Who is Charmaine Nephew, 2023 candidate for Cornelius Board of Commissioners?
Name: Charmaine Nephew
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 70
Campaign website or social media page: CharmaineNephew.com
Occupation: Retired, former N. America VP Human Resources
Education: BSBA, MBA
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Member of the mayor’s citizen team to study compensation for city employees. We recommended changes that closed the revolving door on our police force and 911 operators. Our pay practices and policies put in place actions to recruited, developed and retained our police and response workers, among others, thus creating safer community for our citizens. Currently a mentor for emergent readers in Mecklenburg Title 1 school with Augustine Literacy Project. Former poll worker, Get Out the Vote (GOTV) volunteer, voter registration worker and others. A founding member of a grassroots organization in Cornelius dedicated to getting out the vote.
What are, in your view, the most important issues facing Cornelius, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?
Traffic congestion is a major issue for Cornelius residents. This problem has developed over the last thirty years. It will take a multi-pronged approach to resolve congestion. We must work with the DOT to improve our roads. We must work with the Charlotte Regional Transportation Coalition to secure alternative forms of transportation, including mass and micro transit. New developments must be evaluated for their effect on congestion in the short, medium, and long term. Approximately 80% of our town workforce travels to Cornelius to work, adding to congestion. While 80% of our residents travel out of Cornelius to work. We must promote local workforce housing so people can live where they work. We must be willing to seek alternate ways to reduce congestion.
Communities across Mecklenburg County have seen growth and development as well as a hot real estate market in recent years. How should Cornelius approach development and housing issues?
Many people are drawn to Cornelius, just as I was almost 30 years ago. Pent up (COVID) demand and the desirability of Cornelius has priced many out the housing market. As the town commissioners consider future developments, we must take a closer look at how they effect congestion. We must give consideration for housing for the local workforce , such as, police, teachers, fire fighters, and others who work and serve our community.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
As a retired executive I have a propensity toward action and a proven track record as a team builder, problem solver, and change agent. As a 29 year resident, I have lived through the changes of Cornelius. As a person new to politics, I have fresh eyes to see the current reality and no preconceived notions about possible solutions. As a wife, mother, grandmother and human resources professional I have empathy for others.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
My career is full of professional accomplishments but they are in the past. In my current “life” I am proud to be a member of a grass roots political group seeking voter involvement and change.
This story was originally published October 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
