James "Smuggie" Mitchell
What steps will you take (or have you taken) to ensure LGBTQ+ people who live in, work in, travel to Charlotte are protected against discrimination and included at all levels of decision-making?
I voted in favor of the local bathroom ordinance passed by the Charlotte City Council. And worked to overturn the HB2 bill passed by our General Assembly.
What will you do (or have you done) to address the affordable housing crisis that plagues Charlotte? What plans do you have to ensure Charlotte develops sustainably for future generations?
I supported the $50 million dollars Housing bond. When I was the district 2 representative I worked with Congressman Mel Watt to apply for HOPE VI funding to rebuilt Double Oaks to the Park at Oakland, and Piedmont Court to Seigle Point. My plans include to increase our Housing Trust Fund to subsidy Affordable Housing development, use City owned land for Affordable Housing single family development, and develop a new policy to reserved a portion of land around our Light Rail system for Affordable Housing apartments, and provide more density bonus to encourage more Developers for Affordable Housing communities.
What actions do you support (or have you supported) to ensure people have equitable access (including transportation) to jobs that provide a living wage?
I voted in favor of $15 per hour for City employees. Have been a Champion for upward mobility. I worked with Economic Development department to establish a new policy that would provide addition funding to Corporation relocating to Charlotte to hire, and train employees making below $15 per hour. I have worked with CATS John Lewis on reducing bus fare for employees in the Hospitality Industry. Supported funding to the Charlotte Urban League for training enhanced skills for HVAC technician, and Coding. I voted in favor of "Ban the Box" so I citizens can have a real chance of getting a job.
With racism being declared a public health crisis, what steps do you support (or have you supported) to address the racial inequities that exist in Charlotte? These include but are not limited to environmental racism, overpolicing, and access to healthcare.
As a consultant to StarMed company I have advocated for the COVID testing sites to be located in African American, and Hispanic communities. Now I served on the Blessing Foundation Board for StarMed. Our goal is to provide affordable healthcare to our citizens who do not have healthcare coverage.
Are there any additional comments or initiatives you'd like to share?
Yes, I worked with LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce to develop the city strategy to provide $50 million COVID funds to our Small Business Community. I advocated for Chad Turner to serve on the Small Business Task Force. I wanted to make sure we had all business voices at the table. Chad and I were beginning to work a new policy that would not allow LGBTQ business owners to be discriminated.