Colleagues, supporters praise new Mayor Rob Harrington

CHARLOTTE — Rob Harrington’s never been in elected office before or ever really had a desire to do so. But Charlotte’s new mayor has already had an impact, including helping get the new main library under construction.

It will be a crown jewel for the city of Charlotte. The new main library is set to open next May.

Charlotte’s new mayor, Rob Harrington is a big reason why

“The library is one of the few last convening places free to all, and Rob’s just been at the forefront of that,” supporter Linda Lockman-Brooks said.

Harrington is the former chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees. That’s how Linda Lockman-Brooks got to know him well. She says no matter if someone was donating a small amount of money for a brick or a large amount for a room, Harrington made them feel special all the same.

“I know when the building goes up, people go, ‘Wow,’ but he’s been hard at it, making calls to all levels of donors,” she said.

In his application to be interim mayor, Harrington listed five guiding principles: transparency, an inclusive process, balancing the interests of residents, fiscal responsibility, and government coordination.

His colleagues and friends say he is exactly what Charlotte needs right now. They describe him as someone who will provide strong leadership and no chaos. They say his best gift is the ability to listen

“He has this amazing ability to bring people together, make sure they feel listened to, they feel heard, and then he can push through and help us all make decisions,” said Amanda Nitto, a partner at Harrington’s firm.

“He is bringing fresh air into the office and adding a new perspective and shaking things up,” supporter Gina Esquivel said. “We need the office to have a renovation of sorts, and I trust him, he’s going to do an excellent job.”

Harrington has been named one of the most powerful attorneys by Business North Carolina for the past six years. He told the publication he starts each day by reading the news and then heading on a brisk exercise walk.

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