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Politics takes center stage at uptown's Labor Day Parade

By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com and Paul Boyd
By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com and Paul Boyd

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Politics took center stage at this year's Labor Day Parade in uptown.

Monday’s parade comes a week after President Donald Trump began pushing his tax reform plan.

[RELATED: Trump heads for Missouri as he hits the road to tout his push for tax reform]

He wants to create more jobs by cutting rates and revising the tax code.

The parade started around 11 a.m. in uptown Charlotte.

The crowd was lined up on South Tryon Street, off 10th Street,to watch.

Several candidates running for office, high school marching bands and union groups all walked or had floats in the parade.

Many people participating in the parade still have a lot of questions about President Trumps' plan for tax reform.

Last week, the president promised Americans the biggest tax cut in the history of the country.

He said he wanted to cut tax loopholes and lower business tax rates.

The president also talked about making changes to the tax code so it creates more jobs and higher wages for Americans.

“If they really want to stimulate the economy, they need to increase the minimum wage, also allow people to organize,” Eddie Maresca, an At&T service technician and union worker, said.

He hopes all the benefits of a tax reform package are seen locally and he doesn't want to see jobs moved overseas.

“The call centers, that’s our biggest threat, probably because it’s so easy to shift that work,” Maresca said.

Many people at the parade had a lot questions about the president plans to handle the top 1 percent.

Democrats want to make sure the middle class does not pay more and the top class does not pay less in taxes.

Candidates attend parade

Dozens of candidates are seeking party nominations next Tuesday for mayor and various City Council races.

All eyes were on the three high-profile Democrats seeking the nomination for mayor.

"I believe the voters are going to make the right decision,” Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles said, “and I believe that I'm going to be the next mayor of Charlotte."

“It's highly competitive and we're still up,” Sen. Joel Ford said.

Mayor Jennifer Roberts said her internal polling has her ahead.

"The polls have me in the lead but I know that you have to keep working until the very end,” Roberts said.

Some council candidates said they're still undecided about the mayoral race.

Republican mayoral candidate Kenny Smith did not walk in the Labor Day Parade, but other conservative candidates, like John Powell, were on hand.

"It's fun,” Powell said. “This is what community is all about."

Councilman James Mitchell said Monday was all about connecting with voters.

"We've got a gorgeous day and now we've got to get the voters excited," Mitchell said.

The primary election will be Sept. 12 and early voting runs Tuesday through Saturday.

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