Jan. 27, 2026
Lingering ice and very cold weather pushed the Forum back to its COVID-19 pandemic days. But there was great interest online in attending a session allowing County Commissioner candidates in Districts 1, 2 and 3 to introduce themselves to a countywide audience.
Many voters clearly understand that successful district candidates’ commitments and views will affect them and their families.
With links to their campaign websites, the following candidates participated:
District 1: Jessica Finkel, Morris (Mac) McAdoo, Adam Pasiak.
District 2: Monifa Drayton.
District 3: Phil Carey, George Dunlap.
District 2 incumbent and candidate Vilma Leake did not participate.
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The following questions were posted by participants during the livestream. Some were asked; some were not.
- The county budget prioritizes education heavily. What are your top 2–3 specific outcomes you want to see improved for students across District 1 and the county overall?
- Ms. Leake, as a long term serving community leader, when and how can the baton be passed with your support and continued engagement in a new way? Ms. Drayton, how do you see yourself working with Ms. Leake should you be elected to represent District 2?
- How do you view the importance of intergovernmental relationships and what would you add to the interaction with state and city leadership?
- Economic development often sounds good on paper, but families still struggle with affordability. How would you make sure growth actually benefits long established residents?
- What role does the county play in recruiting, retaining, and supporting high-quality teachers and school leaders?
- The proposed Red Line will go through County District 1. What should local government do to counter the displacement of families that has happened with the Blue Line?
- You all have very different professional backgrounds, I’m hearing careers across healthcare, legal, nonprofit, and business sectors. How will that experience help you navigate tough tradeoffs at the County level that don’t have easy answers.
- Candidates love to talk about what they will do if elected. What have you done in the community without a title that supports what you’re advocating for today?Questions
- FREE PALESTINE!
- So excited to see so many NEW and FRESH candidates running for office! Thank you all for for stepping up for change!
- As the county expands its role in affordable and workforce housing, what policies or mechanisms can be put in place to ensure that the responsibility for housing initiatives is shared equitably across all districts, rather than concentrated in a few communities?
- Park and Recreation, green space, greenways and preserves are directly affected by the county commissioners. Where do you stand on preserving green space in Mecklenburg County?
- I’m 24, and I’m thinking about building a future here (maybe starting a family) but I’m struggling to see what Mecklenburg is offering young people beyond crisis services. A lot of the focus seems to be on foster care, crime prevention, and emergency support, which are important, but what is the county doing to make this a place where young adults actually want to stay, build joy, and put down roots?
- What are we doing to prevent or assist AI data centers that use way too many natural resources to operate? they have 4 four data centers planned for University City.
- George has ‘been in office for a long time’ so why is he talking about what NEEDS to be done, instead of what HAS been done. He should have addressed that aready, but obviously, by his own statement….that has not been done.