Charlotte Mayor Candidate Profiles
Republican Mayoral Candidate
Name: John Lassiter
Date of birth: 9/5/54
County: Lexington, KY
Phone: 704 542-1426
Email: lassiter@bellsouth.net
Website: www.votelassiter.com
Twitter: lassiterjohn
Facebook: John Lassiter
Education: B.A., J.D. Wake Forest University, M.P.A. NC State University
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Political Affiliation: Republican
Political Experience: Charlotte City Council at-large member 2003- present
Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education 1992-2007
Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission 1987-1992
Describe your approach to leadership.
Effective leadership requires a clear vision, inclusive engagement of differing perspectives and a pragmatic approach to problem solving that has little concern for who gets the credit in meeting our goals.
If you could accomplish one thing in office what would it be?
I hope to provide the leadership needed for job creation and economic recovery for Charlotte.
One of the city's most pressing problems is dealing with repeat offenders. What would you do to address it, and how would you pay for it?
We must get the repeat criminals off the streets. First, we have approved an additional 125 police officers this year and have given the police chief the tools to investigate, arrest and prosecute the chronic offenders. Second, I will work with the leaders in other large cities around the state to insure we get the resources we need from Raleigh for more prosecutors, more judges and more jail cells. The support that we get from the state must be based upon our needs and our crime rate and not based upon some outdated formula that leaves us vulnerable to criminals who know how to work the system.
Charlotte got 50 new police officers with stimulus money. The police chief wants 75 more officers this year, and another 125 officers next year. How many would you give him and how would you pay for them?
Public safety remains the top priority in our budget. We found a way to provide 125 officers this year between local funding and federal stimulus support. Once we see the Police Chief's request for our next budget year, I will work to meet those needs by looking at our revenue options and prioritizing our expenses.
Mecklenburg's District Attorney has said he has too few prosecutors and an inadequate case-management computer system to improve the performance of his office.
Although this is a state-funded office, would you consider bolstering his budget?
The city is currently spending $2.3 million to support the District Attorney's office and the court system including detectives, assistant district attorneys and administrative support. We have also set aside $3 million to be used for funding the technology system needed to improve prosecutions and court efficiency. Though all of these expenses should be paid by the State of North Carolina, we will continue to supplement until the state assumes full responsiblity to meet the needs of the criminal justice system in our county.
How would you rate Police Chief Rodney Monroe's performance?
Chief Monroe is doing an outstanding job and just what we hired him to do. He has reorganized the department, moved dozens of officers from behind desks and onto the streets, created a Violent Criminals Apprehension team focused on our most dangerous criminals and added nearly 100 new officers and a new division to reduce crime in our neighborhoods. With these steps, our violent and property crime rate is down 21% over the last year.
Should the city seek additional revenue to pay for mass transit, either through the sales tax or other means?
We have funding within our 1/2 cent sales tax to fund our expanded bus service, South or Blueline and our local portion of the Northeast line from center city to the University. I have urged council to study alternative funding strategies for future lines including the North commuter line, streetcar or a line to the airport. At the same time, we need to determine if the Federal Transit Administration and NCDOT will participate in further expansion of our system.
Do you support spending general fund tax dollars to build a streetcar through central Charlotte?
The streetcar will be a strong economic development tool connecting the westside, center city and eastside, however, we have not identified a revenue source sufficient to fund the line with or without state or federal funding. Any general fund dollars for the project should be left in a restricted capital account until the funding study is completed.
Do you support a busway or light rail along Independence Boulevard, or neither?
We should continue the freeway construction project for Independence Boulevard and retain the flexiblity to consider a range of mass transit options ranging from the current busway to rail options.
What is the best use for tax incentives and other financial considerations from the city of Charlotte for businesses?
We should use local incentives and matching grants to remain competitive in attracting new businesses and retaining firms that are adding jobs in our city. Though our quailty of life and key infrastructure investments like our airport help make our city attractive to companies bringing jobs, we need additional tools to avoid losing companies across the state border or across the country. We have to remain business friendly.
