SPECIAL REGIONAL EDITION:
Matthews - Mint Hill & South Charlotte
Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 • Vol. 13 • No. 1
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261
Justin Vick Managing Editor
justin@cmgweekly.com matthewsminthillweekly.com
Looking at last year's storylines
ART CLASSES
H
indsight is 20/20 when looking back at predictions. Last year, I outlined 11 storylines that would linger into 2019. Here's what happened to each of those observations. President Donald Trump is expected to be in town in August for the Republican National Convention. Shealah Craighead/Official White House
Nine storylines to follow into 2020 by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Left in box Rev. Tony says to cherish life’s gifts, 3A
State goals Ajmera is running for treasurer, 5A
Vote 2020 Election ballots are set, 4A
You don't need force powers to predict some of the biggest storylines of 2020. Several seeds were planted over the course of 2019 that will begin to bear fruit this year. Light rail The Charlotte Area Transit System has laid a lot of groundwork on fine-tuning a regional transit plan. The LYNX Silver Line, originally slated to be a Matthews-to-Uptown Charlotte route, could be extended to span from Indian Trail to Belmont. This represents 26 miles across three counties. Plans are also in place to extend the LYNX Blue Line beyond its I-485/South Boulevard stop to Carolina Place Mall in Pineville, where it will shift east to the Ballantyne Corporate Park. Charlotte has contracted out pre-development work for the Silver Line to determine the scope and cost of the project. CATS will engage the public more in 2020 to build consensus for its regional transit plan. Homicides Fans of DaBaby have taken to social media in recent days to ask why the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is hassling their favorite rapper when they could be focused on homicides. But police aren't mind readers. City and county leaders recognize this and are trying to be proactive in stopping violence. The county is leaning on its
Charlotte Police Chief Kerr Putney will be retiring in 2020, but he'll be working with community leaders on getting a handle on the city's homicides. CMG file photos
The Charlotte Area Transit System gauged interest from the community in the spring about extending light rail to the Ballantyne area. CATS will continue getting feedback this year about regional transit efforts.
public health department for recommendations to attack the root cause. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles also announced she was directing staff
to identify neighborhoods most affected by violence. She said the city, county and courts will use the see 2020, Page 5A
Say what? The best quotes of 2019, 1B
INDEX Classifieds..............................................................5B Faith.................................................................................... 3A Calendar.................................................................... 2A In the Know......................................................... 2A News Briefs......................................................... 2A Loud&Live............................................................. 6A Puzzles......................................................................... 6A
The goal of Ballantyne Reimagined is to set a new standard for sense of place while continuing to be an economic driver for the entire region. Photo courtesy of Northwood
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Congressional drama What I said Two months after the 2018 general election, the region didn't have a representative in Congress amid allegations of voter fraud in Robeson and Bladen counties. I mentioned the importance of a congressional office in helping residents cut through federal red tape and teased we could see a lengthy investigation. What happened The state elections board concluded its investigation in February, setting dates for a new election. Mark Harris bowed out, citing health concerns, allowing prominent Republicans like Matthew Ridenhour to run for the seat. N.C. Sen. Dan Bishop emerged from the primary to defeat Dan McCready in September with campaign support from the White House. Charter schools What I said I wrote that charter schools would continue to be debated on multiple fronts. I recapped how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools began meeting with town representatives regarding demographics and school boundaries after House Bill 514 granted Matthews, Mint Hill, Cornelius and Huntersville authority to open and operate charter schools. What happened State legislators introduced bills to repeal municipal charter schools and study charter schools' effect on school districts in February and March but those didn't break out of committee. John Higdon and Renee Garner won elections in Matthews in part for campaigning to mend fences with CMS. The school district formally broke bread with Cornelius. County leadership What I said I was curious about how the leadership dynamics would play in Union County with new County Manager Mark Watson, as well as group dynamics with the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners being comprised entirely of Democrats. What happened Within 30 days of becoming county manager, Watson restructured the government by empowering three of his top staffers to take on more operational control. He appears much less tense than his predecessor was at meetings. In Mecklenburg County, commissioners have nuanced discussions of issues, such as the decision to put the sales tax increase on the ballot. Commissioner George Dunlap is much see LAST YEAR, Page 6A
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Page 2A • Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020
NEWS BRIEFS
IN THE KNOW PHOTO OF THE WEEK STAY CONNECTED • Instagram: @mmhweekly and @southcltweekly • Twitter: @mmhweekly and @southcltweekly • Like us on Facebook • Web: matthewsminthill weekly.com and thechar lotteweekly.com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers
Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk helped 20 children from Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Carolina during a holiday shopping spree Dec. 19 at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Each child received a $150 Academy gift card. Monk also gave each “big” and “little” a ticket to a Charlotte Hornets game. Photo courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors
MOST POPULAR STORIES Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • 100 Biggest Newsmakers of 2019 • Police look for suspect with affinity for electronics • Cattle farm to evolve into luxury apartments • Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity gives gift of homeownership • Santa’s helpers give away 163 bikes South Charlotte Weekly • Myers Park Baptist Church unveils bold messages on immigration, climate change • Beer explorer taps Resident Culture as local favorite • 100 Biggest Newsmakers of 2019 • Small Biz Finalist: Dawn Talley • Junior Johnson sells home for $2.5M
TWEETS OF THE WEEK • “Someone died last night while the police department wasting resources and officers to harass me in attempt to make a bad example out of me. When in reality, i’m the most positive example the city of Charlotte got. Especially for anybody in the streets of Charlotte and the KIDS.” – DaBaby (@DaBabyDaBaby) • “The November housing report is out. The average sales price of homes in Mecklenburg County continues to rise. It's up 6.5% year to date at $341,498.” – Mecklenburg County (@MeckCounty )
CONTACT US PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy PUBLISHER Adrian Garson
Operation Bikes is part of Operation Santa’s Helpers, which longtime Special Olympics volunteer Bob Bowler launched 30 years ago. Photo courtesy of Al Tinson
Santa's helpers give away 163 bikes to children
SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Many children received new bikes this Christmas thanks to volunteers and parishioners from St. John Neumann Catholic Church, including members of its Knights of Columbus Council. A committee headed by longtime St. John Neumann members John CasaSanta and Mike Horeth received enough donations to buy 163 bikes from the Walmart on North Sardis Road using Black Friday specials. Bikes were distributed to children from several area schools, including Bain, Piney Grove, Idlewild, Queen’s Grant and Our Lady of Assumption. Dave Adams, Brian and Matt Allio, Bill Edelen, Robert Gregory, Norm Laskowsky, Mike Munao, Cindy Satink, Larry Sladek, John Streitman and Don Zaron served as Santa's Helpers.
CONTENT PRODUCER Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
Report: Rivera could coach Washington Redskins
BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen rjensen@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb Maya Cann adsales@cmgweekly.com
they would not disturb the neighbors downstairs. Thanks to support from the community, the family moved into their own safe and secure home, just in time for the holidays. The Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 108th home Dec. 7 on Dion Drive to Moulay, Samia and their three children. Moulay and Samia logged over 400 hours of “sweat equity” and attended homebuyer education classes with the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity in exchange for a $0down and interest-free mortgage. “I can’t wait to jump,” their 7-year-old said about their new home. Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity thanked several sponsors for their support of the project, including Matthews United Methodist Church, Matthews Presbyterian Church, Morning Star Lutheran Church, St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Canopy Housing Foundation, Corning Foundation, McAllister Renovation and Design, Dentsply Sirona, Apollo Valves and Messiah Lutheran Church. Visit www.greatermatthewshabitat.org for details.
