Voter Guide for Charlotte Mayor and City Council 2022

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Mayor

Background: Since receiving a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration, Mayor Lyles has accumulated over 40 years of public service leadership in Charlotte, serving as a budget analyst, Budget Director, Assistant City Manager, City Council Representative, Mayor Pro Tem, and Mayor.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Affordable Housing: Charlotte grows every day, but what is growth without stability? People need to have a house and a community to call home. Transportation: Our people must have the means to get to their job, their homes, their loved ones, and back; a safe, reliable quality of life.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing:  I’m proud of the $50 million this city committed toward affordable housing (and the $50 million matched) in 2018, but we still need more. I urge everyone to look into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan/Leading on Opportunity we have developed to ensure that Charlotte’s growth is equitable.

Website: facebook.com/ViLylesCLT

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Consultant/COO – EnviroSustainability, Business Viability & Performing Arts

Background: Native of G-boro, NC, Tigress graduated from Dudley. Starting at UNC to pursue EnviroLaw, she later transferred and earned her B.S. in AgEd & Wetlands and M.S. in AgEcon. Tigress is a PhD ABD in Applied Science & Tech and studied Strategic Planning. She is also on track to earn her JD in 2022.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Anti-corruption, restrategizing the city budget and lessening the economic burden on citizens, crime intervention and prevention, betterment of race relations, equity, economic and business development for small, medium, and “large” local businesses, environmental sustainability are all equally vital.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing:  Please visit SeeTigressRun.com for more details | Audit current development plans, and revitalize dilapidated buildings for truly affordable housing, meet with commercial landlords to restrategize development, implement action to address homelessness and high occupancy unit crisis.

Website: SeeTigressRun.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: no response

Background: CEO nonprofit, disabled

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  disability housing, affordable housing, police and accountability.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Police accountability and community relations: Police have to start holding their own brothers accountable. The police brutally beat a family member of mine and the other officers stood right there and did nothing. WHERE IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY ON THEIR PARTS HOLDING EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE? And they have to learn how to talk to the black and brown.

Website: no response

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Founder/Director of Take Back Our H.O.O.D.S. a non-profit organization

Background: First and foremost, my life experiences including, but not limited to: homelessness, losing my son to gun violence, and being an advocate for the marginalized and voiceless for 35+ years. I have an AA in Human Services, BSW (Social Work), MBA, some law, and solution drive.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Homicides, low-income/affordable housing, and Youth Violence, when addressing these 3 issues it will make the quality of life better for all residents of Charlotte. These issues impact everyone directly and indirectly.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Jobs for youth:  Mayor Youth Employment Program should be expanded to include middle schools. As we can see, youth violence includes this age and a lot of it stems from boredom, poverty, and a lack of positive leadership and role models. Also, employment opportunities should be available year-round.

Website: facebook.com/lucille.puckett54

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Charlotte City Councilwoman At-Large

Background: Bachelor’s of Accounting from University of Southern California; Certified Public Accountant(CPA) – worked in the financial services sector; Charlotte Housing Authority Board of Commissioners; I successfully championed affordable healthcare for thousands of city employees.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  I am very principled and always vote my values: Build a safe Charlotte regardless of your zip code; Champion sustainable infrastructure and resilient future; Expand access to affordable housing; Create economic opportunities in all parts of our city.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing:  As one of the fastest-growing cities, affordable housing will continue to be a pressing issue, especially for our lower-income workforce. We increased the affordable housing bond referendum from $15 to $50 million. I will continue to champion access to affordable housing in all parts of our city.

Website: DimpleAjmera.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Charlotte City Councilmember

Background: North Carolina Democratic Party – State Executive Committee Member; Centralina Council of Governments – Executive Board Member; NC League of Municipalities – Board Member; Truman Project – Political Fellow; Hunt Institute – State Policy Fellow; Preservation North Carolina – Board Member.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Increasing the availability of affordable housing, investing in a transformational mobility network for the Charlotte region to improve transportation options for our citizens, and continue to create greater opportunity for upward mobility in our historically-marginalized communities.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: I was one of six councilmembers who supported the 2040 Comprehensive Plan despite outside pressure to vote against it which will help us build more equitably. Alongside my colleagues, I was part of expanding our city affordable housing bonds from $15 million to $50 million every two years.

