Four seats in total are up for election in Charlotte on Nov. 7. Only two, however, are contested.
The race for the District 2 seat currently held by Brad Johnston has seemingly generated the most attention locally. Johnston, who has served on the council for the past three years is facing opposition from former councilmember Branden Dyer, and Kyle Ried.
Johnston said he is running for re-election beacause, “I want our community to reach its full potential. I want my children to grow up in a Charlotte that is even better than I experienced. I want that for all of us.”
Dyer said he is seeking election because, “My single mom taught me the importance of hard work and civic responsibility. These values along with the energy and momentum in Charlotte inspired me to run for council. I want to ensure residents’ voices are heard, not overshadowed by political colluding and partisan agendas.”
Ried said he is running for city council because, “I am running for the City Council seat for a few reasons. The first one is our city’s infrastructure — our roads and our water. I would like to improve the roads in our town that have fallen into disrepair. The quality of our water is also a concern.”
Ried identified the condition of city streets, the quality of city water and high level of city taxes as the key concerns facing residents in District 2. Dyer identified an opportunity to strengthen the city’s recycling center, improve recreational opportunities and strengthen the city’s roads and infrastructure as key issues in District 2. Johnston also identified roads and recreation as key concerns, adding continuing downtown revitalization efforts among his list of key issues.
District 2 includes residents that reside within the city limits, west of Sheldon Street.
The other contested race is for City Council At-large, a seat currently held by Corey Sanders, who is not seeking re-election. Candidates include L. Daryl Baker and Doug Rosier.
Baker said, “I’m running for the council again because of my love for Charlotte and surrounding community. I lived here for the last 76 years and have been employed and owned property, both commercial and residential and pay property taxes on both. This community has treated our family very well. By serving on the council this is my way of giving back to a city that has given us so much.”
Rosier said he is running for election because, “I’ve lived in Charlotte since 1967 and I am interested in wanting to see the city move forward. I would like to contribute what I can and help Charlotte be that shining city on the hill.”
Rosier identified the need to improve the city’s streets, enforce city ordinances that are not currently being enforced, and the need for continued development as key issues facing the city.
Baker said the need to maintain an experienced, qualified city staff, continue to develop a sustainable road improvement plan, and make Charlotte an attractive place for families to reside as the key issues facing the city.
Mayor Tim Lewis is seeking a second two-year term and is running unopposed. In District 1, Yvonne Ridge is running unopposed to retain her council seat.
City of Charlotte residents will also vote on a charter amendment, which would establish a revolving loan fund that could be used solely for city infrastructure. Any money borrowed from the fund would have to be paid back over a 10-year period.
Finally, all Eaton County voters will be asked to approve the Eaton County Public Radio Safety 9-1-1 surcharge, which would establish a monthly surcharge of up to $1.75 to every device capable of making phone calls within the county. The money would be used to upgrade the communications infrastructure for all emergency services within Eaton County.
The polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 and remain open until 8 p.m. For information, including where to vote, visit eatoncounty.org and select the County Clerk’s office under the departments tab at the top of the page.
