like the tion and town hall meetings. City’s Jumpstart Microgrant program; 3. Broaden the types of industries and companies in the Workforce Development program

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HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? The Affordable Housing Framework is a huge step forward, but needs to be further refined to include more community input, and measurable standards. We must also start to acquire land and consider land trusts for fragile and gentrifying neighborhoods.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The city of Charlotte is financially strong. Sustaining it is about understanding the long-terms needs of the community and making sure that we have the borrowing capacity to allow us to meet the needs, without overburdening the budget with debt.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: JULIE EISELT CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 420 E. WORTHINGTON AVE. CHARLOTTE, NC 28203 CANDIDATE PHONE:704-578-9611 CANDIDATE EMAIL: VOTEJULIEEISELT@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.JULIEEISELT.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: FRIENDS OF JULIE EISELT CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: NONE CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @JULIEEISELT

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City Council AT-LARGE JORGE MILLARES BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Charlotte’s monumental challenges as it relates to economic mobility affects families of color more than anyone else. Our City needs to do its part to foster economic mobility and development. We need to assist families struggling with generational poverty while also cultivating entrepreneurship and job development. That means connecting our residents to existing resources and providing those that aren’t offered but that are desperately needed. We need to provide families living in poverty with: • Career Skills assessments. • Education and Vocational Training. • Workforce development (Resume workshops, interview role-plays, etc.). • Ongoing career guidance • Credit improvement programs • Home ownership counseling, courses, and

down payment assistance • Financial literacy courses and ongoing guidance • Long-term planning by teaching them how to save for their retirement and their children’s college funds By financially investing in these families and helping them escape generational poverty, we are placing them on a long-term path to home ownership, job stability, and changing the trajectory of their family for generations to come. The City has already taken a significant first step in creating the Office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigrant Integration. Now, we must hold them accountable to become an economically equitable city that is no longer 50 out of 50 in the US. Please go to https://www.jorge4clt.com/on-theissues for more information.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? Unfortunately, there have been times where the residents of Charlotte could have been more involved in the city’s decision-making process but they were not given a seat at the table. One 2 0 1 9

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JORGE MILLARES immediate way to engage our community is to better utilize the City’s Boards and Commissions for feedback. As someone who currently serves on the City of Charlotte’s Community Relations Committee, I feel that there is a lack of engagement from the Council and City staff to involve those who serve on an advisory board. Additionally, it is critical for the city to involve residents early on in the process rather than after most of the decisions have been made. More often than not, the city engages the residents of Charlotte to present action plans rather than to compose action plans.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Affordable Housing- We must get creative with the way that we utilize the Housing Trust Fund. Yes, we need more affordable housing units, but we must also assist individuals that are in need today and cannot wait years for those units to be built.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE INFORMATION CANDIDATE NAME: JORGE MILLARES CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 11231 QUIET WOOD COURT CHARLOTTE, NC 28277 CANDIDATE PHONE:7046045563 CANDIDATE EMAIL: JORGE@JORGE4CLT.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.JORGE4CLT.COM/ CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/JORGE4CLT/ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @JORGE_L_MILLARES

Economic Mobility- Our 50 out of 50 ranking in economic mobility is a clear indicator that we are still feeling the effects of segregation in Charlotte still today. The Chetty report highlighted how racial segregation, lack of social capital, and inequitable resources are at the root cause of the issue. The City of Charlotte’s newly created office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigrant Integration must take the lead role in connecting families living in

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City Council AT-LARGE JORGE MILLARES BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

poverty to existing resources and creating the social capital that is currently missing. Community and Policing- Unfortunately, officer-involved shootings continue to be a major issue in Charlotte and so does our rising homicide rate. Merely talking about it will not bring forth the solutions that our community deserves. We need a strategic action-based approach to create a systemic change for our community and police. Creating an environment where every resident feels safe, regardless of the color of their skin has to be a priority. In order to accomplish this there must be a heightened level of training and accountability of our officers.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? 1. Make a significant financial investment to properly staff the City of Charlotte Government’s newly created Office of Equity,

Mobility, and Immigrant Integration and make it a connecting hub for the resources listed below: a. Career Skills assessments. b. Education and Vocational Training. c. Workforce development (Resume workshops, interview role-plays, etc.). d. Ongoing career guidance e. Credit improvement programs f. Home ownership counseling, courses, and down payment assistance g. Financial literacy courses and ongoing guidance h. Long-term planning by teaching them how to save for their retirement and their children’s college funds 2. Concentrated poverty is not the answer. We must be intentional about where we are building our affordable housing units. By making sure that affordable housing units are available throughout Charlotte, not just in certain parts of Charlotte, we are racially integrating our city and combating the ongoing effects of segregation. Integration is a key component to creating social capital. It’s time to blend the crescent and the wedge.

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3. Entrepreneurship is a pathway to move upwardly economically. The City of Charlotte should cultivate entrepreneurship among people of color and provide the resources to launch, maintain, and grow a business. Additionally, the city should place a heavier focus on offering more city contracts to minority business owners (MBE’s).

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? We need more affordable housing units across our City, but there are plenty of things we can do while we manage the building and establishing of those units. Housing vouchers: There are currently 13,000+ people in Charlotte on the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list due to limited Federal funding, and every day, the number of landlords who accept these vouchers is decreasing. We need to provide vouchers to more people and incentive landlords to accept them. We can do both of those things by using part of the Charlotte Housing Trust Fund. We could provide incremental vouchers to those on the waiting list and give landlords who accept them a tax credit based on the value of the property. Use of land and placement: For us to create equitable communities we must be cognizant of where we are building and creating affordable housing units. Concentrated poverty is not the answer. To ensure racially and economically equitable schools, neighborhoods, and communities we have to make sure we’re placing new affordable housing across our City and using the City-owned land that’s available to us. Supporting our residents: Families and individuals who are at 70% AMI or below should automatically qualify for the programs and resources that I would advocate to be provided by the City’s Office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigration Integration. The proposed services would help put these families on the path to housing stability and

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upward economic mobility. Investing in the financial sustainability of the residents of Charlotte changes the definition of ‘affordable’ for many. To improve our affordable housing crisis, we must also focus on affordable living. We need to provide immediate assistance to those suffering, provide them the long-term support and resources to escape their economic cycle, and build diverse price point communities across all of Charlotte which benefits everyone. In diverse communities, we find the social capital that is also necessary for solving our upward mobility issues.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Recently, a study ranked Charlotte among ‘50 worst-run cities’ in America. The study measured the effectiveness of local leadership by how taxpayer money is managed and the quality of services provided by local government. Despite all of our spending, we still rank dead last in economic mobility, our homicide rate continues to climb, and we are far from catching up with our demand for affordable housing. I firmly believe that we must rethink how we are spending our residents’ hard-earned taxpayer money. The very first step should be to engage our community through the City’s Boards and Commissions, and through community engagement sessions. By doing so we can identify what they consider to be the most pressing issues and areas where we should invest their tax dollars. Secondly, it is critical that we allocate more funding towards long-term solutions to our largest issues as the ones mentioned above around economic mobility and affordable housing. We have adequate funding but we must be strategic in the fashion in which we utilize it. Source: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-among-50-worst-run-cities-in-america-study-finds/275-34d8d88d-006e-4c55-9f54039c19382304 T HE END 22

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City Council AT-LARGE JAMES “SMUGGIE” MITCHELL BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? My focus is on racial equity. I will lead the efforts to better monitor the Charlotte Regional Visitor Authority (CRVA). The City provides $16.2 million dollars for the CRVA to market and recruit conventions, and events to the City. The City Council needs make sure all material materials whether its printed/videos, or commercial reflects the diversity population of Charlotte. The City Council needs to make sure that top priorities for our City, the CRVA is held accountable to achieve our top priorities. I truly don’t think the City Council would have approved losing the Battle of the Bands, nor the CIAA basketball tournament.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? Continue to host Town Hall meetings, and attend Neighborhood meetings to gain feedback from the citizens on issues they are facing. Also I’m going to engage citizens more through social media through my facebook page. To inform them on important agenda items, and provide information from the City Council meetings that are important to our residents. And I will nominate residents for important Task Force, AD Hoc committees, and board and commissions.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Community Safety is one of the most important issue facing our City. I will take the following actions to address this concern. I will continue to vote to fund diversity training for our police officers.

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JAMES “SMUGGIE” MITCHELL I will support funding escalation training for our police officers. Especially dealing with our citizens with mental illness. Vote in favor of funding more police officers currently we have over 100 vacancies at CMPD. Will develop a new strategy for our community policers program. That will focus on engaging our police officers with Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, and build more trust time the citizens in the community. We really need to develop a “Upward Mobility” strategy plan. The goal will be to focus on training, developing, mentoring, and creating jobs for our citizens who do not have a four year degree, or in need of an entry level opportunity.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Continue to support and fund P.I.E.C.E 2.0. This program will train citizens who have barriers to employment with skills in the Commerical Construction, HVAC, and highway construction. We have added the transportation and logistics industry to P.I.E.C.E 2.0. This will allow the City to focus on training citizens for the 1,200 Amazon jobs that are needed in October 2019. Implement a new policy regarding our Business Incentive Grant program. If we provide tax payer dollars to a company to expand, or relocate to Charlotte, we need to add 2 new goals. 1). Mi-

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: JAMES “SMUGGIE” MITCHELL CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 7803 WILTSHIRE RIDGE ROAD CHARLOTTE, NC 28269 CANDIDATE PHONE:704-777-1194 CANDIDATE EMAIL: JAMESWORKSCLT@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: JAMESWORK4CLT.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: JAMES MITCHELL FOR CHARLOTTE CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: JAMESWORKS4CLT CAMPAIGN TWITTER: JAMESWORKS4CLT POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 2015-2019 ATLARGE PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: 1999 - 2013 DISTRICT 2 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: JAMEA WARREN CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 336-404-1539

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City Council AT-LARGE JAMES “SMUGGIE” MITCHELL BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

nority participation on the construction of the facility, and 2). Aspiration goal for upward mobility jobs.

Identify opportunities to provide more capital for African-American companies so they may grow capacity. This will allow more African-American companies to become Prime contractors and hire more employees.

We are in great financial shape. The City each year puts 12% in our contingency fund.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT?

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HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? The City owned land must be reserved/used to address our Affordable housing issue. And we need put another $50 million housing bond on the ballot for 2020 as well.

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City Council AT-LARGE LAWANA SLACK-MAYFIELD BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

ings & outreach to local organizations such as Team TruBlue, Center 360 and multiple schools in the neighborhood.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES?

Support African American owned Small Business Hubs/worksharing spaces. Continue to expand the Targeted Re-Hab Program to address the Housing Aging In place. Streamline the targeted outreach to MWSBE Programs to Housing Affordability, High Development grow Small Business. Growth, Access to Capital for Minorities.

U H

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? We need to engage residents to be more active in Neighborhood Associations to help lead the growth of their neighborhoods. I will also continue to attending community meet-

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Update the Disparity Study goals to address how minorities keep being utilized for RFPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yet not receiving the contracts.

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LAWANA SLACKMAYFIELD WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Multiple programs have been created yet we need a streamlined process to connect renters to new housing developments that are on waitlist as they are First Come FIRST serve. I have also been in discussions with the City Manager on a Pilot Program to cover the gap in downpayment assistance for home ownership as new product is selling higher than current loan amounts for those utilizing House-Charlotte programs.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The City of Charlotte is strong financially with decades of Balanced books. My challenge has been and currently is the lack of Business equity for Start-Ups in & by Black communities.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: LAWANA SLACK-MAYFIELD CANDIDATE ADDRESS: PO BOX 668493 CHARLOTTE, NC 28266-8493 CANDIDATE PHONE:7048905449 CANDIDATE EMAIL: LAWANAMAYFIELD@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.VOTELAWANAMAYFIELD. COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: MAYFIELD FOR CITY COUNCIL AT LARGE CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: MAYFIELDLAWANA

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CAMPAIGN TWITTER: LAWANAMAYFIELD POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 8 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: GELISA STITT GSTITT34@ GMAIL.COM CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7048905449

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City Council AT-LARGE CHAD STACHOWICZ BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? I’ve put together a comprehensive plan to confront Charlotte’s social mobility crisis: We’ll create at least 20,000 new homeowners in Charlotte. If we can give more of our neighbors the chance to own a home and build financial equity, we can start to reverse generations of structural racism and discriminatory housing practices. When families own homes, they can build the wealth they need to start a small business, send their kids to college, and have something to pass on to their loved ones. This necessarily includes helping existing and aging residents afford to stay in their homes. I believe that building and maintaining financial equity builds social and racial equity in our community. We have to be more intentional about preserving existing affordable housing, also known as naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH), because we can’t build our way out of the affordable housing crisis.

