Who is Arthur Griffin Jr., Mecklenburg Democratic commissioners at-large candidate?

Name: Arthur Griffin Jr

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 74

Campaign website: griffin4mecklenburgcounty.com

Occupation: RETIRED formerly Senior Vice President, McGraw-Hill Education, New York NY

Education: BS, Liberal Studies, The University of The State of New York

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education

Please list your highlights of civic involvement:

The Rosa Parks Award by the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party; Appreciation Award by Presidents of the Residents Advisory Council (RAC) Charlotte Housing Authority; Liberty Bell Award by the 26th Judicial District; Responsible for first high schools built in predominately Black communities since West Charlotte High School in 1953, (E.E. Waddell and Phillip O. Berry High Schools); and serving as a Court Appointed Guardian Ad Litem working to unite families.

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

As a third generation African American from slavery, I believe we must engage every intelligent effort to achieve restorative justice and reconciliation from the horrors of slavery. The Indian Claims Commission Act of 1946, the Japanese American Evacuation Claims Act of 1948, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and the NC Eugenics Compensation Act of 2013 are examples of reparations. Even Germany approved the Luxemburg Agreement to support Jewish reparations.

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

I would target additional ARP funds to support workforce development through CPCC or other community workforce partners with a focus on living wage jobs. Program graduates would be able to join our region’s economic prosperity by obtaining industry credentials in IT, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Transportation.

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

I am certain there may be times when I will disagree with specific actions of my political party. However, I support the principles of uplifting working people, building a stronger, fairer economy, healing the soul of America, providing world class education in every zip code, and restoring and strengthening our democracy.

What separates you from your primary opponents?

My approach to accountable governance using the balanced scorecard model. My unique lived experiences of growing up in an impoverished segregated community in Charlotte rising to achieve the highest success in the military, civic involvement and corporate America and breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty in my family.

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

I am equally proud of being a recipient of the National Educator of the Year Award by the Council of the Great City Schools in 2003. And, as Senior Vice President at McGraw Education, I earned recognition for achieving 101% of a targeted revenue goal of $670 million dollars.