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< Back to Davidson Board of Commissioners Autumn Rierson Michael Party: Democratic Incumbent: Yes Previous experience in elected office: Currently on Davidson Board of Commissioners and Mayor Pro Tem; has served for eight years Age: ~52 Occupation: Historic preservation consultant with a master's degree from University of Georgia; land use attorney Description: Michael’s critical issues are transit, affordable housing, and sustainability. She told News of Davidson , “With the potential for transit coming to Davidson, thoughtful leadership on historic preservation, community planning, and housing affordability is more vital than ever.” Other personal: Michael is the mother of four and has a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a JD from the University of Georgia. She is a registered Democrat and endorsed by MeckDems and the LGBTQ Democrats of NC. Candidate Social Media The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Mint Hill Board of Commisioners Trey Long Party: Republican Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: None Age: ~43 Occupation: Project manager for Ferguson HVAC Description: Trey believes in conservative values and is passionate about building a friendly and vibrant community. He hopes to put families first, promote smart growth, support law enforcement, and ensure that small businesses continue to boost the local economy. Other personal: Long studied at UNC Charlotte. He is a father and a registered Republican. He is endorsed by MeckGOP. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Stallings Council District 6 Brad Richardson Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Previous experience in elected office: Currently on Stallings Town Council (2019-Present) Age: 55 Occupation: Vice president of investments at the Sitfel Financial Corporation; worked in tourism and public facilities for a Charlotte travel company; previously an Economic Development Officer for the City of Charlotte Description: Richardson cites the following council accomplishments during his tenure: Secured state and county support for critical issues including roads, fire services, hotel tax, and infrastructure; completed the town’s first Economic Development Strategy to strengthen the commercial tax base; served on the subcommittee for Atrium Hospital, Union County’s largest private investment; met with property owners to plan a mixed-use Town Center around Town Hall and Municipal Park; prioritized sidewalk repairs and created a new system to identify and fix dangerous areas; strengthened stormwater rules to reduce flooding and launched efforts to resolve backyard drainage issues; led adoption of a cost-saving, strategic repaving process for neighborhood streets. Other personal: He has a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill where he says he was a Morehead Scholar. He is a registered Republican. The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Matthews Board of Commissioners Jonathan Clayton Party: Republican Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: None Age: ~45 Occupation: GIS System Administrator at Comporium, a telco company Description: Clayton hopes to be a voice that represents the community. He believes it is important that the government uses tax money in a transparent and responsible manner. He hopes to keep the Matthews small town feel while encouraging development and growth as well as ensuring the funding and support of first responders. Other personal: Clayton studied at UNC Charlotte, where he met his wife. He is an avid runner, the father of two and a registered Republican. He is also endorsed by MeckGOP. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I am 45 and a graduate from UNC Charlotte in 2003 with two degrees, a BS in Geography and and a BA in Earth Science. I am a GIS Systems Administrator for a telecommunications company. I live in Matthews. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters. I am a local. I was born in Presbyterian in downtown Charlotte. I was raised in Matthews and my wife and I are raising our kids there. I have lived in Matthews over 30 years and have served on the Matthews Planning Board for 5 years. I am currently on the Economic Development Advisory Committee for the town of Matthews. I’ve been fortunate to grow up in Matthews and want to ensure others have that same experience. Having lived here my entire life, I believe I am well qualified to represent and lead our community. Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. Like I said earlier, I am GIS Systems Administrator and am a Geographic Information Systems Professional. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? Restoring confidence in that what the people of Matthews want will be how I will vote. What is your position on the proposed transit tax and why? Will you vote in favor of it or against it in November? I'm going to vote No this November. People are already struggling as it is, and piling on isn't something I am a proponent of. If this passes, and I'm elected, I will use the money wisely that is awarded to the Town of Matthews. What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? MeckGOP has endorsed me. Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know. I am an avid trail and ultrarunner. My best friend and I have been race directing ultra running events for 11 years in the Concord area of North Carolina. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to District 5 Candidates Juan Diego (J.D.) Mazuera Arias Party: Democratic Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: None Age: 26 Occupation: Lead of Global Government Affairs and Policy at Kyndryl; Chair of the Hispanic Caucus of Mecklenburg County Description: Mazuera Arias is campaigning on affordable housing, public safety, government transparency, and building a transportation system that works for everyone. He previously worked on immigration policy in the office of U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Other personal: Mazuera Arias is a bilingual son of Colombian immigrants and a DACA recipient. He attended Idlewild Elementary, Randolph Middle, and East Mecklenburg High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Queens University as a Golden Door Scholar and an MPA from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service. He is LGBTQIA+ and a first-generation college graduate and says he is “formerly undocumented.” He says the transit plan is a “bad plan for District 5,” and he has criticized his opponent’s responsiveness to constituents. During the primary, he received endorsements from The Charlotte Observer and Service Employees International Union. