Who is Christy Clark, a candidate for Huntersville mayor?
Name: Christy Clark
Age: 52
Campaign website or social media page: christyclarknc.com
Occupation: Guest teacher, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, English, Roanoke College
Paralegal Certificate, Duke University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought):
I ran for NC House District 98 in 2018, reelection in 2020 and 2022. I served from 2019-2020.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
Before running for office in 2018, I volunteered with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America as a local and state leader for five years. I served on my neighborhood HOA as Social Committee Chair and vice-president. I served in the NCGA from 2019-2020 as a state representative. I have attended Huntersville 101 and the Catawba-Wateree Citizens Academy. I also volunteered with the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party as the Huntersville Regional Vice Chair and State Executive Committee member.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
During my time in Raleigh as a legislator, I arrived as a member of the minority party. I chose to not see that as a hindrance but instead focused on putting aside political differences to get the work done. I reached across the aisle to cosponsor legislation for everything from notary publics to dairy farmers. Putting politics aside for the greater good of North Carolina is something of which I remain proud.
Traffic is an issue in Huntersville while a few critical road projects, such as the widening of N.C. 73, have been delayed by NCDOT. How would you tackle the town’s traffic problem?
I support the town’s transportation bond. Passage of the bond will allow us to have road projects ready for development. We would be able to fund changes to local roads that will help ease traffic burden. I have a strong relationship with NCDOT after serving in Raleigh as well as other local elected officials and would build upon those relationships for our town.
What are your ideas about how the town should recruit and retain more police officers specifically? And all town employees more broadly?
In order to recruit and retain more police officers, the town needs to invest in the department and officer’s salary. As our town continues to grow, it is a priority for us to invest in the services we offer including police and fire.
Huntersville has experienced rapid population growth over the last few decades with the approval of hundreds of new homes. Do you think the town should control growth in some way or keep expanding? Why?
The town absolutely must adopt a smart growth approach. Our roadways and schools have been impacted in an unbalanced way. Huntersville has a roadmap called the “2040 Plan” that gives direction as to how development should grow. The town government should follow closely to this plan in order to manage growth responsibly.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
Voters should choose me in November because I will be a Mayor that fights for Huntersville. My experience in Raleigh gives me connections to state resources and departments the other candidates do not have. When I was representing NCHD 98, I was known for transparency and open communication with constituents. I would maintain this open door policy as Mayor. My long standing relationships with elected officials in Cornelius, Davidson, the CMS School Board, Charlotte City Council and Mecklenburg County Commission will give me opportunities to advocate for Huntersville above what the other candidates can do. I am running for Mayor to serve as Mayor of Huntersville This is not a stepping stone to higher office. Serving as Mayor would be an honor to which I would be fully dedicated.