Website: VoteLarken.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: College Student

Background: I am a trained community organizer, who formerly served on Charlotte City Council representing District 3 for eight years, have a proven track record on job creation, community advocacy, support of small minority business, and served on multiple local, state and national boards in leadership roles.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Transportation to better connect our workers to employment, a focus on “Hire Local” to create opportunities for local residents who are being priced out of the city to obtain quality housing, access to education, entertainment and safe neighborhoods.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: I created the Charlotte TLCbyCLT program which has funded housing rehab for home repairs. I also believe the City needs to lead the way by NOT selling any more City owned land without clear commitments to “Diverse Price Point Housing” guidelines which include financial clawbacks.

Website: VoteLaWanaMayfield.com; facebook.com/Mayfield4CouncilAtLarge

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Mental Health Field / Division 8 & Division 10 Materials Supplier

Background: I am a native Charlottean. My experience has involved instituting policy, proposing bills and programs, casting votes, and lobbying state and federal officials. I have been engaged in governing for approximately 20 years as a District, Citywide At-Large/Mayor Pro Tem and Mayoral representative.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  1) Economic Development (i.e., Attacking the issue of poverty through targeted employment initiatives). This focus will address physiological needs being met with the ability to also address the cost of affordable housing, transportation and public safety.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Jobs for youth:  I would encourage offering “Blue Collar Occupational Preparation” paid job skilled training opportunities with the public and private sector. I would encourage a focus on youth from poverty stricken parts of our community to be engaged in it first for proper exposure and experience.

Website: PatrickCannon.org

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Chief Executive Officer of 5-Star Supply Company

Background: Charlotte native, elected to City Council in 1999 as District 2 representative. In 2015 I was elected as City Council At-Large. Known as a collaborative leader that puts Charlotte first. Accomplished projects for the city in the areas of Public Safety, Economic Development, and Affordable housing.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Economic Development-Support funding for Women’s Business Center, funding for Corridors of Opportunity, increase minority participation on City Contracts, new funding for start up business. Public Safety approve funding for de-escalation training, fund non-profits who are committed to public safety.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Develop a rental assistance voucher program, support more units on City owned land, more units along the transit corridors, increase funding for Housing Trust funds, and advocate for another $50 million housing bond.

Website: facebook.com/JamesWorks4CLT

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Charlotte Liaison for Delaware College Scholars Program

Background: Two-term Council member. Davidson College ‘07, Anthropology. A member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Union. He is also the Charlotte Liaison for the Delaware College Scholars Program. He sits on several boards and committees.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  The next City Council must continue to take effective steps in implementation of the Comprehensive 2040 plan. Putting an equity lens on the growth strategies cannot be understated. Bridging the digital divide and making our city digitally inclusive must also be a priority.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Police accountability and community relations: The Charlotte City Council & CMPD have both acknowledged that we shouldn’t just rely on law enforcement to provide the community & customer services that people need. We should continue to find & implement robust civilian response models to serve people who call us for help.

Website: VoteBraxton.com

Party: Democratic

No response from candidate

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Small business owner

Background: Charlene Henderson is a Native Charlottean; She ran for Charlotte City Council District 4 in 2019; Chair of Precinct 82 of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party ; Save as many youths as possible from premature deaths and incarceration through support and education. CharleneHenderson.com

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Economy – Jobs, trainings and monthly forums to re-educate and building skill banks. Equity – Equal opportunities for all. In order to cure genocide, we have to give people constructive things to do. Enforcement – Making sure that the communities are safe through law and code enforcement.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: There are a lot of good programs here in Charlotte, the problem is access to them and effective communication. Let’s speak on what Affordable Housing is not. The need to truly partner with developers, contractors on incentives to build for it.

Website: CharleneHenderson.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Managing Owner of Unique Southern Estates

Background: Civic experience: co-founder East/West Coalition; Plaza Midwood Neighborhood and Merchants Association boards; Dilworth Community Assoc; Time Out Youth Board; Therapeutic Foster parent to 19 foster children, adopting three; Aldersgate CCRC board; Alexander Youth Network board; Charlotte EAST chair.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  I will work to develop policies that hold our police department more accountable for both a successful culture and results. I will support transit that increases all forms of mobility, enhancing livability, while protecting communities from displacement.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Police accountability and community relations: We have a good police department, not a great one. We must face the brutal facts and enact policy that holds our police accountable for a healthy culture and results. I will press our police to hire the best, pay them more, train them better and fire them more often.

