CHARLOTTE — In addition to mayor, voters in Mint Hill will decide who serves on the Board of Commissioners. Five candidates are seeking two spots. Voters can choose up to two people.
The Political Beat asked questions of each candidate in the race.
Their unedited responses are below.
Twanna Henderson
What is your occupation? Executive Minister.
Why are you running? To lend my voice to the needs and concerns of the residents of Mint Hill. As a proud resident of Mint Hill, the concerns of the residents of my town resonate with me as well.
What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it? Infrastructure - I plan to address this issue by advocating to assess conditions and criticalities in order to prioritize funding and maintenance; pursue state grants and other partnerships to accelerate critical projects while controlling costs.
How are you voting on the sales tax increase referendum for transit and why? I am voting in favor of the referendum because voters should have the right to determine if they are in favor of or against a sales tax to fund roads, rail and bus projects.
What sets you apart from your opponents? I am a collaborative leader who engages residents early and often, and one who fosters partnerships with nonprofits, schools, businesses and neighboring communities. I also champion projects that will benefit all of the residents of Mint Hill.
Patrick Holton
Patrick Holton did not respond to our candidate guide. We will post his responses here if this changes.
Trey Long
What is your occupation? National Operations and Project Manager- Governmental/Regulatory.
Why are you running? My campaign, and why I’m running, is based on one thing: people. Mint Hill deserves future leaders that understand the roots and history of our town, but also can navigate growth and regional change around us in a fiscally responsible way. I will be a leader that not only shakes hands, but has a proven track record of grabbing a shovel and getting to work. From residents, to local business leaders, to our incredible non-profits, as well as neighboring town’s leadership, connecting with people to serve and deliver has always been my heart.
What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it? Our biggest issue now is infrastructure and traffic. Navigating the obvious need for improvements in response to regional growth, all while not overinvesting in sectors that will invite unwanted development, crime, and town identity change is a challenge, and navigating what’s best for both our residents and town’s future will be a key issue for voters. I plan to work with neighboring municipalities, county and state leadership, as well as look at ways we can safeguard our residents and town with preemptive zoning and developmental decisions.
How are you voting on the sales tax increase referendum for transit and why? I am going to be voting in support of it. While there are many aspects of this referendum I do not like or think helps us, the net benefit I see for the Town of Mint Hill outweighs the negative aspects of this, especially with it being a tax increase. I, being a fiscal conservative who has never voted for a tax increase in my life, have researched this from every angle I could, both for me, and the residents of Mint Hill. As traffic and road corridor infrastructure continues to be the number one issue with residents I have spoken to, and the continued growth all around us is booming and will continue to increase, we have to do something quickly. Many of our issues, as we have deflected high density housing and large retail centers and big box stores for the most part, is our town being used as a “cut through town” to get to larger urban and commercial areas of Mecklenburg and Union counties. My commitment to our citizens is to always keep our municipal tax rates low, and a sales tax increase like the one on the ballot helps distribute the tax burden to those who are using our roads, not just the residents that live on them. This tax rate will bring in much more revenue for a town our size than we can raise by increasing property taxes ourselves, using the economic leverage of Mecklenburg County as opposed to just Mint Hill residents. I absolutely understand (and agree with!) the perspective of those opposing it as well. An added layer of bureaucracy with the Regional Transit Authority, historical failures of mass transit attempts in Charlotte, and questions of transparency are all valid points, and ones to consider in your vote. For residents who don’t travel or commute much, and are on fixed incomes, this would be an easy “no”... and understandably. My vote is purely on economics and leverage. NCDOT has not been able to prioritize our local issues in the state hierarchy of needs and backlog, and we need a more county level and local solution to this issue. Bottom line is this: Mint Hill will not be able to get more for less with what this is proposing.
What sets you apart from your opponents? Relatability. Being able to connect with people exactly where they are. Whether engaging an executive board, networking with business leaders on the golf course, or helping a neighbor on their farm, I don’t just communicate, I connect. I excel at bridging the divides across all generational, socio-economic, and cultural levels because I genuinely care. My goal is to build trust across all layers of our community, and get people engaged for the health and future of our town. This authentic relatability is what makes me a trustworthy and effective leader, especially when tackling difficult and divisive issues.
Patrick J. O’Brien
What is your occupation? Accountant / auditor/ financial consultant.
Why are you running? I believe Mint Hill needs more transparent leadership to help residents stay appraised of issues facing the town and evaluate how decisions are made addressing them.
What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it? Smart residential and commercial development within our existing infrastructure for schools, roads, water and sewer systems.
How are you voting on the sales tax increase referendum for transit and why? I am opposed to the transit plan in its current form because it does not adequately serve the mass transit needs of the citizens in East Charlotte, Matthews and Mint Hill. I would like to see the county commission examine all possible options including the one-quarter cent sales tax that would allow Mecklenburg County to determine how revenues are allocated to transportation projects rather than be subject to the allocations forced upon Mecklenburg County by the NC General Assembly.
What sets you apart from your opponents? I am a passionate supporter of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles.
Matt Schwoebel
What is your occupation? Self-Employed Landscapes/Hardscapes.
Why are you running? I’m running for Commissioner because I’ve lived in Mint Hill my whole life, and I care deeply about this town. I want to help preserve its small-town feel while making sure we grow responsibly. My family is here, and I want my son to grow up in the same strong community I did. This is my second time running because I’m committed to listening to residents and being a voice for them. I also want to ensure we support local nonprofits and organizations that help people in need. I’m not here to sit back—I’m here to step up and make a difference.
What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it? One of the biggest issues facing Mint Hill is our infrastructure—particularly the increasing traffic and the pressure it’s putting on our community. The Town cannot manage this alone. We need to hold the City and County accountable and push for real support. Older neighborhoods should be prioritized for sewer and water access before any new developments move forward. If elected, I would address this by voicing these concerns publicly, voting responsibly on growth-related decisions, and doing my part to ensure the City steps up and supports Mint Hill.
How are you voting on the sales tax increase referendum for transit and why? I support the sales tax referendum for transit. I don’t want to see taxes raised, but if it’s going to happen then those dollars should go toward something that actually benefits the people of Mint Hill. Four years ago, residents voted against a parks bond because they were concerned about taxes increasing. The bond didn’t pass—but taxes still went up, and we got nothing in return. This time, we have the chance to invest in better transportation and infrastructure. Let’s make sure that if we’re paying more, we’re actually getting something out of it.
What sets you apart from your opponents? What sets me apart from others running is that I’ve lived in Mint Hill my entire life—I even live in the same home I grew up in. I’m a blue-collar worker, and I’ve owned and operated my own landscape business for the past 16 years. I’m not afraid to put in the work or to speak up about what I—and many other residents—are feeling. I’m active in the community, on social media, and I currently serve on the Mint Hill Board of Adjustments. If elected, I won’t change who I am. You’ll always get the real, honest, and authentic me—because that’s what our town deserves in a leader.
(WATCH BELOW: Early voting starts for North Carolina)
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