Curtis Hayes, Jr. - Charlotte City Council District 5

Find out more: https://www.hayesforcharlotte.com/

Candidate's Questionnaire Answers:

1. How will you ensure LGBTQ+ people are fairly represented on advisory boards and commissions? Do you support the creation of an LGBTQ+ Liaison on staff to better communicate and represent LGBTQ+ issues within the City Manager's office?
   With having close family members "twin sister" in the LGBTQ+ community it is my hope to advocate for the LGBTQ+ in a fair and supported fashion. If elected to represent city council district 5 I will fight for doors of opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to sit on advisory boards and commissions. I will also advocate for policies to protect their right to be heard as part of our community. Yes, a liaison will be beneficial in order to educate and inform the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. 

2. 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 may not be able to fully solve or fund all housing issues. But, if elected for city council district 5 representative I will advocate that publicly owned land will continue to be used for affordable housing development. I will also advocate that more programs for low income families be implemented and funded to assist families to afford private homes. If more affordable housing developments are built, and there are programs to assist with low income families this will help our generations to come. Along with other preparatory programs for the use in our communities such as, teaching them the importance of high school, and engaging in the work force in order to sustain self sufficient- housing. 

3. What actions do you support (or have you supported) to ensure people's jobs pay a wage sufficient enough to live and thrive in Charlotte? What next steps and investments do you support to strengthen the Corridors of Opportunity?
   As a representative of Charlotte and candidate for district 5 city council I will advocate that stagnation of wages will increase based on economic increase. By doing this, it will decrease issues of homelessness, hunger, and poverty within our city. I will work with other policy makers for our local city government for a suitable budget in order to do so. I will continue to stand for the thriving of Charlotte through the Corridors of Opportunity along with fighting for safety in our community, infrastructure, transportation and workforce and business development. 

4. What specific actions do you support (or have you supported) to address the racial inequities and lack of economic mobility in Charlotte?
   As a representative in the community of Charlotte I would advocate for more diversity meetings & engagement in processes that specifically focuses on the racial equality and cultural needs in our communities. Also as a representative I will continue to advocate for solutions within the UDO to accommodate underserved communities & neighborhoods for not only the constituents of D5, but all constituents of Charlotte.

5. What actions do you support (or have you supported) to create a transportation network that provides people with efficient, affordable, and timely options to get around the city? What steps do you believe are necessary to address the inefficiencies and safety issues with CATS?
   As a representative for the City of Charlotte I will continue to evaluate the conditions of our transportation system while connecting with my fellow colleagues within council to collaborate and create the best possible solutions for our transportation system across the board. When it comes to issues within CATS, We need to implement safety measurements to protect the Drivers & Riders. Retraining on how to deescalate intense situations while appropriately keeping other riders & bystanders safe while emergency services are contacted.