Police look for suspect with affinity for electronics MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying someone suspected of committing fraud Dec. 11 at Best Buy. Police say the suspect fraudulently purchased over $1,700 worth of electronics at 11:33 a.m. Contact Detective Lori Valdes with any information at lvaldes@matthewsnc.gov or 704847-5555.
CHARLOTTE – South Charlotte resident Ron Rivera is interviewing as coach of the Washington Redskins, ESPN reported on Dec. 30. The Carolina Panthers hired Rivera in 2011. Rivera not only became the winningest coach in franchise history, but he also led the Panthers to four playoff berths and a Super Bowl. The Weekly went to press on the morning of Dec. 31, so not many details were available.
Habitat for Humanity gives gift of homeownership MATTHEWS – Moulay and Samia would always have to remind the children not to run and jump in their overcrowded apartment so
Recognize this man? Identification could help police crack a fraud cause. Photo courtesy of Matthews Police Department
THINGS TO DO Jan. 3 Family Fun Family Fun Night at Crews presents Mini Golf Night. Treat the family to a night out playing mini-golf. Events are free. www.matthewsfun.com or 704-321-7275 6-9 p.m.; 1201 Crews Road, Matthews Card Gaming Your Local Game Store hosts a Magic The Gathering: Booster Draft on Fridays. Players build decks through booster packs. Entry costs $15. 704-729-4547 7-11 p.m.; 6908 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Jan. 4
Understanding the US Constitution
Twelfth Night Ron Vinson, executive director of the Presbyterian Heritage Center in Montreat, will explain the vanished holiday, Twelfth Night, at The President James K Polk State Historic Site. Register in advance for the free hour-long event. 704-889-7145 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.; 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville Photography Seminar Photographer Claire Rodahaver holds a seminar, “Empowering Your Vision With Photography,” at the Matthews Library. She'll talk about aperture, shutter speed and white balance.
Register in advance. 704-4165000 2-3:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Jan. 5 Three Kings Levine Museum of the New South offers arts & crafts, storytime and other activities for Three Kings Day – Dia De Reyes. 704-333-1887 Noon-4 p.m.; 200 E. 7th St., Charlotte Guitar Expert Mark Kroos, who won an international guitar competition, performs at Matthews Presbyterian Church. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted. 704-8474094 7-8:30 p.m.; 207 W. John St., Matthews
Jan. 6 The Bachelor Tin Roof Charlotte holds a premiere party for The Bachelor featuring trivia, themed cocktails and food specials. 704-910-1330 7:30-11:30 p.m.; 210 E. Trade St., Charlotte Star Wars Divine Barrel Brewing holds trivia about “The Mandalorian” and “Star Wars.” 980-237-1803 8-10 p.m.; 3701 N. Davidson St., Charlotte
Home Care for Seniors by Seniors
Tuesday, January 14th, at 7 p.m. Join us as retired professor, Roy Colquitt, presents a short yet insightful study into the basics of the US Constitution. You’ll learn how rulings by the Supreme Court have interpreted and shaped our understanding and perceptions of the document.
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Jan. 7 Cop Coffee The Mint Hill Police Department holds its Coffee with a Cop event at J-Bird's Burger Jointe. 704-545-1085 9-10 a.m.; 7920 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Local History Tom Hanchett explains Mecklenburg County history at the Mint Hill Library. 704416-5200 1-2 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Book Club The Carolina Beer Temple Book Club discusses Kate Quinn's “The Alice Network” at the craft beer venue. 704847-2337 8-9 p.m.; 131 Matthews Station St., Matthews Comedy Show WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley tells stories to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his book, “Have a Nice Day” at The Comedy Zone. Tickets start at $25. VIP tickets are available. 980-321-4702 8-9:30 p.m.; 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte
Jan. 9 Weird Beers Carolina Beer Temple presents Celebrating Weird Beers, such as Duck Sauce, Does This Look Infected? & Blueberry French Toast. 704847-2337 Noon-11 p.m.; 131 Matthews Station St., Matthews Book Club The Evening Edition book Club discusses Emily Griffin's “All We Ever Wanted” at Mint Hill Library. 704-416-5200 6-7:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Ongoing Ice Skating Winter Wonderland features a 142-foot ice skating rink, as well as afternoon snowfall and Santa's Pub, at Symphony Park through Jan. 7. Winter Wonderland is free. Ice skating with personal skates costs $12. Skating, plus skate rental, costs $17. www.winterwonderland southpark.com 11 a.m.; 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte
Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020 • Page 3A
Last year’s Christmas gift is still in the box and I’m glad Tony Marciano Reverend
I
am writing this on the oneyear anniversary of the blizzard of 2018. OK, it wasn’t two feet of snow. It was more like two inches of snow. Nevertheless, I knew what I had to do. I got out my snow shovel and cleaned the driveway. As a kid in New Jersey, I learned if you don’t shovel the day the snow falls, it freezes overnight. Where I now live, the position of the house blocks the sun from melting it and it freezes for days on the driveway.
My neighbor across the street never shovels his driveway since the sun melts it. Mine becomes solid ice. That day, I was shoveling snow for two hours. It was heavy. I remembered my uncle having a heart attack after shoveling snow. I didn’t want to be found dead lying in my driveway. The next day, I told my kids what I wanted for Christmas. I wanted an electric snow shovel. I didn’t want a gas one. The one I wanted was $77 on Amazon. It had an electric plug. I didn’t want a cordless model due to the weight of the battery. With all the drama of an Italian family, my kids sent 50 text messages trying to decide on the ultimate electric snow shovel. Bigger was better. Finally, one of them said, “Keep this simple. Dad wants
this one.” Christmas Day came and I ripped off the wrapping paper. It was beautiful. I felt like Chevy Chase in his Christmas movie when he is crying in one of the scenes over a gift he receives. I would not be foiled by another blizzard in Charlotte. However, there was one problem. We never got snow. To be honest, I did take it out of the box and assembled it. I never used it. Without snow, I thought of using it to clear leaves but was told I would break it. It did get moved around the garage quite a bit. I was concerned it would get broken without every seeing a snowflake. Finally, I hung it in the shed where it sat all spring, summer and fall, waiting to learn what snow was. Sometimes the gifts we get go un-
used. They weren’t what we wanted. We don’t see its relevance. Can it really meet our needs? The anticipation doesn’t meet our expectation and we find ourselves disappointed. I’m sure if I was a shepherd and came to the manger that first Christmas, I would have been disappointed. I would have walked away thinking, “Really angels, you give us a baby? This is the best you can do? We needed a warrior and you give us an infant. Not only is it a baby, but it’s a baby born to parents who were very poor. They also didn’t plan for a hotel room before arriving in Bethlehem causing their baby to be born in a stable. Not good planning. His father was a carpenter. That’s not a good pedigree to be a military conqueror and liberate us from Roman tyranny.
God’s gift that first Christmas can also be left in the box. We come with so much anticipation into Christmas but find it didn’t meet our expectations and walk away disheartened. The shepherds arrived at the stable and found more than a baby lying in a manger. They got to see the face of God. I’m not forgetting about this electric snow shovel. Truth is, I hope we don’t get snow so I don’t have to use it. However, if I do, I will be grateful for the gift I received from my kids. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend. The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission.