Finally, I want to get special interest money out of Charlotte politics. Right now, members of city council can take a check from someone doing business in front of the city one day, and vote on their project the next. Women- and minority-owned small businesses that can’t afford to play this game get left out of the process. It creates the appearance of a conflict of interest when council members vote for developments pushed by their donors and vote against the interests of local communities. We need to look at changing the ethics rules to stop the appearance of pay-to-play politics.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I believe in radical inclusion. It’s not enough to hold public meetings and invite public comments; we have to actively reach out to communities and include them in the decision-making process. We can involve more community members in the decision-making process through participatory budgeting. If you’re paying more in property taxes this year, you deserve to know more about how your money is being spent and why 2 0 1 9

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CHAD STACHOWICZ it’s being spent. That’s why I support participatory budgeting, which gives all citizens a voice in the budgeting process. Durham and Greensboro have already led on this issue - Charlotte should be next. Charlotte gave much of the affordable housing process to LISC through their housing framework. The Observer reported affordable housing advocates were left out of the process of selecting new projects and Rev. Ricky Woods said “This approach has left too many members of the community dissatisfied and has eroded a fragile trust.” If the council promises the community will be involved in affordable housing decisions, then we should actively involve citizens in the process. Finally, we can use technology to better connect people and government. I built a video conferencing solution for the State of New York that gave injured, disabled, and elderly citizens the ability to attend legal proceedings from the comfort of their homes. We have to make sure senior citizens and people with disabilities are included in our plans to make government more accessible as well. HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES?

The most important issues facing the city are affordable housing, public safety, and transportation. All are connected to social and economic mobility. My housing plan goes beyond identifying the cri-

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: CHAD STACHOWICZ CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 9103 CAMERON WOOD DR. CHARLOTTE 28210 CANDIDATE PHONE:9803338415 CANDIDATE EMAIL: CS@CHADFORCLT.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.CHADFORCLT.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CHADSTACHOWICZ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/CHADSTACHOWICZ POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: SAM SPENCER CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 9803338415

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City Council AT-LARGE CHAD STACHOWICZ BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

sis and puts forward a plan for action: building and maintaining financial equity builds social and racial equity in our community. Higher rates of home ownership will lead to better access to credit and more potential to open small businesses. We’ve already had more homicides in 2019 than we did in all of 2018. We can’t keep looking the other way. In the short term I’ll work across the criminal justice system to find solutions, because victims and survivors can’t wait. I will continue to support important criminal justice reforms that reduce officer-involved shootings, I’ll support better pay and benefits for our police and fire departments so we can attract the best of the best, and I will support a zero-tolerance policy for racism and white supremacy in the police department. On transportation, we must have a robust transit, road, and pedestrian system that can get us anywhere in the city within an hour. My plan puts money in our next budget to fund the plan to reduce transit commutes from an average of 90 minutes to under an hour. I’ll champion the Silver Line light rail from the Airport to Uptown on the West Side to East 31

Charlotte & Matthews. Everyone in Charlotte deserves access to jobs in every part of the city - and that requires a healthy, effective transportation system.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? My plan includes support for grants and mortgage assistance for neighborhoods that were historically segregated. In communities where redlining denied African-Americans access to credit and home loans, we have a moral obligation to undo the structural racism perpetuated by our government. This community investment can make a big difference. I built a technology company, and I was able to do that because I had skills like fluency in computer programming languages. Technology is one of the fastest-growing job sectors, so if we don’t give African-American students the opportunity to learn these skills, we’re failing our community. I’ve been working 2 0 1 9

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independently with stakeholders, educators, the school board and corporations to make sure we have comprehensive programs that give students the opportunity to be job ready in this field the day they leave high school. We can do the same with jobs in the growing sustainability industry as well. We can make sure our city budget pays a living wage and includes benefits for civil servants and first responders who serve our community. I make sure that all of my employees make above a living wage while taking home great benefits; all of our local government entities should do the same. I’ll even take it one step further - we should be more mindful of the employment practices of city contractors and take how they treat their workers into consideration when we choose contracts.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? We have to be more intentional about preserving existing affordable housing, also known as naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH), because we can’t build our way out of the affordable housing crisis. The city has set a goal of building 5000 new affordable housing units, but the city and county aren’t tracking how many affordable units we’re losing - and we know we’re losing affordable housing in our communities. Right now, when the city council rezones land and builds new developments, they don’t have any numbers on how many affordable units already exist. You can’t balance a budget if you only look at income and not expenses, and you can’t solve the affordable housing crisis if you refuse to look at the affordable units that are being lost. In addition to the solutions I’ve outlined elsewhere in this document, we should increase the 2-year affordable housing bond to $75 million and immediately spend more money to preserve existing affordable housing. It is unacceptable that our neighbors, like those getting kicked out

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of the Lake Arbor apartments this month, can be kicked out of affordable housing with no place to go. We need more transitional and temporary housing resources. Again, I strongly believe that building and maintaining financial equity builds social and racial equity in our community. My program - “Equity is Equity” will expand on our existing affordable housing framework to increase opportunities for home ownership.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The financial footing of the City of Charlotte is strong, and can handle an increase in the affordable housing bond. We should leverage the strength of our city’s financial footing to help families and communities that aren’t doing as well. Charlotte’s prosperity should become everyone’s prosperity, and that should be our top priority. We have to be very careful about raising taxes right now. Many of the communities paying the most after the recent revaluation are African-American communities. We should always find efficiencies in the budget before asking residents to pay more - especially when the higher tax burden is exacerbating gentrification. We have to work with Raleigh and the Federal Government to fund important projects like the Silver Line. Our city can’t handle the financial burden of paying for new transit corridors by itself. Finally, the best thing we can do for Charlotte’s future financial footing is building a community with more homeowners who contribute to the tax base. My plan to create 20,000 new homeowners helps build a future for our city, and makes more citizens invested in our success. If we build a community where every neighborhood is a great place to live, Charlotte will be resilient to market changes and maintain a stable and increasing tax base. Investing now to build equity in African-American neighborhoods and communities of color is not only good policy, is a long-term strategy for ensuring the financial well-being of TH E E N D our city. 32

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City Council AT-LARGE BRAXTON DAVID WINSTON II BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Charlotte has been defined historically by economic growth. I believe our City Council must ensure that all Charlotte residents have the opportunity to reap the benefits of that growth. Charlotte continues to become a less affordable place to live for working families. We must make critical investments in our families and communities now to reverse this trend.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I have worked hard over the past two years to engage our community members with government processes in ways that have never been done before. I will continue to push our staff to do more of this. I continue to focus on getting the City to utilize tools that deliver

information, accurately, swiftly, and directly to the people of Charlotte. An informed citizenry is a powerful citizenry.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? We must 1)encourage more business to hire Charlotte residents while providing good paying, career-path jobs and ensure that workers bring their paychecks home to safe and secure communities. 2) We must bridge both the physical and digital divides in our community which disconnect where people live from jobs and opportunities. 3) We need to invest our social capital in one another so that government partners work together to support comprehensive strategies, encourage adults to mentor our young people, and nurture relationships in the community that connect Charlotte residents to opportunities, information and resources.

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BRAXTON DAVID WINSTON II

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? The City needs to continue to prioritize investing in transportation infrastructure. Modernizing our street networks, bus lines, rail networks, and making sure neighborhoods are more walkable will spur economic development in the short and long term. We need to continue to build apprenticeship programs to scale. Our Charlotte Water department created in innovative approach this year which takes advantage of the forecasted growth and infrastructure projects upcoming to create an ecosystem which cultivates the small business owners of tomorrow. This can be reproduced and scaled up in many different fields. We need to continue to push our economic development team to work with industries to build capacity of Minority, Women, Small Business Entity vendors who are not represented when the city puts contracts out to bid.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: BRAXTON WINSTON CANDIDATE ADDRESS: PO BOX 32101 CHARLOTTE 28232 CANDIDATE PHONE:3474150342 CANDIDATE EMAIL: BRAXTONWINSTON@VOTEBRAXTON.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: VOTEBRAXTON.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/VOTEBRAXTONCLT/ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: VOTEBRAXTON CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @VOTEBRAXTON POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 2017-PRESENT PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL AT LARGE CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: KAYLA JACOBS CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 8452321279

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City Council AT-LARGE BRAXTON DAVID WINSTON II BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? The City should continue to build public-private partnerships in developing housing deals. Combining HTF with CHOIF has leveraged public investment in ratios that some said was impossible just a few years ago. If we continue to combine public investment with market solutions, we will find ways to reduce costs of labor, increase access to transportation options, and locate housing near job centers amongst other barriers to affordability.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The city is on excellent financial footing. Our continued growth environment continues to bring new thousands of new jobs a year and at least 1000 people a week (net) are moving into our city limits. This provides an expansion of our tax revenue base. This combined with our Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to find all revenue streams for city priorities and willingness to take innovative approaches for how our internal structures run (and are therefore paid for) leave us with a bright financial outlook. T HE END

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City Council DISTRICT 1 LARKEN EGLESTON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES I was one of the councilmembers that pushed IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? to start using an equity tool when evaluating our advisory boards and commissions to Affordable housing, upward mobility, and transmake sure they reflect the diversity of our portation. We have made great strides on all city. I will continue to find ways to level the three fronts but must continue to prioritize peoplaying field for people of color in our comple’s ability to live in a safe, affordable place, munity and will continue to make sure they have a good-paying job, and be able to move are at the table and their voices are heard in around our city via safe, reliable transit options. the city’s decision making processes. OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? As I pledged during my 2017 campaign, I have stayed engaged in ALL parts of my district through attending neighborhood meetings, convening neighborhood leaders, etc. to ensure the policies we enact are informed by the people on the ground in each part of our community.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? The city must further strengthen our MWSBE program to ensure people of color get a fair share of city contracts. We also must continue investing in underserved parts of town to allow small, minority-owned businesses to thrive and create more good-paying jobs. We must make 2 0 1 9

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LARKEN EGLESTON sure our advisory boards mirror the racial/ethnic makeup of our city so the feedback we receive better reflects the various needs of our community.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? The current Council more than tripled the affordable housing trust fund bond, enlisted the private sector to match the bond, and doubled taxpayer’s return on investment by cutting in half the average amount of tax dollars required per affordable housing unit achieved. We must keep up the momentum on the improvements we’ve made to the system that was not previously making meaningful progress towards solving our city’s affordability crisis.

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CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.VOTELARKEN.COM

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The City of Charlotte is on very solid financial footing; we have top grades from all ratings agencies and have demonstrated strong fiscal responsibility in the projects and timelines we have set forward for city investments and debt.

CANDIDATE NAME: LARKEN EGLESTON CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 1517 LANDIS AVE CHARLOTTE, NC 28205 CANDIDATE PHONE:704.519.7128 CANDIDATE EMAIL: LARKEN@VOTELARKEN.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ VOTELARKEN CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @LARKENEGLESTON CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @LARKEN POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 2 YEARS; 2017-CURRENT PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: CURRENT - CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: LARKEN EGLESTON

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City Council DISTRICT 1 SEAN SMITH BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s segregation has been codified by the government through various zoning and housing policies. I would like to use zoning as one vehicle to reverse that segregation. New development is threatening long time residents and in many cases causing displacement. I would use my voting power to decline development proposals that do not benefit the neighborhood in which they are proposed; I would use my budgetary oversight to push the issue of revitalizing homes with housing trust funds, so that people are not as tempted to sell their homes for quick cash; and I would use my voice to advocate for more creative problem solving and more critical assessment of impacts in the long run.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I plan to collaborate personally with neighborhood leaders on decisions affecting them, and I plan to be available to listen to any and all residents. It is my duty to fully understand the thoughts, feelings, and desires of our communities and to defend those interests on the Council.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Housing is a hot button issue that, to me, is just one piece of a much larger issue, which is that we need to be creating a more just and equitable City. Government is the key player there, whether anyone likes it or not. The tension that we find ourselves in is reaching a breaking point, and we need leadership to step up and make the tough choices so that this City can move forward with everyone, and not just for a 2 0 1 9

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SEAN SMITH few. A second critical priority is the environment. It is absolutely imperative that we do what we can to address climate change. From more extreme temperatures, which unevenly affect those who cannot afford heating and cooling in their homes; to increased rain and flash flooding that we experience more dramatically in the Catawba river basin; to air quality that affects us all, especially those with asthma and respiratory issues, things will continue to get worse until government can take bold action to reduce carbon emissions.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS?

