STEELE CREEK NEWS

Meet the District 3 City Council Candidates

(August 23, 2019) Three candidates are running in the 2019 Democratic Primary to represent Charlotte City Council District 3, which includes all parts of Steele Creek that are within the Charlotte city limits. The candidates are Terry Brown, Caleb Theodros, and Victoria Watlington. (There are no Republican candidates.)

The Steele Creek Residents Association is providing our residents with information on these candidates through a candidate questionnaire specific to Steele Creek. Below are the responses in the order they were received from the candidates. Questions are in ALL CAPS. Responses are in blue.

For more information on the 2019 Primary, including the Early Voting sites and hours, a complete candidate listing, election schedule, and other information, see Charlotte Municipal Primary Voting Guide. Early Voting began on August 22 at the Old Hollywood Video at 11130 S Tryon Street, and the Primary is on September 10 at precinct polling locations. Please note that the polling location for Precinct 230 has moved to the Berewick Recreation Center, and the polling location for Precinct 122 has temporarily moved to Lake Wylie Elementary School. See Precinct Changes.

NAME: Caleb Theodros

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Consulted and managed multiple campaigns and organizations in Charlotte and in North Carolina in general.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Previously worked as an analyst at Bank of America, Senior Auditor at Wells Fargo, and currently working full-time as a Community Organizer.

RESIDENT OF Charlotte FOR 15 YEARS

CAMPAIGN CONTACT (NAME, PHONE, EMAIL):

Caleb Theodros , 984-528-7096 , info@calebnc.com

1. PLEASE STATE WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

I’m running for City Council to further the community advocacy work that I have already been engaged in. Over the past 4 years I’ve attended the majority of neighborhood meetings, community meetings, and even community cleanups in order to have a thorough understanding of the sentiments of those living in the district. Whether it’s affordable housing, economic development, transportation, and even crime my experience in the community has allowed me to have a unique understanding of the everyday problems that people have, and the policy solutions that will progress not only District 3 but the entire city.

2. IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL BE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

My top priorities will revolve around crime, economic development, affordable housing, and transportation. I believe all of these issues are connected, and are vital to having a community that we all would like to live in.

3. ARE YOU WILLING TO COMMIT TO SUPPORTING ONLY THOSE REZONING PETITIONS THAT MEET THE GUIDELINES OF THE MOST RECENT 2012 DISTRICT AREA PLAN AND/OR THAT PROVIDE TANGIBLE BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS?

Yes, I think that every rezoning decision needs to provide tangible benefits to the residents.

4. WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR ADDRESSING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN STEELE CREEK?

Expanding our transportation choices along with continuing to innovate our current forms of transportation. For years the transportation conversation in our community has centered around light rail. Although I am in favor of an efficient light rail system, this discussion needs to also continue with our busing system. We have an inefficient bus system that deters people from taking the bus everyday. By expanding these options for not only the current residents but also the incoming residence, this will allow for an easier flow of traffic in the area.

5. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR SCHOOLS, ROADS, AND PARKS ARISING FROM RAPID POPULATION AND BUSINESS GROWTH?

For schools, I think we need to figure out more ways to partner with the County Commission and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, which are the bodies that fund education in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Programs like the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program work in tangent with the schools to ensure that school and learning is expanded further than the classroom, and will be reflected in the performance of the student and the overall infrastructure of school. In regards to infrastructure and business growth, this is an area of importance that must be reflected in our budget. Expanding funding to ensure that we have a working infrastructure along with opportunities for our business community to grow but be at the forefront of the next budget.

6. WHAT MAKES YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE TO SERVE THE STEELE CREEK COMMUNITY?

Experience. I don’t believe experience is measured by how many bullet points one has on their resume or how many boards a person has served on, but the number of conversations and time spent in the community. The community advocacy work that I have participated in, in the district for the past 4 years and Charlotte overall for over a decade, has given me the experience to truly understand the needs from the community. The understanding that the wants and desires of those living in areas like Steele Creek and West Blvd are not so different, and that only those who have worked in the community aside from the campaign season, truly understand that.

