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Charlotte's mayor-elect lays out job priorities Thursday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte's mayor-elect said he's still enjoying his election night victory.

Patrick Cannon said he's already thinking about how to lead the city forward when he takes office.

He stood in Romare Bearden Park in Uptown on Thursday morning for his first news conference since winning the mayor's race Tuesday night.

He said with unemployment still high he wants to help bring new businesses to town to compliment the city's white-collar workforce.

"I want to create more blue-collar jobs with a focus on manufacturing, health care and retail," Cannon said.

Cannon said he's planning to take his family away from Charlotte for a few days to recharge after a long campaign.

Cannon also said one of the things he wants to do is work to fix strained relationships with lawmakers in Raleigh.

The two sides have been at odds over a number of issues including control of Charlotte-Douglas Airport, funding for the Panthers stadium, and money for public transit.

Cannon said he already had some encouraging conversations with some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Bill Brawley and Sen. Bob Rucho.

Rucho helped lead the effort to take control of the airport away from the city.

Cannon said he wants lawmakers to know he plans on having an open door policy.

Eyewitness News will be with Cannon on Thursday to learn more about his priorities.

Tune in to Channel 9 starting at 5 p.m. for complete coverage.

Don't forget to check out Channel 9's special mayoral website section here for more on the race.

Channel 9 also has sideshows of both candidates on Election Day.  Check out pictures of Cannon voting  at Community House Middle School here.