Who is Gary Young II, Democratic Charlotte City Council District 2 candidate?
Name: Gary L. Young II
Political party: Dem
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
District 2
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 39
Campaign website: votegaryyoung.com
Occupation: Supplier diversity manager
Education: North Carolina A&T State University - B.A. Political Science
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held):
2017 - Ran for Charlotte City Council District 5
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
BofA Black Business Owner Initiative – CLT Executive Leadership Team
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Board of Trustees
Next Level Leadership Development Program
McCrorey YMCA Board of Directors
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Charlotte Business Resource Partners Steering Committee
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors-Dir. of Econ Dev-Chair, President
City of Charlotte – Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) Advisory Committee
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’d lean on the community to understand their wants and needs, and work with them to bring the most economic friendly and community based option to the forefront.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
I’m not opposed to that. I feel meeting ownership halfway would be sufficient. I would be open to more being deployed for the project if the specified funds to be utilized might allow for more to be provided in terms of jobs, reinvestment in Council selected communities that are below the City’s AMI and more benefits for the taxpayers to reap in terms of the stadium itself.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
Not as much as a difference in thought, but I would work more cohesively to see where common ground can be met between both parties. On both sides, I believe there’s too much prioritization of politics over people, and the best interests of people may be lost in the process.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I have a strong reputation for being staunch in my responsiveness and geniality towards all throughout my years of leadership in Charlotte. I was born and raised in the community for which I’m running, meaning my policy approach may not be a stance where I feel “the community is too involved in decision making processes” by their government. Charlotte helped shape me into the man that I am today from diapers, and if I was never accepted anywhere else in the world I have Charlotte to call my hometown.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being asked to join the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at 32 years old is a close second to being a father of a marvelous 13 year old daughter!
