Commissioner Pat Cotham
What steps will you take (or have you taken) to ensure LGBTQ+ people who live in, work in, or visit Mecklenburg are protected against discrimination? What steps do you support (or have you done) to protect equitable access to healthcare for all people, including Transgender people? Do you support expanding the "Getting to Zero" Campaign for Mecklenburg County?
I have never missed an opportunity to speak out against discrimination. I have repeatedly talked about dignity. I have always not only voted in support of the LGBTQ community, I have been an outspoken leader. Before I became a commissioner in 2012, I had many HIV positive clients, when I worked at a nonprofit helping the formerly incarcerated. I attended meetings and took a “deep drive” into the issues so I could better understand. I was appalled at the lack of resources and the stigma associated with it. I spoke about it on the campaign trail of 2012. Over the years , I have attended and donated to every fundraiser. I have been on the AIDS Council. I attended the first Prep information weekend conference where I was one of two elected officials in attendance. I have met with transgender men and women who helped me understand their journey. I have met with parents of transgender residents to learn about their journey and support. The LGBTQ community has rewarded me with awards, endorsements and their previous votes. I have attended state conventions of thr LGBTQ Democrats outside of Charlotte. I am a fierce advocate for expansion of healthcare, rights, information, jobs and advancement of LGBTQ issues. I participate with LGBT Chamber, HRC, Equality NC, Pride Parade, RAIN, Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund, Marriage Equality, Prime-Timers, PFLAG, Time Out Youth etc. I am a known quantity and I have a strong record of being Proud-Out-Loud ally and political leader. Often I am addressed as “Aunt Pat” from the 2016 memorial in CLT for the deadly shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. When I spoke to the 100’s in attendance, I reminded them that family can also be friends you choose and I wanted to be their Aunt Pat! I have 1000’s of nieces and nephews who have blessed my life.
What will you do (or have you done) to maintain equitable access to green spaces and parks in Mecklenburg County? What plans do you have to ensure affordable housing to Mecklenburg County residents?
I am the only commissioner who has won a state award for my consistent and outspoken advocacy for greenways. Back in 2013 I also advocated for markers so users of greenways could alert medic where they were if someone had a heart attack. No more deaths have occurred since then. I have been very outspoken not just for affordable housing but for transportation to go with it. We are NOT doing enough for the 30% AMI needs of 34K residents. I have also fought hard, embarrassed responsible parties with multiple front-page news stories on terrible conditions in apartments whose residents have vouchers.
What actions do you support (or have you supported) to ensure people have equitable access (including transportation and housing) to jobs that provide a living wage, including supporting minority-owned businesses? How are you addressing the Leandro ruling to ensure equitable access to education?
Well they don’t have equitable access—I can feel my blood pressure go up! Elected officials have failed to fight collaboratively for housing and transportation. We need more job training so businesses will pay higher wages to workers. We need more collaboration with CPCC to help adults learn more skills and earn higher wages. I have always supported unions and I have challenged them to be more outspoken. I have spoken out repeatedly on the 43 failing schools that would benefit with funding from Leandro. Legislators need to fight harder.We need to support them. I am ready when they start pushing.
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 Mecklenburg County? These include but are not limited to environmental racism, overpolicing, and healthcare access.
Looking at racism by itself and racial inequities by themselves is problematic. Violence is also a public health issue since we supported that in 2017. We have to talk more about the intersection or the nexus of all of these issues because people do not understand one at a time, in my opinion. Many white people don’t recognize or understand white privilege and they say things like “I don’t see color” or “I have a black neighbor or friend” or “there are so many IT jobs, homeless people should apply for those jobs” (elected official said that,) We need more dialogue on these issues. We need more education about the realities of three miles from affluent neighborhoods, families are in tents in the woods. If we had more community policing we would not need over-policing which I assume you are referring to heavy policing in African American areas. We also have to start more mentoring for kids and young teens. We need more support for programs that mentor girls and boys on what they will face in the teenage years. Kids start drinking at 13 years 8 months-we have to work harder to prevent that. Also, 13-17 has been an age group with increases of HIV. I have been on the forefront advocating hard and learning more, I have been to many if not most healthcare clinics for the underserved. I have been to the big non-profits waiting areas. I listen to the stories.
Thanks for sharing your vision of how to make Mecklenburg a more equitable, inclusive place! Are there any additional comments or initiatives you'd like to share?
Mental health needs have sky-rocketed because of the pandemic and the ripple effect of financial loss and family violence. We have to end the stigma so people get the help they need. The answers are within us if we stop the animosity and judgment and listen to each other. It is okay to NOT be okay. We have to help each other, check on each other, and offer support and dignity. How can I help you?