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE

1. Tax relief and operational support for blackowned small businesses to reduce initial barriers to entry and then make it viable to keep the doors open; 2. Improve educational outcomes; 3. Livable wages

CHARLOTTE, NC 28204

CANDIDATE NAME: SEAN SMITH CANDIDATE ADDRESS: QUEENS RD. CANDIDATE PHONE:7047850312 CANDIDATE EMAIL: SEANFORCHARLOTTE@GMAIL. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: SEANFORCHARLOTTE.COM

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CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: SEANFORCLT CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: SEANFORCLT CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NONE CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: DAN MCCORKLE CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7047374791

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City Council DISTRICT 1 SEAN SMITH BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I will stand with people against development that would not benefit those who are already there, by devising a more stringent criteria for what this city demands and deserves from new housing construction. I will also look for creative solutions to keep people in their current homes, like channeling funds toward revitalization efforts, and to promote the creation of more affordable homes.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? We are in a strong financial position and are in the midst of a development “gold rush,” which to me, signals financial health for at least a while. I believe that we are in a position to do more with what we have, especially if we are intentional and work according to reorganized priorities. The ultimate way to improve our financial footing as a city though is to lift up those who need it the most right now. Imagine the potential that we can unlock if we found ways to give individuals a better footing financially. It is the philosophy of Ubuntu. T HE END

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City Council DISTRICT 2 JEREMY AREY BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? My platform is built on the idea that every policy affecting the city should be considered through the lens of three principles - smart growth, sustainability, and social equity. These principles overlap and reinforce each other; for example, policies are neither smart nor truly sustainable if not also socially equitable. Charlotte should welcome and support residents without regard to race, sex, gender identity, sexual preference, religion, ethnicity, age, or disability. I support any and all policies that further that goal and will advocate for better policies at the state and federal level when it comes to the protection of immigrants and the LGBTQ+ population. The city must also actively invest in programs that protect and support our most vulnerable populations and consider where current policies have fallen short in that regard. I advocate for affordable housing initiatives that do more than simply construct a new

building or two in the hope that it serves a community need. My focus would be on lifting up entire neighborhoods by providing affordable, low-utility housing (higher density, tiny homes, reclaimed brownfield sites), improved public transportation services, green spaces, and access to healthy food. The city has an opportunity (and obligation) to not only improve housing options, but to improve daily living and future outcomes by investing in vibrant, well-planned communities. The benefits are far-reaching and the costs are minimal considering the benefits and reduction in other areas - crime, emissions, sickness, and so on. Finally, I would like to see the city take the lead (to the extent that it can) when it comes to making access to the voting booth as easy as possible for marginalized groups.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? An open dialogue with residents is crucial to understanding what issues are important to them and in formulating long-lasting and effective policies. That dialogue requires that resi2 0 1 9

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JEREMY AREY dents are informed about current council matters; have a voice to express concerns; and are able to collaborate on solutions. First, I would implement policies that encourage the flow of information from the city council to residents so that citizens are aware of ongoing policy discussion. A monthly mailer or flyers posted in public spaces would help apprise citizens of current issues and residents should be able to opt in to weekly newsletters from the council. Furthermore, when proposals affect a neighborhood or community directly, they should be informed directly by the council. And second, I would insist on citizen representation on various city advisory boards and groups so that residents with local knowledge can voice their opinions and then help shape policies that meet their needs. By having a seat at the table, residents can be an integral part of the decision-making process.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: JEREMY AREY CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 4384 ENCHANTMENT COVE LANE CHARLOTTE, NC 28216 CANDIDATE PHONE:7046521140 CANDIDATE EMAIL: JEREMYAREY@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/ J_____A___ POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: JEREMY AREY CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7046521140

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City Council DISTRICT 2 JEREMY AREY BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? 1. Growing population: Charlotte is growing at the 3rd-fastest rate of any major U.S. city. We need to plan for that growth by designing smart, eco-friendly neighborhoods, infrastructure, roads, and services that can absorb additional residents while maintaining a high quality of life for everyone and ensuring that issues of social equity are addressed. 2. Lack of affordable housing: The affordable housing crisis is not only a housing problem, but a transportation, environmental, crime, and social justice problem. It must be addressed in a holistic and intelligent manner. I discuss that in more detail below.

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THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Economic mobility concerns for black Americans are deeply rooted in racial animus and institutionalized racism that continues to plague this country. To some extent, these issues must be addressed on a national scale, but there are a few actions the city can take to help. 1. As mentioned previously, I plan to tackle the affordable housing crisis with a neighborhood-based approach. Studies have shown that experiencing neighborhood poverty through childhood years greatly increases the risk of negative economic mobility while investment in poor, largely black, neighborhoods leads to higher economic mobility. By making every aspect of daily living more affordable, convenient, and safe, black individuals are able to more easily overcome social and institutional barriers. We must invest in neighborhoods. 2. Shifting criminal justice focus away from

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punishment and toward prevention and rehabilitation. The city should adopt models of policing that aim to prevent crime before it begins through community partnerships and other programs that have shown to be effective at reducing crime. And once crime does occur, offenders (often young black men) should be rehabilitated rather than punished so they can return as productive members of society. Incidentally, offenders are less likely to re-offend if they have access to stable housing - another way that provision of affordable housing and investment in neighborhoods helps the city as a whole.

easily have the tax base to support services and programs without overburdening its citizens as long as policy decisions are made .

3. The city should also consider loan repayment programs for graduates that work in the public sector. Lower-income black students that must take out loans to complete a college education often struggle to repay them, especially when they pursue a career of public service.

For social programs, council members must have the fortitude to commit to long-term solutions rather than politically expedient ones. Strategically investing in communities, schools, and neighborhoods will have lasting effects for struggling populations and tend to pay for themselves over time.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?

When it comes to providing services, the city should spend money up front to determine where operations can be more efficient, thus saving taxpayer money moving forward. Streamlining services through automation and logistics saves both time and funds. Updating aging infrastructure is not flashy, but is a necessary expenditure that also prevents more costly repairs down the road.

In the end, the easiest way to improve the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial footing is to embrace research-based policies that offer cost-effective, long-term solutions to problems. T HE END

The city must invest heavily in connected, eco-friendly, and vibrant high-density development (including tiny homes) that considers services in addition to housing at the same time. Strategic high-density projects that include expansive designs aimed at making daily living cheaper, healthier, and more convenient for low-income populations may cost more up front, but will serve the community more effectively and farther into the future.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Charlotte is growing at a fast pace and should

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City Council DISTRICT 2 JESSICA DAVIS BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I plan to involve the residents in the decision-making process in the city through continI will pursue policies that address equitable ued partnership and an established presence in access to opportunities for all residents, the District. I plan to host quarterly “D2 Days” in with a keen sense of responsibility to the neighborhoods throughout District 2. Through people of District 2. As a government body, the D2 Day program I will provide updates to the city must create and implement policies the community on what is happening at the city that meet people where they are financially level and, provide the residents of the district but promote opportunities for growth and the opportunity to address their concerns and increased wages that match the cost of living hold me accountable for the actions that I take in our city. I will pursue policies that take into on council. I will remain a visible presence in consideration the effects of gentrification on the community and make it a point to attend a community’s average median income and and foster an open line of communication with work to ensure that people that have lived neighborhood associations, business owners, in our communities have the opportunity to as well as CMS personnel to keep abreast of stay in the community and not be displaced. I what is happening in the District so that I can will also pursue policies that quickly address approach issues with the community proactivethe infrastructural needs of the community ly instead of re-actively. to ensure passable sidewalks, safe and well lit streets, and neighborhoods so that people HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE in all areas of this city have equitable access MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACand receive an equitable response to their ING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS concerns. AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

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JESSICA DAVIS I believe the most important issues facing the city in the coming years are homicides and housing. I firmly believe if we do not help ourselves, then who will? My priority from day one will be to work with the community to identify areas where crime is a concern and then work with our officers that are in the community to create and refresh programming to foster a better relationship between the community and the police. I will prioritize working with our schools and neighborhood associations to regain community control of our streets. In tandem, I will identify and work with programming that assist people in our community with job readiness and financial literacy. I do believe that our homicide rate is a byproduct of our lack of housing resources. My second priority from day one will be to collaborate with the County and CMS to identify land that we already own so that we can develop more affordable housing units for rent and purchase. In developing affordable housing however, we must be cognizant of the effects of gentrification on the average median income of the community and pending code enforcement fines that will double at the top of the new year and their effect on our most vulnerable populations.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? I believe that three short term actions that can be taken to address the economic mobility crisis for

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: JESSICA DAVIS CANDIDATE ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 681371 CHARLOTTE, NC 28216 CANDIDATE PHONE:980-224-0335 CANDIDATE EMAIL: JESSICADAVISFORDISTRICT2@ GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.JESSICADAVISFORDISTRICT2.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: JESSICA DAVIS FOR DISTRICT 2 CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @JESSICADAVISFORDISTRICT2 CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NONE CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: TYROME DAVIS CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 704-323-5535

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City Council DISTRICT 2 JESSICA DAVIS BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

African Americans are: 1- ensuring that businesses that want to set up in Charlotte are partners with the city in paying a living wage to its employees; 2- reviewing the housing, code, and zoning policies in place to ensure they are not vestiges of racial and income discrimination and, if so, correcting them; and 3- reviewing and identifying our transportation system to ensure that African Americans have access to public transportation that does not create a time burden and is prohibitive to working and taking care of a family.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I believe that the city of Charlotte should collaborate with the County, and CMS on land that we already own to develop more affordable housing units for rent AND purchase. I also believe that the city has the opportunity to purchase and develop existing vacant properties into affordable housing units. To

address this issue, I will work with the necessary departments to ensure an actionable and realistic timeline is established so that affordable housing units are built instead of planned. We do not have the luxury of time when families are being priced out of their homes every day. City council, must act upon the plans that are in place.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The City of Charlotte’s financial footing is where it should be when taking into consideration our tax rate and anticipated population growth. However, in my opinion, in order to sustain and improve the city’s financial footing I will examine the expenses that are incurred on things versus people to ensure that our priorities are aligned. If people in our community are unable to pay taxes the city looses revenue. Increasing the tax rate is a short-term solution to a long-term problem and could have a negative effect on the City’s overall financial footing. T HE END

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City Council DISTRICT 2 MALCOLM GRAHAM BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? When we talk about race, we need to make sure that we draw a line in the sand. Over the course of my career I have worked to combat racism, implicit or explicit alike, in every social, political, and business space I am in, and I plan to continue to do so if I am elected to represent district 2. In order to ensure racial equity, I wish to draw a line in the sand and stand against racism by speaking out against the Republican National Committee. A step of this nature would be controversial in a certain sense, but it is an action that needs to be taken to combat the overtly racist and xenophobic nature of the President’s rhetoric that is dangerous to the moral fabric of our Charlotte community. Additionally, if elected as district 2 representative, I would work to enact social justice workshops for those who work for the city, which would educate the city’s workforce on the types of racism, the ways it manifests itself in our daily lives, and the impact it can have on communities of

color. The plan would be similar to that instituted by the city of Seattle and would work to establish a culture of racial justice and understanding within the city through education and community building.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I hold a strong belief that in order to be a good representative, you’ve got to show up. Over the course of my political career, I have gone out of my way to be present, transparent, and available for all of my constituents. When I was a State Senator, I organized the first Charlotte Mecklenburg African American Agenda Conference. The CM3A was a community wide town hall meeting, which over 1100 people attended, and the dialogue held at the conference provided me with information imperative for myself and other local government officials to best represent the interest of our community. Over the course of my candidacy I will continue to maintain my accessibility and transparency, by holding events similar to that of the CM3A and holding regular smaller scale town hall 2 0 1 9

