Charlotte voters will elect at least three new faces to the City Council today, and Mecklenburg voters will choose three at-large Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board members. Plus, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx will receive the public's official evaluation of his first term.

In the contested council races, five incumbents look to keep their seats. Two council members - Jason Burgess and Nancy Carter - did not run again and one, Warren Turner, lost in the primary. The school board winners will replace three incumbents who are stepping down.

These races can have a significant impact on Charlotte residents. The City Council sets Charlotte's property tax rate and is responsible for police, fire, garbage, transit, the airport, water and sewer, land-use and other close-to-home services.

The school board will take on important policy issues, including how teachers are evaluated and paid, and it will select a superintendent to replace the departed Peter Gorman.

Here is a recap of our recommendations for each of the races:

Mayor

Mayor Anthony Foxx has earned another term. Foxx, a Democrat, made some missteps in his first term but scored far more hits than misses. That includes helping bring the Democratic National Convention to Charlotte, an event that will put our city on the world stage.

That was just the highest profile instance of Foxx representing the city well - to the public, to CEOs deciding whether to move companies here and to other government officials who control how some things play out in Charlotte. That has helped the city's ongoing quest to diversify its economy and has helped secure state and federal money for rail and other projects.

City Council At-large

Four Democrats, four Republicans and one Libertarian are competing for four at-large seats. We recommend the three incumbents - Democrats Patrick Cannon and David Howard and Republican Edwin Peacock - as well as Republican Curtis Watkins. Democrat Claire Fallon would also bring energy and experience to the council beyond that of the other candidates.

Cannon is an experienced council member whose understanding of the city and its government make him deserving of another term.

Howard, in his first term, has brought to the council a thoughtful demeanor and a deep understanding of housing issues and planning.

The independent-minded Peacock has shown the ability to be effective despite being in the minority party, leading on issues around the environment, transit, regional planning and others.

Watkins has been an active, thoughtful participant in community groups and would be a promising addition to the council.

District 1

Democrat Patsy Kinsey, seeking her fifth term on the council, has ably served her diverse district by being an independent voice and active representative.

District 3

Democrat Lawana Mayfield, a community activist, has run an energetic campaign and vows to bring businesses to struggling parts of her district. We still find it unsettling that she filed for bankruptcy in 2004 after, she says, she inadvertently bought two houses, but she says she was a victim in a widespread fraud.

District 4

Democrat Michael Barnes, seeking a fourth term on the council, has actively worked for light rail to the university area and been attentive to important business development and housing issues in his northeast Charlotte district.

District 5

Democrat John Autry, seeking to replace the retiring Nancy Carter, has shown a deep grasp of how the council can help the district overcome the struggles it faces, along with the leadership skills to be able to work with council and city leaders to tackle those challenges.

School Board At-large

The nine-member board, three selected at large and six in districts, sets education policy and seeks resources to provide that service. Plus, the board hires and supervises the school superintendent, who leads the system in reaching its goals.

That last responsibility looms large in this election. CMS has launched a search for a new schools leader, following the resignation of Peter Gorman this summer. Gorman helped the district make great academic strides during his five years. The CMS board must find a replacement who can build on those successes.

Members must also find someone who can help rebuild community trust that was lost over the last year when the system closed schools and launched a pay-for-performance plan for teachers and other employees.

Voters will choose three from the 14 on the ballot. We recommend these four - Elyse Dashew, Ericka Ellis-Stewart, Tim Morgan and Aaron Pomis - for you to make those choices.

Dashew is co-founder of advocacy group MeckFUTURE, which successfully brought together people across the district to lobby and fight for more state and local money for CMS. She has shown skills as a businesswoman and in working collegially with others that would be an asset on the board.

Ellis-Stewart has been a vocal and passionate advocate for improving schools. Her work with a nonprofit dropout prevention program and with helping parents become more engaged with their children's education would be valuable to a board that is seeking strategies to address those issues.

Morgan, already representing District 6, has shown a willingness to be a bridge-builder and thoughtfully approach issues and finances facing all of CMS. He has children in CMS and had a history of involvement with the schools, serving on finance and facility committees before being elected.

The energetic Pomis, who has experience as a teacher and dean of students at KIPP charter school, can provide the board with insights about different strategies to tackle academic and resource issues. He has also shown an ability to work cooperatively with others and apply focused attention on academic achievement.