How should the city spur investment in underdeveloped corners of the city?
As chair of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, we have brought retail jobs to the rundown Midtown mall, opened a new law school as part of new development on Wilkinson Boulevard and begun efforts on North Tryon Street, West Boulevard and West Trade. We can use the tools that have helped us strengthen the center city to bring new investment and needed services throughout the city.
Is Charlotte's economy satisfactorily diversified? How would you like to see it change?
Our financial services sector has helped create the city we know today and we need to work to keep Charlotte the 2nd largest financial center in the country. The recession proved we need to diversify into several key industries including energy, particularly renewable sources, healthcare and biotechnology. Importantly, we need to engage the venture capital and private equity markets to establish a more active presence in our market to support innovative and startup companies.
What should the city do with Eastland Mall and the area around it?
At my urging, we asked the Urban Land Institute to look at the Eastland site and they confirmed that it can no longer function as a regional mall but instead should be rebuilt as a mixed use project incorporating office employment, neighborhood retail, community uses including a park, police and fire stations and a range of market rate housing options. We are currently seeking a master developer to redevelop the mall property.
Do you believe Charlotte residents pay too much in local taxes?
Our combined state and local tax burden is no longer an incentive to company relocations and in some cases higher than the states that border North Carolina. We need to work to keep our local taxes low by working within our budgets and managing the city like a business.
If the economic downturn continues, can the city avoid raising taxes and user fees?
We avoided job cuts and city service interruption thus far in the recession. If our economy continues to slide, we will look at our expenses first before we look at any change in our revenue.
When property is re-assessed, should the city set a revenue-neutral tax rate?
Any property revaluation should be revenue neutral. Revalution should not be a way to slide in a tax increase.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate Mayor Pat McCrory? 9
What would you do differently than Pat McCrory?
My leadership style is based on my experience and proven record as a successful small business owner, committed public servant, active volunteer and dedicated husband and father. The way we face the challenges and opportunities in the future will based on my experiences and leadership in my professional, personal and public life.
How are you better qualified than your opponents? Experienced leadership.
Built a small business to 4 offices in 2 states. Served 6 years on City Council, 11 years on the Board of Education, and 5 years on the Planning Commission. Past President of the Mecklenburg County Bar and the Children's Law Center. Married 27 years with two sons, both Eagle Scouts and graduates of CMS.
How would you balance the city's push for major new uptown attractions and cultural venues with the needs of neighborhoods?
We have successfully added the retail, cultural and entertainment venues needed to drive our tourism industry and benefit the residents of the region. We can use those successes to put more energy and tax dollars into meeting unmet neighborhood needs.
If Charlotte instantly changed to a strong mayor form of government, how would your term as mayor be different?
The balance of small business owner and public servant can serve our city well. I hope we can continue to find honest and talented citizens who will offer themselves up for public office.
Democrat Mayoral Candidate
Name: Anthony Foxx
Date of birth: 4/30/71
County: Mecklenburg County, NC
Phone: 704.342.8005
Email: info@anthonyfoxx.com
Website: www.anthonyfoxx.com
Twitter: @anthonyfoxx
Facebook: Anthony Foxx for Charlotte Mayor -- Nov. '09
Education: West Charlotte High School '89, Davidson College '93, New York University School of Law '96
Occupation: Business Litigation Attorney, Hunton & Williams
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Political Experience: Harvey Gantt for U.S. Senate Campaign, volunteer (1990); Mel Watt for Congress Campaign volunteer (1992); Harvey Gantt for U.S. Senate Campaign, volunteer (1996); U.S. House of Representatives Committee to the Judiciary, counsel (1999-2001); Mecklenburg County Education Budget Advisory Committee (2002-2005); Committee to Keep Judge Al Diaz (2002); Mel Watt for Congress, campaign manager (2004); Charlotte City Council At-Large (2005 - present)/Committees: Budget, Environment (past chair), Housing and Neighborhood Development, Transportation (Chair), Economic Development and Planning; Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO), vice-chair (2007-present).