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MALCOLM GRAHAM meetings and charettes, in addition to attending church services, other neighborhood meetings, and the formation of a District 2 Advisory Committee. I also intend to maintain a significant social media presence, with profiles on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, in order to be accessible to constituents in that manner.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? I believe that the biggest problem Charlotte is facing at the moment is crime. There is no reason why young women, such as Alysha Johnson who was killed on Beatties Ford road in an attempted robbery or Crystal Ryan Crank who was collateral damage in a gunfight near North Tryon street, should have to fall victim to senseless gun violence. One of the ways to combat this kind of tragic violence would be to increase funding for recreation centers and push to expand afterschool programs to find ways to engage many of the young people that are committing these heinous crimes. If we push to support our recreation centers, and re-establish them as a space that represents community and stability in the lives of young boys and girls, we will then be able to decrease the amount of idle time that leads many of these individuals to find themselves in a life of crime during their teenage years. Affordable housing is another major issue facing our city. The fact that apartment prices are rising

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: MALCOLM GRAHAM CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 3404 CRESTA COURT CHARLOTTE, NC 28269 CANDIDATE PHONE:7045764568 CANDIDATE EMAIL: M.GRAHAM.12@AOL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.MALCOLMGRAHAMFORCHARLOTTE.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: MALCOLM GRAHAM FOR CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @GRAHAMFORCLT CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @SENATORMGRAHAM POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 16 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 41999-2005, NC STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 40 2005-2015 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: TAELOR LOGAN CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7047337204

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City Council DISTRICT 2 MALCOLM GRAHAM BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

higher than wages in many parts of the city is appalling. As a district representative, I would work to buttress the efforts that are currently in place to deal with this issue, while also working to increase the intentionality and specificity of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts by focusing on housing for workers, recent graduates, and the elderly.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? When examining the issue of economic mobility, we find that the roots of the issue lie in lack of post-secondary school preparation for those in communities of color. If elected as the representative for city council district 2, I would take steps to expand the financial support of trade and technical schools, in addition to working closely with schools to expand resources that would see high school seniors placed in the workforce or in higher education within a year of graduating.

For those in communities disproportionately impacted by issues of economic mobility, I would support the expansion of financial literacy and management workshops, which would allow people to learn healthy ways of managing money when they do acquire it. Much of these educational classes would be initially targeting populations that live or are attempting to live in affordable housing units. I would also advocate for the increased financial support of entrepreneurs and small businesses. If we provide infrastructure for entrepreneurs and small businesses of color, we will be able to address the employment aspect of the economic mobility crisis head on.

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city, it is clear that the city is making efforts to deal with one of its biggest problems. As district 2 representative, I will continue to support the city’s efforts, but I will push to increase the city’s funding for affordable housing while also looking to establish a better working relationship with the city’s association of apartments in addition to the realtor’s association.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Seeing as the city has maintained a triple a bond rating, we have a fairly strong financial footing. I would make sure that we keep taxes low, and to do that, we must prioritize what the city needs rather than what it wants. I will keep the city honest financially, and make sure that we prioritize the needs of our residents and over the wishes of our visitors. I would not support raising taxes, I believe that the current tax rate works well for our city and I would work to maintain that rate. THE END

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City Council DISTRICT 2 ANTOINETTE GREEN BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? I would pursue policies that, mandate companies coming to our city, provide equal opportunities to people from all racial backgrounds. This should definitely be monitored by the city as many companies are receiving tax incentives. I would also promote policies that ban landlords from asking about criminal background before residents are able to submit applications.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY?

attend those meetings.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Public safety is huge issue that is facing the city in coming years. It starts with building those relationships with our teenagers and young adults. Many of them donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see an option and resort to crime out of desperation. I plan on working with city leaders to provide more opportunities for the 18-24 year old demographic. Partnerships with local business would be imperative for this initiative.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS?

I propose monthly town hall meetings with local precincts to keep members of the community aware of what is going on in my district. Citizens would have the opportunity to vote on ideas that would potentially impact them. This is key in having an inclusive leadThree short term actions that can be taken to ership style. Information would be available address this crisis are; Investing in the educaon the internet for those who are not able to 55

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GREEN tion of our African-American youth, promoting business loans that African- Americans qualify for with local banks, and placing emphasis on home ownership.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? The city should start by providing more oversight when it comes to affordable housing. Contractors are given incentives from the city and then make outrageous criteria for their “affordable” units. As someone who was priced out of Charlotte, and had to move out of my apartment, I can bring a desire to fight for people who are just like me. I also think that we should use public land to build affordable housing units.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? I think that Charlotte is doing well financially. I think that the current city council took the necessary steps to sustain it by having the private sector offset affordable housing cost. In order to sustain our financial footing, we will need to continue to engage the private sector so that our taxpayers are not always being left with the burden.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: ANTOINETTE GREEN CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 4015 JOHN DALE LANE CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28269 CANDIDATE PHONE:7048046844 CANDIDATE EMAIL: VOTEGREENFORDISTRICT2@ GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: ELECT ANTOINETTE GREEN FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: N/A PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: JESSE BOYD CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 9802240053

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City Council DISTRICT 3 TERRY BROWN BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Opportunity and potential exist across Charlotte but unfortunately that opportunity isn’t attainable for everyone. I’ve heard from my neighbors too often that the issues they care about aren’t heard or addressed by local government. Rather than looking at affordable housing, economic development, transportation and other key issues individually, I will look at how these factors intersect and make it difficult for many to afford to work and do business in Charlotte. My top priority is to ensure that more resources come to communities of color in the 2021 fiscal budget. In order to properly advocate for more of these funds to be redirected, it takes a vision for what these areas should look like and how it will work. Our vision is built around strengthening infrastructure and bringing neighborhoods together to create walkable, affordable mixed use spaces along transit lines to help promote economic and growth and close the gap. I am also com-

mitted to working with CATS to make our bus routes more effective. Addressing job readiness and soft skills trainings to better prepare residents for new employment opportunities and economic success. It also takes understanding that people of color aren’t a monolith. The thing that makes our community great is the breadth of experiences, income levels and backgrounds. I want to make sure that we properly support everyone so that the city can thrive. The ultimate goal is to create pathways to prosperity so everyone is able to live, work and raise a family in Charlotte.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I’ve demonstrated my commitment to involving the community throughout my campaign. Since January, I’ve had multiple listening tours, not for my constituents to listen to me but for me to listen to my constituents and hear their concerns. This is a practice I will continue once elected. I am running to be a boots-on-theground advocate for District 3 and intend on representing the voices of my constituents. 2 0 1 9

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TERRY BROWN I also want to make sure we increase the diversity of our city boards to ensure that we have people of all backgrounds from District 3 helping make decisions. Ultimately, I want to be accessible and held accountable by the residents of my district. I think it is important to learn from the mistakes of previous local governments and involve the community in the process and discussion before final decisions are made. No one is ever going to agree with 100% of everything an elected official or body does but the key is making sure that everyone is heard and their issues and thoughts are actually considered and go into the decision making process. As an attorney I analyze the facts and law together to get the best outcome for my client. That process is what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to take with me to council by taking on the issues of my constituents and pairing that with the landscape and the realities of Charlotte to get the best outcome for District 3.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Unaffordability, how we address growth, and public safety. An increasing unaffordability is the biggest problem facing our city. As the next representative for District 3 my focus is on creating long term sustainable solutions to address these issues. We also have to have a clear vision for the type of city we want to be and the growth that we want

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: TERRY BROWN CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 2503 ALYSSA LANE CHARLOTTE, NC 28208 CANDIDATE PHONE:9103224613 CANDIDATE EMAIL: TERRYBROWNCLT@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.VOTETERRYBROWN.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TERRYBROWNCLT CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/TERRYBROWNCLT CAMPAIGN TWITTER: WWW.TWITTER.COM/TERRYBROWNCLT POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: N/A PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: ANDRE BOWENS CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 3364205443

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City Council DISTRICT 3 TERRY BROWN BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

to see across Charlotte. I fully support the growth going on in Charlotte but I believe it needs to be smart growth and the community should continue to have a say in guiding it. We need to be intentional about what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re allowing into the city in terms of zoning and thinking of how projects will impact neighborhoods long term and ensure that developers are adding in infrastructure improvements that will benefit our community. Finally, on public safety, I want to implement a community-based policing model where police officers are getting out of their patrol cars and integrating themselves into the communities they are serving and protecting. Instead of providing a bonus to officers who live in the city limits I want to provide a bonus to officers who live in the community that they police. I want to make sure that we have a police force that is well educated and trained to serve a minority population and the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. I also want to ensure that our law enforcement officials are prepared to tackle the rising instances of intimate partner violence in our city.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? 1) Work force development - Strengthening our work force development program is a top priority. Creating long term transferable job skills is pivotal to upward mobility in the African American community. We have to train our workforce in the skills needed to be competitive and get hired for the jobs we recruit to Charlotte, and make sure they have the soft skills needed to be successful in interviews and various job settings. 2) Support for MWSBE - I have hosted two events for small business owners and District 3 is a hub of small business activity, particularly among African Americans. The first thing that we need to do is ensure that Minority and women owned small business have access to resources that will help their business thrive. We need to allow for greater collaboration between businesses. Where

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one business may not have the capacity to get a major contract, two businesses collaborating together can. This will help increase everyone’s capacity and create more economic opportunities 3) Equity- Rent and home prices are rising. We are seeing more and more people get displaced from their homes. When displacement occurs it affects everything from job opportunities, to child care. We need to create pathways for African Americans to have more ownership in our community. This can be accomplished by adopting the land trust model which provides affordable housing options while simultaneously provides an ownership stake which is a tool for greater upward mobility.

HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I believe we need to look at the systemic and inherent problems that have led us to be in an affordable housing crisis. First, affordable housing is a fundamental right and we need to build more units for our neighbors throughout Charlotte. But I also believe that we should look at different approaches as well. We need to focus on rehabbing and replacing currently existing units of affordable housing so that people in our city are not living in uninhabitable conditions. On council I will advocate for the city to adopt the land trust model because it has two benefits. First, it provides workforce housing at an affordable rate, and second because it provides pathways to prosperity because every home owner will receive a piece of equity. No other affordable housing solution provides for that. I also believe that issues related to housing are directly tied to the lack of economic opportunities. I want to ensure that people are able to stay in their homes, have a good job that pays a living wage, and can travel throughout our city. Part of that is creating a well-trained workforce. I want to increase workforce development programs

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so that people in our community can get a job. Everyone that wants to live in Charlotte should be able to and I’m committed to implementing the creative solutions to make that happen.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The city is on good financial footing currently; however we have to be smart about how we spend and raise money. We need to look at how the various taxes and revenue streams come into play. We are lucky to have several enterprise funds in the city such as the airport, which support themselves but also drive revenue to the city. We need to look at ways to generate revenue that doesn’t raise taxes and Charlotteans in the pockets, such as the hospitality and tourism tax, being mindful of what events we chose to bring to Charlotte however. T HE END

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City Council DISTRICT 3 CALEB THEODROS BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? We must begin by pursuing more manufacturing companies. With a number of residents not having a college degree, this industry gives people a chance to have a meaningful career which in turns helps with areas like affordable housing and transportation..

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? By continuing to do what I have already done which is meeting people where they are. Going to neighborhood and community meetings isn’t something that should only be done during the campaign season, but should also be done when someone is in office.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? I think that assuming that there is only 1 important issue is incorrect. It’s going to take a conceded effort in all areas like affordable housing, economic development, crime, and transportation to ensure that issues that they city is having are addressed.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? We must connect more people to the manufacturing industry and ensuring that they’re aware of the opportunities. We need to increase the funding and awareness around city grants given to African Americans who want to start a business.