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Page 4A • Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020
Breaking down the 2020 election ballots Who has entered legislative and executive races of interest to Matthews, Mint Hill and south Charlotte: Mecklenburg County Commissioners • District 5: Laura Meier (Dem) & Matthew Ridenhour (Rep) Commissioner Susan Harden is not running for reelection, but the south Charlotte seat is not guaranteed to be a new face. Matthew Ridenhour, who lost the same seat to Harden by 1,104 votes in 2018, hopes to return to the board. He'll face Laura Meier, co-president of the Charlotte Women's March, in November. • District 6: Joel Levy (Rep) & Susan Rodriguez McDowell (Dem) Susan Rodriguez McDowell won the southern Mecklenburg seat in 2018 by defeating longtime commissioner Bill James. She will face Joel Levy, an attorney who lost to James in the 2016 Republican primary, in November. • At-Large (3 seats): Leigh Altman (Dem), Pat Cotham (Dem), Tera Long (Dem), Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel (Dem), Ray McKinnon (Dem), Ella Scarborough (Dem), Lloyd Scher (Dem) & Brenda Stevenson (Dem) Three seats are up for grabs, with one seat guaranteed to go to a newcomer, as Commissioner Trevor Fuller is running for U.S. Senate. Commissioners Pat Cotham and Ella Scarborough will have the advantage of name recognition in the eight-candidate primary in March. Ray McKinnon, a pastor with the United Methodist Church, and Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel, a consultant, ran for the same office in 2018. McKinnon came in fourth, trailing third-place Scarborough by 12,078 votes. McDaniel came in last in the seven-person race, trailing by 28,442 votes. Lloyd Scher, who served as a county commissioner from 1992 to 2000, hopes to return to the board. Others running include attorney Leigh Altman, activist Tera Long and Brenda Stevenson. No Republicans are running. Mecklenburg County • Register of Deeds: Fred Smith (Dem) Fred Smith defeated incumbent David Granberry by more than 17,000 votes in the 2016 Democratic primary, clearing the path to his first four-year term. He's running unopposed. NC State House • District 88: Mary Belk (Dem) & David Tondreau (Rep) Mary Belk has represented District 88 since defeating incumbent Rob Bryan in 2016. She'll face challenger David Tondreau in November. • District 99: Nasif Majeed (Dem) & Russell Rowe (Rep) Nasif Majeed won the District 99 seat in 2018 by defeating incumbent Rodney Moore in the Democratic primary and Joshua Niday in the general election. He'll face Charlotte resident Russell Rowe in November. • District 100: John Autry
(Dem) & Kalle Thompson (Rep) Former Charlotte City Councilman John Autry succeeded Tricia Cotham as the District 100 rep in 2016. He'll face childbirth educator Kalle Thompson in November. • District 103: Rachel Hunt (Dem) & Bill Brawley (Rep) Rachel Hunt won the District 103 seat in 2018 by defeating incumbent Bill Brawley by 68 votes. Both have filed again, setting up a rematch in November. • District 104: Brandon Lofton (Dem) & Don Pomeroy (Rep) Brandon Lofton became the District 104 representative in 2018 by defeating incumbent Andy Dulin. Business executive Don Pomeroy will face Lofton in November. • District 105: Wesley Harris (Dem) & Amy Bynum (Rep) Wesley Harris claimed the District 105 seat by beating incumbent Scott Stone in 2018. Amy Bynum, a leader within the Mecklenburg County Republican Party, will face him in November. NC State Senate • District 37: Jeff Jackson (Dem), Sonja Nichols (Rep) & Jeff Scott (Lib) Since his appointment to replace Dan Clodfelter in 2014, Jeff Jackson has been elected to three terms. He'll have two opponents in November. South Charlotte resident Jeff Scott has previously sought seats on the Charlotte City Council and U.S. Congress. Sonja Nichols, an entrepreneur who serves as president of Good Friends Charlotte, is also in the race. • District 39: Darrell Bonapart (Dem), DeAndrea Salvador (Dem) & Joshua Niday (Rep) Rob Bryan was appointed in October to serve the remainder of Dan Bishop’s term as he left for Congress. However, he's not in this race. Army veteran Darrell Bonapart and nonprofit CEO DeAndrea Salvador will face off in the March primary. The winner faces Joshua Niday in November. • District 40: Joyce Waddell (Dem) & Bobbie Shields (Rep) Joyce Waddell has represented District 40 for three terms, succeeding Malcolm Graham, who opted for a run for Congress. Bobbie Shields, a former county employee and current small business owner, is challenging Waddell for the second consecutive election. Waddell carried 75.6% of the vote in that race. Council of State • N.C. Governor: Al Pisano (CST), Roy Cooper (Dem), Ernest Reeves (Dem), Steven DiFiore (Lib), Holly Grange (Rep) and Dan Forest (Rep). Roy Cooper became governor after defeating Pat McCrory in 2016. He’s seeking another term. Three Charlotte residents are in the race, including Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, who will have a March primary. Retired police officer Al Pisano and Steven DiFiore, a leader within
N.C. Rep. Chaz Beasley is among several Charlotte-area residents running for NC Council of State offices.
the county's Libertarian Party, will be on the November ballot. • Lieutenant Governor: Chaz Beasley (Dem), Yvonne Holley (Dem), Ron Newton (Dem) Allen Thomas (Dem), Bill Toole (Dem), Terry Van Duyn (Dem), Buddy Bengel (Rep) Deborah Cochran (Rep), Renee Ellmers (Rep) Greg Gebhardt (Rep), Mark Johnson (Rep), John Ritter (Rep), Mark Robinson (Rep), Scott Stone (Rep) & Andy Wells (Rep). With Lt. Gov. Dan Forest seeking the office of governor, six Democrats and nine Republicans are vying for lieutenant governor. Three Charlotte-area residents are among them: N.C. Rep. Chaz Beasley (D92), former state legislator Scott Stone and attorney Bill Toole. • Insurance Commissioner: Wayne Goodwin (Dem), Mike Causey (Rep) & Ronald Pierce (Rep) Mike Causey defeated incumbent Wayne Goodwin for the seat in 2016. Ronald Pierce, of Charlotte, faced Causey in the 2016 primary, with Causey earning 41% of the vote in a three-man race. Pierce claimed nearly 26% of the vote. • Superintendent of Public Instruction: James Barrett (Dem), Constance (Lav) Johnson (Dem), Jen Mangrum (Dem), Michael Maher (Dem), Keith Sutton (Dem), Craig Horn (Rep) & Catherine Truitt (Rep) Mark Johnson has served as state superintendent since 2016, but he is not seeking reelection. Constance Johnson, principal of the Johnson Burton Learning Center in Charlotte, is one of five Democrats in the race. N.C. Rep Craig Horn, of Union County, is running on the Republican side. • Treasurer: Dimple Ajmera (Dem), Ronnie Chatterji (Dem) Matt Leatherman (Dem) & Dale Folwell (Rep) Dale Folwell has served as treasurer since 2017. he'll face the winner of a three-candidate Dem-
N.C. Rep. Wesley Harris won't have a primary, giving him all campaign season to focus on Republican opponent Amy Bynum. CMG file photos
ocratic primary, which includes Charlotte City Council at-large member Dimple Ajmera. U.S. Senate • Tillis seat: Kevin Hayes (CST), Cal Cunningham (Dem), Trevor Fuller (Dem), Atul Goel (Dem), Ericka Smith (Dem), Steve Swenson (Dem), Shannon Bray (Lib), Larry Holmquist (Rep), Sharon Hudson (Rep), Thom Tillis (Rep) & Paul Wright (Rep) Thom Tillis, of Huntersville, has served as a U.S. senator since defeating incumbent Kay Hagan in 2014. The race has attracted at least 10 other challenges, including Mecklenburg County Commissioner Trevor Fuller. U.S. House • District 9: Clayton Brooks III (Dem), Harry Southerland (Dem), Cynthia Wallace (Dem), Marcus Williams (Dem) & Dan Bishop (Rep) Dan Bishop is running for reelection to the District 9 seat he won in September. He'll face the winner of four Democratic challengers, including Cynthia Wallace, a congressional chair with the
N.C. Democratic Party, in November. • District 12: Alma Adams (Dem), Keith Cradle (Dem) & Bill Brewster (Rep) Alma Adams, who represents District 12, is running for a fourth term. She'll have to face Keith Cradle, director of youth/juvenile programs for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, in the March primary. The winner will face Charlotte small business owner Bill Brewster in November. Making sense of the General Assembly races Here's a look at the General Assembly districts by municipality. Check with the Mecklenburg County Board of Election for details about which precincts you vote in. For example, Mint Hill residents in precinct 220 vote in District 103, while the other five precincts vote in District 99. • Matthews: House 103; Senate 37 • Mint Hill: House 99 & 103; Senate 40 • South Charlotte: House 88, 100, 103, 104 & 105; Senate 37 & 39
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Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020 • Page 5A
Ajmera running for state treasurer by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte City Council member Dimple Ajmera has entered the race for North Carolina Ajmera State Treasurer. Ajmera was recently reelected to the council after serving one term as an at-large member. She served on the council’s budget and environment committees.