Describe your approach to leadership.
I am an inclusive, results driven leader. I generally have left the credit for others to take, focusing more on getting things done. I believe in expanding opportunity for every citizen of Charlotte. I was raised by my mother and my grandparents who sacrificed for the opportunities I have had. I learned the power of opportunity from them - hard work, personal responsibility and believing in a better future. If it weren't for a great education and the economic opportunity that came with their sacrifices and a supportive Charlotte community, I wouldn't be where I am today. I want every young person in Charlotte to have the same chance I had and that will inform everything I do as Mayor of Charlotte.
It's the reason I fought to expand the city's economic development approach to put our neighborhoods first - not just the interests of the powerful. It's the reason I fought successfully to hire every police officer requested by our chief - so the people of Charlotte would be safe to live, work and raise a family. It's the reason, as mayor, I will work to promote small businesses, diversify our economy and advocate for quality education for all of our children.
If you could accomplish one thing in office what would it be?
I want to get our economy back on track, creating good-paying jobs and returning Charlotte to the days when we were ahead of the national curve on employment.
One of the city's most pressing problems is dealing with repeat offenders. What would you do to address it, and how would you pay for it?
There is no one running for Mayor of Charlotte with a better record of working to improve public safety. I would take four approaches.
First, I would strive to continue my record of hiring all police officers requested by CMPD; I am the only candidate for Mayor of Charlotte to have done so. We cannot effectively prosecute repeat offenders if we lack the staffing to arrest them.
Second, I would bring the players in the local criminal justice system - the police chief, the sheriff, the chief judges, the district attorney and the public defender to the mayor's office to develop a focused local agenda for criminal justice system improvements. I would like to see more technology deployed in Mecklenburg County to move criminal cases quicker and to reduce operating costs within the system that can be redirected to trying cases.
Third, because many of the solutions require state action, I will work with other area leaders and mayors in other metropolitan areas of North Carolina to push our governor and general assembly for action.
Fourth, we need to attack the root causes of crime by expanding economic opportunities and after-school programs to keep our young people off the streets and out of harm's way. I also will push for efforts to identify and treat substance addiction earlier in the criminal justice process. If an addict can be identified and successfully treated we have fighting chance to make even more reductions in crime.
Charlotte got 50 new police officers with stimulus money. The police chief wants 75 more officers this year, and another 125 officers next year. How many would you give him and how would you pay for them?
Keeping our streets safe is a key aspect of my overall economic development strategy for our city, both today and for the future. I supported the additional 75 officers this year.
The positions will be paid for through additional road maintenance funds set aside specifically to cover any gap between the CMPD request and the number of federally-funded positions. Going forward, I will continue to work within existing resources to fund all requested police positions. For our community to continue evolving as a community of choice for families and businesses, we must be safe.
Mecklenburg's District Attorney has said he has too few prosecutors and an inadequate case-management computer system to improve the performance of his office. Although this is a state-funded office, would you consider bolstering his budget?
I have bolstered the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's budget, most recently with additional support personnel and equipment.
Before I would offer additional resources to the district attorney, I would request an accounting of how current city resources are improving his effectiveness. Additionally, while the district attorney's office is important, I am equally concerned about broader court system issues, including inadequate court staffing, court system technology, probation and other process issues that undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. As part of my public safety agenda, I will partner with Mecklenburg County to bring the local and state criminal justice system leadership together to develop a comprehensive strategy for meeting our area's needs and to work with those leaders to lobby for those resources. It's not enough to simply focus on the 'system,' we need a specific plan and a willingness by all of the various players to speak with one voice on these issues in Raleigh.
How would you rate Police Chief Rodney Monroe's performance?