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HAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Aside from the current investments we have into affordable housing units, we need to have policies that are encouraging wages to increase. People aren’t able to afford housing because their wages are too low. So we need to place a greater emphasis on wages.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: CALEB THEODROS

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT?

CANDIDATE ADDRESS: CRYSTAL ERICA LANE

Financial footing is important, however it’s what you do with the current financial status of the city that is what matters. We continue to have a large budget relative to other cities in the region, so we need to ensure that we’re spending tax pay dollars in a responsible manner.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CHARLOTTE, NC 28214 CANDIDATE PHONE:984-528-7096 CANDIDATE EMAIL: INFO@CALEBNC.COM

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.CALEBNC.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: CALEBTHEODROSD3 CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @CALEBTHEODROS CAMPAIGN TWITTER: CALEBTHEODROSD3/ POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT

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YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: 0 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: TONYA SMITH CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 404-454-4024

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City Council DISTRICT 3 VICTORIA WATLINGTON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? To talk about equity, we must consider housing, education, economic mobility, and criminal justice. Equity-focused housing policies enable more renters to become homeowners, and foster mixed-income neighborhoods. I support incentivizing mixed income housing, championing down-payment assistance programs, streamlining development processes and revising regulations to enable greater density and provide easy access to job centers. Education leads to economic mobility, and every government agency has a part to play. I have been meeting with educators and local businesses to identify opportunities to expand efforts to provide studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exposure to STEM careers. I have helped MYEP recruitment efforts of local businesses to join the program, and support expanding its scope. We must create access to critical skills and resources, places of employment, and opportunity. We must prepare our citizens (includ-

ing those returning) for careers that enable growth. I will work to expand Project PIECE in target sectors, and to development for City employees. Public transportation promotes access. The upcoming Silver Line is an opportunity to implement Transit Oriented Development. Through the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, I have been working with City staff envisioning its impact on our existing community, working to maximize walkability, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and mixed-use mixed-income development. I support aligning our business recruitment incentives to community priorities. Also, the City must place a premium on diversity when awarding contracts, and prioritize investment in local MWSBEs, and make it easier to do business in Charlotte. OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? We must get proactive. With the West Blvd Neighborhood Coalition, I have led the community effort to deliver the West Corridor Playbook, which is now being championed by City executives and integrated into the Charlotte

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WATLINGTON 2040 Comprehensive Plan. THIS IS COLLECTIVE POWER AT WORK. On the heels of our success, we have started to meet with other neighborhood coalitions to share this community-driven approach: Envision: Write the vision. We must engage residents to define what they wish to see, from crosswalks to Community Watch. It’s okay to start small--our vision grew as we enrolled more neighbors. Enroll: Get the word out. There is strength in numbers--identify and build capacity in the neighborhood coalitions. We leveraged several channels of communication including email, doorknocking, phone trees, social media, and yard signs. As more people joined the work, word about the movement began to travel, drawing out additional participants. Energize: Keep up the momentum. We established consistent communications and a drumbeat meeting schedule, bringing in community partners to provide updates on the key priorities in the area. With a few “quick wins,” we’ve built confidence in the process, and in each other. Enable: Train up more leaders. Take advantage of opportunities to educate residents about government. (Having graduated from all four City training academies, I can attest to the power of an educated electorate.) Share the market data. ”Money talks”--in order to be effective, we must speak the language, and formulate viable solutions.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: VICTORIA WATLINGTON CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 1324 BETHEL RD CHARLOTTE 28208 CANDIDATE PHONE:7049579686 CANDIDATE EMAIL: INFO@WINWITHWATLINGTON. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WINWITHWATLINGTON.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: @WINWITHWATLINGTON CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @WINWITHWATLINGTON CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: SAM SMITH, JR CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 3136732935

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City Council DISTRICT 3 VICTORIA WATLINGTON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? The most important issues facing our city are Community-Led Strategic Planning, Affordable Housing, Transportation, and Economic Mobility. Given the rapid change in District 3, community-led strategic planning has become a necessity. As outlined in the previous question, I am eager to reapply our successful approach in partnership with the City to educate and empower community leaders to create a Comprehensive Plan that addresses affordable housing, transportation, and economic mobility. When it comes to Affordable Housing, ownership is the name of the game. District 3 has a surplus of vacant non-owner-occupied homes. We must activate the newly created Single-Family Acquisition/Rehabilitation Loan and Multi-Family programs to purchase target properties. Then we will be in position to work with buyers, affordable housing developers,

LISC, and other nonprofits to preserve affordability in existing stock. To enable the development of additional affordable housing, we need to streamline zoning and development processes to reduce delays and nonvalue-added cost. We must connect neighborhoods to existing grants to improve connectivity in their communities (crosswalks, sidewalk repairs, lighting, signage, etc). In addition, I look to ensure the Envision My Ride route optimizations are administered equitably. Finally, I seek ways to alleviate congestion in Steele Creek through private partnerships, leveraging our development incentive program to negotiate for road improvements in lieu of state projects. I look forward to championing diversity as a competitive advantage and differentiator in doing business with the City. NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Workforce development: For jobs within the City, a prioritized implementation of the City

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of Charlotte Training and Career Academy to build a talent pipeline, which includes individuals with barriers to employment. For jobs in the private sector, expand project PIECE by identifying training/certification programs that align with targeted sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Technology, Logistics and Distribution, Financial Services, Health Care, International Business, Headquarters, Automotive Industry. Business development: prioritize MWSBE outreach to help navigate policies and processes to conduct business with the City in the development of City-funded projects. Identify options to assist contractors in securing bond. Restructure Corridor Revitalization business grant programs and identify private partners to connect businesses to capital WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? As both a resident in an affected neighborhood and small-time real-estate investor, I understand both sides of this equation. I bring a practical, data-driven perspective to addressing the affordable housing crisis. We should focus our efforts on a three-pronged approach: Protect existing: We must continue to invest in tax abatement--not only for seniors, but for residents vulnerable to displacement in gentrifying areas--and rehab programs, as well as estate planning education for homeowners. I support community land trusts as an option, as well as leveraging public resources to pursue vacant and for-sale parcels through newly created City programs. We must also carefully consider the impacts of changes to the Minimum Housing Code, understanding that severe penalities for landlords who fail to remediate violations could result in demolition and displacement of the very residents we seek to protect. I propose we offer a tiered-response system, with an emphasis on avoiding displacement. Convert renters to owners: We should continue to invest in House Charlotte/down-payment assis2 0 1 9

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tance programs to enable new homeowners. In addition, we should support financial literacy and homeownership education, particularly in households of color. Finally, we should explore ways the City can partner with financial institutions who focus on empowering minority communities. Enable new development: To facilitate lower cost development, the City must streamline zoning and development processes. Second, we must align our incentive structure with our affordable housing vision, and pursue policies that enable increased density and more efficient use of space (revise parking minimums, for instance). HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Charlotte continues to experience growth. We are enjoying a strong labor force, a growing tax base, and, for many, a robust economy. As a result, we are in a position to invest in our community priorities. The 2020 budget reflects sound business practices, built on prudent principles and a BALANCED BUDGET. Low debt service costs and top tier credit ratings further strengthen our ability to make investments in our future. The allocation of general fund dollars aligns well with our focus areas, and prioritizes the building blocks to a vibrant city. As Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population continues to grow, we will need to ensure we adapt to the changing needs of our city, including increased demand on City services. As commercial property has grown faster than residential, the make-up of our tax revenue stream is changing. Therefore, we must commit to investing in business, a strong workforce, and healthy neighborhoods to support enterprises in the community. On the residential side, there also exists an opportunity to retain Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daytime commuters by providing additional affordable housing within the city limits, thereby growing the tax base. Finally, it is imperative that we maintain a balanced budget--funding ongoing expenses with ongoing revenue.

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City Council DISTRICT 4 RICHMOND V. BAKER BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES?

Create initiatives on CMPD staffing levels, Teachers Pay, affordable housing, equal pay. 1. Safety, without safety nothing else matters Help understand the signs of a mental health 2. A quality education is the great equalizer breakdown or drug addiction challenges. 3. Affordability ensure that we can afford to Work to reduce incidents of elder abuse live, work and play here RichmondBaker.com 4. Walkable Charlotte 5. Quality thoughtful Development OW DO YOU PLAN TO IN6. Cleanliness, invest in keeping CLT Clean VOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT CITY? LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE Monthly meetings inside/outside open to THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT the public capture the issues. Continuing to CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRIuse tools like https://NextDoor.com , https:// SIS? www.uservoice.com/ to get ideas and allow the public to vote up/down. Take the top 3-5 1.Expand the Mayors Youth employment proissues per month and add them to our to do gram. Having the city contribute to help get list. our teachers pay to 60k to attract top talent.

2. Distributing affordable housing throughout CLT is crucial to breaking up pockets of poverty.

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RICHMOND V. BAKER 3. Ensuring Equal Pay at the city level WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? We need affordable housing everywhere, not just in some areas. Take land that’s owned by City/ County/State and build affordable. Incentivize developers to dedicate a portion 3 to 8% of large market rate projects to affordable. What do I offer? Creativity and political will .Tiny Town any one? HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT?

Charlottes finances are secure according to Moody’s. Robust growth at our major employment hubs helped. But there is room for improvement, by increasing investments in public Safety ,Education, affordability, Cleanliness, and Transportation. THE END

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: RICHMOND BAKER CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 3631 FRENCH WOOD ROAD CHARLOTTE 28269 CANDIDATE PHONE:4043093296 CANDIDATE EMAIL: RICHMOND.BAKER@OUTLOOK. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTPS://RICHMONDBAKER.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/ELECTRICHMONDBAKER/ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM. COM/ELECTRICHMONDBAKER/ CAMPAIGN TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/RICHMOND_BAKER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: VARIOUS HOA BOARDS, NCSSM FOUNDATION BOARD, NCSSM BOARD OF TRUSTEES/UNIVERISTY CITY PARTNERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: HEIDI PRUESS CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 704-787-2175

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City Council DISTRICT 4 GABRIEL CARTAGENA BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

ING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Public Transportation Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. We must train and equip Affordable Housing our workforce. If we can close the income Make sure that low and middle income housing gap, we can take some of the venom out of are not pushed out by redevelopment the conversation and hopefully allow us to Prioritize affordable housing access for seniors talk more openly and honestly about what and people with disabilities make us different, but more importantly, what Create mixed income communities in urban arwe have in common. eas with access to public transportation (Blue OW DO YOU PLAN TO INLine) VOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DEPublic Transportation CISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR Expand our rail network to serve the entire CITY? This is a great question, because not enough Charlotte Metro region people are engaged in local politics. Only 21% Revamp bus service to create more efficient routes and less transfers of eligible voters voted in the last election. My fellow Latinos represent 14% of the of the Reduce commute times from 90 minutes to 30 min or less cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population, but less than 7% actually Economic Development voted. As a city council member I will make sure that we maintain the existing community Jobs Jobs Jobs engagement infrastructure we have now and Create vocational and training programs that assist workers and increase their skill level build on it. We want to ensure we hear from Partner with small businesses and develop everyone. programs that allow them compete with large HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FAC- businesses to do business with the city HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

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GABRIEL CARTAGENA

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Assisting African Americans to increase job skills, find affordable housing, and have greater access to public transportation are all policies that will greatly benefit this community and the city as a whole. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Create mixed income communities. By doing so there will be less of an incentive to construct public amenities in only high income areas. When everyone gets the opportunity the enjoy the city it will not only increase the quality of life for many, but start those conversations we talked about earlier that lead us to better social understanding. HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? If you mean: do I think the city Charlotte is a good fiscal position? I do. That is why I believe the policies I presented are very doable. We have over 60 people a day moving into Charlotte and I believe that as we grow we will be able to afford the initiatives we discussed. and top tier credit ratings further strengthen our ability to make investments in our future. The allocation of general fund dollars aligns well with our focus areas, and prioritizes the building blocks to a vibrant city. THE END

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CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: GABRIEL CARTAGENA CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 11018 GRADUATE LN CHARLOTTE, NC 28262 CANDIDATE PHONE:9806130530 CANDIDATE EMAIL: GABEFORCHARLOTTE@GMAIL. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: GABEFORCHARLOTTE.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/GABEINCHARLOTTE CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: @GABEINCHARLOTTE CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @GABEINCHARLOTTE POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NA CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: AISHA DEW CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7044419408

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City Council DISTRICT 4 CHARLENE HENDERSON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? I want to ensure fair distribution of available resources across the District. This is about human rights and equality.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? The plan is to inform the residents in a timely manner by HOA meetings, direct mailing and word of mouth.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Affordable Housing and Economic Growth. Strategic placement of affordable housing throughout the city. Create new infrastructure jobs.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? We must have a mandate for quality construction, which are aesthetically pleasing and magnetized good jobs. (Keep in mind good jobs, usually not attracted to areas of known crime or areas which have little or no design.) Recognize new markets and opportunities Improve job prospects to ensure upward mobility Sponsor and offer incentives to companies desiring to locate to Charlotte, only if they have initiatives that offer or provide in house training, internships, apprenticeship or two year certification and finally evidence that show that each new hire has an opportunity to matriculate upwards for better positions and pay.

