The following is Republican candidate for mayor of the city of Charlotte Martin Davis‘ response to an emailed candidate survey:
Question 1 — Based on the facts as you now understand them, do you believe the Mecklenburg district attorney’s office should charge C.L. McClure with a crime in connection with the recent shooting death of Marcus Fluker?
Davis: After the ordeal Fluker and his fellow criminals put Mr. McClure and his wife through we cannot expect Mr. McClure to react differently. Our ultra liberal, elitist, legal system goes out of its way to protect criminal perpetrators. Hopefully in this case rational minds will prevail but I wouldn’t count on it.
Question 2 — Do you believe Mecklenburg County should seek state authority to levy an additional half-cent sales tax dedicated to transit? Would you support additional dedicated revenue of any kind for CATS, such as car licensing fees, parking surcharges, etc.?
Davis: No. Building additional rail transit is economic suicide for our community. The projected cost to build out the current system is $2.1 billion. Based on transit history locally and nationally, the completed cost of our system will exceed $5 billion. Currently the half-cent sales tax for transit is expected to generate $63 million in FY2010 ( down from $76 million in FY2009 – 17.4% decrease). We have no funds to extend the system. Lassiter has committed to finish the project, mainly due to the fact his financial backers have purchased land along the proposed routes. A vote for John is a vote for a gigantic tax increase.
Question 3 — Do you support the construction of a $500m. streetcar line across Charlotte? How would you pay for it?
Davis: No. See answer for question #2.
Question 4 — Has the city’s 311 system been a success? Explain.
Davis: To determine whether or not the 311 system is functioning efficiently I would try to convince Council to put that service, along with every other possible city provided service, up for bid with private sector providers. Indianapolis used this strategy (competitive sourcing) to great effect in the 90’s, saving over $450 million on 80 services between 1992-1998. Charlotte should do the same.
Question 5 — Given what has transpired in other cities in recent months, with pro sports franchises winning more advantageous lease conditions as part of ownership changes, would you support changing the terms of the city’s agreement with the NBA in order to entice a new owner to replace Bob Johnson as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats?
Davis: After reading the lease agreement, I don’t think we could make the terms any more favorable, so I think the question is moot. I am certain there will be an extremely sophisticated effort to extract money from the citizenry to finance the sale of the team sometime in the next two years. I will oppose this effort.
Question 6 — Should the city help pay the construction costs of a new baseball stadium for the Charlotte Knights?
Davis: No. When government subsidizes (BRIBES) businesses to to locate and operate here they are practicing the very essence of socialism. This is contrary to every principle upon which our nation was founded and I will do all I can to end this ruthless, immoral practice.
Question 7 — Do you support or oppose raising garbage collection/recycling fees on city residents?
Davis: No. See answer to question #2.
Question 8 — Does the city have any responsibility to the contractors who have not been paid for their work on the EpiCenter, a city-backed and supported development?
Davis: I apologize for not having had the time to study this issue enough to give an intelligent answer.
Question 9 — Do you support or oppose the full and complete disclosure of all financial activity by all city funded non-profits, such as Center City Partners?
Davis: Absolutely. We need to abolish the 5 special tax districts – 3 uptown, 1 on South Boulevard, 1 in University Area – that fund Center City Partners. By providing CCP with tax dollars we are creating an elite, unelected governing body which uses those funds to influence public policy. This is completely contrary to democratic government and must be stopped.
Question 10 — Should the city extend its option agreement with CMP Carolina Theatre past mid-October? Why?
Davis: No. We’ve tried to develop this property according to city specs for more years than I can recall, spent millions of tax dollars, and have absolutely nothing to show for it. It is time to sell it for whatever it is worth and accept the fact that government bureaucrats and elected politician make the worst venture capitalists in the world.
Question 11 — Please identify one city department which you believe spends too much.
Davis: That would be CATS. FY 2010: Projected Fares: $23,131,494 Projected Expenses: $127,039,581. PROJECTED LOSS: $103,908,087.
