Who is Marjorie Molina, Democratic Charlotte City Council District 5 candidate?
Marjorie Molina
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 42
Campaign website: www.votemolina.com
Email: votemolinaclt@gmail.com
Occupation: Graduate student- UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business
Education: Master of Science, Management - UNC Charlotte (expected May 2022); Bachelors of Arts, Arizona State University (BLS); Associate of Art, Central Piedmont Community College; Project Management Professional (Comprehensive Certificate), Central Piedmont Community College; Data Analytics (Comprehensive Certificate), Central Piedmont Community College; Business Analysis (Comprehensive Certificate), Arizona State University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
No, I have never run for office. I was, however, a candidate for appointment to Charlotte City Council in District 5 in 2017 to fill John Autry’s remaining term when he was elected to the N.C. House of Representatives.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
Economic Development Commission, City of Charlotte (member); Leadership Charlotte, alumni, class 42 Community Organizer; NCDP (2016), Hillary for America; Mecklenburg County Women’s Advisory Board; Federal Bureau of Investigations, Citizen’s Academy alumni; YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Diversity, Equity & Global Association Board Member; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, volunteer; United States Global Leadership Coalition, State Leader; UN Women, Global Champion of Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Should the City Council limit the number of new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation?
The current council has approved the 320 page 2040 plan, which has framework for the 10 minute neighborhood with goals around equity and becoming a sustainable city. This living document will be implemented once I’m elected. This along with the UDO (which sets minimums and maximums, mainly targeting equity) will be an adopted guide. The 608 page document and where the current council leaves off is where I’ll start once I’m adept at the policy and framework using constituent input.
Describe your views on using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums.
Economic development is a primary responsibility of service on Charlotte’s City Council. The $2.7 billion budget will have already been approved, with several projects that encourage development including the long standing Eastland Mall site. While encouraging development, especially in East Charlotte where jobs aren’t created and naturally occurring affordable housing projects are the highest in our city, public money needs to be attached to incentives that encourage job opportunities for the constituents.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
The Constitution does not mention political parties with the founders of our republic fearing the parties would become too powerful. With the establishment of both parties in the two party system we exist in today there’s intense polarization (on both sides) and suppression of individual thoughts. We live in a culture where the expectation has become blind support instead of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
What separates you from your primary opponents?
East Charlotte is the most diverse district in our city, largely occupied by Spanish-speaking residents. I am fluent in Spanish and I have enveloped the culture as partially my own for nearly 16 years. I am also adept at policy making. I was a capitol scholar in public policy, living and working in DC. I’ve served our community most of my time here and I continued to do so with pride.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my work as a community organizer during the 2016 presidential campaign. I began my work as a Ready for Hillary organizer with tasks that were 100% volunteer based. The work totaled nearly two years of combined energy. I am proud because once I was hired by the party, I was able to organize several precincts and build a successful campaign office from the grassroots level. The work performed by myself and the volunteer leadership team earned recognition from Hillary Clinton.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.