Student Candidate Guide 2015
City of Charlotte
Office Candidates # seats in election
Charlotte Mayor Edwin Peacock 1 Jennifer Roberts
Charlotte City Council At-Large Pablo Carvajal 4 Julie Eiselt * Claire Fallon Vi Lyles James "Smuggie" Mitchell * John Powell, Jr. David Rice
District 1 Patsy Kinsey * 1
District 2 Alvin (Al) Austin 1 Justin Dunn *
District 3 LaWana Mayfield 1 Eric Wayne Netter *
District 4 Michael O’Hara * Greg Phipps
District 5 John Autry * 1
District 6 Kenny Smith
District 7 Ed Driggs 1 Chris Turner *
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council students surveyed all candidates for office in Election 2015 in August 2015. * The candidate did not provide the requested information.
Return to the Student Candidate Guide online for other Election 2015 candidates, information about local government, student learning opportunities, and more! http://generationnation.org/index.php/home/info/student-candidate-guide-2015 CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
Alvin "Al" Austin Website: vote4alaustin.com District 2 Email: alaustinforcitycouncil.com
Al Austin (In Charlotte)
@AaustinCha
Video https://goo.gl/p6sxGs
Education/Occupation Major Gifts Officer at Johnson C. Smith University. Lincoln Heights Elementary, Albemarle Road Junior High, Independence High School - Honor Student, UNC-Chapel Hill - B.S. in Administration of Criminal Justice & Sociology
Community involvement and Elected 2013 Charlotte City Council District 2 leadership experiences Representative; Vice-Chair of Charlotte City Council Housing and Development Committee; Economic Development and Global Competitiveness Committee; Public Safety Committee; Co-Chair Council Retreat Committee; National League of Cities; NBC-LEO; LGBTLO. Recognized by Access Charlotte as one of Charlotte's Emerging Minority Leaders; honored with Pearl Award from Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; 2012 "Who's Who in Black Charlotte"; YMCA of Greater Charlotte Harry Brace Leadership Scholarship Awardee; Former President of the Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County; Outstanding Alumni Focus on Leadership Board of Managers; Governor's Volunteer Award for work with North Carolina Probation/Parole Department.
Students can volunteer with Yes. Contact Gary Leake at alaustinforcitycouncil.com. my campaign Students may volunteer. Any volunteer under the age of 18 must be accompanied a parent or guardian.
Where I grew up and when I I am a Charlotte native. I was raised in the Lincoln Heights came to Charlotte Community at Lasalle and Erie Streets. Lincoln Heights Elementary, Albemarle Road Junior High, Independence High School - Honor Student, UNC-Chapel Hill - B.S. in Administration of Criminal Justice & Sociology
As a student, I was interested As a youth, I was most interested in how just one person can in government, leadership, make positive change if they have the courage to do so. and civic issues because... Favorite news source Charlotte Observer and the Charlotte Post
2015 Student Candidate Guide (Primary Election) | www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
Political viewpoint Democrat First issue I will tackle Public Safety. There are communities that are ravaged by criminal behavior. We need a holistic approach that includes: 1) Community policing and intentional relationship- building; 2) Support for Social Services and non-profit agencies that work on-the- ground; and 3) Community engagement to empower residents of challenged neighborhoods. I think the most important The most important role of city government is to ensure that role of city government is all residents have equal access to services and to be solution-oriented in moving the City forward.
What does Charlotte do well? Charlotte is a great city with a solid financial services What can we do better? industry and a futuristic energy sector. Charlotte has the opportunity to focus on the development of the workforce for tomorrow through investment in STEM education and training.
A Charlotte issue that does Homelessness. Charlotte has had a lot of success, but not get enough attention – homelessness still plagues our community. I advocate for and how I will solve it more affordable housing options, jobs that pay a living wage, and job training to secure the jobs of tomorrow as solutions to this issue.
My impact on Charlotte’s Economic Development: Attract new businesses and progress and growth development to grow our tax base and increase job opportunities for residents by Identifying buildings in older neighborhoods to rebuild and repurpose and supporting increased transportation options in the Northwest Corridor.
