Who’s Yvette Townsend-Ingram, Mecklenburg Democratic commissioners at-large candidate?

Yvette Townsend-Ingram

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 51

Campaign website: www.voteyvette4meck.com

Email: info@voteyvette4meck.com

Occupation: Director of Foundation Relations

Education: MBA & DBA (ABD)

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

Please list your highlights of civic involvement:

Member of the NC State Executive Committee; Democratic Chair Precinct 89; Member of the Char-Meck Community Relations Committee (BOCC Appointment); Charlotte Civic Leadership Academy graduate

Should the county government consider implementing reparations for Black residents or Black-owned businesses?

I do not use the term “reparations”. Because of propaganda, the term “reparations” has developed a negative connotation. I believe there should be targeted, intentional, restorative actions taken by the county to restore some measure of equity and upward mobility that Black residents and Black-owned businesses were deprived of because of years of systemic racism that was also purposeful and intentional, as reported by the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room of the Mecklenburg County Library.

The county recently approved its first round of federal pandemic relief funding. How should it prioritize funding during the second round?

The second round of funding should stabilize the housing crisis that has been exacerbated and accelerated by the pandemic. A tutoring agency, independent of CMS/BOE should be used to aggressively correct the disparities in education, starting with minority students who were performing below grade level before the pandemic. The funding should be used to subsidize services for employees of all CMS Schools to incentivize teachers and support staff to remain with CMS.

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

Yes. I believe there is too much effort and emphasis on “reaching across the aisle” to appease the Republican Party. I think more aggressive, bold actions should be taken to push forward the Democratic platform from the federal level, all the way to the local level of the Democratic Party.

What separates you from your primary opponents?

I believe my lived experiences, my education, and my empathy distinguishes me from my opponents. I have a deep respect for those who have blazed a trail for me to even be considered to run for office. I need the counsel and expertise of those who came before me. As a Black, single mother from Appalachia, I can empathize with so many of the problems Mecklenburg County residents experience daily.

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

I am most proud of my community role within education and my role as precinct chair.