During her time on the board, she led an effort to make healthcare affordable and accessible for local employees like firefighters, water employees and solid waste employees. Her plan and sliding scale was included in the council’s 2018 budget and unanimously supported by her colleagues. As treasurer, she wants to accomplish the same thing for employees throughout the state. “Championing affordable and accessible healthcare would be my number one priority,” Ajmera
2020 (continued from page 1A)
data to provide community-focused services to those areas. Police have investigated more than 100 homicides in 2019 compared to 57 in 2018. CMS relations After the state granted Matthews, Mint Hill, Cornelius and Huntersville the authority to open and operate charter schools in 2018, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools penalized the four towns by putting a higher priority on school construction in Charlotte, Davidson and Pineville. In October, Cornelius convinced CMS that it wouldn't open charter schools, prompting the school district to add the town to the priority list. I expect Matthews and Mint Hill to follow suit. Matthews Mayor John Higdon campaigned on repairing relations with CMS. This is the logical next step. They have the votes to do it. As for Mint Hill, I never sensed leaders were committed to opening a
said. “Also, restoring respect back into the office for our teachers, our police and our public employees. Those are the two issues I’m really championing, along with other things.” Other issues include protecting taxpayers’ money and championing sustainable infrastructure and resilient future, according to Ajmera’s website. She is also passionate about increasing upward mobility and opportunity. Ajmera said she went from cleaning hotel rooms to pay
charter school. Quarter-cent sales tax I wouldn't be surprised if leaders continue to look for the best use for a quarter-cent sales tax hike. Mecklenburg County commissioners have given voters opportunities in 2014 and 2019 to support varying ratios involving the arts and teacher pay. Voters rejected both attempts. But city and county voters have approved every other bond referendum put before them over the past 10 years (I'm not including town bonds like Mint Hill in this). Voters have been receptive to housing, neighborhood improvements, transportation and construction for schools and community colleges. These successful votes involve capital projects. It makes sense to use the quarter-cent on building out the regional transit system. Mint Hill planning During the Mint Hill Women's Club election forum in October, commissioner candidates Jessi Healey and Tony Long mentioned that outdated plans were the biggest obstacle
for college to managing multi-million dollar budgets. Before serving on city council, Ajmera was a Certified Public Accountant. She said this makes her fit for the role of treasurer as she understands the job. Ajmera will challenge Democrats Matt Leatherman and Ronnie Chatterji and Republican incumbent Dale Folwell for the seat. “The incumbent State Treasurer has gambled with over half a million lives for political points, disrespected our teachers and police chief, invested in a company that pollutes our water and put his political ambition over what’s right,”
for positive growth in Mint Hill. Mayoral candidate Brad Simmons later referenced such plans and the need to get people in the room to discuss them. Simmons and Long were elected in November and have extensive planning board experience. Mint Hill's Unified Development Ordinance, which is a guide for how the town should grow, was approved in 2011. Considering the new faces on the commission and population growth over the past decade, it would not surprise me if the board began public outreach for a UDO revision. MLS Soccer The city is still buzzing after Major League Soccer confirmed Charlotte would get a franchise, starting in spring 2021. I'm most excited about the community pride the MLS team will bring to the city, as well as our youth having more role models to look up to. I expect the Charlotte City Council will have public discussions about rezoning the former site of Eastland Mall for the team's headquarters and practice facilities, as well as details about the nature of the public-private partnership. Then there will be announcements about the name, branding and personnel. Republican National Convention All eyes will be on Charlotte in August as the Republican National Convention convenes to award the party nomination to President Donald Trump. What will he say? What will he tweet? Gulp. People are hoping the potential for controversy or drama is restricted to the stage. What makes a lot of people nervous is how Trump supporters will react to Trump protesters and vice versa – all under the watchful
Ajmera wrote on her website. Ajmera said her time on council has prepared her to be “a champion and a fighter for the people.” She plans to continue her role and responsibility on the council while running her campaign for state treasurer. “I’m committed to my city council work and the responsibilities,” Ajmera said. “That is my number one priority. I’ll continue to commit to all the city council work while running the campaign, just like my predecessors have done.”
eyes of the national media. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will work to ensure the convention area is safe and secure. I think a lot of locals will avoid Uptown due to the traffic, as well as the potential for protests and anti-protests. Ballantyne Reimagined Northwood Office spent this past year holding a series of community meetings to engage the public on its Ballantyne Reimagined concept. The company plans to convert the neighborhood into a more urban, walkable community – similar to a town square. Yep, it's another live-work-play concept that'll feature elevated dining and shopping options. Northwood will have to rezone the 454acre site from business park and office space uses to mixed-use development. I'm most curious to see what the housing mix will look like. Officials said during a community meeting in August that the first couple of phases were likely going to be rentals. Cam's contract Cam Newton, who has been dealing with nagging injuries for the past couple of seasons, is approaching a contract year, leaving the Carolina Panthers with a crucial decision, much like the Charlotte Hornets had last season. Should they cut or trade the face of the franchise? Or do they let him ride out these injuries and lead the team? Newton, 30, played in just two games in 2019 due to a foot injury. The Panthers had a 5-11 record this season. The Panthers have already released coach Ron Rivera. Will the new coach want a fresh start? The NFL Draft in April should provide some clues.