Do all kids in Charlotte have No. A recent study concluded that Charlotte is 50/50 of the equal opportunities for nation’s largest cities with respect to upward mobility.I will success? How I will help… work to create safe neighborhoods where children can play outside and study; ensure that families can earn a real living wage to support children; and make sure that the City has affordable housing for all.
Why students should get Civic engagement provides students an opportunity to involved in GenerationNation become an active part of the systems that impact their lives and CLT-Meck Youth Council daily. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow. The earlier students get involved in and educated about civic issues, the better their ability to be informed, prepared leaders for the next generation.
One more thing I want people Representing District Two on the Charlotte City Council is to know about me one of the most rewarding and toughest jobs I have ever had. My willingness to serve is about making positive change in my community using the gifts and talents that God has given me. I have given my best and will continue to do that.
www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
LaWana Mayfield Website: www.votelawanamayfield.com District 3 Email: [email protected]
lawanamayfield
@lawanamayfield
lawanamayfield
Video Periscope lawanamayfield
Education/Occupation Grassroots Organizer Certification, Harvard Kennedy School of Government serve as District 3 City Council Reprsentative
Community involvement and 2010-2015 Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Chair/Co-Chair, 2015 Dr. leadership experiences MLK Jr Parade/Memorial Chair, Fmr Board of Governor for Charlotte Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign, Fmr Mecklenburg Political Action Committee Member, Fmr Charlotte Lesbian Gay Fund Board Member, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Board Member, Current NASCAR Hall of Fame Board of Advisor, Current President- National League of Cities LGBT Local Elected Officials, Secretary- North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials, Current National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials NC Field Director, 2009-2010 Pilgrimage for Justice and Peace Charlotte Parade Coordinator
Students can volunteer with Yes. Contact Joy Cook 336-417-1112 [email protected] my campaign
Where I grew up and when I I moved to Charlotte in 1988 from Miami, FL came to Charlotte
As a student, I was interested I became involved with local politics at the age of 23 in government, leadership, and civic issues because...
Favorite news source Sirius 127 Prgrogressive Radio
www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
Political viewpoint Socially liberal, fiscally moderate
First issue I will tackle Upon Re-Election I will continue to build corporate relationships with business and MYEP and I am excited about the recent conversations about connecting GenerationNation with local neighborhood organizations.
I think the most important Accessibility to the community and understanding the role, role of city government is abilities and limitations of local municipalities when the General Assembly continues to create obstacles. What does Charlotte do well? Charlotte does a great job of creating surveys and focus What can we do better? groups but could do a much better job of implementing the findings that these community volunteers identify.
A Charlotte issue that does Gentrification in my opinion is an issue that does not receive not get enough attention – enough attention along with affordable housing options. I and how I will solve it started the conversation with my Town Hall in April "Gentrification: What it is and What is the Impact"
My impact on Charlotte’s Upon Re-Election I will continue to work with small progress and growth businesses and minority business in the surrounding area to expand job opportunities
Do all kids in Charlotte have NO, In the role of Charlotte City Council we have few equal opportunities for opportunities to work with youth outside of our Mayor's success? How I will help… Youth Employment Program and Out of School Time Partners of which I am a supporter and champion for both. I individually will not solve this problem but alongside the Community and Council Colleagues we can make impact changes.
Why students should get The Youth Council was created to share the importance of involved in GenerationNation Civic Engagement and create opportunities for us to learn and CLT-Meck Youth Council the issues from youth. As our future leaders you all need to engaged in how this City grows.
One more thing I want people Since being elected in 2011 my focus has been on job to know about me creation, extended relationship building in support of MYEP and staying active as a volunteer from being a Freedom School Partners reader to Habitat Builds. My Service to the community extends way beyond City Council but as an Elected I have a vote to move this community forward.
www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
Greg Phipps Website: www.Democracy.com@district4phipps District 4 Email: [email protected]
Greg Phipps Charlotte City Council District 4
Education/Occupation Retired Bank Examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency/ Hampton University Hampton, Virginia BS - Marketing/ManagementClass of 1975 Southwestern Graduate Schoolof Banking at SMUSouthern Methodist University Dallas, Texas SWGSB Class on X
Community involvement and HOA President, City Council Member, Char-Meck Planning leadership experiences Commissioner, Past Chair Keep Charlotte Beautiful, Program Chair-Hidden Valley Optimist Club, Board Member-University City Partners, Advisory Board Member-Comino Community Center, Advisory Board Member-Progress In Education
Students can volunteer with Yes, contact [email protected]. my campaign Where I grew up and when I Richmond, VA. Transfered to Charlotte with my job as a bank came to Charlotte regulator with the US Treasury Dept. in January 1998. As a student, I was interested My 5th grade government teacher was very passionate and in government, leadership, made an impression on me. and civic issues because... Favorite news source WFAE, NPR, WCVE, PBS
Political viewpoint Moderate Democrat
First issue I will tackle Growth. Charlotte is fortunate to experience strong growth by both businesses and new residents. Studies show that 44 new residents move to Charlotte each day. That translates to 1,320 people a month, or 15,840 new residents a year! With such an influx of new residents, growth has to be properly managed, not just allowed to happen.
I think the most important Delivery of city services in a fair and equitable manner at the role of city government is lowest cost to the taxpayer. From Charlotte Water to public safety, city streets, aviation, and code enforcement; Charlotte has a lot of services to offer. There are also a lot of wants that need to be balanced in order to serve a fast- growing City within adopted budget parameters.
2015 Student Candidate Guide | www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
What does Charlotte do well? Charlotte does a good job engaging and empowering What can we do better? neighborhoods. From neighborhood retreats to public meetings, and forums; Charlotte reaches out for citizen input and actually incorporates ideas and suggestions as a normal routine. There are always things Charlotte can do better. In a lot of cases, more resources (funding/staff) are needed.
A Charlotte issue that does City council terms should be increased from two to four not get enough attention – years. Two-year terms are too short for new members to get and how I will solve it acclimated to the position, and work to carry out the business of the City. It’s hard to ensure a unified vision for the City when the potential for turnover is so great. I will bring awareness of the advantages of a four-year term.
My impact on Charlotte’s As a council member, I impact Charlotte’s progress and progress and growth growth through the many decisions that I make on city policy, economic development, budget priorities, and transportation and infrastructure issues. I do this as an ongoing responsibility that comes with being appointed to council back in 2005 and elected in 2013 to fill the District 4 seat.
Do all kids in Charlotte have No. There are still too many kids living in poverty, and equal opportunities for attending high-poverty CMSchools. The Community Mobility success? How I will help… Study is a good first step, and I’m pleased that City Council is directly involved. I’m involved with University Connect to re-brand and restore excellence to schools within the Governor’s Village campus in University City.
Why students should get Early entry into civic engagement ensures a steady pipeline involved in GenerationNation of committed future leaders. Society needs the collective and CLT-Meck Youth Council input, ideas, and fresh perspective your generation has to offer. We need future leaders willing to break through gridlock and ideology to work together despite differences in order to solve problems for the benefit of all.
One more thing I want people I am the only member of Charlotte City Council whose to know about me backyard is designated as an official Wildlife Habitat!
2015 Student Candidate Guide | www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
Kenny Smith Website: www.electkennysmith.com District 6 Email: kennysmithd6
@kennysmith73
Education/Occupation UNC-Chapel Hill, Commercial Real Estate
Community involvement and Former Barclay Downs HOA President, Youth Basketball leadership experiences Coach, Youth Group Leader, Deacon and Elder
Students can volunteer with Contact my campaign my campaign
Where I grew up and when I Selwyn, AG & Myers Park came to Charlotte
As a student, I was interested I have been interested in politics since a young age. I was in government, leadership, President of Student Government in both Jr and High School. and civic issues because... I am a campaign and policy junkie.
Favorite news source Fox News, Drudge Report
Political viewpoint Conservative
First issue I will tackle Pushing forward with improvements for permitting and zoning ordinance. Charlotte is in high growth mode and it is imperative we streamline the process to make it easier to do business in Charlotte.
I think the most important Public Safety and Infrastructure. 70 plus percent of budget role of city government is is allocated to police and fire. Keeping the citizens of Charlotte safe is job one. As we continue to grow at a rapid rate making sure our roads, water and sewer can keep up with demands is the next most important issue.
2015 Student Candidate Guide | www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
What does Charlotte do well? Charlotte has an incredible airport. In fact I believe it is the What can we do better? best in the country. We must improve our permitting and rezoning process.