7. WHAT ELSE SHOULD STEELE CREEK VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?

As a 25 year old first generation American, I’m not a typical candidate for City Council. But my family’s journey, and deeply held belief that everyone, no matter where they come from or who they are deserves a fighting chance to thrive in our city, has motivated me to run for Charlotte City Council District 3 and fight for our community’s values. I’m a community organizer, former banker, and a neighbor living off of Tuckaseegee and have spent my time fighting to expand opportunities for families across our city.

For more information see www.calebnc.com.

NAME: Victoria Watlington

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:

• Led organizational development and legal formation of nonprofit status for Westover Hills Neighborhood Association
• Acquired Neighborhood Matching Grant for and led execution of first Westover Hills city funded project
• Advocated in 2015 and 2017 for the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association to be recognized with a Neighborhood Exchange & Leadership Award, resulting in the WHNA being named as a winner and finalist, respectively
• Created and executed Westover Hills learning plan to connect and educate residents on city and county departments of interest to address neighborhood issues
• As West Blvd Neighborhood Coalition Land Use Chair, led efforts to petition the City of Charlotte to develop and incorporate an integrated strategic plan for the corridor as input into 2020 budget recommendations
• Only person in Charlotte to graduate from all four City training academies:
City of Charlotte Community Planning Academy Graduate
City of Charlotte CMPD Citizens Academy Graduate
City of Charlotte Civic Leadership Academy Graduate
City of Charlotte CLT Aviation Academy Graduate
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Charlotte Alumni Chapter
• Elevation Outreach
• Member, Mecklenburg County Democratic Party (Precinct 31 Treasurer)
• Member, Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County
• Member, Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County
• Member, Black Political Caucus
• Member, Black Women's Caucus
• Vice Chair, City of Charlotte Civil Service Board
• City of Charlotte Business Advisory Committee
• West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, Land Use Committee Chair
• Westover Hills Neighborhood Association Secretary
• United Way Young Leaders Council, Programming Committee Co-Chair
• National Society of Black Engineers, Programming Chair
• Sealed Air Toastmasters Club, Charter Member, VP Public Relations

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Regional Service Operations Manager (Past: Process Engineer/Manufacturing Operations Department Manager/Continuous Improvement Manager/Sr. Engineer/Project Manager)

• Licensed Professional Engineer
• Certified Project Management Professional
• Licensed Building Contractor
• Managed 24/7 manufacturing operations organizations in leading global consumer products company, directly responsible for department strategy deployment, productivity, quality, cost, delivery, safety, and organizational development metrics
• Led site continuous improvement program at 450-employee facility, employing LEAN Six-Sigma, system management, and root-cause analysis methodologies.
• Managed product, process, facilities, and supply network capital projects totaling $30MM

RESIDENT OF Westover Hills Neighborhood FOR 5 YEARS 4 MONTHS
RESIDENT OF Waterlyn (off Shopton Rd W) NEIGHBORHOOD FOR 4 YEARS 6 MONTHS

CAMPAIGN CONTACT (NAME, PHONE, EMAIL):

Samuel Smith, Jr, (980) 202-0730, info@winwithwatlington.com

1. PLEASE STATE WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

I’m running for City Council because the District is changing rapidly, and it’s time to get proactive. We need a plan that addresses housing, transportation, and economic mobility, and I've been working for the past two years with neighborhood leaders and City staff building one, which is being championed in the City Manager's office and integrated into the 2040 plan. I want to take that same successful community approach to every corner of the district.

We know the “what”--we're clear about the issues we are facing as a community. Now, it's time to focus on the “how,” and we need a leader who has demonstrated the ability to create solutions and deliver those solutions through completion.

As an engineer and operations manager, I’ve been trained at the world's best companies to innovate, and to lead multi-million dollar projects and organizations with global scope.

Civically, I have been serving in Charlotte for the last ten years, have graduated from all four of the City’s academies, and am currently the Vice Chair of the City’s Civil Service Board and member of the City’s Business Advisory Committee. Charlotte is my home, and I am invested in building an even greater community that I hope to raise a family in.

2. IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL BE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

Having served in Charlotte over the last ten years, I’ve had an opportunity to see our city from a variety of vantage points. In serving on City boards, the United Way Young Leaders Council, professional organizations, neighborhood associations and church outreach, I find we are constantly grappling with the same overarching issues. Without question, they are barriers to Charlotte thriving as the city we envision. As such, my priorities are Community-Led Strategic Planning, Affordable Housing, Transportation, and Economic Mobility.

Given the rapid change in District 3, community-led strategic planning has become a necessity for existing residents’ survival. Without it, many who have grown up in this city will find themselves without a viable housing option, and with fewer long-term employment prospects. Having led the strategic planning efforts for the West Blvd Corridor, I am eager to reapply our successful approach in partnership with the City to educate and empower community leaders to create, update, and advocate for comprehensive area plans.

When it comes to Affordable Housing, ownership is the name of the game. District 3 has a surplus of vacant non-owner-occupied homes. We must activate the newly created Single-Family Acquisition/Rehabilitation Loan and Multi-Family programs to purchase target properties. Then we will be in position to work with buyers, affordable housing developers, LISC, and other nonprofits to preserve affordability in existing stock. To enable the development of additional affordable housing, we need to streamline zoning and development processes to reduce delays and nonvalue-added cost.

Physical mobility and economic mobility go hand in hand. I intend to help connect neighborhoods to existing grants to improve connectivity in their communities (crosswalks, sidewalk repairs, lighting, signage, etc). On a larger scale, I am very interested in the outcomes of the Envision My Ride studies, and will work to ensure suggested route optimizations are administered equitably. Finally, I will explore additional ways to alleviate congestion in Steele Creek.

I remain committed to the work of economic mobility, and look forward to championing MWSBEs as a competitive advantage and differentiator in doing business with the City. I support workforce development programs that prepare our students for careers in target sectors, and hope to help expand apprenticeship opportunities with local companies.

3. ARE YOU WILLING TO COMMIT TO SUPPORTING ONLY THOSE REZONING PETITIONS THAT MEET THE GUIDELINES OF THE MOST RECENT 2012 DISTRICT AREA PLAN AND/OR THAT PROVIDE TANGIBLE BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS?

Absolutely! This is the only leverage we have in defining our future. As I mentioned above, I’m running to ensure residents are empowered to drive the way in which our community grows. I look forward to working with neighborhood and community leaders to update the plan, cross-check it against other area plans for consistency, and ensure it is a living, directional document. It is a great basis from which to build for the Comprehensive 2040 Plan work.

4. WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR ADDRESSING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN STEELE CREEK?

Traffic congestion in Steele Creek generally appears during morning and evening rush hours. During mid-day, evening, and night hours, travelers can generally enjoy a reasonable commute. Therefore, I am interested in exploring behavior-based solutions in addition to infrastructure projects like road widening (which has been shown to increase demand for the new capacity).

For example, Steele Creek has a very limited transit system outside of the main thoroughfares. While it may be difficult to justify adding additional routes to individual neighborhoods, one potential improvement could be to enable the development of park-and-ride locations along the major corridors, from which commuters could access CATS. In addition, we can explore reapplying the City’s recent partnership program with Lowes Southend, in which the company provides transit passes for their employees, thereby increasing the use of public transit and avoiding an additional influx of cars. Similar outcomes can be garnered from the use of sensible HOV and/or reversible lanes during peak hours, as well as traffic signal coordination improvements, with much less capital investment than constructing new roads.

Certainly, as indicated in our region’s Transportation Plan, we need to invest in connecting roads to enable people to get where they are going in the most efficient manner possible. Also, we must leverage zoning to encourage live-work-play centers, so people don’t have to travel far from their homes and/or work to access grocery stores, entertainment, and other amenities.

5. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR SCHOOLS, ROADS, AND PARKS ARISING FROM RAPID POPULATION AND BUSINESS GROWTH?
ROADS:

The City has several revenue streams to fund Transportation and Capital Investment Plan infrastructure projects. For example, the City of Charlotte has $29.5MM in Powell Bill Funds earmarked for the 2020 budget, of which almost $600M is allotted for traffic control improvements. Additional revenue comes from various sources, including General Obligation bonds to be repaid from property tax revenue, cash from property and sales tax generation, and enterprise fund user fees that can be reinvested in those respective entities (Airport, CATS, Water, Stormwater).

