Aaron Marin, Republican Mecklenburg commission District 1 candidate, answers our questions
READ MORE
Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners
Voters in four of Mecklenburg County’s six commission districts will choose their representatives for the next two years on Nov. 5. There are not contested elections in districts 3 and 4. At-large candidates were decided in the 2024 primary earlier this year. Vilma Leake hasn’t responded to the Observer’s questionnaire.
Expand All
To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Aaron R. Marin
Birth date (month, day and year): 12/04/1982
Campaign website or social media page: AaronMarin.com
Occupation: Business owner
Education: Architecture
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Founder of Generation 5:17 Ministries
Mentorship under Dan Ramirez
Workforce Board of Directors, Goodwill Charlotte
Community Development
Leadership in Marin Development Company
Engagement in Education
What made you want to run for Mecklenburg County Commissioner?
My desire to run for Mecklenburg County commissioner stems from a deep commitment to my community and the experiences I’ve had over the years. Pursuing the American Dream in Charlotte has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities our residents face. I’ve seen firsthand the impact that effective leadership can have, especially in underserved communities. I’ve developed a passion for advocating for education, economic development, and community support.
How will you make a difference with your platform?
Community Engagement and Empowerment: I will prioritize open communication and collaboration with residents to ensure their voices are heard.
Affordable Housing and Economic Development: I aim to facilitate partnerships that can drive economic growth and provide accessible housing options for all residents.
Education and Youth Programs: I will push for educational programs that empower our youth, focusing on mentorship, vocational training, and scholarships.
Housing is an issue county-wide. What would you do to ensure county residents have access to affordable housing?
Ensuring access to affordable housing for all residents in Mecklenburg County is a top priority for me. Here are the steps I would take:
Incentivize affordable housing development
Strengthen partnerships with nonprofits
Increase funding for housing programs
Promote accessory dwelling units
Enhance public transportation access
Addressing zoning and regulatory barriers
What are the three top priorities in Mecklenburg County and how would you address them?
Affordable Housing: I would promote policies that incentivize the development of affordable housing units, such as zoning reforms and tax incentives for developers.
Public Safety: I would prioritize community policing initiatives that foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
Economic Development: I would focus on creating partnerships between local businesses and educational institutions to develop workforce training programs that align with market needs.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice for Mecklenburg County voters this election season?
What sets me apart from my opponents is my deep-rooted connection to Mecklenburg County and my proven track record of community involvement and leadership.My background as a minority business owner has equipped me with the practical skills needed to address housing and economic development issues effectively. I understand what it takes to create jobs and foster growth while prioritizing inclusivity and support for underserved communities.
CMPD saw an 8% increase in violent crimes as of July 2024. How do you plan to address and curb rising rates of violence?
Addressing the rise in violent crime is a critical concern, and I would approach it through a multi-faceted strategy:
Community policing initiatives
Youth engagement programs
Mental health and support services
Data-driven policing
Collaboration with Social Services
Community awareness campaigns
By implementing these strategies, I believe we can work together to address the rising rates of violence and foster a safer environment for all Mecklenburg County residents.
Last year, youth crime incidents spiked to the highest levels in Charlotte in at least the last five years, according to CMPD. In 2024, there has been a 300% rise in youth homicide suspects, according to CMPD. How do you plan to address and lower the rates of growing youth crime plaguing our communities?
Addressing the alarming rise in youth crime, particularly youth homicide, requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. Here’s how I plan to tackle this issue:
Expanded youth programs
Mentorship and support networks
Community partnerships
Mental health and counseling services
Educational outreach
Community policing and engagement
Parent and family support programs
More than 100 people move here a day. How can the county do better at preserving neighborhoods and balancing rapid growth in neighborhoods?
To effectively preserve neighborhoods while balancing rapid growth in Mecklenburg County, we can implement a strategic approach focused on sustainable development and community engagement. Here are some key initiatives:
Comprehensive growth planning
Zoning and land use policies
Community engagement
Preservation of green spaces
Support for local businesses
Infrastructure improvements
Smart development practices
Affordable housing initiatives
This story was originally published October 14, 2024 at 5:32 PM.
