Who is Rob Yates, 2023 Libertarian candidate for Charlotte mayor?
Name: Rob Yates
Political party: Libertarian
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 43
Campaign website: prospercharlotte2023.com
Occupation: Director of Communications - OWL ESG
Education: MBA from Wake Forest
Have you run for and/or held elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
I have been engaged in a number of organizations and protests, but the one of which I am most proud is putting together this event as the Charlotte chapter chair for the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism.
Describe the leadership that Charlotte’s mayor needs to provide for the City Council and the city at large over the next two years.
We need a leader who is unafraid to acknowledge where things have gone wrong and is willing to work to rectify them. Actions have consequences - good and bad, intended and unintended. Politicians are incentivized to defend their actions, respectively, without an objective review of the negatives. We need leadership who will face down special interests regarding zoning, public safety, CATS, and education.
What do you see as the most important issues the mayor needs to cultivate solutions for in order to drive Charlotte forward?
Growth and affordable housing development will come from revitalizing neighborhoods, which will require dramatic reform of zoning restrictions, major enhancements to public safety, and a complete overhaul of our transportation system. This all must be done while lowering property taxes.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
The answer is zero. Our citizens should not be subsidizing billionaires.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
The Libertarian Party is the “Big Tent” party, with room for everyone who respects the Non-Aggression Principle (“don’t hurt people, and don’t take their stuff). Within that framework, there is lots of room for disagreement on specific issues.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Throughout my career - at the office, supporting non-profit organizations, in my political and activist advocacy work, and everywhere else - I have made and maintained so many wonderful relationships with interesting people from a huge array of backgrounds; across the political spectrum, meetings standards for “diversity,” in different places in life, different countries, different interests, different accomplishments. These relationships tell me I am doing something right.