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CHARLENE HENDERSON WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Increase tax credits and fund programs in the Community Development. Inclusion in the process. Making sure the communities are involved and educated.

ITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT?

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE

The City of Charlotte is the 17th largest city and the 2nd or 3rd banking institution is the world. There is no way we should have homelessness. All policies should help the people to thrive. I plan to focus on opportunities to bring back skill labor jobs back to our city, we can drive down the crime rate and community business will continue to thrive and the young people will be off the streets, with something to do. They will have a new vision for life. We want to expand their quality of life. We need to do a comprehensive study to see whats already going on in the community and seeing what really works and what is not. WE have a lot of great resources hard at work, but I believe that their can be more strategic plans to mentor young people. We want to build larger coalitions to zoom in on jobs and opportunities.

CANDIDATE NAME: CHARLENE HENDERSON

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CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 1646 TERMINI DR CHARLOTTE 28262 CANDIDATE PHONE:704-936-9182 CANDIDATE EMAIL: INFO@CHARLENE-HENDERSON. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: CHARLENE-HENDERSON.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: CHARLENE HENDERSON FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: HENDERSON_DISTRICT4 CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @HENDERSON_4TH POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 2 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: VICE PRESIDENT OF SAVE (SAFEGUARD ATONE VALIDATE EDUCATE) FORMER EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OF THE BLACK POLITICAL CAUCUS, FORMER VICE CHAIR OF THE WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADVISORY BOARD OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: CHARLENE HENDERSON CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7049369182

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City Council DISTRICT 4 RENEE’ PERKINS JOHNSON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Collaboration with County, State and Federal agencies and officials to identify to best way to educate our children and promote workforce training and education. Promote stronger Diversity and inclusion programs and equitable consideration for displaced workers, disabled and formerly incarcerated .

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY?

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Equitable housing, Economic justice and Public accountability and safety.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS?

Short term actions would be targeted the geographical areas most affected thru: 1) job fairs 2) targeted recruitment for vocational Community Engagement Teams/workgroups: training already available through NC Works, that include neighborhood and community Urban League, etc. 3) A pilot program where leaders, public officials and subject matter the City’s largest employers agree to equitable experts that meet routinely in the community consideration for displaced workers. i.e. speto have honest and informative discussions cific job titles or specific number of openings before important decisions are made. to be filled by hard to place individuals including: long term unemployed, veterans, disabled, seniors, and individuals with criminal back-

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RENEE’ PERKINS JOHNSON grounds. Let’s the hardest hit populations back to work. However, short term actions are a bandaid approach, I would work to develop long term solutions such as more accessible mental health treatment, quality education, equitable housing choices, and partnerships between business and vocational training organizations. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Incentives for builders and landlords to increase the number of units available. I will offer my experience in real estate development and affordable housing solutions.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Charlotte has Triple A rating in the Nation’s financial ranking. This rating is based upon Charlotte’s healthy financial operations, strong management of financial policies, and our expanding tax base due to the significantly increasing population. A primary factor that could lead to a decline would be a substantial contradiction in the taxbase and wealth levels. Consequently, it is imperative to bridge the economic gap in the city. Higher livable wages, more small business and entrepreneurial opportunities. Lastly, protecting individuals from losing their homes due to taxes.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: RENEE’ PERKINS JOHNSON CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 7114 CORNERSTONE DRIVE CHARLOTTE, NC 28269 CANDIDATE PHONE:980-216-4534 CANDIDATE EMAIL: VOTE@RENEEPERKINSJOHNSON. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.RENEEPERKINSJOHNSON. COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: RENEE PERKINS JOHNSON COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NONE CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: WILLIAM BROWN CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 980-216-4534

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City Council DISTRICT 4 CHARLES ROBINSON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? I will pursue policies that deal with partnerships, coalitions and organizations that plan to eliminate systemic racism. We need policies that examine public works that negatively impact people of color. It is a must that the development of public and private partnerships include community engagement policies. This is key to ending issues of inequity while including the whole community in the process. OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I plan to involve residents in the decision-making process by increasing community engagements thru regular town hall meetings. This public participation strategy will inform the constituents while consulting and soliciting their input thru these town halls. This will in turn build confidence and trust. Creating committees with citizens will allow them to collaborate and be part of the decision-making process.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? I believe the most important issues facing the city in the coming years are the affordable housing crisis, transportation/infrastructure challenges, and public safety. People who are born here are not able to live here anymore. It is becoming more difficult to travel throughout the city safely and in a timely manner. Public safety or the perception of Charlotte being a dangerous city may impede the progress of our Global branding. We need to expand our partnerships with community colleges that offer vocational training programs. We need to develop relationships with local businesses that will work with these students coming out of these vocational programs. Upon completion of these programs students will be in a better position to be employed with a livable wage. This wage will support the high cost of living. We will need to continue to support and grow the blue to line to help address some of the issues with inner city travel. Becoming more strategic in recruiting officers is crucial to addressing public safety in all communities equitably. 2 0 1 9

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CHARLES ROBINSON U

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Three short term actions that will address economic mobility amongst African Americans are to implement policies that promote vocational partnerships, identify strategies to increase equal pay and provide opportunities for families to buy homes. Home ownership is a key to wealth. The creation of vocational partnerships promotes job skill development and leads to access towards economic mobility. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Issues of affordable housing can be addressed through inclusionary zoning and changing building codes so that it is easier to rehab older buildings. We need to create new funding models to make homes more affordable for families. I offer an innovative and transparent leadership skill set that will allow us the opportunity to be creative in bridging partnerships. HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT?

I believe Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial footing is secure. However, we need to upgrade our transportation system, continue to bring events to the city and make it a priority to bring businesses and jobs. While staying informed of all changes, make constituents aware of them and be part of the decisions for resolutions.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: CHARLES ROBINSON CANDIDATE ADDRESS: MT. KISCO CHARLOTTE, NC 28213 CANDIDATE PHONE:704-733-8934 CANDIDATE EMAIL: ELECTCROBINSON@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: ELECTCHARLESROBINSON.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: CHARLES ROBINSON CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: TAPN2CLT CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: GIOVANNI DORTCHE CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 704-606-1103

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City Council DISTRICT 4 SEAN THOMPSON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? I will advocate for more community led engagement initiatives like Cops and Barbers and a youth summit for at risk teens.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? By asking the voters what issues are important to them.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES?

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Increase funding for workforce development programs, Create more public-private partnerships, Recruit businesses to Charlotte that are committed to hiring people from our community. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I will advocate for development projects near the Blue Line Extension to have a higher percentage of units priced at the area average median income.

Affordable Housing, Economic Mobility, Public Safety, and Transporation.

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SEAN THOMPSON

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? I believe the city has a good budget plan in place. I would look to sustain it with some minor changes. THE END

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: SEAN THOMPSON CANDIDATE ADDRESS: PO BOX 562715 CHARLOTTE, NC 28256 CANDIDATE PHONE:(704) 277-9794 CANDIDATE EMAIL: THOMPSON4CLT@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.VOTESEANTHOMPSON.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/THOMPSON4CLT CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM. COM/THOMPSON4CLT CAMPAIGN TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/THOMPSON4CLT POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NONE CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: SEAN THOMPSON CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: (704) 277-9794

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City Council DISTRICT 4 BRANDON PIERCE BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Opportunity - Perhaps the biggest hindrance to progress in our community is the fact that opportunity is not always felt in the black and brown communities as much as others. One of my policies to counteract this is to fund initiatives that will employ more of our non-active youth. This leads to upward mobility. 2. Upward Mobility - from a policy standpoint - in addition to employing more of youth to deter them from poverty and crime we also have to provides means for our community to access opportunity. We also have to focus on entrepreneurship and homeownership. Together both of those help to create a more equitable Charlotte. 3. Sustainable Communities – Right now the best grocery stores and the best roads and the best homes are all typically in South Charlotte and wealthier areas. As we are redoing our zoning ordinances and planning out our city 20 years from now we have to have a vision of independent self-sus-

taining neighborhoods that inter-connect. This means that the residents of the Valley of the Ford shouldn’t be forced to move to South Charlotte or drive every day to South Charlotte to have access to prominent things but instead the Ford and Hidden Valley and other places should be reformed and enhanced. A way we can achieve this is by halting on sales tax increases for the arts and instead start raising money to in order to raise minority communities.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? We have to start meeting our residents where they are. Our elected officials have to stop acting as if they have all the answers and solutions when in fact they don’t. Real solutions come from the community not the politicians. My plan is simple, transparency and honestly at every opportunity. We can do this by electing candidates like me who might be from a different political party but I have the same end result in mind; Helping the People. If we allow one party to dominate our local politics at every 2 0 1 9

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BRANDON PIERCE level we will never get the full 100% transparency that is vital to keeping our residents involved in the decision-making process. I still believe that super majorities are bad no matter what party owns it.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Growth - we always treat growth like it is a positive (which it is), but there is also a huge negative as well. We have to tackle the negatives. The problem with our current city council is we continue to focus on building affordable housing and transportation and infrastructure for our current rate of growth instead of forecasting our growth rate in 2040 or even 2050. Infrastructure - if traffic is bad now, how much worst will it be when we double our population? How much more can we cut down nature to make way for development? We will have nothing left. We need to start solving our traffic problems with a more holistic approach. We can accomplish this by inverting our current transportation approach. We currently build from the center city first and branch outwards. We need to flip that. From an infrastructure standpoint, we also need to start investing in things like urban forests so we can develop without killing everything green in sight. And we also have to start solving issues with a technology approach versus demolish, build, expand, demolish again approach. Unity - This is the biggest issue and it is what motivated me to run.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: BRANDON PIERCE CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 8500 GALENA VIEW DR CHARLOTTE, NC 28269 CANDIDATE PHONE:9802224931 CANDIDATE EMAIL: BRANDON@CHANGECHARLOTTE. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.CHANGECHARLOTTE.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/VOTEBRANDONPIERCE CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/BRANDONPIERCEQC POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: REPUBLICAN YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: N/A CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: ERINN ROCHELLE CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7049777919

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City Council DISTRICT 4 BRANDON PIERCE BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

Right now, our city is more divided then it has ever been before, we can’t event talk to each other and that is a problem. I am a running as a Republican to show our city that 1. All republicans do not look and sound like Trump and 2. Unity goes both ways. We have to take a stand before this turns into complete separation and division.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? 1. Education - this doesn’t exactly fall under city council but it is so vital to fighting the economic mobility crisis that I had to mention it. We have to rethink the way we go about education. Our minority communities need access to viable education that teaches them more than just math and reading but also teaches them life skills such as how to avoid debt and how to manage a budget and why it’s important to strive for a higher paying job. 2. Family - as long as our youth continue

to get raised in single parent households it will always be hard to move up the ladder as fast as others. We need to start investing in awareness campaigns that focus on the unity of family and advocate against things like teen pregnancies and absent fathers. 3. Transportation – As mentioned earlier when it comes to transportation we have traditionally taken an approach of building from the Center City first and connecting outward. This is great for Charlotte but not always great for our minority citizens. I advocate that we should flip it and instead start to build transportation hubs in the furthest points of the city and branch inward. This radical approach will cost more money and time but the result is it will lift up more citizens. Another thing we have to think about for Transportation is the fact that bus stops are great, if you actually have walkable sidewalks to walk to them on. And even if we have sidewalks with the current rate of homicides and violent crimes and sexual assaults how safe is that walk? It’s time to start investing in technological solutions that will keep our resident’s safe as they are accessing

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transportation. Examples include cameras, panic buttons, etc. We have so much technology at our hands, let’s start using it to keep our citizens safe as they climb the ladder of opportunity. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? For starters, most families don’t dream of making it to low-income apartments. They dream about owning their own home and building wealth. But to date, Charlotte’s best idea for tackling our affordable housing crisis is to put $50 million toward supporting new apartments for our low-income neighbors. There’s simply no way to build our way out of this problem. Real solutions must involve supporting a range of affordable housing options — especially building pathways to homeownership. Our City Council must get out of the way of innovative ideas to do just that. We have to do things such as; Support innovative affordable housing solutions, from tiny homes to shared equity. Ensure that our zoning ordinances allow for diverse housing options across the city. Expand down payment assistance programs and financial literacy support through a public-private partnership. And lastly explore creation of a public-private land trust to buy land for affordable housing before it gets too expensive.

