Charlotte mayoral candidate Edwin Peacock III on the issues
Name: Edwin B. Peacock III
What office are you running for? Charlotte Mayor
Party: Republican
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Political Experience: Charlotte City Council Member At-Large- 2007-2011; Chair, Environmental Committee 2007-2011; Member, Budget, Public Safety Commitees 2007-2011
Family: Married. Two Kids.One dog! (a Gordon Setter)
Work Experience: Northwestern Mutual- ( d.b.a- Pomfret Financial) Financial Representative, Charlotte, NC, 2003 to present
Campaign Contact: www.edwinpeacock.com, 704-347-1080 x 13; edwin@edwinpeacock.com; Twitter- @edwinpeacockiii; FaceBook- PeacockforMayor; Instagram- @ebpiii
1) Why are you running for office?
I have a sincere and heartfelt interest in public service and being a part of the leadership that will shape the future of the city I love.
2) What would be your top priorities if elected?
▪ AFFORDABILITY- We must focus on more efficient spending, rather than relying upon the tax & fee increases of the last 4 years. This threaten's #CLT's long term success.
▪ EDUCATION- Great cities have great schools. I want to form a partnership with our educational community to enhance the overall profile of #CLT.
▪ NEXT GENERATION ECONOMY- I'd like to help #CLT make history and be known for being a "global hub for trade & commerce" & for growing an entrepreneurial eco-system that will become a catalytic destination for risk takers & innovators.
▪ TRANSPORTATION- With on demand transit choices like Uber & driverless cars/ buses (Google) on the horizon, we must remain flexible & 'multi-modal' in our approach.
3) Would you support the city's proposed expansion of its non-discrimination ordinance to include the LGBT community, including a provision that would allow transgender residents to use the bathroom of their choice?
I'm not anti-LGBT!
I was against Amendment One in the 2012 state referendum when I was a candidate in the 9th Congressional District's Republican primary.
I agree with the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding same sex marriage.
However, I would not have supported adding several new protected classes to the non-discrimination ordinance for public accommodations.
4) Do you support the N.C. DOT's plans to add express toll lanes to Interstate 485 in south Charlotte and U.S. 74? Or would you prefer to widen the highways with general-purpose free lanes?
Toll lanes should be our last option as we continue to respond to our rapid growth. However, they're an option we can't ignore.
I prefer a multi-modal approach. We must be flexible and sensitive to the technology of the times (Uber) which is rapidly changing commuter options.
5) Would you support spending hospitality tax dollars to renovate or rebuild the county owned Memorial Stadium in hopes of the city winning a Major League Soccer franchise?
I'm enthusiastic about soccer's future in #CLT! However, I'd approach any spending of public funds on a county owned facility with reticence.While Memorial Stadium is certainly in greater need than the Panthers Stadium, any funds directed from the hospitality industry for this purpose would most certainly compete with the industry's other know requests:
(1) Improvements / upgrades to our convention center.
(2) A request for a 1000 + room hotel.
I would want the following to occur before any decisions were made by #CLTCC:
(1) open debate/dialogue from the industry
(2) MCBOCC perspective & financial commitment
(3) citizen / private sector input
6) Would you support an increase in the general sales tax to support more transit projects, such as additional miles of streetcar and a commuter train to Lake Norman?
I'm pro mass transit. I'd support another VOTER APPROVED referendum to increase revenue for identified regional projects thru the Metropolitan Transit Commission. (MTC) In 2008, when #CLT decided to leapfrog priorities set forth by the MTC in order to pursue the streetcar project, I opposed this decision because I believed it jeopardizes the earned trust we've built with supporters of the current 1/2 cent sales tax. Furthermore, it did not have an identified revenue stream to complete or operate the service.
7) There has been a significant amount of redevelopment in neighbors close to uptown, with older, sometimes historic buildings being demolished for new apartments. Would you support more restrictions on tear-downs?
As someone who successfully co-led an effort to make the street I live on (Hermitage Court), Charlotte's 5th Historic District, I'm sensitive to the problems that come with rapid growth in some our oldest neighborhoods. The charm, character, and curb appeal that distinguish our neighborhoods can not be lost. To be successful as a city, we have to strike a balance that does not thwart progress, but also honors our shared history in order to preserve our past.
8) A goal of the city is to increase affordable housing. In some instances, however, the City Council is asked to approve rezoning requests for low-income apartments, even when an area plan says single-family homes should be built on a site. Should the council follow the area plan recommendations or approve multi-family projects to increase affordability?
A council member, the decision to oppose an "area plan" and support a petitioner, is always taken with great consideration. As such, in my very first #CLTCC meeting in Dec 2007, I supported a petitioner seeking approval for multi-family units that exceeded the amount called upon by the approved area plan. As Mayor, should I be needed to break a #CLTCC tie, I would adhere to the process set forth to us by statute. I would continue to take into account the facts & public hearing feedback from both parties, but also apply the independent and critical thinking necessary when there is a valid protest petition.
9) Should the city change its guidelines for offering Business Investment Grants for companies considering expanding or relocating to Charlotte?
Incentives are a necessary "tool in our toolbox" to recruit companies. However, incentives alone won't recruit or retain companies. The value proposition from #CLT must be to provide the best family & business friendly environment possible where a high quality of life, well planned infrastructure and affordable tax rates carry the day.
10) What makes you the best candidate?
I love #CLT & I have a passion & heart for public service. I bring both private sector & public service experience to be effective as Mayor.In order for Charlotte to reach her potential, I believe we need balanced, business minded leaders who seek to collaborate in order to fix problems & find solutions. I believe I'm that type of leader & would be that type of Mayor.
11) What else should voters know about you?
(1) Ted Williams at #CLTAgenda did a great piece: 22 things in 49 minutes with Mayoral Candidate Edwin Peacock
(2) My dream as a child was to be a professional baseball player. I was a left handed pitcher and also played outfield. If elected Mayor, I stand ready to 'play ball if called', to help the Charlotte Knights win a pennant! : )
This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Charlotte mayoral candidate Edwin Peacock III on the issues."