Here are all of the Charlotte Observer’s endorsements in 2023 municipal races

The Charlotte Observer editorial board has interviewed and researched the candidates who seek your vote on Election Day.

Here’s a recap of our recommendations for contested races on the ballot in Charlotte’s 2023 municipal elections. Our full recommendations in all races can be found at charlotteobserver.com/opinion.

Charlotte City Council

At-large: Four Democrats — all current council members — and one Libertarian are on the ballot. The top vote-getter in last year’s race, Dimple Ajmera has grown into her role on the council and proven herself to be a dedicated civil servant. James “Smuggie” Mitchell is an astute, collegial representative with a deep understanding of the issues our city faces. LaWana Slack-Mayfield puts a lot of work into her role, and it shows. Her strong advocacy and bold leadership serves Charlotte well. Victoria Watlington continues to be a sharp, independent voice on a council that often feels homogeneous.

District 3: Democrat Tiawana Brown has a firm grasp of the issues that matter most to her constituents and promises to be a highly visible and accessible representative for her district.

District 6: This historically red south Charlotte district is trending bluer and is now one of the most ideologically diverse areas of the city. Republican incumbent Tariq Bokhari has carved out a role for himself as a disruptor who routinely disagrees with the way the city handles issues like affordable housing and zoning policy. We believe dissenting voices are critical, but Bokhari can be more of an instigator than a dissenter, and that’s not helpful to our city.

Democrat Stephanie Hand is a sharp, thoughtful candidate who shows a deep understanding of the city’s issues and a strong desire to solve them. She would be a moderate, pragmatic voice on council and would represent all of her district.

MORE: Our choices in Charlotte City Council elections

School board at-large

Shamaiye Haynes has served on the CMS Title 1 advisory board and the CMS Bond Oversight Committee. She brings a deep history and broad knowledge of issues facing struggling school communities, and her experience would be an asset to a largely new board. Monty Witherspoon, a pastor who has twice run for school board, has an intimate grasp of the challenges facing much of CMS, and his work in community outreach could be valuable in repairing relationships with the public and public officials. Liz Monterrey shows a sharp understanding of the district and has a business background and understanding of technologies that could benefit students. Importantly, as a Latina parent and daughter of immigrants, she would add to the board an important voice that represents the perspective of about a third of CMS students and families.

MORE: Our choices for CMS school board at-large

CMS bond referendum

The $2.5 billion in school bonds is the largest ask for a public school district in North Carolina history. The bond package would fund 30 different projects in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including construction of three new middle schools and significant renovation and replacement of aging school facilities.

Given all of the district’s stumbles in recent years, expecting taxpayers to invest a record amount of money in what CMS says will improve schools is certainly a big ask. But rejecting a massive bond referendum isn’t the right way to hold the school board or the district accountable — it will only hurt students in the long run.

We recommend voting yes on the bond referendum.

MORE: A historic school bond referendum is on the ballot