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Page 6A • Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020
LAST YEAR (continued from page 1A)
more effective at running meetings than Ella Scarborough was, but he has a bit of an ego. Commissioner Vilma Leake still gets rowdy. Republican National Convention What I said I speculated the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department would request more funding to work the Republican National Convention. President Donald Trump's remarks, however, would be a wildcard heading into the event. What happened Some CMPD staff received pay raises in the budget, but nothing major related to the RNC. Police Chief Kerr Putney announced he was retiring Jan. 1 and resuming duties to oversee the RNC, but he wisely put off retirement until after the convention. In July, Charlotte City Council condemned Trump's “racist and xenophobic social media tweets and comments” in a resolution. Kemba's contract What I said I outlined the dilemma the Charlotte Hornets faced with AllStar Kemba Walker's free agency. They had to decide by February to trade him for assets or take a gamble on convincing him to resign. If he made the All-NBA Team, he'd qualify for a supermax contract extension. What happened Walker made the All-NBA Team and left the Hornets for the Boston
Celtics, which offered him a huge contract. The Hornets worked out a sign-and-trade deal with Boston for back-up guard Terry Rozier. The Hornets have overachieved this season, trailing last year's record by just five wins thanks to the emergence of second-year guard Devonte Graham. Municipal elections What I said After a strong 2018, I wondered if Democrats would continue to gobble up Mecklenburg's elected seats. I also pondered if longtime leaders like Mint Hill Mayor Ted Biggers and Indian Trail Mayor Pro Tem David Cohn would run again. What happened Charlotte, Matthews and Mint Hill each had three new faces elected to their boards. The only changes in party were in Matthews, where the board gained a Democrat in Larry Whitley and unaffiliated voters in Dave Bland and Renee Garner. South Charlotte Republicans Tariq Bokhari and Ed Driggs held their seats. Biggers and Cohn chose not to run for reelection. Express lanes What I said Following the opening of the Monroe Expressway, 2019 was going to mark the opening of the I-77 express lanes and the start of construction for the I-485 express lanes. What happened I-77 arrived late, but drivers are using it. Some people criticize the Monroe Expressway and I-77 projects because they don't see that much traffic on them. Growth
will take care of that. Before long, people will be handing their grandchildren pieces of candy and telling them how cheap the first tolls were and how few people wanted to pay them. Immigration debate What I said I recapped the chain of events after Sheriff Garry McFadden pulled out of the partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's 287(g) program. I assumed we'd see local protests over the national debate on immigration enforcement. What happened Charlotte City Councilman Braxton Winston grilled CMPD over using checkpoints in February as ICE increased its patrol in the city. There was a Day Without Immigrants march that same month in Charlotte. N.C. Sen. Dan Bishop called for McFadden to resign from office in June. Both McFadden and ICE officials blame each other for not wanting to cooperate. School safety What I said I expected Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Union County Public Schools to request more help from their counties to ensure schools remain safe. These efforts were ongoing well before the fatal shooting at Butler High School. What happened Mecklenburg County's budget allocated $5.7 million for mental health support staff, including 27 social workers, 10 psychologists and 10 counselors, as well as $4.6 million for school security en-
Despite having all Democrats on the county commission this year, board members continue to have spirited debate. Vilma Leake (center) is just as aggressive with members of her own party as she is with Republicans. CMG file photo
hancements. UCPS added nine social workers and five mental health therapists through a partnership with Union County. Community cohesiveness What I said I mentioned efforts by the South Charlotte Partners to engage the community on upcoming projects, noting that this activity could spark neighborhoods across the south Charlotte area to band together for a more powerful voice. What happened South Charlotte Partners continued to advocate for the best interests of the community when it came to issues like rolling out the Charlotte 2040 Vision Plan and extending the light rail to Ballantyne. The Ballantyne Breakfast Club provided opportunities to network with CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston and candi-
dates for political office. Affordable housing What I said I wrote about growing interest among the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education and Matthews Planning Board to get involved in the affordable housing crisis. I also noted the lengths Charlotte had gone to provide it, including increasing the Housing Trust Fund to $50 million. What happened Charlotte continued to invest in affordable housing. I'm most surprised by the private sector's response. Companies such as Atrium Health, Novant Health, Duke Energy and Moore & Van Allen chipped into the Charlotte Housing Opportunity Investment Fund, which was started by the Foundation for the Carolinas.
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THE YEAR IN QUOTES Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020 • Page 1B
“I’m being emotionally tormented watching the guy that I’m falling in love with develop relationships with other women and they don’t give a (bleep) about him.” – Caelynn Miller-Keyes, of Charlotte, on “The Bachelor” (SCW, Jan. 11)
“I’d like people to learn about the beauty of mathematics and geometry, because geometry is really beautiful and artistic, too.” – Bob Sebrosky, who created a rhomicuboctahedron and other shapes built of wood for his Matthews yard (MMHW, Jan. 11)
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“We sing so damn good in our 80s.” – Gerry Schmitt on the Gold Tones choir at Plantation Estates in Matthews (MMHW, May 17)
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“It’s kind of weird watching the show after you’ve been through the experience. It is definitely something I would do again because it was fun.” – Teagan O’Sullivan after competing in the Jeopardy Teen Tournament (SCW, June 14)
Charlotte’s growing and has so many different people from all over, but this mural is bringing those people together to all enjoy the same thing. – Jackie Zawislak about Evelyn Henson’s Confetti Hearts Wall (SCW, Feb. 15)
ARTS
I can make your pantry look like Martha Stewart lives there in a heartbeat. – Candi Ruppert, of Sage Organizing, on her knack for organization (SCW, Dec. 20)
“I’m a hopeless romantic. I see love in squirrels.” – Charlotte resident Iris Caldwell during an episode of Lifetime’s “Married at First Sight” (SCW, July 12)
”
BUSINESS “People always say it’s about who you know. But who I know doesn’t matter, it’s about who knows me.” – Andy Griesinger, a Realtor with Keller Williams SouthPark with 12,000 Instagram followers (SCW, Oct. 25)
”
“Just because everyone is different doesn’t mean we can’t all come together to create a beautiful world, just like a beautiful piece of art.” – Marissa Louer about Evelyn Henson’s Confetti Hearts Wall (SCW, Feb. 15)
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“It’s important for them to have this joy…to meet superheroes or movie characters in real life. It fuels your imagination as a child. Their imagination needs to be stimulated in a world where technology rules.” – Moriah Thompson, owner of Carolina Characters, a company where you can rent characters for events (SCW, Oct. 18)
“People pay thousands of dollars to insure their homes, hundreds of dollars to insure their cars. But if you ask them what are your most valuable possessions, what does everyone say? My pictures and my movies.” – Shane Hunt, owner of Records Reduction in Matthews (MMHW, Oct. 4)
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Page 2B • Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020
COMMUNITY “An encounter with police can be scary for any of us, so that fear is intensified when we have an individual who is struggling with a mental health or substance abuse disorder. We believe the mere presence of a clinician on scene, who’s able to establish rapport and build trust relatively quickly with these individuals, will provide a sense of comfort and support as we work to get them connected to the necessary community resources.” – Keshia Ginn, president of CriSyS, on her firm working with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to halt tense situations on calls (SCW, Jan. 25) “Before The Happy Times Club, when I was 40, I felt like I didn’t do much with my life besides raising my children. Now that I see all of these happy faces, I can honestly say I couldn’t imagine a more fulfilling life for myself.” – Club founder Iris DeVore during her 90th birthday celebration Feb. 7 at the Levine Senior Center in Matthews (MMHW, Feb. 15) "I threw my paperwork on the chair beside me and I said, "Hell, let's talk about planes." – Real estate agent Ed Funderburk upon walking into 94-year-old Paul Norman's office and seeing World War II memorabilia (MMHW, March 29) "God willing, I’m going to keep walking. I like to know what is going on.” – Olivia Morales, of Matthews, upon turning 100 years old (MMHW, April 12) “Don’t stop trying to reach your goal. I know it may be tough, but in the end, you’ll get your prize and feel accomplished and you can look back and say, ‘I did that.’” – 9-year-old Maddie Miller who sold more than 3,550 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to earn a laptop (MMHW, May 10) “I don’t believe children should be told who they are or what their interests should be; rather, I believe that it’s my job as a parent to give my son as many experiences
