Primary election season is underway in Mecklenburg County, and in assembling our endorsements, we’re reminded that in a climate of political sniping and cynicism, voters ultimately determine the kind of government we live with.

That means shared accountability. As voters, we are on the hook for electing representatives and holding them accountable. Officeholders need to understand they’re beholden to their constituents, not overlords with freedom to act with impunity and without question.

It's up to voters to use their best judgment in the spirit of accountability to ourselves and neighbors to consider the best candidates to represent us. We encourage you to do your own research, or better yet, reach out directly to candidates and ask why they deserve your vote. Early voting starts April 28; the final day to cast ballots in the primary is May 17.

We’re making endorsements in the Democratic municipal primaries, which have more competitive races than the Republicans. Here are our picks:

Mecklenburg district attorney
The campaign offers a contrast in policy. Incumbent Spencer Merriweather has conducted himself as a thoughtful pragmatist who has balanced policy reforms and alternatives to prosecution with efforts to keep a growing urban community safe.

Challenger Tim Emry, a criminal defense attorney and a co-founder of Decarcerate Mecklenburg, is pursuing a more progressive tack of ending mass incarceration policy and never seeking the death penalty.

We’re encouraged that both candidates are committed to the equitable pursuit of justice, but we’re siding with Mr. Merriweather’s steady approach.  

Mecklenburg County commissioners at large
We believe the trio of Leigh Altman, Pat Cotham and Arthur Griffin is the strongest combination possible to the board’s at-large contingent. Incumbents Altman and Cotham are proven public servants who are accountable advocates of Mecklenburg’s interests while Mr. Griffin, a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member, has an even longer track record of the same commitment.

Mecklenburg commissioners District 2
Vilma Leake is a well-known figure in District 2 and will continue to deliver on essential services and initiatives as its representative.

Mecklenburg sheriff
The department charged with securing Mecklenburg’s jail has serious challenges. Attrition in personnel means fewer people available to keep facilities safe for the incarcerated and officers alike.

It’s raised concern with state agencies who’ve determined more needs to be done to either reduce the incarcerated population or add personnel. Leadership and accountability are necessary, and we believe Gina Hicks is best situated to answer the challenge.

Her 29 years’ experience in law enforcement in three states – including 18 as a Mecklenburg detention officer – make Miss Hicks viable and qualified to handle the job.

Charlotte City Council at-large
We believe the foursome of Dimple Ajmera, Larken Egleston, James Mitchell and Braxton Winston is the most capable – and accountable – representatives for a city facing challenges from public safety to economic inequity.

Each brings experience in collaboration between city government and communities during their time on council and as a moderate-to-progressive group will deliver results during a challenging chapter in Charlotte’s history.

City Council District 1
Billy Maddalon, a former council member, is running on a platform of an aggressive approach to tackling the city’s affordable housing crisis and advocacy for small businesses, especially in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.  

City Council District 2
Malcolm Graham deserves another term on council as District 2’s representative. He’s been a champion of Charlotte’s westside communities for decades and as the area transitions, his insight and connectivity are assets.

City Council District 3
We recommend Victoria Watlington to continue as representative of sprawling District 3, which has undergone tremendous change in recent years.

City Council District 4
Renee Johnson has been an impressive addition to the council in her first term as an advocate for affordable housing and challenging the 2040 plan. She deserves re-election.

City Council District 5
Among five candidates running in the Democratic primary, Marjorie Molina, a longtime activist and volunteer with community groups such as the Equitable Development Commission, is our choice.

City Council District 6
Robert Hillman supports development that will allow for sustainable and equitable growth. Charlotte would greatly benefit with a responsible champion for such policy.

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