Website: BillyMaddalon.com; facebook.com/maddalon4clt

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Social Justice Warrior

Background: Kendrick Cunningham has tirelessly worked to increase his generation’s capacity to impact change in North Carolina for over half a decade. A contributor of the Biden Housing Plan, Kendrick has worked to advance housing for all in Charlotte since 2017.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  1. Alleviating the Charlotte public health crisis by advocating for housing for all; 2. Changing the Northwest Charlotte youth narrative by reducing juvenile delinquency; 3. Keeping historically affordable communities affordable by strategically expanding affordable public transportation options.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing:  Kendrick Cunningham will be a transparent advisor for all actors in Charlotte’s public policy housing network to ensure an inclusive and collaborative political system is formed that can easily draft, agenda set, and approve policies for equitable access to housing in our city.

Website: KendrickCunningham.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Executive Director, Charlotte Amateur Tennis Championship

Background: Former NC State Senator 2005-15, Charlotte City Council, 1999-05, Charlotte City Council Member.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Neighborhood Equity & Stabilization, Affordable Housing, Economic Opportunity & Job Growth, Transportation and Public Safety.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing:  Increase Affordable Bonds from 50m to 100m, Leverage City owned land for affordable housing, Strengthen Corridors of Opportunity Program, support “A home for all” fighting Homelessness project.

Website: MalcolmGrahamCLT.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Engineer

Background: I was the first person selected in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, in its inaugural season. I’ve worked as an Engineer for over 15 years, in a variety of environments and landscapes, domestically and internationally. I also volunteer as the President of my community organization.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  First, I’d promote and leverage programs to the community to sustain our seniors. They deserve residential and financial security in their retirement. Secondly, I’m for affordable housing, the “For Ownership” model of affordable housing. And third, I’ll produce Upward Mobility for Charlotteans.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Jobs for youth: I’m going to work to produce Upward Mobility for Charlotteans by establishing upward mobility platforms. Focusing on areas of Income Inequality, Family Structure, Education, Race, and Social Capital.

Website: VoteAmarDistrict2.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Background: I was born and raised in Southside Homes – housing projects -the Northern part of District 3. Currently I reside in Berewick in Steele Creek, the southern part of District 3. I am a small business owner and founder of 501c3, I started in 2017. I am a community advocate and change agent.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Safe Communities will help to decrease violence and Economic Development to create meaningful jobs for the community.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Address affordable housing by supporting economic development in the community. Teaching financial literacy and becoming homeowners versus renting – teaching how equity works & the different things that equity can be used for. Support the benefits of having affordable housing in all zip codes.

Website: TiawanaBrown.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: No response

Background: Charlotte City Councilmember, District 3

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Community-Led Planning; Affordable Housing; Transportation; Economic Mobility

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: I’ve advocated for the expansion of the Staying in Place program. I’ve worked to secure over $400K in City investment for the land trust. As the Housing Committee Chair, I support policy to end Source of Income Discrimination in City-supported housing.

Website: WinWithWatlington.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Author / Activist

Background: From my lived experience with the criminal justice system, to my experience as a nonprofit president and owner of multiple community-centered businesses, to advocating for voting rights for Hidden Valley, to saving our youth from premature death and imprisonment, I have been born to lead.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  1. Create new opportunities for affordable housing and protect property values, which will improve the lives of everyone financially impacted by the pandemic. 2. Safe neighborhoods and support our police officers, which will reprioritize the mission of the police department “to protect and serve.”

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Police accountability and community relations: I will require CMPD to issue an annual report on police efforts to recruit minority officers and develop new policies on crowd control, require implicit bias training for officers and create civilian review boards to examine complaints made against police.