He's been great. He has taken police officers out from behind their desks and put them out on the beat, where they can make a real difference in reducing crime. He has increased the level of attention to neighborhoods. He has enhanced the urgency with which CMPD responds to complaints. Moving forward, we just need to ensure that we deliver the resources to enable even more progress while improving other parts of the criminal justice system.
Should the city seek additional revenue to pay for mass transit, either through the sales tax or other means?
The last thing we should be doing in the middle of an economic crisis is increasing taxes on hard-pressed families. That's why I was the first elected official to speak out against a property revaluation this year. For the same reason, I would not have supported seeking to impose a new half-cent sales tax or other source for transit even if we had been given such authority from Raleigh. I do support having more local authority to tap sources other than the property tax to support our growing transportation needs with a requirement that the public approve before any such source can be utilized. Having the authority to impose a new revenue source is one thing - actually tapping the source is another. I would not burden taxpayers struggling in today's economic downturn.
Do you support spending general fund tax dollars to build a streetcar through central Charlotte?
I do not agree with others that the project can only be built using property tax or sales tax increases - a combination of value engineering, phasing, federal support and using tools like tax-increment financing can get us to completion.
Therefore, I will work to use sources other than general fund dollars to build the streetcar line. I support the streetcar for several reasons. First, it would rejuvenate two corridors facing serious challenges, Central Avenue and Beatties Ford Road. Second, it would spur an estimated $1 billion in new economic development – creating jobs that we desperately need. Third, it will cost less to operate than our current bus service along those corridors. Fourth, it will help improve air quality. In today’s economic environment, we must do everything in our power to avoid that. The project may not require overhead wiring as previously believed, which could significantly reduce its cost.
By phasing in the project, we can contain a significant amount of the cost and seek “small start” grants that could support up to $75 million of each phase. Tax increment financing could support about a quarter of the estimated cost of the project. There are a number of ways to value-engineer this project while realizing the economic development benefits.
Do you support a busway or light rail along Independence Boulevard, or neither?
I prefer light rail, and I have committed to give it a fresh look if elected Mayor of Charlotte. As the new federal administration makes a strong push for fixed-rail transit options, I am hopeful that federal standards will change to make fixed-rail and more likely scenario for Independence Boulevard.
What is the best use for tax incentives and other financial considerations from the city of Charlotte for businesses?
Tax incentives should be used to keep and grow jobs in our community. The hard part is making sure those tax incentives serve their purpose without becoming a giveaway program. I will worker harder to target incentives for small businesses to promote ingenuity in emerging industries.
How should the city spur investment in underdeveloped corners of the city?
The first plank of my platform talks about strengthening and diversifying our economy. That goal involves attracting new industries, growing new small business and expanding the geographic footprint of our growth areas into our challenged business corridors.
I have led the city's efforts in this latter regard by pushing city council to adopt the Business Corridor Revitalization Strategy to promote private sector investment in challenged areas by addressing longstanding problems: crime, inadequate infrastructure, land assembly challenges, environmental contamination and regulation.
Such challenges add to the cost of doing business, which is a significant barrier to the economic growth of such areas. I have worked steadily to reverse these conditions. First, in 2006, I pushed city council to place $8.9 million aside to support improving the business climate in these areas. Second, later in 2006 and into 2007, I pushed for the creation and adoption of the Business Corridor Revitalization Strategy and an implementation plan. As a result of this strategy, the city is placing a police substation on Beatties Ford Road where crime is the most significant deterrent to economic growth.
The city purchased two options at Eastland Mall and sponsored an Urban Land Institute review to determine redevelopment prospects for the mall using the business corridor funds. The new Wal-Mart Supercenter on Independence Boulevard is part of this work. Ground has been broken on Greenway Business Park on Rozzelles Ferry Road where more than 125 new jobs are expected to be created. Residential and commercial development is being supported in the Bryant Park area, and a corridor study is underway on North Tryon Street. By working to address factors that deter private sector investment, the city will encourage the private sector to lead the way in redeveloping these areas, improving quality of life, expanding available goods and services, increasing available jobs and expanding the city tax base.