A Charlotte issue that does Begging at street corners has become a huge issue in not get enough attention – District 6. For everyone's safety we must do a better job of and how I will solve it enforcing our ordinances that prohibit such behavior. I will work CMPD to develop a comprehensive strategy to end this issue.
My impact on Charlotte’s My background in real estate combined with experience as a progress and growth neighborhood leader uniquely qualify to understand the complexities of zoning and growth. For example there is a 27 acre redevelopment site in SouthPark. it is critical we balance the needs of each stakeholder in order to achieve an optimum outcome.
Do all kids in Charlotte have Economic mobility is an issue in Charlotte. We need to equal opportunities for promote safe neighborhoods, quality education, and a success? How I will help… stable workforce.
Why students should get As a young child I was fascinated by government. My interest involved in GenerationNation has kept me involved for most of my life. We need future and CLT-Meck Youth Council leaders and the best time to start is the present!
One more thing I want people I AM A HUGE TAR HEEL FAN! to know about me
2015 Student Candidate Guide | www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
Ed Driggs Website: eddriggs.com District 7 Email: [email protected]
ed.driggs
EdDriggsD7
Education/Occupation AB degree from Princeton, graduate studies in mathematical economics at Berlin and Oxford Universities. Worked in the financial services industry at Bankers Trust Company and Goldman Sachs in New York, Frankfurt and London.
Community involvement and Board member of Communities in Schools, WTVI (chairman), leadership experiences Goodwill Industries of the South Piedmont, Association of Public Television Stations (Washington), Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts
Students can volunteer with Contact my campaign my campaign
Where I grew up and when I I grew up in California and Germany, where my father came to Charlotte worked as a trade representative. I moved to Charlotte with my family in 2002 after I retired from Wall Street. I had been impressed with the quality of life here on business trips and thought it would be a good place to live.
As a student, I was interested Living in Germany during the Cold War as a teenager, my in government, leadership, early interest in government was international, the challenge and civic issues because... of containing the Soviet Union and the complexity of relations among the Western European states. In college I took courses in public finance and became more involved with U.S. policy issues.
Favorite news source Wall Street Journal, numerous websites
Political viewpoint I am a Republican and believe in sound fiscal practices that will create jobs and keep our economy strong in the future.
2015 Student Candidate Guide | www.GenerationNation.org CANDIDATE – CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
First issue I will tackle The same issues I targeted in my first term: managing growth and development in my district, improved relations with Raleigh, sound budget policies. Rapid construction and development in District 7 is straining the capacity of our roads, and its impact on quality of life is the biggest concern for most of my constituents.
I think the most important Providing services that our free market economy doesn't role of city government is deliver efficiently: roads, transportation, planning, public safety, water and sewer.
What does Charlotte do well? Charlotte offers many advantages such as higher education What can we do better? options that create a good labor force, reasonable housing prices (compared to other cities), cultural facilities, a major airport. We have a bad track record on economic mobility, and we need to invest more in basic infrastructure to keep up with our growth.
A Charlotte issue that does Every large city has many issues that deserve more attention not get enough attention – than they get. I would emphasize the importance of being and how I will solve it smart about the large investments we make in infrastructure and sporting venues. My background in economics and finance enables me to evaluate complex proposals and help make decisions that are best for our community.
My impact on Charlotte’s I will continue to engage in the areas of economic progress and growth development and financial management to create jobs and use resources efficiently. As Chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, I will promote good relations between Charlotte and the NC General Assembly, whose decisions affect us in many ways.
Do all kids in Charlotte have Everyone can succeed, but many kids have difficulty equal opportunities for reaching their potential for social reasons. Through my work success? How I will help… on the Housing and Neighborhood Committee, I am involved in the city's efforts to create opportunities through better housing. Good schools are most essential for opportunity, but the city is not involved with funding or running CMS.
Why students should get Most students are not old enough to vote, but they can involved in GenerationNation inform themselves about city activities that affect their and CLT-Meck Youth Council future and they can write to elected officials to share their opinions. We are listening!
One more thing I want people I enjoy playing the guitar and singing songs (admittedly to know about me mostly old songs that have been around for a long time). Music is a good escape from the trenches of local government and helps to maintain perspective.
2015 Student Candidate Guide | www.GenerationNation.org