Who is James “Smuggie” Mitchell, Democratic Charlotte City Council at-large candidate?
James “Smuggie” Mitchell, Jr.
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 60
Campaign website: www.Jamesworksforclt.com
Email: Jamesworks4clt@gmail.com
Occupation: President of 5-Star Supply Company
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, North Carolina Central University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, District 2 1999-2013, and At-Large 2015-2021
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
Board of Trustee North Carolina Central University, Focus on Leadership Graduate, Founder of Next Level Leadership Program, Leadership Charlotte Graduate, Member of Black Political Caucus, member of the Pi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Member of CN Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church, My Brother’s Keeper Board of Advisory, Wake Forest Parents Advisory Council, StarMed Blessing Foundation Board of Advisory, and North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership Graduate.
Should the City Council limit the number of new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation?
I don’t think limiting new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation. Our citizens use of public transportation should be a person choice. I think addressing our public transportation fares, reduce the time for our bus routes, keep our public transportation system safe would increase our ridership for our City.
Describe your views on using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums.
I believe using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums. I championed the building of Charlotte Knights baseball stadium, supported the new artifical turf to the Memorial Stadium, and upgrades to the Bank of America stadium to keep the Carolina Panthers.I was a strong advocate to fund the soccer academy at Eastland,, and voted yes for funding golf tournaments at Quail Hollow. I believe sports brings our city together, and its a great marketing for our city.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
Yes my vote to support bringing the Republican Convention. As a chair of Economic Development my vote was to help our tourism and hospitality industry. and to bring $50 million economic stimulus to our city. Only 10 cities in America has hosted both the DNC and RNC conventions.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I founded/CEO of 5-Star Supply Company a minority owned business that provides drywall material, and being National League of Cities President in 2011. Only the second elected official from North Carolina to be selected to this position.
What separates you from your opponents?
Mitchell did not respond to a question about his general election opponents. Below is his response from the May primary.
I think my track of record of accomplishments, being a collaborator leader, and a person who works for Charlotte and NOT his personal agenda. My biggest compliment I received while serving as a public official was Charlotte’s biggest cheerleader. I listen to our citizens and then work on solutions.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.