While we have a sound strategy for funding future projects, upon review of the pipeline, there appears to be an opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of Steele Creek projects in the top priorities. I intend to do just that.

There are two additional tools of particular interest, that I’d like to explore further as potential revenue opportunities specific to Steele Creek:
1. Municipal Service Districts: Currently, there are five MSDs in Charlotte, designed to invest in specific communities. Revenue are generated by voter-approved taxes over and above the city’s regular tax rate.
2. Synthetic Tax Increment Grants, like the one used to pay for Charlotte Premium Outlets infrastructure. The source of funding for these public-private partnerships is from existing property taxes.

Finally, I support the efforts to increase efficiency and accuracy of capital project forecasting, to ensure we make the most out of the existing funds.

Two major corridors in Steele Creek are NC state highways. Despite NC’s implementation of variable gas rates, the future of State revenue and Federal contributions from traditional sources is a concern, all across the country. On the whole, people are driving less, converting to fuel-efficient cars, and using alternative transportation methods more frequently. While other options are being explored (bike sales tax, congestion pricing, the establishment of Infrastructure Banks, additional fees on electric vehicles), we must prepare to look locally for infrastructure funding. In regards to the widening of Steele Creek, we understand that the projected construction timeline is too late to meet our needs. However, STIP legislation provides for local municipalities to accelerate projects by loaning funds to NCDOT. I plan to investigate this opportunity to relieve our congestion sooner, rather than later.

In addition, I will engage the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization to influence and inform NCDOT, and further understand opportunities to receive Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality project funding.

In the cases of both City and State roads, there exists an opportunity to pursue Public Private Partnerships to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain our infrastructure. This is becoming one of the fastest ways to fund transportation projects. Of course, we must ensure that we negotiate terms that is attractive not only for the private entity (who usually recoup their investment in the form of tolls or user fees), but for the taxpayers.

We must work with the county to protect park space and ensure school infrastructure is maintained. We can look to the newly established UDO as a tool to help negotiate with developers to include useful public open space in new projects. Finally, we must continue to support the completion of the Cross Charlotte Trail, which is currently included in the 2020 budget.

6. WHAT MAKES YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE TO SERVE THE STEELE CREEK COMMUNITY?

I am the best candidate to serve the Steele Creek community because I am the only candidate in this race who has been a Steele Creek resident, who still owns a home here. Steele Creek was my first Charlotte community. I’ve meandered around RiverGate on a Saturday morning, agonizing over paint swatches in Home Depot. I know where to get the best 5-piece boneless wings, honey hot, with fried mushrooms (Wing King, if you’re wondering—don’t fight me on this). I remember the smell of old grease wafting down S Tryon near the old Sonic, before it was the Chicken King. I’ve celebrated store openings in Ayrsley with the best of friends, and watched the area thrive.

I’ve also experienced first-hand the challenges that Steele Creek faces. I’ve sat in traffic on 160 and S Tryon, exhausted after a long day. I’ve struggled to get errands done when my car was in the shop, because no bus stopped within a mile of my neighborhood. I understand the character and needs of this community, because I have been a part of it.

7. WHAT ELSE SHOULD STEELE CREEK VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?

a. I work hard: I hold myself to a high internal standard, and will bring my best to this office, every day.
b. I seek to understand. I want to know what you think and WHY, so I can advocate effectively.
c. I am passionate about this District: it’s been my home for ten years, and I want to offer my gifts and skills for its betterment.
d. I want to work WITH you. I aim to develop and deploy more community leaders into the local government process: in neighborhood associations, in non-profits, on boards and commissions.

For more information see www.winwithwatlington.com.