Olivia Morales, shown here with a picture when she was 20, turned 100 on April 16. CMG file photo
as possible, and with guardrails, allow him to figure out who he is.” – Heather Briganti, who American Mothers named 2019 North Carolina Mother of the Year (SCW, May 10) "I’ve seen Mint Hill change over the years, and it has always kept its small-town feel. The people here are genuine." – Jerry Flowe, a Vietnam veteran, prior to serving as grand marshal of the Mint Hill Madness parade (MMHW, May 17) “This is the day that we fight for those who are in darkness. There is really no knowledge when you have Alzheimer’s disease of when it is morning and when it is night. We are fighting to bring more awareness to the Alzheimer’s Association.” – Plantation Estates Director of Wellness Theresa Perry during “The Longest Day” 5K on June 21 in Matthews (MMHW, July 5) “My goal is to one day become so Carolinian my parents don’t even recognize me at the dinner table. I’ll say, 'Pass the biscuits and Cheerwine,' and my mom will faint into her bowl of clam chowder. It’s only a matter of time." – News Editor Karie Simmons on crossing items off her Carolina bucket list (MMHW, Aug. 2) “It’s a big part of who I am, but it’s also a big part of who God has called me to be as a lesbian, as a queer person, as an ordained queer person. God’s love has been known to me for my entire life, just exactly as I am. And sharing that love of God with other people is very meaningful to me.” – The Rev. Marion Sprott-Goldson of Saint Martin’s Episcopal Church (SCW, Aug. 23) “It’s something you don’t recover from. You still have nightmares … When it gets close to that day it’s even harder. I can feel it. I can see it. I can smell it. That smell will never go away – never go.” – Willie Wahnon, a retired Brooklyn police officer and 9/11 first responder who served during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack (SCW, Sept. 6)
“We are not a bunch of old men sitting in a smoke-filled room drinking whiskey,” – Joe Reale, a vice commander in the North Carolina department of the American Legion, at the groundbreaking for American Legion Memorial Stadium (SCW, Sept. 27) “My goal is to be able to figure out a way that we can help when someone walks in the door in a deeper way. And a deeper way would be being able to help them with all of their needs. Not that we can have an unlimited budget, but just to go deeper … When someone comes in, we want to say yes.” – Sandra Conway, of Matthews HELP Center, on its 40th anniversary (MMHW, Oct. 25) “We didn’t want to build a Disney World. We wanted this to be a village that truly represents the history, and what a great history we have here in Mint Hill to celebrate.” – Becky Griffin, executive director for Mint Hill Historical Society, on a new barn at the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village (MMHW, Nov. 1) “Cultural diversity is important because our country, workplaces and schools increasingly consist of various cultural, racial and ethnic groups. We can learn from one
another, but first we must have a level of understanding about each other.” – Natisha Rivera-Patrick, who chairs the Matthews Cultural Diversity Committee, during a Diwali festival (MMHW, Nov. 1) “Wages have not kept up with housing costs. Until we fix the wage issue, housing will always be unaffordable or unattainable.” – Natisha Rivera-Patrick, president and CEO of Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, on people not affording to live in Matthews (MMHW, Nov. 15) “While we young people may not be able to vote today, we have something just as powerful, and that is our voices. And we must use them.” – International activist Greta Thunberg during a Nov. 8 climate strike in Charlotte (SCW, Nov. 15) “The people are the hope right now. Humanity is now standing at a crossroads, and when we look back at this crucial time, we want to be able to say that we did everything we possibly could to push the world in the right direction.” – International activist Greta Thunberg during a Nov. 8 climate strike in Charlotte (SCW, Nov. 15)
“I don’t have to worry about our guys getting up for Butler and I don’t have to worry about Butler getting up for us. We’ll be ready and we’ll go at it.” – Independence boys basketball coach Preston Davis on his team's upcoming game against a familiar foe (MMHW, Jan. 11)
SPORTS
“She’s not 37-5 by beating wimps. She’s 37-5 from beating tough kids.” – Providence wrestling coach Scott Bosak on senior Nikoly Dos Santos (MMHW, Feb. 8)
Charlotte Catholic basketball and football standout Adam Robbe left the Cougars as a three-time state champ in football and a two-time conference champ in basketball. Andrew Stark/CMG file photo
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“To say that I went to four straight Final Fours is awesome. I’m very proud of that. And the two championships is something I’m obviously very proud of. The only thing I’m not proud of is that I have a losing record to the Tar Heels. I think the only team I have a losing record to is the Tar Heels. I think we were 5-6 against them or something.” – Duke legend and former Dream Team player Christian Laettner in a Q&A (SCW, March 15) “I probably shouldn’t say it, but if he was 6-feet, he could have played in the NFL. He was that good.” – Steve Shaughnessy on Butler coach Mark Sanders’ potential playing football for Garinger in 1984 (MMHW, March 22)
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"I am just following God’s plan by Him using me as a vessel to continue inspiring kids that they can become whoever or whatever they want in life. I am just using my testimony through basketball." – Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues on the importance of giving back through basketball camps (SCW, March 8)
“So many people went out of their way when I was younger to help me, so I felt like I was obligated to help anybody else that needed something or needed a chance.“ – Butler coach Mark Sanders on how coaches made an impact on his life (MMHW, March 22)
Butler Coach Mark Sanders speaks with Hailey Nance (5) during a game. Sanders has helped multiple teams win state championships. Andrew Stark/CMG file photo “Between football and basketball, the last time you untie the cleats or walk off the court it’s a tough feeling and even when you win a state championship. It was really hard and really emotional. All of the experiences I’ve had with all of these kids since sixth grade are coming to an end and it’s really sad, but it’s got to end at some point.” – Charlotte Catholic basketball and football standout Adam Robbe on graduating (SCW, March 22) “I felt like where I came from and not having much and having help to get me where I’ve gotten it’s my duty
and my nature making sure that if I’m in the position to help others then I’m all for it." – Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues on giving back (SCW, June 21) “Every year we gear up to go to the state championship game. Some years you have the talent and some years you don’t. This year I think we have it all. We have the leadership, we have the talent and more than anything our game plan has been easy because they’ve executed it.” – Charlotte Catholic soccer coach Oscar Del Pino prior to the state title match (SCW, Nov. 22)
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Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020 • Page 3B
EDUCATION “We are called at this moment in our district’s history to keep moving forward confidently while providing the surety of experienced leadership. In the end, we prioritized a strong, steady guiding light already here in our community, saving all of us valuable time and resources. We believe this decision reflects the community’s desire for stability, for calm guidance and clear focus on what matters most – our students and their teaching and learning.” – a statement from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education on the promotion of Earnest Winston as superintendent Aug. 2 following Clayton Wilcox's resignation (MMHW, Aug. 9)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools promoted Earnest Winston to superintendent in part because it would bring stability to the district's leadership. CMG file photo “We hope to not find weapons. We hope this will increase students’ awareness of why bringing a weapon to school is never a good idea.” – Laura Francisco, chief of staff for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, on the district's pilot program to screen for weapons (MMHW, Jan. 18) “I wish we weren’t in this position, but we live in a society where guns have become all too prevalent. Quite frankly, it’s not anything I think any of the professional staff in this district ever thought they would find themselves doing.” – Superintendent Clayton Wilcox on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools on rolling out random screenings for weapons at schools (MMHW, Jan. 18) “By coming to understand the parameters, complexities and nuances in which schools and school systems operate, we’re laying the groundwork for real, effective, smart, creative problem-solving solutions together. Our kids are counting on us to collaborate on their behalf.” – School board member Elyse Dashew on the work of the Municipal Education Advisory Committee, which was formed to communicate with towns about growth patterns and capital needs (MMHW, Jan. 25) “The school board showed courage when they voted to merge our two schools – Billingsville and Cotswold – together. When this happened, students regardless of their economic status, were given access to a strong IB program on the two campuses. My friends from both campuses showed courage by making new friends and helping expand our community.” – Kendal Cuevas, a fifth-grader at Cotswold IB World School at the March 12 school board meeting (SCW, March 15)
