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David Howard on Friday became the second Democrat to formally announce his candidacy for an at-large seat on the Charlotte City Council.
Howard, 39, chairs the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission and works as a vice president for the Charlotte Housing Partnership.
He said he wants to help “build a community where citizens can work, live and play.”
Speaking to about 75 people at the Levine Museum of the New South, he laid out a four-part platform of transportation improvements, regional planning, job recruitment and retention, and reducing crime.
In addition to his housing and planning positions, Howard has served on panels involving road funding and the environment. He also helped found the group Mothers of Murdered Offspring.
Former Mayor Pro Tem Betty Chafin Rash, who introduced Howard, touted his resume for the post.
She was joined by several Democratic elected officials and former officials.
Filing for office doesn't start until July. Two of the four at-large incumbents – Democrat Anthony Foxx and Republican John Lassiter – are stepping down to run for mayor.
Democratic incumbent Susan Burgess announced her re-election bid this week. Democrat Patrick Cannon, a former council member, has said he'll run. Incumbent Edwin Peacock and newcomer Georgia Belk are the only Republicans who've said they will run.
Howard already is taking an early break from the campaign trail.
Next week he'll leave on a 25-day European tour as a fellow with The German Marshall Fund. He promised supporters that he'll keep in touch through Facebook and Twitter.
“So if I do this right, you won't even know I'm gone,” he said.
Jim Morrill: 704-358-5059
