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Men hoping to be mayor of Charlotte meet with voters

By Tina Terry, wsoctv.com
By Tina Terry, wsoctv.com

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The men hoping to become Charlotte's next mayor spent the day pushing for votes at the Mallard Creek Church Barbecue.

For 84 years, people have gathered at the event for southern barbecue with a side of politics. Charlotte mayoral candidates Patrick Cannon and Edwin Peacock were at the annual church fundraiser to meet and greet voters.

Peacock, a Republican and former two-term city councilman, described the major obstacle standing between him and victory.

"Apathy is the enemy in off-year elections. What we have is an electorate that feels as though this isn't an important election," he said.

To fight voter apathy, Peacock got to know hundreds of voters, sharing his platform and passions, all while pushing for their votes.

Democrat Patrick Cannon did the same. He is known as the longest-serving member of City Council. Cannon said he has strong name recognition with his base, but he's taking nothing for granted.

"We're doing everything we can do, everything in terms of making sure we get our message out and making sure we're shaking hands and knocking on doors and getting fliers out," he said.

Voters said they were happy to have a chance to meet the candidates up close.

"You can see what kind of person they are," said Jason Turner.

The Mallard Creek Church Barbecue was slated to draw 20,000 people.

Voters can learn more about Cannon and Peacock in a half-hour special airing Oct. 29 on WSOC-TV. Anchor Blair Miller is speaking with their families and pressing the candidates on the issues facing Charlotte. The special will air at 7 p.m. See more about the special by clicking here.



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