“What I will want to do is to reassure our families, our students, that
CMS continues to move forward uninterrupted. We’re preparing for the first day of school on Aug. 26.” – Earnest Winston on becoming superintendent Aug. 2 (MMHW, Aug. 9) “We recognize that growth and overcrowding are issues here. Through our future bond referendums and our existing 2017 bond, we are going to try and address those overcrowding issues. We are well aware that they exist.” – Earnest Winston told the Ballantyne Breakfast Club on Oct. 5 (SCW, Oct. 11) “Redistricting is hard. We recognize that and we know this will not be easy.” – CMS Associate Superintendent Akeshia Craven-Howell on redistricting involving Elizabeth Lane Elementary School (MMHW, Nov. 22)
“I don’t believe you can stop a determined assailant and still have an open campus." – UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip Dubois after the April 30 shooting (SCW, May 3) “When the superintendent introduced his budget recommendation, he made the point that our kids should matter most in our community and that numbers in our budgets today do create stories about their tomorrows. Our budget really is a story about what matters most to us.” – Chief Financial Officer Sheila Shirley on the school budget (MMHW, May 3) “So many times kids feel as though their voice does not matter. We see and hear that from our kids today. One of the things that they know once you step foot in Mrs. Tuttle’s classroom, you’re not my student. You are my child.” – CMS Teacher of the Year Kimberly Tuttle (MMHW, May 10) “We experience what happens in the world around us. We have information and news at our fingertips the moment it happens, but the things that are designed to bring us closer together are tearing us apart. The real challenge is how we support and guide our students through the many unexplained events that rocked our world.” – Principal David LeGrand to Independence High’s class of 2019 (MMHW, June 21) “As a commissioner, I have asked for this for three years–” As a superintendent, I have said we are not going to do it that way, commissioner, but we are going to provide safety and security to all of the kids.” – Matthews Commissioner Kress Query & CMS Superintendent Clayton Wilcox disagreeing on installing more cameras in mobile units at Elizabeth Lane Elementary School (MMHW, July 12)
Butler High students and staff have rallied together since the October shooting. #ButlerStrong echoed throughout the June 11 commencement. CMG file photo
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Page 4B • Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020
GOVERNMENT “It was disappointing that the bonds didn’t pass because I think all three of those projects would have been good for the town for economic development and good for our children in town. But there have been no formal discussions on potential next steps. Some folks are still in shock to some degree.” – Mint Hill Town Manager Brian Welch after voters rejected two bond issues in November 2018 (MMHW, Jan. 11) “We did not vote no. We pushed the button for less pet projects, less grand complexes and self-serving groups being funded in Mint Hill.” – Larry Bumgarner on why he voted against Mint Hill bond referendums in November 2018 (MMHW, Jan. 18) “This kind of arrives out of nowhere after we’ve already sunk $38 million and I’m just uncomfortable. I kind of feel like I’m a party to a misrepresentation to the taxpayers.” – Charlotte City Councilman Ed Driggs on the city needing an additional $77 million for the 26-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail from Pineville to UNC Charlotte (SCW, Jan. 18) “We need someone in the U.S. Senate that will stand up for North Carolina, speak out for our nation, restore dignity to our country. We don’t have to stand by while our state is held back by fear and division. We the people have the power.” – Trevor Fuller on announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate (SCW, Jan. 25) “I don’t want to say it startled me, but it startled me." – Trevor Fuller on the sticker shock of his new assessment following the county revaluation (MMHW, Feb. 1) “People feel a little intimidated coming to the police department. Some people don’t like calling the police department because they feel like they are taking our time. If it is a big thing for our citizens, it’s a big thing to our police department. We can address those issues through this.” – Mint Hill Police Chief Tim Ledford on his department's Coffee with a Cop program (MMHW, Feb. 8) “Mint Hill is at a crossroads right now. We need to see if we are accomplishing the goals that we set way back then and if our goals are the same. I feel like we need somebody capable of looking back at where we have been and be able to
look forward to where we are headed. I want to lump all that together so Mint Hill continues to be the great town I have lived in for the last 35 years.” – Brad Simmons upon launching his campaign for Mint Hill mayor (MMHW, Feb. 15) “This has been the most trying time of my life. I have had days that I have been strong, and I have had days that I have been weak and have been a complete basket case.” – Beth Harris, wife of Mark Harris, amid the investigation into the congressional election amid her husband's illnesses (MMHW, Feb. 22) “I, like a lot of other sheriffs around this great state, do not believe the role of the sheriff’s office is to actively partner with ICE to carry out civil immigration enforcement." – Sheriff Garry McFadden to county commissioners on ending participation in ICE's 287(g) program (SCW, Feb. 22)
After winning a fourth term as a county commissioner, Trevor Fuller announced plans to campaign for the U.S. Senate seat held by Thom Tillis. CMG file photo
“Through the testimony I’ve listened to over the past three days, I believe a new election should be called. It’s become clear to me that the public’s confidence in the 9th District seat general election has been undermined to an extent that a new election has been warranted.” – Mark Harris during a State Board of Elections hearing on Feb. 21 (SCW, March 1) “As long as I have been a commissioner for 12 years, every citizen and survey we take states that we have a parking problem. We need to show the citizens that we listened to them and we are reacting.” – Matthews Commissioner Jeff Miller explaining during a planning conference why leaders ranked a downtown parking deck among top discussion topics (MMHW, March 1) “As we get older, our bodies after 30 years of getting up-and-down on a rig, climbing ladders and pulling hose, your body breaks down. As we stay longer, we are more apt to have an injury and other things.” – Tom Brewer, president of the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina and the president of Charlotte Fire Fighters Local 660, about the “Parity for First Responders” bill (MMHW, March 22) "I heard every day and at the polls today was no different, the people are astonished and amazed and dismayed at what they see coming out of Washington
Bill Brawley chats with Jeff Miller outside of Matthews Library. CMG file photo these days from the liberal crazy clowns." – Dan Bishop said amid the Republican primary for the congressional seat he would win in September (MMHW, May 17) “We can not tax the residents of Charlotte out of this city and bankrupt ourselves with excess spending." Charlotte City Councilman Ed Driggs upon filing for reelection (SCW, July 12) "Stealing signs does not represent the Town of Matthews, our values or our morals." – Matthews town commissioner candidate Ken McCool on campaign signs getting stolen (MMHW, Sept. 20) "Sometimes political candidates resort to desperate measures to seek attention." – Matthews Mayor Paul Bailey in response to a story about missing campaign signs (MMHW, Sept. 27) “We seem to only talk about Providence Road during rezonings. And it’s super annoying.” – Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari during a Sept. 16 rezoning hearing (SCW, Sept. 27)
“We’ve got to be planning for rapid growth, not just in our city but as a region. We’re the hub of that region. I think the interest that Gastonia, Belmont, Matthews, Stallings – all these towns – have shown us shows us how critical it is that we act like a region and move people from one place to another.” – Charlotte City Councilwoman Julie Eiselt during a discussion about spending $50 million on pre-development for the LYNX Silver Line (SCW, Oct. 15) “We’re getting to places like Providence Road and many other places in Charlotte where it’s just not physically possible, financially possible or even from a community character, reasonable to widen a road or invest in transportation the way we used to. So, technology, single timing to autonomous vehicles to even the scooters, all of these things that are changing, if managed well, will be part of the solution by which we manage growth long-term.” – Charlotte Department of Transportation Deputy Director Ed McKinney on transportation planning, particularly for Providence Road (SCW, Nov. 22)
Go All Out
Complete your party with balloons, plates and candles!
