Who is Kyle Luebke, Republican Charlotte City Council at-large candidate?

Kyle Luebke

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 33

Campaign website: www.kyleluebke.com

Occupation: Lawyer

Education: University of Memphis - BA; University of Michigan Law School

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought). No

Please list your highlights of civic involvement.

President - Log Cabin Republicans of North Carolina; Member - Arts & Science Council South/East Advisory Council; Previous Vice Chair and current committee member - The Plus Collective - Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s LGBTQ+ Community Fund; Previous Member - Charlotte Ordinance Advisory Committee (UDO); Treasurer - Mecklenburg County Young Republicans; Deputy Chief Counsel - Young Republican National Federation

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

Fixing our transit system is a prerequisite for us to have a conversation surrounding parking in Uptown. We must be investing in expanded bus service and rapid bus routes. When we make it easy to get on a bus at Park Road Shopping Center or on Freedom Drive, people will be more likely to ditch their cars to come into Uptown. We must also expand our Park and Ride facilities on the Blue Line and any future bus rapid transit route. Only after we do that can we discuss limiting parking in Uptown.

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

Our City is struggling with affordable housing, small business development, economic mobility and transportation issues. With limited public dollars, right now our City resources should be focused on fixing those issues as opposed to funding more stadiums.

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

Yes. As an openly gay man, I think that the Republican Party has a lot of work to do in engaging with the LGBTQ+ community and passing legislation that protects LGBTQ+ Americans. If elected, I would continue to be an advocate in the Republican Party for LGBTQ+ North Carolinians and would encourage the NCGOP to pass meaningful LGBTQ+ protections at the State level.

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

I drafted the Republican Non-Discrimination Ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ people and individuals with natural hair styles. Though the eventual ordinance introduced and passed by the Democrats on Council was weaker than our proposal, in coordination with Councilmembers Bokhari and Driggs, we were able to ensure a unanimous vote for Charlotte’s NDO.

What separates you from your opponents?

I have demonstrated a pragmatic and independent streak in how I approach governance. For too long, our Council has been dominated by those who wish to use their position as a bully pulpit on national issues, as opposed to getting the hard work done for the people of Charlotte. My approach is reflected in the work I have done, and continue to do, for our City. Two examples come to mind. First, I worked with Republican Councilmember Bokhari on drafting the Republican version of the Charlotte LGBTQ+ non-discrimination ordinance (much of which was reflected in the bipartisan passage of our NDO). Second, I was appointed to the UDO Ordinance Advisory Committee by Democratic Councilwoman Watlington, because she knew that I would represent the best interests of my neighborhood. This approach of finding alliances when necessary, working across the aisle, all the while sticking to my principles, is what Charlotteans want in their leaders.

Further, if elected, I would be the only lawyer on our City Council. As we are thinking through policy and drafting ordinances, it is important that our City has someone with the specialized knowledge about what is legal/not legal and how best to approach City governance.

This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.