CHARLOTTE — Terrie Donovan, a Republican real estate agent, is challenging incumbent Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles in the upcoming Charlotte mayoral race, with public safety as her top priority.
She is looking to become the city’s first GOP mayor since Pat McCrory.
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Donovan sat down with The Political Beat’s Joe Bruno.
Donovan, who has lived in Charlotte since 2000, expressed concerns over the city’s rising crime rates, citing 25 shootings and 10 murders in the last 15 days as a pressing issue that needs immediate attention.
“Public safety, no doubt about it,” Donovan stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing crime in Charlotte. “We have got to increase funding to CMPD.”
Donovan criticized the current leadership for not adequately addressing the city’s crime problem.
“It’s not OK,” she said, highlighting the need for a change in approach.
Donovan said the death of Iryna Zarutska on the light rail deeply impacted her outlook on public safety, reinforcing her stance on the need for armed security at every platform. Donovan also opposes the proposed sales tax increase for transit, arguing that public safety should be prioritized before considering additional taxes.
>> In the video at the top of the page, watch Bruno’s full interview with Donovan.
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