CALLED TO SERVE

I am fully confident that I am called to serve. Beyond previously serving as a deacon in my church, I won the appointment by the Charlotte City Council to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the quasi-judicial body responsible for providing final interpretations of zoning ordinances based on the findings of Zoning Administration staff, appellants, and petitioners. I took his oath of office on April 21, 2014. I was then honored and nominated to serve a second term on January 26, 2015.

After the August 9, 2014, judicial fundraiser I held, the Mecklenburg County GOP Chairman asked if I would consider running for the Charlotte City Council. Before giving any answer to the Chairman, I began attending as many City of Charlotte committee meetings as I could - learning and preparing. On July 7, 2015, I filed to run to represent Charlotte as a City Council Member At Large to try and balance the current dais.  

I visited churches, businesses and attended community functions around the Charlotte MSA while campaigning in my early campaign days. Endorsements I received during the 2015 and 2017 campaigns included (but not limited to) the Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition (REBIC), the parent entity of the Shelter Providers Political Action Committee Enterprise (SPPACE), The Fraternal Order of Police and the Charlotte Firefighter's Association, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, and Charlotte Pipe and Foundry - and even the Charlotte Observer. 

I was the highest Republican vote recipient in the 2015 and 2017 campaigns. During the 2015 Municipal Election, I proved that Republicans could reach across the aisle and earn respect. Outnumbered 2 to 1 by Democrats and 1.2 to 1 by unaffiliated voters, I led all Republican Candidates. Out of 94,958 votes cast, I finished 248 votes (or 0.10%) out of the last City Council At-Large seat. On November 23, 2015, I was honored by Mayor Dan Clodfelter (D) with his closing comment "... thank you for being a first-class citizen". https://vimeo.com/146732856. I also ran in 2017 but faced the same challenges as the City of Charlotte became more and more liberal.

My focus turned to Anson County and Union County well before closing on my home in Monroe on March 24, 2022. I continue the same learning path from my original campaign days ... to become a part of the community first, understand the economics, political landscape, and most importantly the needs of the community.

To be your voice I have to listen and understand our community and her needs. This essential element is a requirement to be prepared to represent my neighbors.