Is Charlotte's economy satisfactorily diversified? How would you like to see it change?
No. Our Charlotte economy needs to be strengthened and diversified.
We are fortunate to have such a great workforce and with a 13 percent local unemployment rate, one challenge will be keeping that talented workforce here. The announcement of GMAC's expansion plans and the possibility of Morgan Stanley growing its presence here stand as evidence of our continued strength as a financial services center. Native industries such as hospitality and tourism, manufacturing and distribution, health care and motorsports will remain strong but we cannot take them for granted. We must work like never before to retain employers in those industries. With that said, the opportunity to diversify our economy to attracting jobs of the future is clear. The North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis is an anchor for regional growth in biotechnology. With Duke Energy, The Shaw Group and many new clean energy businesses located here, we are poised to be an energy center. With General Dynamics - a world leader in military systems, defense is another opportunity. I will be laser-focused on growing industries with long-term growth prospects - that will mean sustainable jobs well into the future. We also need to cultivate small businesses, the place where 96 percent of Charlotte jobs exist and where many future innovations will originate.
I am not convinced that city government works as hard as we can to help small businesses grow. I want to lift the $200,000 cap on small business opportunity contracts. I will sponsor an access to capital conference as mayor, inviting venture capitalists throughout the United States and local financial institutions to link up with area small businesses. I will continue working for fiscal responsibility in city government to ensure Charlotte remains an attractive base of operations. I want to borrow from the lessons of BizHub and work for a one-stop resource center for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
What should the city do with Eastland Mall and the area around it?
The activity surrounding Eastland Mall to date all relates back to my vision for improving the economic health of city neighborhoods outside of Center City and my push for the Business Corridor Revitalization Strategy with an implementation plan and funding to support it.
No other candidate for Mayor of Charlotte supported this plan. Eastland Mall itself carries too much retail space for the market it now serves. Therefore, some reduction in the size of the mall is necessary. I strongly believe that what replaces it should be a community centerpiece, something that draws together the east side of Charlotte with some retail component and perhaps some park space or other gathering place. My goal would be to join with a private developer and the East Charlotte community to build an incredible community asset. The effort to redevelop the mall and to improve quality of life throughout the area must involve substantial community input and transparency of city hall.
We cannot allow any part of Charlotte to fall into disrepair because we short-staff our police department, fail to make needed infrastructure improvements or fall short in managing neighborhood challenges effectively. The Eastland area has been a victim of neglect - neglect that I have worked to reverse by hiring all of the requested police officers, putting better infrastructure into outlying neighborhoods and supporting policies that will improve neighborhoods such as a rental registration ordinance.
Do you believe Charlotte residents pay too much in local taxes?
Yes. I was the first elected official to speak out against a property revaluation this year. I have worked for three years to hold the line on property taxes. The challenge is managing government efficiently and delivering value to taxpayers. I understand that higher taxes have a real impact our families and small businesses - and we must do everything in our power to avoid tax increases, especially now, so we can work our way out of this economic downturn. I am committed to making city government more efficient by commissioning a task force to study the city budget and operations from a zero-basis. Not hiring police officers, not building or maintaining roads, not taking care of our neighborhoods and not taking care of our children is not the answer.
If the economic downturn continues, can the city avoid raising taxes and user fees?
As the new Mayor of Charlotte, one of my goals will be to work hard to make city government as efficient and effective as possible. Whether the downturn continues or not, I would take a page from former Mayor Richard Vinroot and commission a citizens task force to work through the city budget from the bottom up, uncovering efficiencies that will not undermine the effective delivery of services.
We need to make government more efficient, more effective and - where possible - less expensive.