NAME: Terry Brown

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:

Endorsed by: Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council, Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg, Democracy for America, Run for Something
Board Member, City of Charlotte Zoning Board of Adjustment
Board Member, West Side Community Land Trust
Graduate, North Carolina New Leaders Council
Graduate, League of Women Voters Civics 101
2016 County Commission At-Large Campaign Consultant
2017 City Council At-Large Campaign Manager

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Litigation Attorney, Womble Bond Dickinson, Previous; Litigation Attorney Horack Talley
Domestic Violence Pro Bono Attorney, Safe Alliance
Charlotte Business Journal 40 under 40 Recipient
Charlotte Agenda 30 Under 30 Recipient
Charlotte Black Chamber of Commerce 30 under 30 Recipient
UNC Charlotte Young Alumnus of the Year
Past Chair, Mecklenburg County Black Attorneys

RESIDENT OF Camp Greene Neighborhood

CAMPAIGN CONTACT (NAME, PHONE, EMAIL):

Andre Bowens (336)420-5443 Info@voteterrybrown.com

1. PLEASE STATE WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

As I’ve met with neighbors across Steele Creek and District 3 as a whole, regardless of whether someone has lived in Charlotte for 1 year or 30 years change is a constant. Our city is undergoing unprecedented growth at an accelerated rate. While I appreciate that growth, I believe that we need a clear vision, and strong, reasoned decision making to help guide the cities growth so that it benefits everyone. As I’ve seen the change and worked with our community in various capacities I’ve been called by our neighbors to lend my advocacy and critical eye to work with them to help provide long term sustainable solutions on City Council. I believe that opportunity exists throughout the District, but it’s not attainable for all. I want to ensure that Charlotte is a place where everyone can live, work, and raise a family. Right now, that’s become increasingly difficult for peoples of all walks of life and we see the negative impact it is causing. As an attorney in my practice I look at the law and the facts to obtain the best outcome for my clients. I will bring that same skill to city council to advocate for the residents of Steele Creek and beyond.

2. IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL BE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

I’m running to be a boots-on-the-ground representative for ALL of District 3. As part of this I believe the top three jobs of the city council are infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.

Infrastructure- I want to commit to improving our infrastructure throughout the District. Ultimately the city deals with many services that people deal with on a daily basis and I want to be District 3’s connection to those services. The Steele Creek area has not had a traffic impact study conducted in over a decade. That will be a top priority of mine. I want to make sure that resources are provided to the Steele Creek area through the city’s budget process and that issues with storm water are adequately dealt with. Lastly, I have already had discussion with CATS to discuss lessons learned from other cities on how to modernize our public transportation system to make it more efficient for our residents. This will also assist in alleviating our traffic issues.

Public Safety- The Steele Creek Police Precinct is the largest police precinct in the city and I have had to opportunity to participate in a ride along with them to learn about the issues that our officers face. I will focus on community policing so that police officers are getting out of their patrol cars and walking and engaging with the community to help better understand and serve and protect our residents. As an area grows, crime grows as well. While crime is still low compared to other areas of the city it was especially worrying to me to learn that one of our city’s most recent homicides was in the Steel Creek area. As a volunteer domestic violence attorney, I understand the issues related to intimate partner violence and want to make sure that adequate funding is provided to CMPD to help deal with this troubling trend.

Economic Development- I have talked with small business owners in Steele Creek who have been unable to maintain their business. I want to create an environment where all small businesses are not just surviving but thriving. One way to do this is to work with small businesses to ensure they are registered with the city so they can take advantage of bids and other projects the city has. I also want to provide more opportunities for collaboration between businesses to help strengthen their market power. Steele Creek, while changing, is still a major hub for manufacturing. I will ensure that our workforce is properly equipped to get the jobs that are moving into the area by using workforce development funds to provide trainings and transferable job skills and ensure that our populace is equipped to get the jobs that are moving to Charlotte every day. I also want to ensure that we are thinking about how to develop mixed-use properties along transit lines to allow greater accessibility and economic growth. The more you are able to do in one space the better for to overall economy and accessibility of our area.

Outside of those three priorities we need to be thinking long term as a city. Affordable Housing is an issue that is crippling our city. I have served as a board member and chair of the real estate committee for the West Side Community Land Trust. I want to advocate for the city to adopt a Land trust model that provides affordable workforce housing but also provides a pathway to prosperity by providing equity for them to purchase their own home and invest into our economy in the future. The more we can do to provide long term sustainable solutions to address the inherent unaffordability of Charlotte and set our neighbors up for success the more the city will benefit.

