Who is Patrick Cannon, Democratic Charlotte City Council at-large candidate?
Patrick D Cannon
Political party: Democratic
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 55
Campaign website: www.PatrickCannon.org
Email: cannonpatrickd@gmail.com
Occupation: Mental Health & Division 8 & 10 Materials Supplier
Education: Bachelor of Arts - North Carolina A&T State University / South Mecklenburg High School (CMS)
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes. Charlotte City Council District 3, Charlotte City Council At-Large and City of Charlotte Mayor
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Involvement has consisted of the following: Worked with an organization that aided under privilege youth in learning coding (Proverbs 226). Opening up an on-site ice cream parlor to serve senior residences there (Carrington Place). Participated in community and roadway clean-ups along providing bedding items to the Roof Above men’s shelter on Statesville Avenue (Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Inc.). Packed nutritious meals for those who are facing hunger (Servants with a Heart).
Should the City Council limit the number of new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation?
Conceptually it’s not a bad idea to encourage more ridership. Discussed further must be the business sense it makes or doesn’t for the private sector unless these proposed garages are public. Aside from ridership, this also could help to reduce emissions which helps the environment, as well as helps to save an individual or families revenue in an already challenged economy. With a likely recession to begin late 2023, early 2024 according Deutsche Bank economist’s, all things must be factored.
Describe your views on using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums.
In years past the financing option for the ballpark in uptown was property taxes, a source I don’t support. I pushed for the city to change its financing option as to not impact the least of those who could not afford a property tax increase along with those that felt there should be a another alternative. I proposed the hotel/motel tax which is assessed to visitors. The idea was accepted, and the facility was built. I still support that financing source to improve or build sport venues.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
An area of concern is whether things get done at all or in a greater majority or unanimously for the citizens of Charlotte. Although all will not be agreed upon, a level of respect should be maintained for one another and a dedicated effort to be about the business of Charlotte. One agenda item shouldn’t divide leadership from the multiple one’s that will come before council. I’m hopeful there can be a better foundation of change for better council relations.
What separates you from your primary opponents?
A “combination” of District, At-large, and Mayoral experience along with a different priority focus order is what separates me. For stabilization, affordability, and crime reduction, economic development should be the top priority with a blue-collar focus. A 12.82% and/or 14.9% of residents (1 out of every 6.7 residents or 125,000 of 800k+ residents) in poverty is concerning. The adopted $718.8 million FY 2021 General Fund has only 0.9% or $6.3m dedicated to economic development.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Going to Norfolk, Virginia to lobby CIAA University and College Presidents and bring the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) to Charlotte which attracted more than 70,000 fans and contributed more than $25.6 million to the city annually. The overall total economic impact was $43.7 million. Working to renew a contract term for six more years was achieved. Shortly afterwards the CIAA headquarters would be established in Charlotte which I remain grateful for.