By Joel Ford

I am voting because we need women and men of integrity. We need persons who will not just SAY country over party – but MEAN it.

We need people who are willing to engage the other side in uncomfortable and difficult conversations. The stakes are too high to settle for mediocrity and not demand excellence.

We deserve excellence from every elected official and candidate, regardless of race, sex, age or political affiliation.

Charlotte native Joel Ford represented District 38 in the N.C. Senate from 2013 to 2018. He holds a BA from NC A&T University and graduated from the Institute of Political Leadership in 2004. He’s worked in solid waste management and behavioral health and served in numerous community projects and nonprofits, including as chair of the Charlotte Housing Authority and the Mecklenburg Democratic Party.