Free Bundtlet with purchase of another Bundtlet
Matthews-Now Open! 1915 Matthews Township Pkwy • Suite #1100 Matthews, NC 28105 • (704) 413-3221 NothingBundtCakes.com Expires 1/31/20. Limit one (1) coupon per guest. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Valid only at the bakery listed. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery wduring normal business hours. Not valid for online orders. Not valid with any other offer.
Beth Harris arrives at a Mint Hill rally Jan. 16 in support of her husband. CMG file photo
Special Regional Edition • Jan. 3, 2020 • Page 5B
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The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For 3, Release Page 6B • Special Regional Edition • Jan. 2020 Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Edited by Will Shortz
Crossword ACROSS 1 Allow in 6 Cause for cake and candles, in brief 10 Figs. that average 100 13 Sam played one in “Casablanca” 14 Skye of “Say Anything …” 15 Border 16 It has spots 18 “___ #1!”
31 Potential new job requirement, informally
61 Ingredient in gumbo 62 Throbbed
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32 Nov. 11 honoree
63 “Listen here!”
16
35 It has spots
64 Products from Parker and Cross
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40 Lengua de Mex.
DOWN
43 Congressional hirees 45 Totally stumped 48 It has Spots
21 Jackson of country music
L A M B
A L U M
D A U B
E D G E
T I P S Y
I D A H O
Y E T I
E V E N S M O O L I E S T T H E A N T O O R K
R W R E H O D O N O R M A N A P E D H B E G O D T I N G I N G E E S B E Y U R A R I L G E E
2 Rotary phone feature
6 Lummox
56 Where Johnny Cash shot a man, in song
8 Enero a diciembre
7 Stuffed grape leaves
F A T S O R E D S F R E E
9 Still
9
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15 18 21 23
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29 31
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53 “Forget ___” (advice after a breakup)
P M I F A A S E S T A R S H A M A F L C I O W I E A A R T H U R Y E A S S T E L O N E R P O N E O U R S E L L U T T E E S L A T S H E S S
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3 “Quite contrary” girl of rhyme 51
8
20
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5 Privy
A R E S
7
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52 Jazz’s James
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
6 14
36
48
60 Onetime maker of Matchbox cars
30 Vicinity
5
35
4 Squid’s defense
57 It has spots
4
30
1 Google Play purchases
20 Fertile soil
29 Mob
3
22 26
42 What “:” means in an analogy
19 Like a fox
26 Title song on the Beatles’ final studio album
2
65 Scampers
41 Juiceless, as a battery
51 Jump with a turn on ice
22 It has spots
1
No. 0305
37
32
38
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42 45
49
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50 52
53
56
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58
60
61
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PUZZLE BY JOE DEENEY
10 “To the best of my knowledge”
28 Source of day workers for an office
38 Word repeated in “Mi ___ es su ___”
53 Cheerful greeting 44 Home with a dome (in Nome?) 54 Rapper whose 45 Substitutes for name sounds like a drink 46 Art museum with many Constables and Sargents 55 Pharmaceuticals, briefly 47 High point in the Old Testament? 57 Blouse, e.g. 48 Sith title in “Star Wars” 58 Barely make, 49 Yellow-and-white with “out” meadow flower
25 Small complication?
39 Tick off
50 Pine (for)
26 Wedding dress material
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
11 Book of Islam 12 Tube used in heart surgery
31 Unburden (of)
15 Employee of the Month, e.g. 17 Inexperienced gamer, in slang
33 Takes the cake? 34 Some calls from boxing refs 36 Small vortex
22 Writer O’Flaherty 23 Cousin of an emu 24 Honeycakes
27 Greek god with a bow
37 Clarinet insert
Jan. 3 • Amos’s Southend: Prowess • Coyote Joe’s: Colt Ford • Evening Muse: Maya Beth Atkins & Gigi Dover; Porter Blue & Flame Tides • Fillmore: Face 2 Face • Milestone Club: Preppen Barium w/Element & Mean Lisa • Stooges Pub: Fiftywatt Freight Train • Trail House: Lipstick on a Pig • Treehouse Vineyards: Monkeytime Band
Jan. 4
34
39
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LOUD&LIVE
59 Old TV hookup
• Amos’s Southend: Natural Wonder • Beantown Tavern: Tim Apple • Carolina Beer Temple: Stray Local • Dunwellz: Music Bingo • Evening Muse: Ryan Montbleau & Tom Mackell; Joe’s Truck Stop • Fillmore: Angry Chair & Third Eye; Ultimate 80s Party featuring Tiffany • Fox’s Alley: Monkeytime Band • Franklin Court Grille: Acoustik Miks • Knight Theater: The NY Bee Gees • Milestone Club: DJ Teddy & Mike Boyer; Rough Dreams w/ Something Went Wrong • Snug Harbor: Slingshot Dakota w/ Paperback, Alright • Steady Eddy’s: Jaxx & Jacks • Stooges Pub: Hardwired • Trail House: HC Oakes Band • Treehouse Vineyards: Tanner Long • Visulite: Abbey Road Live
Jan. 5 • Snug Harbor: Zack Mexico + Junior Astronomers
Jan. 6 • Evening Muse: Open Mic • Milestone Club: Math the Band w/ Dollar Signs & Michael Cera Palin • Snug Harbor: The Skipping Stones w/ Female Gibson
Jan. 7 • Evening Muse: Rohna, The Unapologetic Kind & Wine Pride • Snug Harbor: Crushed Velvet
Jan. 8 • Evening Muse: Open Mic • Hickory Tavern (Indian Trail): Music Bingo • Snug Harbor: King Cackle
• Trail House: Jade Moore
Jan. 9 • Amos’s Southend: Ward Davis • Bistro D’Antonio: Will Lee • Evening Muse: Alexa Rose & Stray Local • Gibson: Kimberly Underwood • Heist Brewery: Music Bingo • Milestone Club: Bitter Calm w/ Futurists & More
Venues Charlotte • Amos’s Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St. • Coyote Joe’s: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Gibson: 11318 N. Community House Road • Heist Brewery: 2909 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Knight Theater: 430 S. Tryon St. • Milestone Club: 3400 Tuckaseegee Road • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Hickory Tavern: 6445 Old Monroe Road • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Carolina Beer Temple: 131 Matthews Station St. • Dunwellz: 7110 Brighton Park Drive • Steady Eddy’s: 2216 E. John St. Mint Hill • Dunwellz: 7110 Brighton Park Drive • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road Monroe • Fox’s Alley: 1901 Skyway Drive • Franklin Court Grille: 232 E. Franklin St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St. Waxhaw • Bistro D’Antonio: 3909 Providence Road S.
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kids bring out at Cotswold Pediatrics
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