When property is reassessed, should the city set a revenue-neutral tax rate? Yes. As the first elected official to call for a delaying a revaluation this year, I believe we should do everything possible to be revenue neutral while meeting our needs.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate Mayor Pat McCrory?6
What would you do differently than Pat McCrory?
The current time calls for a different kind of leader. The next mayor will not enjoy an economic wave to ride. If elected, I will have to work hard to create the next wave of economic growth. We need to diversify our economy, offer tax help to small businesses, create good jobs that cannot be outsourced, expand emerging sectors like clean energy, increase educational opportunities, improve access to after-school programs and put more police on the street to keep our neighborhoods, businesses and families safe from crime. We also need to make strategic and forward-thinking decisions about growth based on sound policies rather than special interests.
I would engage the Charlotte City Council more effectively by allowing members to exercise their strengths for the good of our community. I immediately would work to break down some of the partisan walls that have prevented some good work from being done on city council. I would reach out to other leaders in our region, seek their input on issues and get more involved in regional activities. I would reach out to citizens who may not have supported me during the election and offer to build a relationship with them. I will be a mayor for all of Charlotte.
How are you better qualified than your opponents?
I know that being mayor has become a full-time job, and I will devote a significant amount of my energy each day to lift this city, our economy and our families to new heights. I understand how working families struggle today with job loss and insecurity, crime and educational opportunity. That's why I'm putting forth detailed plans to make our Charlotte economy stronger, our streets safer and our children better prepared - tapping into the innovation, hard work and collaborative spirit of all residents of Charlotte to move our city forward.
I am not a professional politician and offer a clean break with past leadership who focused on making Charlotte a great place to visit but forgot about keeping it a great place to live.
My life experience cannot be underestimated in these times. As mayor, I will know the power of education to transform lives because I have lived it. That is why I will be a fierce advocate for greater educational opportunity for every child of Charlotte. I know what it means to live in a safe neighborhood and have the opportunity to get a job that pays a decent wage. I've seen it in my own life. That's why I will stop at nothing to ensure that our families have the opportunity to live in crime-free neighborhoods and find work that brings dignity while allowing them to make a decent living. I know what it means to keep our young people off the streets and out of harm's way - which is why I'm so dedicated to expanding after-school programs for our youth.
I am also a fierce advocate of everyone in Charlotte doing what they can do to improve our community. I know government cannot do it all. The private sector has to do its part, and so does every family in our city. As mothers and fathers, we have to turn off TV and the iPods, make sure our children do their homework, complete their chores and stay out of trouble. We've got to teach our youth the responsibility they have in achieving their own potential. If my mother and grandparents had not taught me that lesson, there is no way I would be in a position to run for mayor today.
As Mayor of Charlotte, I'll continue to recognize that working for the long-term interests of Charlotte does not require a choice between neighborhoods and businesses, people or commerce. It means striving for balance in which every voice is heard but none is placed above another. I'll stand up to the big-money developers when necessary and put the families and neighborhoods of Charlotte first. We all are part of one Charlotte and we all have one future. Thus, my campaign slogan is: 'One Charlotte. One Future.'
How would you balance the city's push for major new uptown attractions and cultural venues with the needs of neighborhoods?
I do not foresee new major public-supported capital projects being proposed. While we should always want our center city to continue evolving, we cannot afford to neglect four critical needs of neighborhoods: safety, infrastructure, educational opportunity and economic health. I have not neglected these needs, nor will I as Mayor of Charlotte.
If Charlotte instantly changed to a strong mayor form of government, how would your term as mayor be different?
We should retain our council-manager form of government and not move to a strong mayor form of government. A strong mayor is both the symbolic head of the city and also takes on management responsibility in much the same way as our city manager does. I do believe that Charlotte will eventually shift to a full-time mayor instead of the part-time mayor we have today, but I do not believe in granting additional powers to the mayor to run city government. Our system has worked very well in that regard.
View Larger Map
Sources: McClatchy Newspapers, Charlotte Observer, Google Maps
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment