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Charlotte Mayor-Elect Anthony Foxx Sits Down For Exclusive Interview With Channel 9

Posted: 6:48 am EST November 5, 2009Updated: 10:18 am EST November 5, 2009

Anthony Foxx, Charlotte's mayor-elect, sat down with Eyewitness News anchor Scott Wickersham Thursday morning for Foxx's first live TV interview since Tuesday's election.

Foxx made history Tuesday, becoming the youngest man elected as mayor in Charlotte. He's also poised to become Charlotte's first new mayor in 14 years and only the second black mayor in Charlotte.

Tuesday's election changed the dynamics of Charlotte politics. Democrats now have a 8-3 majority on City Council and Foxx, a Democrat, has the mayoral power to veto. Foxx said the change is significant but the job of mayor is to represent everyone in the city, not just Democrats.

Part of Foxx's campaign promise included putting together a bipartisan group to go through the city budget, line-by-line. Thursday, Foxx said he is still committed to that goal and trying to find savings in the budget for the Queen City.

Foxx said his first priority is working to retain current jobs while recruiting new ones. He said Charlotte will have to work harder to retain jobs this year than in years past.

The White House called Foxx Wednesday. The mayor-elect spoke with President Obama, mostly about keeping the financial services industry in Charlotte. There have been fears that Charlotte could lose the Bank of America headquarters. Foxx said it's necessary to continue forward with confidence in Charlotte as a good place to live and do business. He also said to remember Charlotte is not a one-trick pony; the Queen City has other strengths to draw from and must continue to diversify.

Foxx also addressed the city's relationship with Raleigh. He is currently serving as Chair of the City Transportation Committee and has worked with Raleigh. Foxx said he spoke with Governor Bev Perdue Wednesday about how to support I-485 and other projects going forward.

As the interview concluded, Foxx admitted he doesn't know what the next year holds for Charlotte, but the he will work for the city and utilize the strengths of those with talent to deliver on promises he's made.

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