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while our corporations and small business and non-profits and faith based communities have constantly shown that they want to do more. We have to start letting them. An example is the Cross-Charlotte Trail. Why is the city funding 70+ millions of dollars for this project (not including what the county is paying)? We can easily engage partners like Bank of America and Atrium Health and Coca Cola and others and ask them to help fund this trail. Why wouldn’t a Bank of America donate a portion, let’s say a mile of the trail for a million dollars if they get the chance to place their logo on a bench or a trash can? It allows them to become even more invested in our community while also allowing our government budget to go to more things that impact our families such as affordable housing or increasing grants such as Jumpstart Microgrants or Aging in Place grants. T HE END

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? I think our city manager Mr. Jones and the city staff has done a great job at funding more projects and initiatives in our current 2020 budget while remaining revenue neutral. But we are far from great in this category, our city can do so much better. The reason I say that is because our city lacks the will to prioritize alternative funding for projects. We continue to pay for everything

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City Council DISTRICT 5 MATT NEWTON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

meetings, public forums, etc.) through a variety of platforms (facebook, email, television, etc.). To that end, I have maintained a newsletter, have held a number of town halls, and made it a point to personally respond to all constituent concerns throughout my first term. On a A comprehensive plan for housing, economCity-wide level, broadening the scope of pubic development, transportation, and public licly televised meetings, ensuring community safety. With our new LISC partnership, we meetings and engagement are part of the UDO must not forget the importance of stakehold(Unified Development Ordinance) before its er/public input and preservation of affordable adopted, including all stakeholders in the new housing (as outlined in our housing frameLISC affordable housing process, and extendwork). We must also continue to advocate ing the geographic region for notices of rezonfor CRB subpoena power, require that MWSing community meetings. BE goals are met, and insist on CIP infrastructure and transportation dollars in the areas of HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE Charlotte with the greatest need (West/East MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACCharlotte). ING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? On a District level, by being responsive to constituent concerns and keeping constituents informed of engagement opportunities (community meetings, town halls, rezoning

AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES?

As we continue to address the affordable housing crisis, I believe we must also tackle issues associated with transportation, public safety, and economic development in the coming years. (1) Transportation- As the city exponentially 2 0 1 9

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MATT NEWTON grows, we must identify revenue streams for the large projects (light rail, gold line, etc.) that will help residents move around town (to work, school, wherever). We must also identify affordable, effective solutions such as rapid bus transit and trail connections that can be implemented while we await funding. (2) Public Safety- As our homicide rate is exploding, we must make our communities safer and bridge the community/law enforcement divide through positive, community-building interactions (for example National Night Out and Cops and Barbers) and an emphasis on cutting-edge community-policing training/techniques (CPCRT program). We must also work with our County/ Judicial partners in a collective effort. (3) Economic Development- As we solicit big corporations to our City, we must also ensure that we are investing in middle and entry level jobs that pay a living wage. Restructuring the scope of business investment grants, increasing funding for the West/East collaborative (and its scope), and creating/strengthening partnerships with workforce development agencies in our community will play a big role in accomplishing this. CON T I U N E R E A DI N G ON N EXT PAG E

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: MATT NEWTON CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 8817 LITTLE HAMPTON PLACE CHARLOTTE, NC 28215 CANDIDATE PHONE:(980) 259-9107 CANDIDATE EMAIL: NEWTONARROYOLAW@YAHOO. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.MATTNEWTONFOR5.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/MATTNEWTONFOR5/ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 1 1/2 YEARS (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M COMPLETING MY FIRST TERM) PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: MATT NEWTON CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: (980) 259-9107

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City Council DISTRICT 5 MATT NEWTON BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? (1) City Council can make sure that MWSBE (Minority Women Small Business Enterprise) goals are met before approving city contracts. In so doing, we must be aware of the potential for fraudulent MWSBE designations and further review the opt-out “good faith efforts” criteria. (2) City Council can place an emphasis on providing better infrastructure and transportation options in the areas with the greatest need. Capital Improvement Projects, and funding, are needed in West and East Charlotte to provide sidewalks and to update dilapidated infrastructure. The same areas, which also happen to have the highest public transportation usage rates, are in need of expanded (expanding our transit grid) and additional low-cost public transportation options. (3) City Council can continue to incentivize affordable housing development through ballot

initiatives (bonds) and housing trust fund dollars. In so doing, we should fine-tune the newly instituted LISC approval process and follow our housing framework policy. This would include placing an emphasis on preservation of existing affordable housing and our locational policy. It also means we should continue the plan to supply funding for our aging in place program. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? City Council has approved an additional $50 million dollar affordable housing bond initiative in this year’s budget and, much like our previous affordable housing bond initiative, I think we should continue to work with the private sector (via Foundation for the Carolinas and LISC) to obtain matching dollars. It’s also important that we make sure there is an adequate opportunity for stakeholder 2 0 1 9

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engagement and input in our newly instituted LISC approval process and that we meet housing framework objectives. To the latter point, we must be better engaged on the front-end of the process, identifying properties for developers, to ensure that we are meeting our NOAH (naturally occurring affordable housing) preservation goals and that we are incentivizing development throughout the city. Additionally, we need to pay more attention to developer fees to make sure that we are not over-spending on proposals. I will work hard to do all of these things.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? I think the City has done a good job of balancing the budget in a revenue-neutral way, without raising taxes and while maintaining an impeccable credit rating. We also currently have decent debt capacity, as well as a plan, to afford future bond cycles. However, I do have some concerns moving forward given the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth and the amount we spent out of our general fund for the Cross-Charlotte trail. I also think there will come a time when we will have no choice but to address our utility rates and stormwater backlog. I anticipate pay-go funds to roll over into next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget, and subsequent budgets, and I think it is important that we consider a reserve for some of those funds to help combat the costs associated with any future expansion of city services. Furthermore, I think it is important that we continue to identify all federal, state, and private dollars available that can help us meet our goals. THE END

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City Council DISTRICT 5 VINROY REID BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Affordable Housing and a living wage

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? Hosting Town Hall meetings to discuss community issues and get feedback from the attendees. I will also engage community members on social media and have set office hours to be accessible to the entire community.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Affordable Housing will take top priority

among the issues I will want to tackle. As a licensed general contractor I plan to work with builders, developers and suppliers to negotiate affordable price points for building new single and multi family homes. I will be advocating for the city to allocate more land for the building and development of afforable housing.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? 1) Allocating funds for small business loans for the African American Community 2) Advocating for more City of Charlotte contracts to be awarded to African American Businesses 3) Working with African American Entrepreneurs to create more business and innovation incubator hubs WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE 2 0 1 9

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VINROY REID CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? All sectors need to work together to solve the affordable housing crisis affecting minority citizens of Charlotte. I will work to bring together Government and private sector stake holders to put actionable plans that have the best interest of the African American community.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Instead of focusing on giving incentives to big businesses, I would advocate for financial resources to be allocated for small business loans. The interest on the loans will bring in revenue to the city in addition to developing and growing the African American business community.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: VINROY REID CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 9809 EAST WT HARRIS BLVD CHARLOTTE 28227 CANDIDATE PHONE:980-298-2652 CANDIDATE EMAIL: VINROYREID8@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ VINROY.REID

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CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/VINROY.REID CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: NOT YET ELECTED TO OFFICE PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHARLOTTE BUSINESS INCLUSION COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: VINROY REID 980-2982652 CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 980-298-2652

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City Council DISTRICT 5 MARK L. VINCENT BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? The first thing I want to work on is minimum wage. If a human being works a 40 hour week they should be able to live a moderate life without the fear of how to pay their next bill. By raising the minimum wage we will not only reduce the income inequality, we would increase worker productivity and reduce employee turnover, which would reduce social, racial, and gender inequality that leads to a healthier community.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I plan to keep the residents of the 5th District involved by holding Town Hall Meetings on everything that the City Council votes on. I will use the information gained from the residents as a guide on how I vote, because I will work for the people.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? Population Growth and the Re gentrification of normally minority homes in the inner city. The county has been raising the property tax enough to tax the minority resident out of the family homes, then allow developers to build homes that the lower income can not afford. I would look for ways to provide assistance to the residents that are on fixed incomes and build low income housing on city property for the displaced residents.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? These are not short plans these are my plans: First work on the minimum wage for the City, Next I would work on transportation into and 2 0 1 9

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MARK L. VINCENT out of the city for the African American communities that have been placed out side of the city. Lastly I would work on Housing--to build low income housing on old city property. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Change the currant rules and hold developers accountable for there actions. When low income housing is promised, make sure that they deliver low income housing and not lower priced housing.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Charlotte, NC has a great financial footprint but the growth in population is going to change this. We need to look to other industries for sustaining growth--not just the banking industry. Industries in carbon-less fuels, like solar and wind power, need a city to take the lead in changing the world and Charlotte, NC is that city. THE END

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: MARK VINCENT CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 8106 STRAWBERRY POINT DRIVE CHARLOTTE, NC 28215 CANDIDATE PHONE:(704) 712-2076 CANDIDATE EMAIL: MVINCEN123@GMAIL.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: 0 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: MARK VINCENT CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: (704) 712-2076

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City Council DISTRICT 6 GINA NAVARRETE BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? Policies that require education/training, accountability, and transparency for all public servants are necessary. For example, every police officer should be required to complete training to recognize mental health issues and de-escalation of conflict during police/citizen encounters. Education is not enough, thus, greater accountability and transparency are also needed. These principles also apply to other public servants that interact with the public. For this to be effective, City Council must collaborate with the Board of County Commissioners and CMS School Board. Input from the community will be needed in order to target the important issues that need to be addressed.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I will make myself available to my constituents and other Charlotte residents by conducting

more regular town hall meetings, coffee hours, meet-and greets, etc. Some of these events will provide the ability for people to join virtually. Meeting on a regular basis with community leaders that are in the trenches are a must.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? I believe the most important issues and my priorities as an city council member will be: 1. Managing growth in an economically equitable manner and environmentally sustainable manner; 2. Increasing access to safe and affordable housing, transportation, nutritious/affordable food, education and recreational opportunities to all Charlotteans, no matter their zip code; and 3. Addressing the racial and social inequities as I discussed above. NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? Fund transitional housing for the homeless and

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NAVARRETE those temporarily displaced from their homes. The residents from the Lake Arbor apartments on Tuckaseegee Road are a perfect example of why such help is needed. Making access to efficient and affordable transportation a city budget priority. Providing funding and opportunities for already existing programs that encourage youth engagement in the community.

WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I believe using LISC has been a very smart first step. We need to continue to use their input along with feedback/input from the communities affected by the development. It is not just about building units for affordable housing, it is about building communities with enough infrastructure and other amenities to support those communities. Quality of life, economic sustainability in those communities and environmentally sound policies need to be part of the discussion. HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? Charlotte as a city is doing well, but there is a great deal of inequity in its citizenry. We need to address this to ensure that we, as combined city, have future forward. growth--not just the banking industry. Industries in carbon-less fuels, like solar and wind power, need a city to take the lead in changing the world and Charlotte, NC is that city.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: GINA NAVARRETE CANDIDATE ADDRESS: TOWN AND COUNTRY DR. CHARLOTTE 28226 CANDIDATE PHONE:7202546201 CANDIDATE EMAIL: GINAFORCITYCOUNCIL@GMAIL. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.GINAFORCITYCOUNCIL.COM/ CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: @GINAFORCITYCOUNCIL CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: DEMOCRAT YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 0 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: NONE CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: GINA NAVARRETE CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 7202546201

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City Council DISTRICT 6 TARIQ BOKHARI BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? As a person who grew up on the bottom quintile The top issue for me is upward mobility, and to of poverty and experienced how difficult upward achieve that the top area of focus has become mobility was, this topic is near and dear to my very clear to me: workforce development. Yet we heart. I have focused in my first term, and will spend so little time discussing it. So I launched continue if I’m lucky enough to get a 2nd, on the WIN program (workforce investment network) the entire picture of upward mobility, not just where we have taken people in need of upward individual parts in a silo. That means not only mobility and trained them to code while paying improving affordable housing options, but conthem a life changing salary. And the diversity is necting the transportation, workforce training, amazing, with half the class being african ameriand job recruitment pieces together in a comcan and a third being female. While others talk, i prehensive plan. do. OW DO YOU PLAN TO INNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT VOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DELACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY CISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE CITY? THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT I still believe putting more emphasis on our 30+ CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRIboards and commissions is one of the most SIS? important things we can do to involve the public As I mentioned above, number 1 is workforce dein shaping policy. Too often we don’t even get velopment, with a specific eye towards those that to hear what these 100’s of people are doing the current education and social capital systems with their time as elected officials, and that is a have left behind. Then we must ensure affordshame able housing is addressed, as well as meaningful HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

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TARIQ BOKHARI transportation - so both of these topics dont suck away all of the peoples time and money as they are trying to get ahead.

WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? We have done a lot of work to address affordable housing challenges these last two years. From the $50M bond, to the private sector match, to the new locational policy and the framework. But in my opinion we havent worked as smart as we could have. We still throw money at the problem, with developers sitting in the middle and making a profit off of the small number of units we actually create. We need wholesale change and action, and that’s what I’ve tried to bring to the table. We also need to better engage the community, which we havent.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? We manage our budget on the city-side pretty well. We need to better prioritize our funds to what matters most, but we are doing pretty good. The county raising taxes and contemplating a 1/4 sales tax for the arts is unacceptable. This type of regressive tax hurts those who can afford it the least. People in the lowest levels of poverty need better transportation and housing... but we are raising their cost of living and giving them more of the same arts programming. I simply can’t understand what is going through some leaders minds.

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: TARIQ BOKHARI CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 3320 SHARON RD CHARLOTTE, NC 28211 CANDIDATE PHONE:9802592602 CANDIDATE EMAIL: TARIQ@TARIQSCOTTBOKHARI. COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: WWW.TARIQSCOTTBOKHARI. COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/TARIQSCOTTBOKHARI/ CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/FINTECHINNOV8R POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: REPUBLICAN YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 2 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: CLTCC D6 CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: TARIQ CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 9802592602

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City Council DISTRICT 7 ED DRIGGS BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? As Vice Chair of the Neighborhood Housing and We have a very high murder rate this year. I beDevelopment Committee (now a member of lieve the answer lies in implementing the recomNeighborhood Development Committee), I have mendations of the Economic Opportunity Task worked to implement partnership with LISC to Force. I joined in the Council vote in favor of a create more affordable housing. Sponsored budget that increased the investment in affordCity investment in Goodwill/ CPCC CMS job able housing from $25 million to $50 million in training partnership. 2020. Job creation through training and business recruitment is key (I have been a Goodwill Board OW DO YOU PLAN TO INmember for four years) VOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT CITY? LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE I host a meeting every week open to all comTHREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT ers, at which I talk about City Council actions CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRIand listen to constituent concerns. I have also SIS? hosted numerous Open Houses and attend all Community Meetings for rezonings. As above, more training to create access to jobs, remove barriers to reentry for those who have been in the system, implement Economic Opportunity Task Force recommendations HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY?

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ED DRIGGS WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? Our partnership with private investors through LISC will create $150-$200 million in investment over two bond cycles. Work still needs to be done to take community input on board and ensure that housing is allocated to the neediest

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? The City is on a very strong financial footing, with a AAA bond rating and adequate fund balance for contingencies. Our challenge is to plan carefully for housing, and transportation and other investment so as not to encounter a shortfall in the future, particularly if the economy turns down. THE END

CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: ED DRIGGS CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 4901 OLD COURSE DRIVE CHARLOTTE, NC 28277 CANDIDATE PHONE:704 574-7262 CANDIDATE EMAIL: ED@EDDRIGGS.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: EDDRIGGS.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: EDDRIGGSD7 CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: N/A CAMPAIGN TWITTER: EDDRIGGSD7 POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: REPUBLICAN YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: 6 PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: CITY COUNCIL - 3 TERMS CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: STEVE MICHAEL CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 314 603-0182

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City Council DISTRICT 7 VICTORIA NWASIKE BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

HAT KINDS OF POLICIES, IF ANY, WILL YOU PURSUE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY IN THE CITY? The kinds of policies that I will pursue to promote social and racial equity would focus on the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future planning and development. As Immediate Past Vice Chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission and current member, I have experience in landuse and planning policies and understand the need to bring everyone to the table to help plan our cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. With the Planning Department currently developing the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, it is important that our leaders receive input from all Charlotte residents by deliberately targeting historically underserved communities and use the opportunity to obtain meaningful input so that the plan reflects our diverse population. Additionally, I would encourage diverse voices on city-appointed boards and commissions so that there is greater input from the various communities in Charlotte and a better

understanding of how policy recommendations could affect different residents.

OW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN YOUR CITY? I plan to involve residents in the decision-making process by making sure they are aware of important issues, community meetings and public comment periods to provide input, solutions, and help hold city leaders accountable for promises made. As Immediate Past Vice Chair of South Charlotte Partners and Ballantyne Breakfast Club, I have consistently alerted area residents by posting on social media, sending emails and inviting residents to public meetings regarding local rezonings, development, schools and transportation. I have also hosted community meetings through the Ballantyne Breakfast Club to allow residents to have access to elected officials and departmental leaders at all levels so that they can learn more, provide input, and let their voice be heard. Additionally, I have historically provided notices to the greater community regarding important public comment periods so 2 0 1 9

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VICTORIA NWASIKE that input can be provided in a timely manner and truly influence decisions for the area. As the District 7 Charlotte City Councilmember, I would continue to alert the community in a similar manner to foster meaningful engagement and will participate regularly in community forums like the Ballantyne Breakfast Club and hold my own Townhall Meetings to provide updates and receive feedback from the community.

HAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE CITY IN THE COMING YEARS AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR PRIORITIES IN TAKING ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES? I believe the most important issues facing the city in the coming years include lack of adequate planning for the projected growth, limited connectivity/mobility options, and community safety. Regarding adequate planning, Charlotte is attracting people to move here at a record rate, and we all must share limited resources, space, infrastructure and land. Therefore, we need to make sure that we are planning for the projected growth so that it will be more a blessing than a burden and not negatively affect the community. This includes determining how to encourage increased housing availability at differential price points so that a variety of residents can call Charlotte home. Additionally, we need to explore greater mobility options and modes of transportation with the influx of residents coming to this city daily. CON T I U N E R E A DI N G ON N EXT PAG E

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CANDIDATE AT A GLANCE CANDIDATE NAME: VICTORIA NWASIKE CANDIDATE ADDRESS: 9935-D REA RD. #112 CHARLOTTE, NC 28277 CANDIDATE PHONE:(704) 412-3032 CANDIDATE EMAIL: VICTORIA@VICTORIAFORCHARLOTTE.COM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.VICTORIAFORCHARLOTTE.COM CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK: @VICTORIAFORSOUTHCHARLOTTE CAMPAIGN INSTAGRAM: CAMPAIGN TWITTER: @VNWASIKE POLITICAL EXPERIENCE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: REPUBLICAN YEAR(S) AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL: N/A PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD: COMMISSIONER/IMMEDIATE PAST VICE CHAIR, CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG PLANNING COMMISSION; EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER, CHARLOTTE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION CAMPAIGN LEAD CONTACT: VICTORIA NWASIKE CAMPAIGN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: (704) 412-3032

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City Council DISTRICT 7 VICTORIA NWASIKE BL AC K P O L ITICA L CAU CU S

Right now, many roads are at capacity and the number of new developments to accommodate growth is increasing at a rapid pace. Beyond widening roads, we need to think critically of making sure residents can move around in the city and have greater connectivity by reviewing various mobility options â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the exploration of greater and more frequent bus routes, bus rapid transit, and light rail. Finally, with many CMPD officers expected to retire and with the lack of new hires for a variety of reasons, I believe that community safety is an important issue facing Charlotte with the drastic increase in homicide rates. My priorities would be to work with CMPD to assess what can be done to help attract and maintain police officers who can replace the large number of expected retirees and target recruitment from historically underserved communities so that we have adequate resources to combat rising crime and encourage good relationships between police and the community.

NDERSTANDING THE CURRENT LACK OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, WHAT ARE THREE (3) SHORT TERM ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS? After practicing law, I worked at the Iowa Economic Development Authority spearheading their foreign direct investment initiatives and recruiting companies from abroad to increase job growth which is imperative to provide opportunities for economic mobility. Additionally, I am currently a consultant specializing in business and economic development. With this understanding, I believe three short term actions that can be taken to address the lack of economic mobility for African Americans centers around encouraging job creation and development in historically underserved areas. The first action would be to capitalize on the Federal Opportunity Zones and create policies that will compliment investment in the most underserved communities, including creating limited city-level incentives and polices that can not only encourage

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sustainable job growth affording local residents’ greater economic mobility - but also help align the development with the City’s existing goals regarding social mobility and differential housing. Additionally, I believe the city can prioritize workforce development and job training to offer residents opportunities to gain important skills and obtain meaningful jobs that pay a livable wage and be competitive in today’s workforce. This can be done by working with existing job training programs and encourage partnering with private employers to leverage public funds and ensure that training programs are in-line with industry needs to make it easier for companies to recruit and retain employees from historically underserved communities thereby increasing economic mobility. I also believe the City can work to increase entrepreneurship and minority owned businesses by encouraging partnerships with various business chambers and private companies to help provide financing, business management skills and mentoring opportunities. WHAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE AND WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL OFFER TO THE CITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? As a member of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission I have extensively explored the issue of diverse price-point housing for Charlotte and voted to approve the Commission’s Policy Recommendations on Affordable Housing. With this experience, I have learned that one of the best ways to help foster affordable housing is to help curb unnecessary costs so that housing developments can remain affordable. I believe efforts could include streamlining the zoning and permitting process so that there can be a reduction in fees or the fast-tracking of projects to cut costs and lead to housing being more affordable.

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quality of the project but can lower costs, such as lower parking maximums or flexibility on design characteristics. Furthermore, the City can review its inventory of land to determine whether parcels could be used for affordable housing and encourage their counterparts at the county to do so well. Moreover, the city can take an inventory of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) to determine whether it is possible to rehabilitate and save those units to preserve the ever-dwindling housing stock. The City should also continue to encourage and leverage funds from the private sector so that the Housing Trust Fund dollars can be stretched further to help build or renovate affordable units.

HAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL FOOTING? WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO SUSTAIN IT OR IMPROVE IT? In my opinion, the City of Charlotte’s financial footing is currently stable. However, we need continue to review spending in order to cut waste and prioritize our spending to focus on areas that have the most impact on residents. Additionally, we need to continue to leverage private dollars in key areas such as affordable housing so that our public dollars can stretch further without increasing the tax burden on residents. T HE END

Additionally, there can be more flexibility on requirements that might not affect the overall 2 5

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