Website: CedricDean.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Managing Director

Background: I spearheaded growth, development and community building in University City bringing 12,000+ jobs, added more parks, trail, sidewalks, bike lanes, a new library and new restaurants and retail. I have tested safety programs to target issues.  I have built strong relationships to get things done.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Strengthen Neighborhoods: Build and protect the best quality of life. Safe Communities and Streets: When communities are safe, people will want to live here and businesses will want to stay and grow here. Invest in mobility: Build transportation infrastructure as we are adding housing and jobs.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Charlotte, like most cities, does not have enough affordable housing for lower income levels. We will never build our way out of this problem – it takes too long and we get further behind. Our city needs to be more aggressive and focused on buying naturally occurring affordable housing.

Website: VoteDarleneHeater.com

Party: Democratic
Occupation: Charlotte City Council, District 4 Representative

Background: Charlotte City Council, District 4 Representative. 30 yrs of broad experience in Real Estate, Public Service & Nonprofit leadership. Founder of Triumph Services, a behavioral health organization serving the homeless, formerly incarcerated and trauma survivors

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Advocating for affordable housing and strategic development. Charlotte residents are being priced out of our city. The rents and home prices are becoming unattainable for many. I am also proposing for more strategic policies for development that will mitigate the impact on our current residents.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Requiring any developer who seeks financial assistance, (i.e. tax grants) to accept housing vouchers and alternative sources of income. This will increase affordable housing options. Lowering permit fees for developers so that they are able to build more affordable housing.

Website: ReElectRenee4CLT.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Business Owner

Background: I am a product of District 5. I know what it takes to make East Charlotte a sweet spot for their residents to live, play and work.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Community policing, housing, jobs

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Jobs for youth:  Creating job opportunities and training for youth and young adults to be more marketable to employers.

Website: HayesForCharlotte.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Realtor/Broker

Background: Realtor®, Paralegal & native Charlottean; Experienced community Leader with Proven Results; Helped my neighborhood fight the city & save homes; Promoted local businesses & helped them fight the city; Recommended the folks affected by issues be appointed as leaders; Eliminated EEO (Stop & Frisk program)

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Strong Neighborhoods & Supported Citizens; Ladder of Opportunity & Success for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses; Reimagining Transportation; These will empower citizens to utilize self-determination for their neighborhoods; grow their communities; get around our city in a safe efficient manner & thrive.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing:  Improve House Charlotte program & boost downpayment assistance $; Partner w/ CPCC & After School Programs to teach Financial Literacy & the Credit System; Create an internal program to help city employees buy homes; Appoint affected folks doing the work w/ over 20 Hsg orgs to positions of leadership.

Website: Liz4D5.com

Party: Democratic
No response from candidate

Party: Democratic
No response from candidate

Party: Democratic

Occupation: IBEW Journey Wireman

Background: Military Leadership and Construction Management.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Skilled Labor Schools, Manufacturing Jobs, and Development of the Eastland Mall area.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Jobs for youth: The city has to be rebuilt post pandemic and what better than skilled Trade positions.

Website: facebook.com/Committee-to-elect-Mark-Vincent-109124284946213

Party: Democratic
No response from candidate

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Financial Services

Background: As a finance executive in investment banking, investment advisor in financial markets, engineer and public servant for nearly 30 years, Robert Hillman has a track record of successfully using his expertise to help the community in Charlotte.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  I believe that creating workforce development programs will create jobs and economic growth. I will work with city, regional, state and federal officials to build a better bus network. I believe that the safety of our residents is critical to the growth of our community.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Police accountability and community relations: I would sponsor more programs that foster interaction between the community and the police force. Programs like midnight basketball tournaments. I would provide funding for the expansion of programs like Cops and Barbers. The Barbershop is the place where the community meets on a regular basis.

Website: VoteForHillman.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Broker

Background: Public service includes : CMPC Commissioner for 12 yrs: Meck Recycling Committee (M): Livable Meck Com(m); Inducted into the “Order of the Hornet” by the BOCC Meck Co (2020);. Graduate of MPHS. hold a MD in Political Science & have taught at UNC-C, Winthrop, JCSU & Wingate. Worked in CLT, USA, INT.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Be a responsive Councilwoman to the Citizens of Dist6: #1 – Support programs that reduce crime & domestic violence & promote safety. #2 – Advocate for Equitable Access to Housing focusing on the needs of Occupants. #3 – Support further development of Mass Transit.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Will use my expertise from brokering award winning affordable housing projects in CLT to continue the development of quality affordable housing for those of limited means & middle class families.

