Everyone can see what Charlotte is doing to stand out in terms of developments, museums, and greenways. What is the city doing to ensure we stand out in terms of social services, poverty relief, and diversity?
First, there is incredible public/private cooperation in terms of helping homeless between homeless shelters, organizations and government. Some of our nonprofits interface with the public sector to focus on affordable housing and community relief funds that help with things as simple as paying a heat bill. We can be very proud of our Red Cross and Salvation Army that serve people in times of emergency. Whether a house has burned or flooded or has been affected by an ice storm, these organizations are there to provide the temporary relief families need. More than that, they are also launching programs to encourage preventative actions homeowners can take before disaster. One of my proudest moments was when within 24 hours Charlotte rallied for Katrina victims and basically formed an entire city at the coliseum to form a full-service center for people who had lost everything.
Knowing what you now know, what are some things you would have liked to see Charlotte do differently 10 years, 20 years ago?
Preserve some of our history. I wish we had done a better job preserving some of our historical structures, kept some of the character of the 1920s and 30s. In the 60s, 70s, and 80s we had very poor design. Shopping centers, buildings, entire corridors were built with no attention to quality design, no tree development, for example. It was a very non-sustainable period of growth and design and we are still feeling the impact of that in terms of quality of life.
What things are imperative for Charlotte to do now to position ourselves for 20 years from now?
Our biggest challenge is that we don’t take for granted our success. It hasn’t occurred by accident but through hard work, partnerships and visionary leaders that came before me and has continued. We must anticipate our needs 30 years out and respond to them now instead of waiting and having to react later.
In what ways would you like to see the citizens of Charlotte be more involved in local government? Can we make a difference?
Absolutely, they can make a difference. In fact, the best way is first within your neighborhood. The neighborhoods with strong leaders and community involvement have proven to be safer, cleaner, and more sustainable. We also need people to get involved in city committees and know the details of issues. Whether it be planning or privatization, so few people understand the intricacies of government that it is those select people who get the most in terms of services because they are able to form powerful lobbies.
If funding was unlimited, list the projects you would have completed now.
3 things. First, the outer beltway. I would have the state have completed it by now with four lanes on each side. Second, I would clearly fund the criminal justice system so we could prosecute criminals the first time--not the tenth or eleventh time they’ve violated the law. Third, I would allocate a lot more money to help build the infrastructure in poor neighborhoods. Things like lighting, curbing, and sidewalks, which are the city’s responsibility. And I would plant more trees!
Governor’s race?
Well, I officially announced [in January]; I’ve jumped off the cliff! I hope to take my leadership skills that the people of Charlotte have allowed me to learn and use. My main focus is always, and will continue to be, around quality of life issues. As Mayor of Charlotte, I’ve wanted big city opportunities while retaining small town values and quality of life.
~ Celina Mincey
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