Who is Larken Egleston, Democratic Charlotte City Council at-large candidate?

Name: Larken Egleston

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 40 (bday: 10/26/1982)

Campaign website: www.VoteLarken.com

Email: Larken@VoteLarken.com

Occupation: Sales, RNDC

Education: Bachelor’s degree - Appalachian State University; Associate degree - Johnson & Wales University

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought):

Yes, ran and won in 2017 and 2019 for Charlotte City Council District 1

Please list your highlights of civic involvement.

North Carolina Democratic Party - State Executive Committee Member; Centralina Council of Governments - Executive Board Member; NC League of Municipalities - Board Member; Truman Project - Political Fellow; Hunt Institute - State Policy Fellow; Preservation North Carolina - Board Member; US Global Leadership Coalition - NC Advisory Committee Member

Should the City Council limit the number of new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation?

Yes, as long as parking is cheap, easy, and plentiful we will never move our community towards being less car-centric.

Describe your views on using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums.

I do not believe incentives in any situation are a binary issue. Each instance where public money can be invested in a private project should be weighed on its individual merits. In the case of sports facilities, there should be a demonstrated public benefit, both of the facility and of the organization that justifies the investment of public money.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?

Despite the acrimony we often see at a state and federal level, I still genuinely believe progress can be made across party lines, especially at a local level. I’m no longer certain that’s a widely-held belief by the base of either party, but I have seen it done on the Charlotte City Council and am optimistic that can be an example for other levels of government.

What separates you from your primary opponents?

I believe in my 4+ years on council I’ve shown the ability to work with my colleagues to achieve significant outcomes while working with a wide variety of ideological viewpoints. On issues around immigration, LGBTQ rights, police accountability, and more, I’ve been given the opportunity to lead and have achieved unanimous support of progressive policy changes/stances. In a field comprised entirely of candidates who have served on the city council, I’m proud of my record of accomplishment.

What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am incredibly proud to have been one of the council members to lead the effort around the expansion of the city’s non-discrimination ordinance in 2021.