Website: NancyForDistrict6.com

Party: Republican
No response from candidate

Party: Republican

Occupation: President and Owner, Universal Cab Company, Inc.

Background: I have resided in the Charlotte area for more than 40 years, and owned and operated a small business in the area, Universal Cab Company, for more than 35. I have been heavily involved in the community including volunteering at the local mosques. I have also completed the CMPD citizen’s academy.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Public transportation in the city of Charlotte, affordable housing, and working on the policies and procedures which keep community’s leadership and law enforcement accountable and allow Charlotte residents to have a voice in all matters.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing:  Filling up the gap in supply is critical to keeping housing rates down. The City of Charlotte should invest in further (literal) ownership of properties to minimize the percentage of private for-profit owners. We can start by taking over unused properties and converting them into affordable housing.

Website: No response

Party: Republican

Occupation: Lawyer

Background: Previous Strategic Advisor – Charlotte 2040 Plan; Previous Member – Ordinance Advisory Committee for the Unified Development Ordinance; Previous Vice Chair of The Plus Collective – Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ Community Fund; Member – Arts and Science Council Advisory Board South/East.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Housing – Incentivize housing to own to build generational wealth; work on ways to alleviate the tax burden for homeowners. Transportation – Prioritize transit that people actually use as opposed to transit for development. Small Business – Create an ecosystem for small businesses to thrive.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Three ways: 1) Incentivize building homes to own through our zoning code. Work with developers to understand the pain points on this issue. 2) Reform our down-payment assistance program so it reaches communities who desperately need it. 3) Ensure property taxes don’t displace homeowners.

Website: KyleLuebke.com

Party: Republican

Occupation: National Sales Director, Executive Solutions

Background: I have been a leader and exceeded expectations my entire life; the national record for youngest age to earn the rank of eagle scout, have successfully run multiple businesses, built & developed multiple high-performing teams across industries & work providing technology solutions to housing providers

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Public Safety, Public Transportation, Affordable Housing

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Police accountability and community relations: CLTCC needs to provide adequate funding to make CMPD an employer of choice for anyone with an interest in LE. We need officers out of their vehicles walking the neighborhoods where they live, work, & serve, speaking to the residents of those areas to build relationships & a sense of community.

Website: VoteMerrill.com

Party: Republican

No response from candidate

Party: Republican

No response from candidate

Party: Republican

No response from candidate

Only one Republican candidate filed to run for City Council Districts 2, 3, 5 and 7. They will not be on the GOP primary ballot because they have no Republican opposition; they will be on July 26’s general election ballot for Charlotte.

Their names are:

• District 2: Margaret Lineberger Barnett
• District 3: James H. Bowers
• District 6: Tariq Scott Bokhari
• District 7: Ed Driggs

Two of the candidates responded to the Voter Guide, so their responses are provided below. No Republican candidate filed to run for City Council Districts 1, 4 or 5

Party: Republican

Occupation: Hearing Instrument Specialist

Background: Educator, Small Business Owner, Precinct Chair, Hearing Instrument Specialist

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Crime, Fiscal Conservatism, School Choice

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Police accountability and community relations: Better assess the operation of the law enforcement’s policies on de-escalation techniques, use-of-force techniques, and improve notification systems to identify problematic personnel, ultimately leading to an improved relationship with law enforcement in the neighborhoods they serve.

Website: Mary4CityCouncil.com

Party: Republican

No response from candidate

Party: Republican

Occupation: Founder

Background: Prior to launching the Carolina Fintech Hub, serving as a Charlotte City Councilman, and launching and exiting his own fintech startup, Tariq served as the Head of Innovation and Investment for FIS Global. He has also held executive positions in GE Capital, Wells Fargo and Wachovia.

My top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:  Economic development recruiting, upward mobility outcomes, public safety enhancements and infrastructure investments.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Jobs for youth:  We are failing our youth today in preparing them for the future. I have spent the last 5 years building new programs and approaches to meet kids where they are, particularly in underserved parts of the community, and teach them STEM, coding and entrepreneurship.

Website: TariqScottBokhari.com

Party: Republican

Candidate is unopposed