Charlotte city council at-large: John K. Powell Jr. on the issues

Name: John K. Powell,Jr.

What office are you running for? Charlotte City Council at-large

Party: Republican

Neighborhood: Town & Country

Political Experience: None

Family: Married with grown children, two rescue dogs. Native Charlottean raised with three sisters by my two parents.

Work Experience: State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser (NC, SC & GA), Real Estate Broker (NC & SC), Manager Member & Co-owner of commercial property.

Campaign contact: www.VoteJohnPowell.org; John@VoteJohnPowell.org; 704-579-0755 Campaign Staff: Cecy Ramirez, Campaign Manager Dr. Franklin Freeman, Campaign Advisor / Public Relations Mr. Derek Partee, Campaign Advisor

1) Why are you running for office?

As a native son, Charlotte has been great to my family for 3 generations. As a small businessman and an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of supporting both large and small business while supporting and providing a safe environment for all families to grow and prosper. I understand the need to take care of our infrastructure while working within a budget. My area of expertise and my last two years dedicated to be part of the City Council by attending Chamber Meetings, Dinner Briefings and Committee meetings has provided me with the working knowledge how the city operates with its accomplishments and its shortcomings.

2) What would be your top priorities if elected?

Jobs, Public Safety, Infrastructure.

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?

The current city counsel addressed this issue in May 2015.

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?

I support general-purpose free lanes. We already tax people to build and maintain general purpose lanes.

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?

The hospitality tax dollars are separate from any city general fund, and utilizing these dollars to improved county-owned stadiums would be a responsible use.

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?

No.

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?

These conversation must take place in the rezoning meeting open to the public.

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?

The area plans are based on certain situations that existed and projected at that time. Growth and other situations change constantly. This should be a case-by-case study, and affordable housing is based on the area of consideration.

9) Should the city change its guidelines for offering Business Investment Grants for companies considering expanding or relocating to Charlotte?

When discussing incentives with future prospects, we should look to expand the contractual safeguards to protect the City and her citizens.

10) What makes you the best candidate?

I took the time to learn about Charlotte, and her citizens. I traveled to all four corners of our town, and earned the trust and respect that a council member should had. I am endorsed by many, including the Black Political Caucus as its only Republican endorsement. I took the time to learn how Charlotte operates attending City Council Chamber meetings, Dinner Briefings and Committee meetings. I am a businessman who brings knowledge and balance to the dais.

11) What else should voters know about you?

I care. I am a man of Faith. I want the citizens to know I will always "ACT" in their best interest. I am Accountable and Accessible, I am a Common Sense Businessman who believes in Fiscal Responsibility and eliminate wasteful spending. I am Transparent, and want to earn your Trust. I want your vote so I may represent Charlotte as one of her City Council Members At-Large.

This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 8:08 AM with the headline "Charlotte city council at-large: John K. Powell Jr. on the issues."