Who is Stephanie Hand, 2023 Democratic candidate for Charlotte City Council District 6?
Name: Stephanie Hand
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
Charlotte City Council District 6
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 56
Campaign website: stephaniehand.com
Occupation
United Methodist Clergy and a consultant
Education
B.A, Masters, Doctorate of Organizational Change
Have you run for and/or held elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held)
Yes, I ran for Charlotte City Council District 6 in the July Special Election in 2022.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, inc., Girls Scouts, Boys Scouts, Habitat for Humanity
Development-related issues frequently come before the City Council. If elected, what would your approach be to those decisions?
If I have the privilege to represent Charlotte City Council District 6, I will address development issues through the utilization of town hall and small group meetings to ensure the D 6 community’s voice is heard. As a leader, I will engage with the community’s neighborhood meetings. I will lead with integrity and not engage in conflicts of interest in all decision-making processes. I will evaluate economic benefits of proposed developments and support to the community.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
It is essential to be a part of the conversation between city leaders and the Panther leaders to evaluate the ask of the city. The question becomes, what is the private-public Investments? Evaluate the budget and listen to the people’s voice. “How will the renovations increase job creation, the city’s tax revenue, and tourism? As a Charlotte City Council person, I will examine the cost-benefit analysis to determine the minimum and maximum financial consideration.
What’s the best thing the City Council has done for Charlotte in the last 4 years? And what’s the worst thing?
Economic Development: The City Council has worked to promote economic development in Charlotte, including attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating job opportunities. However, because our city is a global city, and one of the fastest growing city in the nation, it is essential to cast our net even wider to bring more national and international businesses to our city while at the same time increasing opportunities for more local businesses and enhancing the growth of existing local entrepreneurs.
Major Challenge: Our CATS transportation systems must improve, and leaders held accountable for executing innovative solutions. I will work diligently as your City Council District 6 representative to help find collaborative solutions to the issues the city is facing in our transit systems. We are a growing city, and there are growing pains with growth. We must regain public trust, and increase ridership and improve our transit systems for the people throughout the region.
CATS has faced turmoil in the last year. What are, in your view, the most significant issues facing the system, and what role should the City Council play in solving problems?
Safety and Security: CATS must ensure the safety and security of passengers and employees. People must feel safe.
Community Engagement: Engaging with the community and gathering feedback from CATS users is crucial. In collaboration with CATS and other District City Council Reps, we can facilitate opportunities for public input and ensure that residents’ concerns and suggestions are heard. I will lead Town Hall Conversations in District 6, work with other community leaders to gain greater knowledge why ridership is declining, and execute solutions.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Coalition building with neighboring municipalities, regional transportation authorities, and state agencies can help address complex transit challenges. If the voters of District 6, trust my leadership to represent them as their City Council D6 Rep, I will play a role in fostering partnerships to work towards solutions.
Environmental Sustainability: It is essential to be a part of promoting sustainable transportation options, reducing emissions, and adopting eco-friendly practices is crucial. If the residents of District 6 elect me as their next City Council representative, I will work hard with other leaders to discover environmentally friendly technology solutions.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
N/A
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I am a wife, mother, and executive leader in the business, non-profit, and the faith community; I was the youngest African American female leading in the airport industry. During the worldwide COVID pandemic, I set up pop-up clinics in underserved communities. We quickly pulled the faith, business, philanthropic, and community leaders, together, and vaccinated over 17,000 people in three weeks. I am Responsive. Compassionate. A Public Servant..
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
In the July 2022 general election, Team Hand ran a heck of a campaign for Charlotte City Council District 6. We missed the mark by 357 votes. It was a historic race. I thank everyone who made that possible. We are back! To the people of District 6, I will be a Charlotte City Council District 6 representative who will lead with integrity and for the people of the District. Vote Stephanie Hand for Charlotte City Council District 6. “Hand in hand for a better Charlotte. Let’s finish the work.”
This story was originally published October 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