3. ARE YOU WILLING TO COMMIT TO SUPPORTING ONLY THOSE REZONING PETITIONS THAT MEET THE GUIDELINES OF THE MOST RECENT 2012 DISTRICT AREA PLAN AND/OR THAT PROVIDE TANGIBLE BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS?

Absolutely. I have had the opportunity to attended Steele Creek Residents Association Land Use Meetings for multiple years and I think that Steele Creek has one of the shrewdest land use committees in the city. I want to continue to work with them to make sure that Steele Creek gets the best deal when dealing with developers and the growth benefits our entire community.

4. WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR ADDRESSING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN STEELE CREEK?

Accessibility is key. My family moved to Steele Creek in 2006 since that time over 50,000 new residents have moved to the Steele Creek area. Any area that experiences that level of unprecedented growth will suffer the ails of traffic. There are several things we can do to address the increasing traffic congestion. First, it’s being smart about growth. Most residents of Steele Creek move to the area because they want space away from the city. We have to capitalize on that while still appreciating the growth. I have had the opportunity to sit down and met with CATS as well as the Charlotte Regional Transportation Organization, CRTPO. Part of the issues that we are experiencing can be directly addressed by better managing and maintaining the city owned roads and making areas of Charlotte more accessible. Also incentivizing mixed-use development and thinking about how we can work with the state to prioritize new projects in Steele Creek.

5. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR SCHOOLS, ROADS, AND PARKS ARISING FROM RAPID POPULATION AND BUSINESS GROWTH?

As stated previously, supporting and improving our infrastructure is a key priority of mine. First, I think it’s important to be educate and empower our neighbors about what City Council can and cannot do. City Council does not fund our parks or schools—this is a job for the county and state. However, I pride myself on having strong relationships with the members of the Mecklenburg County Commission and our delegation at the General Assembly. I want to take what I’m hearing from our Steele Creek Community members and advocate on their behalf to our County and State officials. Second, I believe that we need to take a critical look at the city’s budget to ensure that we are using funds in the most effective way. I have read the city’s budget and understand how the different funds work together, which will allow me to work with the city’s manager to ensure that the funds have the most impact in District 3. Third, I am a strong proponent of public-private partnerships to leverage our business community to help provide infrastructure improvements. Finally, creativity is key. The more we can do with to promote and incentivize mixed-use development that provides green spaces, and accessibility throughout the District the more the entire area will benefit.

6. WHAT MAKES YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE TO SERVE THE STEELE CREEK COMMUNITY?

Long before this campaign started I was in the Steele Creek area talking with residents and understanding the issues that keep them up at night. I’ve seen the growth of Steele Creek first hand and have continued to work with the community. My family originally moved to Steele Creek in 2006 when RiverGate was just a Target. When I started this campaign, I set out to meet people at their homes, places of worship, and businesses to learn the issues the affect Steele Creek. This has allowed me to craft a strategic vision and plan of goals to adopt once elected that reflect the wants of the Steele Creek community worked and I understand not just the issues that our neighbors talk about at their kitchen table, but I understand how to make creative solutions to address them. The Steele Creek community deserves an advocate who is able to listen to the needs of neighbors, work with city staff, and negotiate and advocate with our business community. That candidate is me.

7. WHAT ELSE SHOULD STEELE CREEK VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a husband, a son of two public school educators, an attorney, and most importantly, a community member just like you. I believe in the opportunity that resides in this city and just want to do all I can to help my neighbors attain that opportunity in the best way I can. I believe in serving my community by listening to those around me and doing what I can to make those voices heard. From the very beginning of this campaign, I knew I wanted to run a grassroots campaign shaped by the values and concerns of the residents of District 3. By holding a series of Listening Tours throughout the campaign, I have set out to do just that, and I am proud to say that the vision of this campaign has evolved throughout this process to best reflect all that I have heard and learned. I want to continue giving the residents of District 3 a voice in the city of Charlotte.

For more information see www.voteterrybrown.com.