Charlotte needs leadership that can balance smart, sustainable growth. How we grow is as important as how fast we grow. My priorities include:
Attracting companies that are willing to be stake holders – that means hiring locally, paying a living wage, offering opportunities for employee development and investing in infrastructure.
Tackling environmental issues on a local level. We need see the Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) through to lower carbon emissions; sustain our diminishing tree canopy; and protect and acquire greenspaces. We need transportation that is efficient and attractive to the district 6 workforce – and to connect all of Charlotte. With a high influx of new residents and a corresponding amount of construction, the ability of its residents to navigate the community is now strained and soon to be unworkable.
Affordable housing. The crisis of affordable housing does not exist in a vacuum. Stagnant wages, population growth that exceeds the rate of residential building, and rising property taxes exacerbate the problem. This will continue to be a city-wide issues with regards to upward mobility and the toll it takes on many of our residents, especially on our seniors.
Women’s Equality. Much of it starts with educating and encouraging civic involvement of large numbers of people, particularly women, in order to engage in the political process. I am also the current co-president of the Charlotte Women’s March – an organization that focuses on women’s issues and promoting social justice. I support women’s reproductive rights. Safer neighborhoods and schools. With so many mass shootings and an rise in crime, we need to ensure our schools and neighborhoods are safe. We must continue efforts to collaborate with CMPD, County Commission, CMS School Board, neighborhood leaders, local nonprofits, churches – we must all come together to ensure Charlotte grows smart and safe.