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Board of Education District 6 Toni Emehel Party: Democratic Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: None Age: ~55 Occupation: “Strategic planning consultant ” Description: Emehel believes that excellence is attained through active listening, strategic collaboration and dismantling ineffective communication. Other personal: She has a bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte and a master’s from Liberty University. She is a CMS graduate, parent and grandparent. She says she has "extensive involvement on CMS campuses." She is a registered Democrat. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I retired from corporate America at the age of 37, which allowed me to dedicate myself fully to the needs of my family and community. This period has been incredibly rewarding, as I've been able to contribute my time and energy to causes that are important to me. Especially my service to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools where I have had the joy of serving as an active parent member of School Improvement Teams at Park Road Montessori, Randolph Middle School and Northwest School of the Arts. Being a part of these School Improvement Teams allowed me the opportunity to work directly with school administrators to assess student performance, establish priorities, and develop appropriate School Improvement Plans with sound monitoring systems to ensure proper alignment of curriculum, instruction and assessment. I frequently serve as a test proctor at local high schools and have sat on Senior Exit Review panels. As an actively engaged parent, I have also had the pleasure of serving on various Parent-Teacher-Organization boards, including filling the role of PTO President at Park Road Montessori, PTO Vice President at Randolph Middle School, Booster Club President at Northwest School of the Arts and Organizer of Northwest School of the Arts very first Inter-Club Council. I've also had the joy of serving as an American Red Cross CPR Instructor, where I've trained and certified many individuals in critical lifesaving skills, empowering them to protect their families and the public in their respective professions. I've also been a Bible Teacher within my faith community and taken on leadership roles, including serving as President of my community HOA and volunteering with the Keep Charlotte Beautiful Adopt a Street program. While I've been focused on family and community since 2006, I've also made sure to keep my professional skills sharp by providing consultative services to influential clients, locally and nationally, over the years. This has given me valuable experience in different areas and kept me connected to the professional world. Now, I'm genuinely looking forward to serving full-time as a member of the School Board, representing the concerns and needs of District 6. I believe my background and commitment to the community will be a great asset to the school board and our school district. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters. My decision to run for a seat on the school board is a continuation of my lifelong work and commitment to our community. The schools in District 6 hold a very special place for me, as they have been entrusted with educating three generations of my family. I received my own education within District 6, my children were educated here, and now my grandchildren are currently attending schools in the district. This deep personal connection gives me a unique perspective on the district's strengths and areas needing improvement. While I have always been a consistent supporter of the CMS school district, I am now stepping forward in this capacity because I believe District 6 is in great need of effective representation that genuinely reflects the diverse needs and concerns of its residents. I am committed to bringing a strong voice and dedicated action that our students, families, and educators truly deserve. In terms of experience in an elected role, at Park Road Montessori, I was elected to serve as PTO President and as a member of the School Improvement Team for a three-year term. At Randolph Middle School, I was elected PTO Vice President and also served on its School Improvement Team for a two-year term. Additionally, I was elected President of the Northwest School of the Arts Booster Club and served on the Northwest School of the Arts School Improvement Team for a three-year term. In these positions, I focused on promoting higher learning for all students, ensuring proper support for low-performing students, and advocating for every student. Outside of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, I was also elected to various roles on my community's HOA, including President, Vice President, and Secretary. These experiences allowed me to demonstrate executive leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to community-centric representation. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? I would focus on two key areas to enhance our educational system. Firstly, my immediate goal would be to strengthen existing policies to ensure that our primary focus remains on achieving the highest educational standards for all students. This involves a comprehensive review to identify areas where we can refine and improve our approach to student learning and development. Secondly, I would prioritize a thorough review of the budget to ensure that we are adequately recognizing and rewarding our teachers for their invaluable contributions. This review would also extend to our teacher retention policies, with the aim of making sure that retaining quality educators is a top priority. My goal is to create an environment where teachers feel valued and supported, which in turn benefits our students. I believe these actions would lay a strong foundation for significant positive change within our system. Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. I'm delighted to share a few examples from my career, which I believe demonstrate my commitment to advocacy, effective communication, and a focus on long-term impact. Unfortunately, for many of our students their parents are missing in action when it comes to being actively involved in their child’s education and school. Early in my career, I had the privilege of advocating for children through my service with Custody Mediation and later with the Child Support Enforcement office where I encountered similar disengagements between parents and their children well-being (sic). These roles allowed me to not only facilitate, but engage in difficult conversations with parents and to assist them in gaining a deeper understanding of the unique role they each (sic) in their children’s lives. I honed my communication skills by assisting parents in developing healthier communication patterns to advance their children's well-being. In both positions, I engaged and guided parents toward prioritizing their children's needs, aligning with their responsibilities as parents. It is within this framework that I believe policies can be put in place that will encourage parents to truly understand the importance of their presence in their children’s lives, while also allowing parents to see the dangers of their absence. Another fulfilling aspect of my career involved managing commercial litigation for children affected by lead-based paint exposure. This work encompassed evaluating insurance policy coverages and managing multi-million dollar litigation to ensure claimants received proper compensation for their losses. My responsibilities included assessing children's cognitive abilities and reviewing academic performance over time to pinpoint the onset of lead-induced deficiencies and identify points of progress. Recognizing that a child's mind, once neglected or damaged during formative years, can never be fully restored, I became a staunch advocate for protecting children's cognitive development while they are young. In the context of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, this commitment translates into seeking a position on the school board to ensure we set high standards for our students in reading, reading comprehension, math, science, economics, history, and all core subjects. We don’t give up and continue to aim high for every student. My goal is to foster wholly proficient children who have a fair chance at living the lives they and their parents envision. Finally, I recently collaborated with Legal Aid North Carolina and the City of Charlotte Community Relations to combat discrimination against families with children in community swimming pools. This work involved securing non-discrimination agreements, developing non-discrimination policies, and implementing mandatory Fair Housing Training specifically addressing discrimination against families with children. These initiatives were conducted with one of the largest pool management companies and one of the largest community association managers in North and South Carolina. Children represent one of the most vulnerable populations in our society; they have inherent rights that we must respect, including the right to a strong educational foundation that fosters independence and enables them to become contributing citizens. What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? • The Honorable Vilma D. Leake, Mecklenburg County Commissioner, Co-Founder of The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg, former Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board Chair and former President of Charlotte Mecklenburg Association of Educators • The Honorable Joyce Waddell, NC Senate 40th District • The Honorable W. Terry Sherrill, Esq., Litigation Attorney and Former Superior Court Judge • Stacy Sorrell-Moore, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of MB Magazine • Kendall Phills, Philanthropist and Founder of The Phills Foundation, honoring the legacy of Charlotte Hornets NBA player Bobby Phills II • Q. Nicole McNair-Vanderhorst, Founder/CEO of WH Farms Co • April Daniels, Founder of The Girlfriends Corner • Michele Allgood, Founder and Executive Director of Gracious Living Adult Health and Day Care Center • Gun Sense Candidate Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know. This question has caused me to think deeply about the values and beliefs that truly fuel me. Thus, I'd like to share a few aspects of my long-standing commitment to education and community development. One significant experience was serving as a faculty member for Davidson College’s Love of Learning program. During my time there, I developed curriculum and delivered instruction for a mock trial program specifically designed for high school students. Additionally, I created and taught a course titled "Values for Success," which I later expanded to reach students across the county through regional public libraries. My dedication to children's education is not a recent development; it has been a core focus since the 1990s. For example, I launched a youth leadership program through Toastmasters. This initiative brought middle schoolers together weekly to develop crucial skills such as organizing their thoughts, practicing active listening, speaking confidently, and learning social etiquette for constructive peer critique. Finally, as an author, writer, and lover of the English language, I host a podcast called "Children’s Story Time" during the holidays. My goal is to spread cheer and create special moments for families by reading children’s stories. These podcasts have attracted listeners from around the world, expanding their literacy development to include listening literacy. I believe these experiences highlight my deep-rooted passion for nurturing young minds and contributing to community enrichment, which I hope resonates with voters. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Huntersville Mayoral Candidates Derek L. Partee Party: Republican Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: Huntersville town commissioner (2021-22); ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2023 (came in 3rd of 3 candidates) Age: 73 Occupation: Retired homicide detective (from the NY metro area) Description: The key issue he cites on his website is “tapping the brake on development.” The top thing he wants to do is “suspend the rezoning process on new developments for one year.” Other personal: He has a bachelor’s degree from Southern University and A&M College and a master’s degree from Long Island University. Partee is a registered Republican. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Board of Education District 2 Shamaiye Haynes Party: Democratic Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully in 2023 for a CMS At-Large seat Age: 54 Occupation: Leader at QC Family Tree, a non-profit; guest lecturer at UNC Charlotte; former accountant Description: Haynes wants to “decentralize” the school system, promote restorative rather than punitive discipline, expand access to arts and “expand peacebuilding.” Other personal: Haynes is endorsed by current District 2 incumbent, Thelma Byers-Bailey, who decided to not seek reelection after serving for 12 years. Haynes has an associate’s degree from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and studied accounting at Western Governors University, an online program. She is married and a mother. She is a registered Democrat and endorsed by MeckDems. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I’m 54 years old and live in District 2, where I’ve been doing the work long before I ever thought about running for office. I’m a nonprofit leader and an active D2 education constituent for the past decade. I show up, speak up, and push for what our students and families deserve. I’ve spent years in both the private and nonprofit sectors, solving problems, and building trust along the way. My approach is about people, progress, and keeping promises that move our community forward. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters. I’m running because our kids deserve more than talk, they deserve results. I’ve been an active education voice for over a decade, standing with parents, supporting teachers, and pushing for accountability that reaches every classroom. I haven’t been elected before, but I’ve been effective. I know how to get things done without a title, bringing people together, cutting through red tape, and making sure decisions reflect the realities our students face every day. With this seat, I can take that same energy and make sure District 2’s priorities are no longer overlooked or underestimated. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? In the first six months, I want to strengthen trust between families, educators, and the board. That starts with listening. I plan to establish a District 2 Advisory Council made up of parents, students, and educators who will meet regularly to share concerns, identify solutions, and track progress. When the people closest to the classroom have a seat at the table, we get better decisions and better outcomes. Accountability starts with access, and I’m committed to making sure the community isn’t just heard but actively shaping what happens in our schools. Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. I’ve led real work that changed how our community thinks about education and equity. One accomplishment I’m proud of is helping to lead local efforts around the Community Schools Model, which brings educators, families, and community partners together to address the barriers that keep students from thriving. That work showed me how powerful collaboration can be when everyone is working toward a shared vision of equity and belonging. I also serve on the Community Capital and Bond Committee, where I help ensure CMS projects are transparent, equitable, and responsive to community needs. I’m proud to bring community perspective and accountability to the decisions shaping our schools’ future. That work has taught me how to balance urgency with responsibility and make sure investments reflect real priorities. My leadership style is hands-on and inclusive. I don’t just delegate, I engage. Whether it’s a classroom conversation or a boardroom discussion, I believe the best solutions come from those most affected by the problem. I lead with purpose, not ego, and I measure success by impact, not titles. What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? I’m proud to be endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Mecklenburg County Democrats, and current District 2 Representative Thelma Byers-Bailey. I also received the Moms Demand Action and Everytown Distinction, which signals that I’m committed to preventing gun violence and governing with gun safety in mind. Each of these endorsements and distinctions reflects trust that’s been built through consistent work, accountability, and a real commitment to the people of District 2. Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know. People are often surprised to learn that I’m a big boxing fan. My favorite fighter is Canelo Álvarez, and I even trained in a boxing gym for a couple of years just to stay in shape. I love the discipline and focus it takes, it’s a lot like public service, you have to stay on your feet and know when to move with purpose. Outside of that, I love rollerblading (though I don't get to do it very often), gardening, and being the oldest of four girls, which means I learned early how to hold my own and look out for others. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Huntersville Board of Commisioners Jamie Wideman Party: Unaffiliated Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully for the same position in 2023 Age: 42 Occupation: Accounting and procurement manager for a global manufacturing company Description: Wideman has financed the site, 4Huntersville.com, an effort to encourage voters to vote for “no more than 4” conservative candidates. On that site, she is described as “a native North Carolinian, mom of two teenagers, and wife of a small business owner. Jamie’s background is in the construction and manufacturing industries and she brings a strong background in Accounting and Finance to the team.” On her Facebook page , she describes her platform as “Community-Guided Decisions, Responcible Growth (sic), Public Safety, and Smart Spending.” She placed 15th of 17 candidates when she ran for the Board of Commissioners in 2023. Other personal: She studied at Central Piedmont Community College and is registered as an unaffiliated voter. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, and where you live in NC now). 44, Accounting and Procurement Manager for a global manufacturing company, Huntersville Why are you running for this role, and why should voters pick you? Please tell us about any previous experience in elected office that you have. I am running to empower citizens through community-led governance. This means citizens are engaged early, they are engaged often, and we listen to them without outside influence. Citizen involvement should be increased, never decreased. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? One of the first things I want to accomplish is quite simple - say no to unlimited variances of our zoning ordinances. The ordinances exist for a reason. Tell us about a few of your professional achievements voters may find relevant. I consistently exceed all goals established for me by my employer, including over $114K in cost savings in 2024 (target was $100K). I work together daily with multi-national teams to help all of our business units meet or exceed their goals through cooperative ideas and open communication. In addition to my current role, I am also serving as SAP Key User for our US operations. What is your position on the proposed sales tax for transit benefits? As of today, the highest combined sales tax rate in NC is 7.5%. Our neighboring counties of Iredell, Union, Gaston, Lincoln and Cabarrus all have sales tax rates of 6.75% or 7%. A 1 cent increase in Mecklenburg County sales tax will set the new rate at 8.25%, making us not only at least 1.25% higher than our neighbors, but also the highest in the state. The increased rate will hurt residents, and as residents look for relief by shopping for higher-priced purchases (furniture, appliances, bulk groceries, etc) in neighboring counties with lower tax rates, Mecklenburg County businesses will also suffer. I am a NO on the issue. What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? I appreciate that everyone wants the best candidates to support their causes, but I don't actively seek endorsements as I feel my time is better spent connecting with local voters versus organizations run by individuals outside of our community. Please tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested in knowing. I am an NC native, born and raised in Kannapolis. I have lived all but 4 years of my life within 17 miles of my current home. I'm also Vice President of the local historic society. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Cornelius Board of Commissioners Colin J. Furcht Party: Republican Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: Served as a Cornelius commissioner from 2021-23; ran unsuccessfully in 2023 Age: 58 Occupation: “Sales leader” at Honeywell; previously in other sales roles in the Charlotte region; currently on the Cornelius Town Planning Board Description: When he last ran in 2023, he told The Charlotte Observer that “infrastructure and growth” were the biggest priorities, particularly “growth management” and “increasing fire, police and town staff pay.” He says he will support “whatever decision is made by the people” regarding the sales tax referendum for transportation but says he has his reservations. Other personal: Furcht started the Lake Normal Lighted Boat Parade, is a registered Republican and is endorsed by MeckGOP. Candidate Social Media The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Stallings Council District 2 Glen Watson Party: Unaffiliated Incumbent: No Previous experience in elected office: None; served in an unelected role on the Town Planning Committee for five months Age: N/A Occupation: Licensed architect; former research and teaching assistant at UNC Charlotte Description: The Election Hub was unable to find any information about this candidate and they did not respond to our candidate survey. Other personal: Watson has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNC Charlotte. He is registered as an unaffiliated voter. The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

< Back to Cornelius Mayoral Candidates Woody Washam, Jr. Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Previous experience in elected office: Mayor (2017-Present); former Cornelius town commissioner (2013-2017) Age: 74 Occupation: SVP, United Bank Description: His website lists his top issues as public safety (increasing funding for police and medics), keeping taxes low, growing in a way that doesn't overburden schools, and managing traffic challenges. He takes credit for the town’s AAA bond rating and says he helped bring jobs through Atrium Healthcare of Lake Norman. He also says he helped raise $25MM to build The Cain Center for the Arts. He says he supports the sales tax increase because of the infrastructure needs and because a significant portion of the tax increase will be paid for by people who are not county residents. Other personal: Washam has a bachelor’s degree from Catawba College. He has six grandchildren, is a registered Republican and endorsed by MeckGOP. He is also a church organist. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire The candidate did not respond to our survey. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >