Community

Charlotte is growing! New businesses are being recruited to our city, but most of it is what I call "big E"...large companies with national footprints.  I will be an energetic advocate for "little E"...smaller businesses, locally grown, locally owned, which ultimately employ most of our people.  Charlotte city services must be equitable and fair, and we must embrace the history that has brought us to today, both good and bad. The diversity of our neighborhoods and our people must be the building blocks for our communities' future. Inclusion of all people is imperative. 

Our city council must be aggressive as we confront the issue of affordable housing and work together to ensure housing opportunities for all. The times call for bold, courageous action  and demonstrated results. We must benchmark against best practices nationally and work in an 'all hands on deck' approach, with the county, community organizations and corporate partners.

Charlotte needs to provide clean and new forms of transportation, assure walkability in all of our neighborhoods, and offer improved options for alternative forms of transportation. Whether through new bike paths, to developing new plans for clean transit, Charlotte must lead the way in setting the example.

All citizens must feel safe and secure. Community safety is our city's most important economic development tool.  But it's time that we take a hard look at the good and the bad of our public safety services. We must ruthlessly act to reform where necessary, develop a new response approach according to need, and we must have response teams that respond equally - no matter which part of Charlotte you live in. Accountability must be ensured from the council and all city employees.