Who is Curtis Hayes Jr., Democratic Charlotte City Council District 5 candidate?
Name: Curtis Hayes Jr.
Political party: Democratic
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
Charlotte City Council District 5
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 35
Campaign website: Hayesforcharlotte.com
Occupation: Business owner
Education: High school diploma
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held):
No.
Editor’s note: This answer is incorrect. Hayes ran in 2022 for City Council.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
EMCB /Excuse Maker Cycle Breaker mentorship
Royal Hornets Football Organization community organizations for youth
The future of Eastland Yards still hangs in the balance, with two options on the table — an indoor sports complex and one that would include a soccer academy, esports hub and amphitheater. Which do you support, and why?
I support the indoor sports complex. This proposal will increase the quality of life in the East Charlotte community. It also filters money back into the small businesses of East Charlotte community, while helping boost the economic development in East Charlotte, enabling District 5 to truly thrive.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
We should not give the funding of $600 million to a billionaire to upgrade or renovate Bank of America Stadium. Our city has been taken hostage by developers and big business for too long. We should use these dollars to address the needs of the constituents of our communities.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
Locally yes, I disagree with the delaying of Eastland Yard grounds and QC East proposal that goes against the East Charlotte constituents. I stand with the community of East Charlotte.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I am a candidate that is in the community. “I am boots to the ground” by challenging and impacting the youth through my youth organization EMCB (Excuse Maker or Cycle Breaker) mentorship program also affiliated with The Royal Hornets Elite Football Organization, founded in 2020. This organization teaches our youth to demonstrate good character through upholding self respect, peer relationships and implementing good morals and manners. EMCB invests with cycle breaking sponsorships.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
As an entrepreneur, I am proud of the accomplishments I have made with my small business to be able to help families thrive. It is a joyful feeling to give second chances to men and women who deserve to be successful. I would also like to say I am proud of myself for stepping into the political arena for the people in my community making sure that I always hear their voices and as I work with local government I do not forget about the constituents that put us in office.
